Bistango

BISTANGO is my new favorite restaurant. They do everything right. I went for the first time with my boyfriend, and my 26 year old daughter and her fiance on Friday night. We are total foodies, chefs, hoteliers, caterers and teach cooking classes .Usually my daughter and I have much to critique where ever we eat, but at Bistango everything was perfect, not one flaw. From the moment we walked in we were so warmly greeted by a gentleman who must be the owner. He made us feel like we were old friends or family or at least regulars, which I intend to become! The waitress was also the perfect combination of friendly and professional. One of out dinner mates was running late but they had no issue with seating us anyway.They were extremely gracious, we ordered his dinner for him few minutes before we thought he'd arrive, when we were half way through our meals. His dinner arrived well before he did and the waitress asked if we'd like her to hold it warm in the kitchen for him,when he did arrive they brought out his plate of gnocci and he said it seemed like they had made him a fresh batch. starters: the shrimp salad with strawberries my bf like very much, the GF pizzette which was really yummy with that bit of gorgonzola melted in, the caeser salad with the polenta crouton which was excellent, crisp, cold, just the right amount of dressing and cheese, the polenta went very well. loved the GF bread and olive oil. My daughter had the pear and nutmeg martini,,scrumptious. I had a semi dry reisling with the caesar salad, good combo and then wanted a red I asked the waitress (wish I knew her name!) for a recommendation, telling her I wanted something smooth, not too dry and she brought me two to taste. they were both good, but the Pinot Noir was spot on, perfect with my dinner. For entrees we shared and had the GF pumpkin stuffed ravioli drizzled with a tad of olive oil so we could taste the pumpkin and it was melt in your mouth delish. The special was striped bass on a bed of perfectly cooked broccoli rabe, one of our fave veggies, with roasted potatoes and a fresh tomato sauce, and it was divine, fish was cooked exactly right Also an order of regular pumpkin ravs was ordered and they were excellent too. The aforementioned Gnocci was thoroughly enjoyed too. After dinner we were too full to consider dessert, but the waitress brought us over little glasses of port. nice finish to a wonderful meal. I can hardly wait to go back. Excellent service!

I can't possibly give enough praise for Bistango. I have been a regular there for almost a year, since I began a gluten free diet. This is by far my favorite restaurant in the city. Their food is incredible, and most of the menu can be made gluten free (though every non-celiac person I've brought there has loved it, too). It's an intimate space that is very warm, semi-casual, and can be quite romantic. The food - best gluten free pizza in the city (and believe me, I've tried a lot. Definitely beats Risotteria by miles). The salmon is wonderful, too. They have great toasted gluten free bread that they bring to the table with olive oil - my boyfriend liked it even more than his regular bread. And the desserts are ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. About 70% of the dessert menu is gluten free, and I often stop by to pick up a piece of cake to bring home. The flourless chocolate cake is to die for!!! It's so good, that I will happily go 45 minutes out of my way for a piece. The other reason that I keep coming back is for the service. Not only is the staff very attentive and nice, but the owner, Anthony, is the sweetest person. He is there every night for dinner and personally greets everyone at the door. You can tell that he takes great pride in his work. Every time I'm there I see him greet people who are clearly regulars, like myself - always a good sign when people keep coming back. He always goes above and beyond what any other restaurant owner would do. I went there for my birthday last year, and when we ordered dessert, he came out with a candle in my cake, sang me happy birthday, and gave us all small complimentary glasses of dessert wine. I will continue to be a loyal customer and happily return time and time again.

I've been frequenting this restaurant since 1999 when it was under another family's ownership. Let me say this is one of the best values for the $$ in all of Murray Hill. They have a good sized lunch menu and it's about $11 for most of the dishes...that includes bread, olive oil and (used to) include salad. They have lots of gluten-free options and the pasta is homemade and delish! Lots of older people make this their go-go lunch spot so don't expect it to be 'young and hip,' but if you keep those expectations in check you will NOT be disappointed.

We keep returning to Bistango because of the warm and friendly service, very good pasta, and all-around good food/wine. A very good choice in a city with too many mediocre Italian restaurants.

I have to put a review up here to make sure people know how lovely a restaurant Bistango is. I have a gluten allergy which makes this place fantastic for me but with that aside, Bistangos is really a neighborhood jem. The food is always good. The service is great and you are always greeted warmly. I go here frequently and reccomend it to everyone.

It was my first & last time ordering from this place. The delivery took over an hour and when it finally arrived it was disgusting. I ordered chicken parm, the pasta was overcooked and the sauce tasted like tomato paste. The chicken was chewy and the cheese wasn't even melted. Would not recommend this place at all!

When I called the person on the phone said we (16ppl) would have the tables on the back wall...we ended up in the middle. The service was mediocre and the food was the same . I had a pasta dish that was so al-dente I could have broke my dente(tooth). Leave this place to the celiacs they cater to.