Buvette

It seems that most of these reviews have come from people who expected to have "American" service, which is notoriously over-involved in the diners' meal. Buvette offers something entirely different---it gives the diner the opportunity to enjoy the company of his companions without the interference of a waiter. (There's none of this, "Hello, my name is Sally and I'll be your server!" nonsense.) This certainly isn't the restaurant for you if you don't like making friends with your neighbors, as you will invariably be seated inches away from the next party or even at the same table! For people who enjoy that experience, it will be the best meal out you've had in this city. And I haven't even mentioned the food yet! (It's outstanding, and so well executed and true to French cuisine.) Tips: Arrive early, between 5p and 6p to get a table, or sit at the bar where you can watch the action. Keep in mind, "buvette" means "a little drink." Everything about the place is petite, from the plates to the portion sizes to the tables and utensils. It helps if you're thin, as there's not much extra room in the place. (Sorry, but it's true!) Talk to your neighbors! It's the best way to learn about the food and to expand your New York experience. You're missing out if you keep to yourself.

3 words: Amazing! Amazing! Amazing! We have a toddler so every meal out counts. This exceeded our expectations on every count!

Attentive service for a solo diner. Great neighborhood resto, too bad it's not in my neighborhood. Flavorful food , everything on the menu is delicious!

The best: The service and specially our waiter Antoine, he was very friendly. He recommended the best wine in the place, it was fantastic. The service was impeccable. Try: The French wine & Pomodorini. We went 3 times in one week, during our holiday in NYC and it was always amazing. Super atmosphere & delicious food. We love Buvette in NYC. Also the neighborhood is bohemian and interesting.

Great staff.

Fearful of no reservations and extended waits the wife and I came here on a rainy post Labor Day evening and found Buvette pleasantly calm. Everything was excellent - the VT cheese, duck rillettes, the crostini, a special of what in Italy would be vitello tonnato but was here made with thinly sliced pork loin, the farro salad and desserts. Prices were reasonable to downright a bargain (for the 'hood)! The wine list is long and interesting and comes in glasses, carafes and bottles all for very fair prices. The place is lovely - including the basement storage area and bathrooms! - and the service was friendly and just right (on this un-busy night). Must go back soon!

loved the food so much that it kind of pains me to be writing this review. i found a worm in the cod dish we ordered and quietly caught the attention of the long haired, french waiter so to not draw too much attention to it, and showed him where i found it. he took it and threw it on the ground and said i was mistaken and it must have been something that dropped from the ceiling or something. a couple people at my table heard and started asking what the commotion was about, but i couldn't do or say anything else without making a scene because he had thrown it away. the server offered a half hearted and heavily sarcastic "sorry for whatever it was" before he pompously walked off. i don't like making scenes, so we finished our wine and rest of our food as if nothing happened and paid our bill (which for 11 of us wasn't cheap), and left. after we left i told everyone outside and they were mad, but we thought it was better to write a review instead of going back in to make a scene. the other server we had was spectacular. he was caring and attentive and super friendly. it was just the one guy and a worm that ruined the experience for me. worms are sometimes found in fish that are old - it doesn't necessarily mean the food is bad. i would probably eat here again if that one server wasn't there. i was just appalled by his attitude, lack of care, poor service and pompous attitude.