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Tonight I went to this once highly rated restaurant, but I am disappointed to have to report that they no longer live up to their reputation. There are better Italian restaurants on the upper west side. First, let's start with service. There was no mention of the specials to us unlike the other tables. Second, the waiter did not ask us how we liked our appetizers nor did he offer fresh cracked pepper for the appetizer. Third, we had to ask for crackers for the lobster when they should have been provided prior to the entree being presented. All in all, the service was sub-par. On to the food, which is often the most important part of a dining experience. The calamari salad was overcooked. This turns the calamari into a dry rubbery consistency. Given the coloration, one would have easily noticed this. The white anchovie salad was actually quite good. Portabello mushroom side was good as well. The entree however was poor across the board. The linguini with lobster, clams, shrimp, and mussels was not properly cooked. The pasta was much harder than al'dente. Mussels could have been fresher. Now for a restaurant of this caliber, you would have expected that the chef would have cracked the claws so that a patron diner would be able to easily extract the meat. Otherwise the patron would have to messily use crackers and de-shell the lobster. I chose to have the lamb ossobucco served over polenta. Now the ossobucco is pressured cooked as oppose to oven roasted, and thus you have to watch your cooking time. The ossobucco should always be well done and such meat can not be undercooked, which it was. The polenta although tasty had one big problem. It was not creamy but rather clumpy, like a risotto gone wrong. Next, sitting by the window, there was no heat at all. The restaurant was freezing. I use to love Cafe Fiorello as a kid, but I don't know what happened to the quality. Given the more elderly patrons, this should have been a sign. It's good that the place was packed tonight because I can not recommend this to my colleagues.

the best limoncello tart in the world. seriously. i am addicted. its worth the $10 a slice i promise you. you will not be disappointed. take your girlfriends there for a glass of wine and split the tart to stop the feeling of guilt later! enjoy!

It was practically empty when a group of eight of us went there post-opera. Even though waitstaff lounged around nearby, hand waving didn't bring anyone over. After 20 minutes, I went to the bar and asked for a waiter. Same thing happened when we wanted the check. The food and wine tasted fine, but the price was at least 1/3 more than a pizza and a glass of mediocre montepulciano ought to cost, even near Lincoln Center.

Way too much money for what you get. I've had the same quality of food at other places for 1/2 the price. I only saw 1 chicken entree on the menu. Even the pizza's are close to $30 per pie. CRAZY!! So not worth it! I live in Astoria where the restaurants are so much better and the portions more substantial. I understand it's Manhattan but I have eaten in the city so many times and have been impressed with other restaurants. Don't go. And if you do, expect to pay your left arm and right leg!!

Average food and expensive for what you get. There is much better in the neighborhood.

Sat at the bar Saturday evening. We waited 1 hour 10 minutes for our entrees. Food was awful. Pizza greasy and baby artichokes were full-grown and fibrous. Service was non existent. This place used to be one of our favorite neighbohood spots where we would always be remembered and welcomed. Now, they change the menu every couple of months, like they do with every one of Shelley Firemen's restaurants, They've lost all of their good hosts and waiters and the place is way overpriced for what you get. We're not returning.

I can't figure out what was worse - the food, the service or the prices. The veal was like cardboard, the asparagus was chewy and oily and the soup was greasy. This used to be a very nice restaurant but no longer. It took forever to get the food, service was chaotic, when we asked the hostess if she could please see where our order was, we were basically ignored. I would not recommend this place.