Casellula

I cannot believe some of these reviews. Who needs huge portions when each bite is enormous in flavor and experience? If you get the grilled cheese/one of the cheese plates, pate, and the chocolate cake to end, you'll think it was the best value in NYC. And for a tiny and EXTREMELY popular, I always have been satisfied with the service.

Food is simply spectacular, and they rotate their menu seasonally. Goosebreast ruben open face "sandwich" is enough of a reason to go there everyday. cheese pairings are inspired and sublime. Re: service, it's what one would expect for a small restaurant that is always packed. we go there about 6 times a year and its just great.

I normally don't write reviews but felt I needed to after reading the last ones posted here. Three of us spent an evening at Casellula last Friday. When we got there the place was packed, but they managed to seat us within 15 minutes, as promised. The host was pleasant. Our waiter was excellent and knowledgeable. Each small plate we picked was delicious. Order the beet salad. They have a huge cheese selection and a nice choice of meats. In terms of value we each had two glasses of wine and shared 3 cheeses, 3 meats, olives and 3 small plates; with a generous tip it came to $60/person. Perhaps a little pricey but you get what you pay for. I can't wait to get back there.

FOOD: GOOD The food was surprisingly tasty despite the miniscule portions and ridiculous prices. The Pig's Ass sandwich was delicious but I'm shocked the snooty staffers didn't opt to use the sandwich's "proper name" - a Cuban. The Stuffed Peppadew Peppers were out of this world - but with only 4 on a tiny olive plate - there wasn't much to go around for 7 bucks! The wine list at this "wine bar" was incredibly limited. If you wanted to order by the bottle the possibilities were endless of course - but if you wanted to order by the glass, you were limited to about 5 or 6 selections, and greeted with a condescending snarl from the "bartender" if you accidentally tried to order one of the "bottle-only" selections - which will cost you an exorbitant amount of money. SERVICE: When we arrived at 6pm there were literally 4 other people in the bar. Which -- as a side note -- is ridiculously small. I get that it's NYC - but turning your studio apartment into a "wine bar" is not acceptable. They wouldn't seat us because the 4th person we were waiting for wasn't there yet. However - the only place to seat a party of 3 or 4 is at a 4 top table... hmm. The rude bartender couldn't even give me a recommendation when I asked her what she suggested for wines by the glass. They finally stuck us in the corner - and after racking up a $200 bill comprised of over-priced appetizers and 9 mediocre glasses of wine between 4 people -- denied us when we wanted to order another round, instead dropping the bill on the corner of our table! We left there frustrated, hungry and lighter in the wallet... SUMMARY: Don't go here! The food isn't that good, and there is no reason to pay good money for such rudeness - you can get it for free on the streets of NYC any day!

I have been to Casellula several times over the past year, but I will NEVER GO AGAIN after I finally realized that the service is unforgivable. I have always enjoyed the food and wine selections but I can no longer overlook how rude and inconsiderate the staff is (which has not changed in several years despite many negative reviews and complaints on the internet!). When one pays a 300-400% markup for wine and $14 for four spoonfuls of macaroni and cheese, one should expect at a minimum courteous service! Do not be fooled by other reviews that simply focus on the wine and food—you will regret you ever stepped foot inside Casellula (unless, of course, you enjoy being treated like an annoyance).

The atmosphere is great, the cheese selection is also great, but the service definitely leaves a bad taste in your mouth. The waitresses had a tone of arrogance about them. If you're willing to overlook that, it's worth a visit.

The cheese selection and the brilliant condiments that compliment tickled me to death. I absolutely adore this place and can't wait to go back !!!