Crispo

Why are these other people complaining about the service? The wait staff was very attentive and friendly. Granted, we were there on a Wednesday night but the restaurant still had a pretty good crowd. The polenta was delicious as was the chicken w/ pomegranate glaze. We shared an antipasti w/ 3 things and everyone of them was tasty. I highly recommend the Tellagio. The atmosphere is cozy, even the women's bathroom was charming.

As our waiter said, "Don't come here on a Saturday night." Last night was my first visit and most likely my last. We had an 8:30 reservation that had been confirmed. When we showed up, we were told it had been cancelled. (this is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to incompetence in service.) They said they could still take us and it would be about 15 minutes. So we sat at the bar and ordered a bottle of wine. About an hour later, they finally sat us down at our table. By then, we had almost finished our bottle of wine. We ordered our food and more wine only to wait for our entrees for another hour. When our food finally finally arrived, we were just annoyed. Meanwhile, an acquaintance of one of our party came in without a reservation last minute because an 8:45 cancellation. She had left the restaurant before we even got our entrees - we were only a party of 3 so I don't know what excuse the kitchen has for making us wait for our food for so long. The food was good in the end but who really knows since we were starving and tipsy by the time it arrived. I'm pretty understanding when it comes to busy weekend nights at restaurants but I was certainly made to feel that it was my fault that the service was bad since I had showed up on a Saturday night. Maybe they shouldn't overbook their tables if everyone from the reservationist to the kitchen can't handle it.

Great food in a really unique, cozy setting--especially the fantastic back room (a little on the loud side, but forgiveable). Try the Trofie "San Daniele" pasta dish--yum yum. Veal was also great; pork shank tender and flavorful. Only downer was the disappointing service. I don't know how the other waiters were, but ours seemed overtly frustrated with us, for some reason, and was almost always nowhere to be found whenever we needed him. He was rather brusque and not as hospitable as I would have wished. We were a table of seven hungry people who had alcohol, appetizers, entrees and desserts. He should know better. Otherwise, the price, food and atmosphere are worth it. Crispo isn't the newest and hottest restaurant on the NYC culinary map, but rather a "those in the know, know" successful gem you are glad to find.

The noise, possible wait, and tight tables are worth it after you've tasted the food. In my opinion, there are few restaurants that can offer better food, a better atmosphere or a friendlier staff with reasonable prices in NYC. Even the most simple dishes are outstanding. The atmosphere is lively and the decor is beautiful and unique... even the bathrooms are cute and cozy with candle light and interesting ironwork. The staff acts as if the chef himself has invited you into his home for dinner, from the hostess and bartender to the bus boys. It's casual and laid back, yet a perfect place to take a date. So full of character that it feels like home. After I'd been dining there for almost a year, I discovered they had a back room that's dreamy, relaxing and fairytale-like with a fountain, marble top tables fancy iron chairs, attractive lighting and a glimpse of the city night sky when the weather is good. My only complaint is that it can be hard to get a reservation on the weekend nights, but it's perfectly understandable because everyone wants to be there! (just a hint: if you'd prefer to avoid the trendy weekend scene, dine on sundays when it's not so crowded. it's the best kept secret!)

Impressed. No real complaints.

Have been to Crispo many times. It is close to home and one of the better restaurants around. I have consistantly had problems with them NOT honoring reservations. The last time we went, a party of 3, we were kept waiting 50 min. after our res. time and not offered a round of drinks or apps. Not too cool. I am not going back til they get their act together. It's a shame as the food is very good.

Nice food in a nice space, but the prices are out of whack. Friends had problems with the sceney reservation situation...we just went without reservations and got seated while people were still waiting. I think they were trying to hire attractive rather than competent staff. The sugary mixed drinks are marked up too much. The octopus was outstanding.