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We went to Del Posto last Saturday night and it was not worth it. When we made reservations, they faxed us a menu to choose 4 appetizers, 1 risotto and 4 entrees. For $110.00 per person you'd be better served going to one of their other resturants. When we arrived less than half the tables were occupied. The piano music was pleasant. The captains, waiters and bus boys were pleasant but it didn't seem they wanted to be there. The wait staff poured Pelligrino like it was going out of style and then had the nerve to charge $9.00 per bottle.The service was good but the portions were small and the food was mediocre, at best. We left hungry and disappointed in the experience.

This isn't the place for you if you like really complex foods with architecture. It's the best ingredients prepared the best (Italian) way, so if you can appreciate a perfect artichoke or duck, this is where you'll find it. Service, etc, was good, and the roomy atmosphere is a great respite from the usual crowded nyc restuarants. Carciofi, vegetable fritto misto, squab, and pico w/ cibreo were all perfect.

It's an magnificently beautiful space. The food was great, and the special attention from both Lidia and Mario at almost every table was charming and sincere.

My dinner at Del Posto the other night was super disappointing. There were six of us in our party. We tried many different dishes, most disappointed, few thrilled. Of all the dishes we tried, most were bland and un-exciting. The Sweetbread appetizer was the tastiest dish of the night, but it was so miniscule - is Nouvelle Cuisine coming back? The Spaghetti with Crab was poor. Well it was good if you were eating at a Asian Restaurant but not an Italian one. It tasted like some kind of "Asian Noodle Dish," but at four times the price. Risotto w/lobster was bland and tasteless. The Guinea Hen for two was OK, but again un-exciting. The Double Rack of Veal was good, "but guess what, yes. Un-exciting." The Lamb three Ways, the braised lamb shoulder was not very flavorful. How do you make braised lamb, and it doesn't have any flavor? Can someone tell me? I don't get it! The lamb meatballs were not good. The one Lamb Chop on the Lamb 3-ways was perfect, but it didn't make up for the other two items. We had Panna Cotta, Fig Pudding, and I forget what else for dessert. The desserts were all very good, but to have a good meal, you need good, antipasti, pasta, and entrees. The wine list is overpriced and OK. Joe Bastianich has the "Personality of a Dead Fish!" Teh guy has been "Riding his mother's Coat Tails" for years. She has personality and tons of talent, she's a great cook. What happened to her son? If it was for Lidia, Joe Bastiancih would be "Sling Hash" somewhere. Del Postojust doesn't have it. Something is missing, no warmth, it feels cold.

We had a fantastic meal and evening. They stock Carpano's Punt e Mes which every serious Italian eatery should. Took a friend out for his birthday, impeccable service. The spaghetti w/crab/scallion/jalapeno was phenom, as was the papardelle w/boar and gnocci. The cod w/hake, veal rack and lamb were divine as well. Lidia was in the house the entire evening wisking away at the dining room kitchen/carving station. Our guest was actually preturbed by the 8th or 9th wisking episode (we inquired --- she's making zabaglione...). The environment doesn't feel very New York or downtown --- more like a Chicago dining room, slightly over-scaled, grand appointments, furnishings, fixtures... overall amazing. We'll be back for the tasting menu.

Had dinner there Saturday night, and it was exactly what I expected. The food was good, but not sublime, Batali's signature dishes were the same level as Babbo or Lupa (but not any better) and the staff and decor were so stuffy it made it hard to enjoy the meal. Besides the deocr being a bit overdone, it has this outer-borough Marriot-type thing going on, which is really weird. I expected more from Mario, but he seemed rather pleased with himself as he entertained guests by the bar. Eh.

Right now, when it's been open only two months, this may be the best restaurant in New York. Eating here is like eating in Italy, except that the dishes are more adventurous and the desserts are way better than you'd get there. Even as I ate out sauteed mushrooms over frisee, chestnut ravioli with duck and fish stew I was eying the veal chops I saw being served at the next table. Next time. And a big plus--although the restaurant was full, the tables were far enough apart that we didn't have to shout to be heard. Bravo Joe and Mario.