Del Posto

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.

Despite the considerable hype, the restaurant is a disappointment. I dined with a date for dinner and we had a variety of appetizers and pasta dishes, followed by the main courses. The food was mediocre at best, with several dishes really subpar. I found the spaghetti crab thing, which supposedly is the signature dish, to be not particularly original and rather bland. The food is very expensive, and certainly not worth it. The waiter was rude. The decor looks like a funeral parlor.

The food is mediocre at best. What makes this experience so poor is the arrogance of the establishment and the cost of food. I was with a party of four others. We all felt the same way. Tiny portions, undercooked meat, tepid pasta, poor service-all to the fine sounds of Broadway show tunes on the piano. The place also looks like a catering hall, or a steak house in Chicago.

Had my birthday here in January, three weeks after they opened. Babbo was great, but this is just as good and the atmoshpere (complete with live pianist) is better. Did I mention that Mario and his wife were having dinner with their kids at the next table? Joe Bastianich came over to advise us on dessert wines and his mother greeted us before dinner and brought out a zabaglione after dinner. This is going to be the hottest restaurant in NYC. Try the crab, jalepeno, and scallion spaghetti and the angliotti. . . . that is, if you can get rezzies ;)

I dined at Del Posto last night, and I love love loved it! Started with the Bis Pasta (had the AMAZING chestnut ravioli with partridge and thyme and the papardelle with wild boar which was also outstanding), then had the Lamb Three Ways (Roman Style), which was wonderful. My date had the duck in porchetta, a great combination. I think that the best dish was the desert, I had semolina mousse with celery and green apple sorbet. Simply wonderful! I highly recommend Del Posto! You'll love it!

The best new restaurant to open in a LONG time! Perfection in every way! Chefs Lidia Bastianich, Mario Batali, and Wine Guru Joe Bastianich were all there and charming to the last. The decor was so attractive, the service so attentive, yet respectful, and the food absolutely amazing! The prices, while not cheap, were reasonable for the value and experience you receive. I loved that you can actually have a conversation without yelling over loud music or obnoxious people. Go now while it's still in previews because it will be impossible to get in when the official reviews come out!