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Before my table was ready I had a drink at the bar with a friend. The bartender was aloof and somewhat rude, even moving the breadsticks away from us at one point for no apparent reason. Most of the staff was friendly except when we were told to leave the table when finishing up our drinks and desserts (not cool). However, this was all worth it because the food was outstanding. The 26 Zagat rating for food was well deserved. This is what real authentic Italian should be, not spaghetti and meatballs. The asmosphere is very nice as well, rustic and cute, although the wooden benches are TERRIBLY uncomfortable, I actually have bruises on my backside from them and it hurts! Maybe some cushions would help.

We had to wait forever to get seated despite having a reservation, and then had to wait for a while to order. The service is really slow. I thought my food was too saltyand the same was true of my friends' dishes that I got to try. The space is beautiful, though.

I must preface this reveiw by stating that this was not my first dining experience at Il Buco, I have been on at least 9 prior occasions over past two years and I eat out frequently. It's been said numerous times already but allow me to reiterate. The service is just aweful and the atmosphere though rustic and charming can be at time uncomfortable. There are no excuses I can make for just how poor the service was. My party of three was seated at a large becnh table that could accomodate roughly 8 people. There was another party of three seated at the opposite end of the table. I'm not of above average stature but I could not comfortabley fit my legs under the "charming rustic" table becuase of the large hunk of wood (read base) holding up the table. To add insult to injury, the part sharing the table with us decided to invite freinds without ntoifying the restaurant, upon their arrival, they attempted to pack 5 more people ( to total 11) on a table that could barely handle 8. The restaurant then asked us to move without any compensation or apology, if we had chosen to stay, they would've simply packed all 11 people at the table. We obliged and hoped the rest of the night would be smoother, WRONG! Our waitress was miserable, we saw her three times the entire meal, to take the order, to remove our empty bottle of wine ( and running off before asking us if we would like another) and finally to deliver the check after we asked another server for it three times. We repeatedly asked other servers to help us find her but always to no avail. The nail in the coffin is that the food although always good is at times incositent. Il buco has a set appetizers but changes the entrees daily and is very hit or miss. There are times I've come expecting great things only to find very odd items on the entree menu and being forced to settle for several appetizers instead of a complete meal. I like tapas as much as the next guy but if nots what i was out for, I shouldn't have to settle for it, especially not at Il Buco prices. Just stay away! There are too many restuarants in New York to have to deal with an experience like this. I feel cheated out of a night I can't have it back.

we had the misfortune of having a rude server for the evening, who really set things off on the wrong foot. from her generally rude manner in interacting with people, to her lack of attention to detail when taking a drinks order - and then getting defensive about her error rather than admitting it - she is a very poor representative for her company, and should not be in the hospitality industry. il buco needs to do a much better job selecting and training their staff. the food range from quite delicious to run-of-the-mill. I'd need a second visit to il buco to have a better opinion on the food, but I'm not rushing to return, despite the charming ambience and cute decor of the place.

The food is good, but service was severely lacking. It took them forever to bring out our second course and then they blamed it on the large party downstairs.

My family was taken here by a friend and I must tell you it was the most charming dinner we had during our week in NYC. Friendly staff, warm atmosphere and the food was wonderful. For the rest of the week we compared the many meals we had at 'the best of NY' locations and most did not compare. Good job to all!

My family went to Il Buco for dinner this evening. I have not been as dissatisfied with a NYC restaurant as this one in my 25 years of living in the city. In fact, I would argue that this is the single most disappointing restaurant for the price in the entire city. Without question, the ambiance is terrific - it is a very charming place - almost like you are dining in a small town in Italy. Other than that, I'm not sure what they are thinking. Nearly all of our appetizers / entrees had serious deficiencies - pasta overseasoned; octopus was too chewy...and oh...the portion size. The fish and pasta entrees were egregiously small and the desserts were not much more satisfying than the apple pie at your local chain. Not to mention that the service was unattentive and uninformative. Lastly, the menu selections were limited. I complained to the manager with little effect - he said he would tell the chef but they made no adjustment to the bill and did not apologize. Do not go here by any means!