Otto

As an NYU student looking for a nearby, tasty but wallet friendly meal, Otto's is it. I have been there twice for tapas style dining with friends and have had decent service both times. The music is definitely an issue and probably is why the wait staff isn't half as attentive as they could be. It's one thing to be lively but when I have to constantly lean over to talk to the person next to me it's a problem. At Otto's I've found it best to keep it simple: get the mixed cheese platter and a meat one too, check out the specials (we had an AMAZING white bean bruschetta), and stick to the white pizza. The red is nothing I haven't had before but I thought the white was delicious. Don't hesitate-give it a try and then decide if you'll go back, I know I will.

Look, the deal with Otto is that you have to know how to do it. First, don't get a table in the dining room - it's loud and impersonal. If you're there for apps, stand in the bar. If you're there for dinner, wait for a chance to SIT at the bar - catch the bartender's eye and ask when he thinks 2 chairs will open up, and he'll look out for you. Then approach the menu like it's tapas. For 2 people, we like to get 2-3 of the verdure (premade cold vegetable preparations) or salads (freshly dressed vegetables), a pasta or pizza, and a dessert of gelato. we split a quartino of wine. The bill's never come out higher than $60, and usually is more like $45. The atmosphere at the bar is friendly and raucous, and if you don't act entitled (because for some reason the resto attracts plenty that) the bartenders will really take care of you.

Please note that if you want to order a pizza bianca, they will not be able to deliver it because "it doesn't travel well". Really Mario Batali? I mean really?

Went here with a group, and although the food and the atmosphere were good I have to agree with other reviewers about the service. Our server was not good and actually rude to us several times. It's a shame that the poor service outshone the food and wine.

the idea of otto is simple and appealing. its first few years were very good. now, however, while the venue and the concept are still terrific, the food quality is starting to suffer. salads definitely convey a sense of "i was prepared 5 hours ago and chilled until now". pizza dough has gone from crunchy to dense and tasteless. overall, the world (i.e. NYC) still needs a simple pasta/pizza place. otto still has time to recover. work it out, mario!

Fun atmosphere, good food. Gelato is delicious and wine list is extensive! Service could use some upgrading. Overall, a fun and casual place for a date or dinner with a group of friends. I recommend having a glass of wine in the wine bar area before dinner to fully experience the restaurant.

i am from nyc, big fan of italian food, wines, cured meats, cheese, etc. went back to Otto recently, big disappointment. apart from cheese and cured meat platter, food was LOUSY. pasta, which i know is supposed to be al dente, tasted mushy, drenched in too much sauce. pizza was also too saucy, no cheese, skimpy on toppings. mebbe they are cooking things in bulk, cutting costs, but food is suffering. i'd rather go to bella vitae, enoteca, noodle pudding, al di la, than this batali disaster in the making.