Otto

I just can't understand why everyone raves about Otto. The food is just not very good. I was with a large group of friends and we ordered tons of dishes which ranged from edible to gross. The gelato was pretty good, but that doens't excuse the bland pasta and dry pizza. This was my second attempt, -- never going back!

I was here for a late lunch in august.... the pizza was to die for. I had the arugula pizza and i can not stop raving about it to my friends. My friends had the pasta... it was not too bad either but the pizza was definitely something to write home about. The crust was thin and crisp and did not go soggy at all... even my last slice was as crisp as the first. This is part of the reason why i loved it so much. Soggy things are my worst nightmare. The dessert was also heavenly.

The pizza has been continually disappointing to us. The whole pie is soggy and cold before the pizza's half eaten. Sorry Mario, that's not what I expect, ever, and especially not for that price. We kept trying, but now we no longer eat dinner there...we just go for wine and appetizers or just gelato. The gelato is the best I've ever had, regardless of location. It's worth the trip by itself. Great wine selection, but what do you expect? He owns a wine shop!

I didn't enjoy the pizza. My friends and i shared a few, including the one with the egg on it, which was act. The best one, but the rest of the entree's were not impressive. Sub par even, but the cheese was fantastic! The wine was great, although it was not as full bodied as i would have liked, but overall, appetizers good, entrees, not so much.

I definitely recommend this spot for wine and appetizers after work. Its a great place to relax and enjoy some good wine and cheese (highly recommend the brunello and the cheese sampler). Also, love the delicious jams and honey that they serve with the bread. It can definitely get crowded but if you can score a seat at the bar or along the windows you can stay there for a while...or atleast until they turn up the music. ps--George, the server and sommelier, is the best.

Otto is more about a great place to meet for a glass or two of good Italian wines than it is about the food. I was with a relatively large group, and with our reservation only waited about 15 minutes for our table on a Saturday night. Service was good and also prompt. The menu is limited to salads, small side dishes such as brussel sprouts and rock shrimp, pizzas and pastas. Having just returned from a week in Italy, I have to say that the pastas were good - very al dente and tasty. However, the portions of both the sides and pastas are really small! The prices seem reasonable until the plates arrive. Sides are served in small ceramic bowls and are just enough to taste for two people. The pastas were appetizer portions and we could not believe how small they are - pasta is an inexpensive food item and serving such tiny portions is unacceptable and screams "cheap" to me. The pizzas are individually sized and we had no issue with those. The homemade gelato is pretty good but not enough to fill our bellies. We would not go back - I know it's a popular place but there are loads of better Italian restaurants with wonderful wine choices in Manhattan.

The only draw to this place must be the ability to accommodate large groups (kind of like Carmines). If you really need to go here, stick to the wine list and antipasta selections. I love and eat all levels of italian cuisine -- from typical nyc mom and pop shops (Arturo's, Lombardi's, Joe's, Ben's) to fine dining (L'Impero, Esca, Babbo) and without a doubt the pizzas and pastas here are disapointing.