Pure Food and Wine

such an odd place. we showed up for our 1pm brunch reservation, the place was more than half empty, and the hostess asked if we were ok taking a smaller table or if we wanted to wait for a bigger table. we just took the smaller one since the girlfriend whose birthday we were celebrating is very pregnant. anyway, not impressed by the food. because everything was made of oil and nuts, everything tasted greasy, dense and processed. i had the best dish, the lasagna which consisted of layers of sliced zuchini, but it sat like a brick in my stomach after. my girlfriends got a taco salad, a burger, and a spinach florentine. the spinach florentine was the worst--a bland dense blob. we ordered dessert, but again same problem--dense and greasy. i prefer more natural less processed food.

Have diner at pure food several times a year or two back. Did not remember the service being slow. Seated us 45 minutes late for a reservation and then took over an hour before our appetizers arrived. That aside, it's still the best raw food in town for an upscale vegan dining experience. Highly recommend the tamales, the nori rolls, and the ice cream sundae- not as fondo of the mushroom ravioli (lacked flavor) and the crostini (a bit heavy on the cashew cheese). Even my meat lover boyfriend enjoyed himself (much to my surprise). They also have an extensive wine list. Love the back patio in the summer.

So, like many reviews on here, I have to say that my husband and I probably won't return because the price isn't quite worth the meal. We've gone to many fine NYC restaurants over the years for a special occassions. At Pure, the food is good, but it's not worth the big bill. The ingredients at Pure are extremely fresh and the dishes are creative and tasty. The desserts amazed me especially considering they were vegan. No cream in the cream...really? Wow! We sat in the small back area past the kitchen, which was pretty and cozy. The front area is quite lively and not right for a quiet evening. We were treated very well by staff and our waitress even took the time to tell me the process that they use to make that amazing cream. It was a good night out, but unfortunately not quite worth going back any time soon.

I can see how getting 2 or 3 courses here will leave you in the poorhouse and unsatisfied. For practically the same price, $70, I suggest the Chef's Tasting. We left with that stuffed feeling you get from any good restaurant...maybe a little too stuffed. As far as the food goes, I thought it was excellent and inventive.

I have heard about this place from other people here and there, but since I'm rarely in this part of town, nothing I heard compelled me to make the trek here. However, a few weeks ago a friend suggested we go. After reading some of the reviews, I began to feel a bit squeamish, since the meal was on me. However, I figured that forewarned is fore armed. Not so. I will start with the food. I am a vegetarian, and eat vegan when possible. Good vegetarian/vegan food is not so easy to find. I can't say you'll find it here. You will find okay food, but nothing spectacular. I think Blossom and even Gobo are better. Granted, it was inventive, but taste trumps presentation in my book. Further, the portions are Lilliputian! I'm not one to want an entree that can serve two, but these portions are sinfully small for the price. The service--not the best. There were several times during the night when I had to remind our server that we wanted more wine, an appetizer, more water, et cetera. And as one other poster stated, it is a bit galling to pay so much and be served by someone wearing converse sneakers. The atmosphere is cozy. A warning--it can get quite loud inside, so if noise bothers you during dinner, put this in consideration. I wouldn't call it a great date place. Lastly, despite my efforts, we TWO left with a hefty tab of almost $250. For days I was just sickened knowing that I could have experienced gastronomical ecstasy at le bernadine or gotham bar and grill at this price, and not have to shout across the table to be heard. All I can say is, for many people, the recession exists on another plane, and sane spending doesn't figure into their dining calculations. Bottom line, if you want a fabulous vegan experience, albeit not raw, at a fraction of the cost, go to Blossom. Or, just eat a carrot. Save your money for a plane ticket or something that will really be worth the expense. Don't say I didn't warn you.

The food was not amazing (just ok - nothing special) and the bill was astronomical for what we had. I have been a veggie for many years, but I feel like a total sucker after eating here!! WAY too overpriced.

Amazing even if you're a meat and potato person...