MenuPages

Very nice and love the old world atmosphere. seems to be liked by older folks for that reason. the food is very good - the service a bit chaotic but seems to blend with the vibe. no rushing so you can have pleasant converations.

The food wasn't bad, actually, but the service we received was unbelievably inept. Didn't get menus for 20 minutes. Finally got menus and placed our order, but had to request a wine list. Then the wine came -- a white, which the waiter poured and then placed on the table to get warm. No one filled our water glasses, even after multiple requests. We flagged someone down and asked if they had a wine bucket to keep the wine cold. They said they did, but never brought it. They served our pasta, asked if we wanted cheese, and then disappeared, never to return. My sister-in-law had to go hunt someone down 10 minutes later to ask for cheese and to again BEG for water (this despite the fact that a guy kept wandering around scanning the tables. Somehow he never seemed to notice that all our water glasses were empty, and no one ever stopped at our table to ask if everything was OK). It doesn't seem like they assign each table to a single person or team -- each time it was a different person, so it was like we had dropped of the face of the earth and no one noticed. We won't go back.

We've been here twice now so I feel confident writing this review. Both times the food was delicious - yes, it is a bit pricey (look for a coupon in the Valpak) but you're not rushed, not right on top of the next table, and you can hear yourselves talk. The bar is great but underused due to a very odd yet capable bartender... otherwise it would be a hot spot.

We've been going here for years--and although it's on the pricey side considering the food is very good and not extremely great, we love it. The wait staff is friendly--but not too friendly--and helpful. Best of all is how quiet the place is. You can have a real conversation. It's a great place to take friends, business clients, and good for celebrations. My vegetarian kids always find something to eat, as do people with food allergies.

I was surprised to see recently a couple of very negative reviews. I have been going to scaletta since it opened and although any restaurant can probably have an off night, I have always found the food great and the service professional, efficient and courteous. Would highly recommend it.

The food was fine, but, in a city filled with excellent Italian restaurants, I don’t see how this place can serve it at such high prices. The waiters may be older, but that doesn’t make them better: our group shouldn’t have had to keep asking for more water or more bread. I really see no reason to go back.

We went out for dinner on Saturday prior to Valentines day. Quite possibly the poorest service my wife and I have experienced in New York. We had to threaten to leave before we received our check at the coat check. How can this place stay in business? The food was just OK. What a disappointment!