Barbuto - New York

We visited for a late lunch, and the food was amazing! The service was excellent too, and I think I even got a complimentary house wine, haha.

If you’re looking for a dining experience that truly lives up to the hype, I strongly suggest you look elsewhere. Our recent visit to Barbuto was incredibly disappointing. From the moment we entered, it was apparent that the restaurant’s popularity had gone to their heads. The waitstaff appeared disengaged and overwhelmed, providing a level of service that fell far short of what you’d expect from a city famous for its exceptional dining. When it came to the food, the menu sounded enticing, but the actual dishes were a letdown. Everything we ordered was severely under-seasoned, lacking the rich flavors one would expect from a restaurant of this reputation. This was particularly evident in the pasta dishes. It’s baffling that a restaurant known for its exclusivity can’t manage the basics. It’s worth noting that Chef Waxman often critiques seasoning on national television, which is quite inspiring, yet it makes this experience all the more puzzling. In a city filled with fantastic dining options, Barbuto serves as a clear reminder that popularity doesn’t always mean quality. Save your time, money, and taste buds for a place that genuinely deserves your support. Having lived in New York City for a decade, I’ve experienced better.

Incredibly kind staff, really good food and great price point. We sat at the chef's table and they kindly comped us a few desserts and an appetizer. Strongly recommend the EVOO martini, the gnocchi, and interestingly the mint ice cream! The chicken is also a fan favorite.

Overall, the food was quite well prepared. The Milanese, chicken, Bolognese, and Hannah pizza were simple yet flavorful (although, oddly enough, the chicken dish didn’t come with any sides). The cavatelli, on the other hand, tasted off—there was a distinct lack of flavor in both the pasta and the dish itself, and it wasn't until after dinner that I realized the pasta was probably undercooked. The service was generally excellent, but we did feel somewhat rushed when they asked us three times if we were finished before everyone had put down their forks. The location and venue are beautiful.

I don’t give out a lot of 5s but this place deserves it. I had Torissi later that night to I can truly say that this menu was better. Great service, fun atmosphere. The pollo Al forno is wildly overrated, my mom better baked chicken. BUT they have this gnocchi with some type of creamed corn sauce and that was one of the best dishes that I’ve maybe ever had, Deff the best dish I’ve had this year, without a doubt. The meatball was also phenomenal.