Cucina 8 1/2 Reviews Summary

Category: Italian restaurant New York

Address: 9 W 57th St, New York, NY 10019, USA

Phone: +12128290812

Rating: 4.3
based on 166 reviews.

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Pros:

  • "Such a relaxing vibe, the smooth music by saxophone player Utril Rhaburn will make you want to get up and dance."
  • "The vibe was spectacular and the drinks were good."
  • "Seating is spread out nicely in the dining room so you’re not on top of other tables."
  • "Elegant entrance to a beautiful restaurant."
  • "The atmosphere was exceptional."
  • "Ambiance is inviting and pleasant with beautiful piano jazz."
  • "The ambiance of this place is amazing. It has a very calm soothing kind of atmosphere."

Cons:

  • "The decor is, in my opinion, a little outdated looking, like something a high end restaurant would have looked like out of the Mad men era."
  • "Nothing really special about this place other than the nice calm atmosphere."
  • "The type of music they play in the restaurant was a little odd, felt like pop-radio."
  • "Also they had trouble with their music and dimmed the lights 80% at one point."
  • "The layout is very open, to the extent that the tables felt like they were arranged in rows in a warehouse without any permanent fixtures."

Service

Pros:

  • "The manager Liz even sent us a desert at the end! Love the hospitality!!"
  • "The staff were so exceptional and friendly."
  • "Stylish yet welcoming decor, delicious menu and truly warm & attentive service."
  • "The team was attentive and kind."
  • "The staff was welcoming, prompt, and even provided excellent recommendations."
  • "The service was over the top welcoming."
  • "The service was truly extraordinary."

Cons:

  • "But the service was poor and borderline rude, which is disappointing because the prices are on the high side."
  • "Unfortunately because food was really good, but service is awful."
  • "The service was very slow and waiter was rude."
  • "The service waiters running clearing tables working hard, but more senior waiters and hoists appeared to be only be catering to certain guests."
  • "Unfortunately my server was very rude."
  • "The waiter we had was aggressive & pushy."
  • "The service was both amateurish and absent."

Food Quality

Pros:

  • "The food is chef driven, each course comes out almost like a piece of art."
  • "She recommended the Cesar (*of course), salmon, grilled chicken and potatoes. All hits!"
  • "The food was just delightful.... When we eventually received it, it was made perfectly, with amazing tastes."
  • "The Tableside Caesar Salad is out of this world!!"
  • "The food is great at this venue - kudos to the chef."
  • "Their prix fixe lunch offering is broad and the portions were generous and most importantly, very tasty."
  • "The food was fresh, tasty, well seasoned and a delight to eat."

Cons:

  • "The lemon pasta was good but I would've personally preferred a little less lemon, it was overpowering any other flavor."
  • "I didn't like the taste of the steak, but the texture was GREAT, crusty outside and juicy inside."
  • "Food is just ok, pricy for the portions size."
  • "The price to portion ratio isn't very worth it in my opinion."
  • "Pasta was boring, the sauce flavor was the same as bought one, not one fresh."
  • "The food is very subpar and overpriced."
  • "The food was awful! How can you mess up pasta with plain red sauce?"

Price & Value

Pros:

  • "Also they're very reasonably priced."
  • "A little on the pricey side, but I would definitely recommend, especially for a pre-show nosh."
  • "The prices were not bad for Manhattan at all."

Cons:

  • "But the $24 cocktails were just so so."
  • "They charge you 18% for paying with a credit card."
  • "They charge a surcharge for using a credit card!!! Bush league move."
  • "We each started with a glass of over priced wine $20/$26!"
  • "Finally, when your surprisingly large bill arrives, do note the 'service charge' of 3.5% to cover their credit card processing fees."
  • "On the sidewalk they present a different menu with low prices, attracting new clients, but when you sit at the table, you receive a menu in which all dishes are way more expensive."
  • "We were charged for an extra full bottle of wine and 2 extra drinks."

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