Atmosphere review insights for New York, United States

Tripadvisor

Complaint signal is 1.4%.

Praise signal is 18.7%.

Tripadvisor

Top complaints

• A great venue for an early Saturday evening lunch. Great menu options served quickly by friendly and professional waiting staff. Particular highlights amongst our party of 6 included the Lobster Ravioli, the Gnocchi , Asparagus and Meatballs. Atmosphere was lively but on reflection it was a little too busy to chat amongst the table and there was a slight feeling that the staff was trying to clear our table on what was a very busy evening service. Would definitely return and recommend, but just let down by the vibe (0.0%)
• After visiting this restaurant in 2022 with our 2 children we decided to revisit as the first time was incredibly good. When we arrived we were greeted by a lady who was less than interested to the point of being rude, the atmosphere was drab with the exception of the fabulous pianist. The food we ordered calamari which was greasy and had the taste of burnt fat , frozen not fresh. My wife had chicken which had a strange texture one side was tough the other side soft but had a strange texture and taste which after two bites told me she couldn’t eat it, I tried it and was quite surprised they could serve anything thing like this. My spaghetti vongole came in a dark gritty broth which was disappointing it was the strangest sauce I’ve ever tasted, I’ve had vongole dozens if not hundreds of times all over the med and this is an insult.I can’t even mention the clams as these have been nowhere near the sea for a very long time. The waiter was argumentative and rude and was forcing us to have the meal again which there was no chance. The lady who we met when we came in came and tried to make us have another meal, I offered to pay for the calamari and the bottle of very nice wine. Overall the place has lost its authentic Italian feel as there is no evidence of any Italian staff. Avoid (0.0%)
• Ambiance was awful. The owner, I assume, since no one tried to restrain her yelled and was abusive to other diners. They were quiet, civilized and regulars, but she went off on them. She merely rushed us through our meal, said we had to leave by 11. We ordered house wine and she charged us $75 but when I asked she snarled and we just wanted out. Pasta was good but lots of places in New York have good pasta and a pleasant setting This was inexcusable! Do not go !! (0.0%)

Top praises

• (Although disappointing to be sat 15 min late with a reservation), from then on my partner and I had an absolutely incredible meal. Our server Shannon had the most amazing vibes and service, and the food was 10/10 for every dish. We had an incredible time and are so appreciative of wonderful service and care for our Valentine’s Day dinner❤️ (0.0%)
• - Elegant and neutral decor, and even though the dining room is small, each table feels intimate - Impeccable service - Beautiful cuisine displaying both technical mastery and with elegant contrasts - Impressive wine list, with a lot of very solid names, including an impressive selection of German wine that is hard to find. Although the wine list was superb, I would have liked to see more hidden gems and talented upcoming winemakers - Wonderful experience, in a city were the Michelin star standards are often disappointing, Jean George is solidly affirming itself at the top of the food chain (0.0%)
• -Very Christmas decorated Italian restaurant -no pizzas, Italian cuisine. -without reservations it will be difficult, we had to wait 15 minutes even though we had reservations. -food was excellent -staff super good mood, were always ready for fun -we will be back (0.0%)

Tripadvisor · Complaint quote

"We’ve been coming Tao twice a year when we visit NY for work, this will be last. This place no longer caters to good quality food, waited 45 mins for ‘duck’ rice, basically had no duck in it, tiny little cubes and some shrimp. One glass of wine and 2 cocktails later we knew it was time to go - $205. Its a bit of a joke. Service horrible, food horrible, generally a downbeat vibe and Tao is definitely getting worse. Far better places in NY to spend your money"

Review rating: 1.0

Tripadvisor · Praise quote

"Fantastic food, ambiance and service! The oysters are excellent. Rodrigo provided an insightful guided tour to the menu, and provided impeccable service. A slice of Paris in NYC. Will absolutely be back!"

Review rating: 5.0

"A great venue for an early Saturday evening lunch. Great menu options served quickly by friendly and professional waiting staff. Particular highlights amongst our party of 6 included the Lobster Ravioli, the Gnocchi , Asparagus and Meatballs. Atmosphere was lively but on reflection it was a little too busy to chat amongst the table and there was a slight feeling that the staff was trying to clear our table on what was a very busy evening service. Would definitely return and recommend, but just let down by the vibe"

Signal: 0.0%

"After visiting this restaurant in 2022 with our 2 children we decided to revisit as the first time was incredibly good. When we arrived we were greeted by a lady who was less than interested to the point of being rude, the atmosphere was drab with the exception of the fabulous pianist. The food we ordered calamari which was greasy and had the taste of burnt fat , frozen not fresh. My wife had chicken which had a strange texture one side was tough the other side soft but had a strange texture and taste which after two bites told me she couldn’t eat it, I tried it and was quite surprised they could serve anything thing like this. My spaghetti vongole came in a dark gritty broth which was disappointing it was the strangest sauce I’ve ever tasted, I’ve had vongole dozens if not hundreds of times all over the med and this is an insult.I can’t even mention the clams as these have been nowhere near the sea for a very long time. The waiter was argumentative and rude and was forcing us to have the meal again which there was no chance. The lady who we met when we came in came and tried to make us have another meal, I offered to pay for the calamari and the bottle of very nice wine. Overall the place has lost its authentic Italian feel as there is no evidence of any Italian staff. Avoid"

Signal: 0.0%

"Ambiance was awful. The owner, I assume, since no one tried to restrain her yelled and was abusive to other diners. They were quiet, civilized and regulars, but she went off on them. She merely rushed us through our meal, said we had to leave by 11. We ordered house wine and she charged us $75 but when I asked she snarled and we just wanted out. Pasta was good but lots of places in New York have good pasta and a pleasant setting This was inexcusable! Do not go !!"

Signal: 0.0%

"(Although disappointing to be sat 15 min late with a reservation), from then on my partner and I had an absolutely incredible meal. Our server Shannon had the most amazing vibes and service, and the food was 10/10 for every dish. We had an incredible time and are so appreciative of wonderful service and care for our Valentine’s Day dinner❤️"

Signal: 0.0%

"- Elegant and neutral decor, and even though the dining room is small, each table feels intimate - Impeccable service - Beautiful cuisine displaying both technical mastery and with elegant contrasts - Impressive wine list, with a lot of very solid names, including an impressive selection of German wine that is hard to find. Although the wine list was superb, I would have liked to see more hidden gems and talented upcoming winemakers - Wonderful experience, in a city were the Michelin star standards are often disappointing, Jean George is solidly affirming itself at the top of the food chain"

Signal: 0.0%

"-Very Christmas decorated Italian restaurant -no pizzas, Italian cuisine. -without reservations it will be difficult, we had to wait 15 minutes even though we had reservations. -food was excellent -staff super good mood, were always ready for fun -we will be back"

Signal: 0.0%

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