Citarella — Local services in New York

As a longtime loyal customer, of over two decades, I have always appreciated the quality of the produce and the overall shopping experience at Citarella(Upper West side). However, today’s encounter with Damian, in the fish department, has left me questioning my loyalty, largely due to the interaction that my husband I had with this individual. It’s clear that Damian lacks the essential qualities of customer service that are vital in retail, especially in a fish department, where expertise and guidance are highly valued.

Today, when my husband approached the fish counter, his experience was far from pleasant. Instead of a welcoming greeting, Damian responded with an irritated tone, when my husband inquired about the availability of tuna. Damian demonstrated a dismissive and irritated attitude, making it clear that my husband was bothering him, simply by trying to make a purchase.

It is truly disheartening to witness someone like Damian, who lacks the fundamental skills of courtesy and respect, in a position that requires a positive customer centric attitude.

To Citarella management: It's difficult to understand why an individual with such a negative and dis-respectful demeanor is allowed to represent your esteemed store and brand. This experience left us feeling incredibly disappointed and frustrated, and after more than two decades as regular and loyal customers, prompting us to reevaluate whether we will shop at Citarella in future!

Over the last two years, there has been a notable decline in customer centricity and customer service at your UWS location. We sincerely hope that management will revisit and re-evaluates hiring practices to reverse this rapid and systemic decline. Additionally, it is critical the Citarella institute regular and on-going training, to ensure that all employees understand the importance of treating customers with the respect...

This is the original and oldest Citarella, est. 1912. When this store went up, the street it was built on still had cobblestones. So that’s pretty extraordinary. For surviving so long and bringing a piece of New York’s past into the present, for that alone it merits 4 stars. Fairway next door is also the original and oldest Fairway, est. 1933.

Citarella loses 1 star for its exorbitant pricing. Although it isn’t uniformly overpriced. On certain products it can be entirely within typical NYC pricing. You’re never getting below-market prices however, you’re never “scoring a deal” here.

Excellent bakery section. Typical current NYC pricing so not a good price but not more overpriced than...

I have been going to this place for over a decade on a regular basis because of the freshness of its seafood. The ppl behind the seafood counter are always super friendly and knowledgable and helpful. However, I always dread the checkout experience because the cashiers, pretty much across the board, are simply rude and arrogant. This has always been the case. I decided to say something about it today because I just had another cashier who couldn’t be more snobbish. A simple word of ‘please’ can go a long way. A smile would even be better. I am not...