AlMar — Restaurant in New York

We had mixed experience here. It was an unplanned visit and this was the only decent Italian restaurant that we could find in the neighborhood so we decided to take our changes.

We were there on a Saturday evening and the host informed that there is about 20 mins wait for a party of 4 so we decided to wait. Our table was ready in preciously 20 mins but while we were entering the restaurant one of the guest had heated argument with the owner/manager not sure what it was but surely they were bing kicked out. After we sat down the disgruntled customer again came in and threaten the owner/manager and we found out that now we are sitting on the table that they had occupied. (not sure how i feed about that!)

We placed our order of pasta and a bottle of wine to share. Food was decent. two out of 4 dishes were 4/5 where as other two were 2/5 so averaging them at 3/5. The wine was quite small for the price but still it was fine. It was one of my friend's birthday and they did give us a complementary Tiramisu which was quite nice of them.

Now when it came to billing, they gave us a bill with the food ordered by people whom they had kicked out( remember they were still on the same table that we had occupied now) added to it. Things go resolved quickly. Another thing which bugged me is that it was a cash only place. A place where 4 person meal cost about $120, it's odd to keep it cash only. They have ATM on premise but not a fan of paying $2.5 for the ATM changes and extra what the bank will change. Might...

I've passed this restaurant numerous times, each time saying to myself "I gotta check this place out one day."

There's a sign in the front window stating "Cash Only," which could be a deterrent for a lot of folks nowadays who don't carry cash (there's an ATM hidden near the restrooms).

My peeps and I decided to dine there last night, due to its proximity to the scenic area between the bridges. The place was mostly empty and we were promptly seated. I quickly noticed that most of the employees walk around the restaurant with stern looks on their faces. Our waiter had barely a shred of personality and didn't crack a smile throughout the course of our dinner.

One of my companions ordered lasagna, which looked good, but was cold in the middle. My dish was "ok." The other companion asked if the sausage in her meal could be substituted with chicken, but our waiter said it wouldn't be possible, even though they had a chicken dish on the menu. It wasn't because they don't allow substitutions, it was because everything's prepared in advanced. Basically the food is reheated (which explains the cold lasagna). I'd compare their food prep to that of a chain restaurant like Applebee's or Chili's.

The two things keeping this from being a one-star review are the ambience and the proximity to scenic DUMBO.

I won't...

As I lay here writing to you, I still reminisce on the flavor that smacked me in my mouth at the first bite of the Mezzi Rigatoni Pasta! Whoever came up with this recipe is blessed by the gods of ratatouille! My friend had Spaghetti which I had a taste of but still preferred my Rigatoni. At this point I just might name my dog Rigatoni so I never forget what I experienced here.

We also had the Chicken with potatoes and green beans entree which was juicy with the perfect crisp around the skin. The skin held on to seasoning. A mastery level one must acquire to deliver a flavorful masterpiece.

Lastly we had some dessert. Where all this food went? Is beyond us too. We figured if the meals are so good, the dessert will probably take the cake…pun intended. So we followed our heart and I ordered the hazelnut gelato. It was everything my heart desired. If you like to focus on just hazelnut flavor, request to not have the chocolate sauce because it does have a dark chocolate flavor to it.

We walked from our previous location so I can’t speak too much to parking. Service was great by both hostess and waitress.

Ambiance is suitable for a cozy date or lowkey celebration. It is a small restaurant so be sure to have a reservation so you won’t have to stand long outside. There’s no waiting space...