AMAVI Restaurant — Restaurant in New York

Not a good experience, unfortunately. I had very high expectations for this restaurant based on their online advertisement that were not met in person. As someone who regularly frequents high-end restaurants in the city like STK, Quality Bistro, Tao, Beauty & Essex, and Nobu, AMAVI did not come close to those kinds of standards, although it may strive to. I felt unwelcomed and offended by staff who were trying to enforce the dress code. We had made a reservation for 4 to celebrate a birthday and were dressed quite elegantly (2 girls in dresses and sandal heels, 2 boys, one of which was dressed in all linen beige wear with criss cross slide men sandals). We were told that they would not allow anyone that broke their "dress code" in regard to men wearing sandals and would deny us our table. After a conversation with the manager, we were allowed to continue, but the way the manager addressed us was disrespectful and made us feel so awful and unwelcome. Given that we, as customers, made a reservation at AMAVI willing to spend $600+ on dinner, being treated like we were not "high-end" and "dressed elegantly" enough felt demeaning and offensive. The manager noted that the reason why they had this dress code was because AMAVI strives to be a "highly elevated" restaurant.

It's unfortunate that "highly elevated" is measured only by the way people dress at AMAVI (which goes against all NYC stands for). AMAVI lacked in other categories that deem a place highly elevated. For example, it is the first supposedly highly elevated restaurant I have been to that does not have a ladies' powder room or an actual restroom but only offers a small bathroom that can fit only one toilet and one sink with no circulation of air. Another category that AMAVI could focus on to be elevated other than the "dress code" is the seating assignments given to customers. As a party of 4 celebrating a birthday, we were sat at a table where 2 small two-person tables were combined to make one four-person table, although AMAVI had other tables available where they could have seated us to make the birthday person feel special and appreciated for their time and money. Lastly, the server made us feel undervalued and unworthy of her time- we were not given any introduction to the menu, specials or any recommendations. What we hoped would be a great night to celebrate my sister’s birthday at AMAVI, ended up in a stressful unpleasant and quite disappointing experience.

Based on this experience, I will not be returning to AMAVI and cannot recommend...

I finally have time to write this review! On my way to AMAVI this past Saturday, I started watching review on TikTok since and I saw this a video about how this girl was explaining how a server stole money from her at this restaurant . I was hoping this did not happen to my group as well, since not everyone has the same experience. We arrived and they were friendly at the door but it went downhill from there. Our server was trash, she was worried about her phone instead us, we had to ask another employee walking by for drinks, hookah and water! She was hiding behind a door on her phone. I kept trying to have a nice night since I don't go out much but this kept bothering me! She told us that she had to drop the check because she was leaving and gave us the check when the restaurant was not closed. We asked if there was the "late night fee" was her tip but she said that no, it was the restaurants fee. I was confused, so we gave her extra extra money in cash. HOWEVER, she never came back with the change. We asked another employee of the restaurant if the 'late-night fee' was the tip and he said yes. So we asked for a manager, we waited for over 30 minutes and no one came to our table. I wasn't expecting this behavior from a restaurant in Midtown, where the food is delicious,but you have the server robbing the customers. I was expecting to have a great night but this left a sour taste in mouth. This message is not for the managers since they didn't care to come to a table that needed them, this is for the community who want to have a good night. Please be careful when you go here! I don't need the money back beacuse it seems...

The moment my family and I walked into AMAVI, we realized we were in for a treat. Situated in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, this Mediterranean restaurant delivered on all fronts—be it ambiance or every item on the plate.

We came over from Long Island—Steve and Farah, to paint the town—and AMAVI did not let us down on any front. The dinner included their signature dish lobster, cooked to perfection and draped in lavish, buttery spices that lured out its natural sweetness. The Shrimp and Chicken Kebab was likewise above par—grilled just right, juicy, and bursting with flavor, a succulent lamb chops with a perfect sauce and grilled vegetables that were as fresh as they looked.

But the night didn't end there. I enjoyed a perfectly smooth, flavored hookah, full of aroma and sophistication, so that the whole experience was both relaxing and upscale. Whether you're a seasoned hookah aficionado or just looking to try something new, their offerings are sophisticated and deeply satisfying.

What actually sets AMAVI apart, however, is the service. The wait staff are pleasant, enthusiastic about providing information from the cocktail recommendations to dish recommendations, they treated us like family.

This is not just a dinner destination, it's a destination. The vibe is hip and intimate, great for date nights, special nights out, or just for you. You don't normally find a place that nails flavor, warmth, and atmosphere all in one—but AMAVI nails them all.

If you're driving distance from NYC, make the trip. We'll return for certain.

— Steve & Farah of...