Aria Wine Bar — Restaurant in New York

This review is for Roberto Passon, the owner. I live down the block from Aria Wine Bar. My husband and I frequent restaurants of all sorts, including many 3 star Michelin restaurants around the world. We used to come to Aria often, especially when there was this wonderful Russian server there. He was fabulous! Yesterday I suggested Aria to a friend, saying how cute and cozy it was, the food good, and during off hours ---it was 4:30pm--- it would be nice and quiet. In fact, we were the only customers when we entered. We sat by the window with some wine. The music was very loud “Led Zepplin-ish”, so I kindly asked our Italian waiter if he could put on something “piu delicata” --- softer, more delicate. He brushed me off saying that it would change in a while. It did not. So I asked again. Again nothing. This server had an attitude from the get-go. This time we asked another server, explaining that since we were the only ones in the restaurant, why could not the music be changed or lowered? So he did it. We then ordered one risotto. Our server brought two. We told him that we only ordered one. He got indignant. “NO, you said TWO!” My friend said to him, “No, she distinctly said one.” He then said to me—always rudely, “You saw me write two!” To which I responded, “I have no idea what you wrote. I thought you were writing risotto. Besides which without my glasses I can’t see anything you wrote.” With a huff, he said he would take it back. To keep the peace we said , “No worries. We’ll take it.” The risotto was fine, but almost room temperature. We said nothing. We ate. You see, Roberto, the main problem was the attitude problem—the outright rudeness, the lack of hospitality or accommodation and professionalism. When the bill came, each risotto was double the price of the one on the menu. My friend questioned this. The server explained that the special was a different price than the menu. My friend then said, “You should have informed us.” He then looked at me and said, “I thought you knew as you had been here before.” I told him that I had not been there in a year. My friend then asked to speak to a manager. To which the server said, “There is no manager on staff today.” Then it gets from bad to worse, my friend telling him that she did not like his attitude and she will not pay to be so disrespected and he cursed at her in Italian saying “Va fa….o”. I think you know what that means and I think you would agree that no matter what happens that a server should never EVER say that to a customer. Who curses out a customer? This woman is well known international persona. I felt so badly that I brought her to your restaurant. She says that she will never ever eat at Aria again, that she has never been treated like this in her 16 years in NYC. In fact, she is trying to use her connections to speak to you personally about this because another restaurant owner in the neighborhood says that you are a “nice guy” and would want to hear what happened. You have a great place. Why not see to it that you have a great staff? It makes all...

If I could give this place zero stars, I would. My experience at Aria Wine Bar was absolutely terrible last night, all thanks to the atrocious service. From the moment I sat down, it was clear that the staff had no clue what they were doing.

First, they completely forgot my appetizer and brought out my entrée first. When I asked about it, the server was totally clueless and had to ask someone else. Then, I had to call him back again because they didn’t even bring bread to the table—something that’s standard at any decent restaurant. When I politely asked what was going on with my appetizer and also mentioned that I hadn’t received any bread, the server literally responded, “I don’t know, bro. You’ll get the bread when we bring out the appetizer.”

Excuse me? Bro? Not only was his tone dismissive and unprofessional, but he sounded irritated at me for simply asking about something they messed up. I was genuinely shocked by how rude and condescending he was. From that point on, the whole meal was unpleasant. I felt uncomfortable and annoyed as this same employee kept walking past my table, making the experience even more frustrating.

Honestly, after that kind of treatment, I wish I could get a refund and not leave a tip. No one should have to pay for such awful service. For a restaurant that markets itself as a charming wine bar, they certainly have no idea how to treat their customers. There are plenty of better spots in the West Village—don’t waste your time...

I don't think I can say enough about this place. I have been here twice now, and both times were fantastic. The only reason it does not get 5 stars is because it can be a little unorganized in their seating process. They do not take reservations for small groups, and will leave an entire table open while they wait for a reservation that isnt supposed to come for another hour.

However, their food and atmosphere makes up for that! Aria has a great menu of Italian dishes and a greats selection of wine. The ambiance is cozy with a definite Italian flare. There is one large communal table and a few smaller tables. There is also a bar that runs the length of this small restaurant that is also a great choice to sit at. The waiters all know the menu very well and can make educated suggestions about both the food and the wine.

From the moment you walk past the charming Christmas lights that decorate the outside of this west village gem, and through the doors, you feel like you have just entered a special place.

The last time I was there, my friends and I ordered wine, a cheese and meat charcuterie option, a beet salad with goat cheese and a phenomenal small plate that was some type of eggplant with ricotta and marinara sauce. The Montepulciano d'Abruzzo wine was a terrific option to go with the meal.

I really can't speak highly enough about this place, and I am looking forward to going back and working my way...