Barbuto — Restaurant in New York

I had dinner at the Chef’s Table last week for my birthday. I’ve been dining at Barbuto for 15 years and it’s always been one of my favorite restaurants. Everything from the food, to the service, atmosphere etc was impeccable. Unfortunately last week was quite the opposite.

When we arrived at 9:25 for our 9:30 seating we sat at approx 9:40. We didn’t get any food or wine until about 10pm. I had asked the server who barely spoke 2 words to us the entire time, about a menu or if we could see what we were getting for the tasting. He rudely shushed me and eventually came over with a crumbled up menu with some scribble on it pointing out what we’d receive. We had no descriptions, none of the courses were introduced, we didn’t know the timing for the meal or in what order we’d be receiving our food. The presentation of the food was sloppy, no one brought water, or filled our wine glasses (we had 3 bottles) or asked how we were enjoying the meal and if anything was needed etc.

When it came time for dessert, plates of tiramisu were practically thrown at us, and there was zero mention or acknowledgment of my birthday which we all thought was nasty — especially when we heard happy birthday sung several times in the main dining room. Almost instantly a check for almost $1,200 ($183 tip included) was dropped in front of us while the kitchen scrambled to clean up and get us out. (This was at 11:50, less than 2 hours from when we first got food). Additionally, when I informed the restaurant that we’d be 6 people instead of 7 (7 was required for Chef’s Table) I was told there were no other reservations but at 10pm there were plenty of empty tables we could have sat at, probably gotten much better service and not paid an additional $95 for the extra person.

While the food was fine, the service aspect of this meal really ruined it for us. I don’t know if it was because the tip was included or because the restaurant is closing in a few weeks that our server was a complete jerk and did absolutely nothing for us (except ruin our dinner) but it’s not at all what I expected from Barbuto and it really upsets me that this was my last meal there. Additionally after the dinner I contacted the restaurant to explain our experience and got NO...

If you’re on the lookout for an unforgettable dining experience in NYC, Barbuto should definitely be on your list. From the moment we walked in, the warm, inviting atmosphere set the stage for what was to be an exceptional meal.

We kicked things off with the Prosciutto e Burrata as our starter, and it was a match made in heaven. The prosciutto was perfectly sliced, delicate, and flavourful, while the burrata was incredibly fresh and creamy – the kind that melts in your mouth. It was a simple dish but executed to perfection, setting the tone for the rest of the evening.

Next up was the Insalata di Cavolo, a kale salad that was anything but ordinary. It was beautifully balanced, with a mix of textures and flavours that made it a standout. The freshness of the ingredients really shone through, and it was one of those dishes that makes you rethink how good a salad can be.

For the mains, we indulged in the Spaghetti Scampi and the JW Pollo al Forno with salsa verde. The Spaghetti Scampi was a revelation – perfectly cooked pasta with a rich, garlicky sauce that had just the right amount of kick. The prawns were succulent and fresh, making the dish an absolute delight.

And then there was the JW Pollo al Forno. This roast chicken was unlike any I’ve had before – tender, juicy, and bursting with flavour, thanks to the salsa verde that added a vibrant, herby freshness to the dish. It’s one of those meals that leaves a lasting impression, making you want to return again and again.

Overall, Barbuto is a culinary gem that blends originality with classic flavours in a way that feels both comforting and exciting. It’s not just about the food, though – the ambiance, the service, everything about the place makes you feel like you’re in for something special. If you’re in NYC, do yourself a favour and book a table at Barbuto. You...

Crazy that I'd never eaten here before.

But we finally made it for an early birthday dinner. The waitress was very perky and pleasant. I love this space that the restaurant has moved to. Lots of light and riverviews. I used eat in this space in the 80s, but can't recall the name of the restaurant from the Stone Age.

Some of the dishes were hits and others were misses. Nothing was terrible but like they were missing an opportunity...

The beef carpaccio was pleasant. The bread that accompanied it was divine. The stuffed meatball was the bomb! It's only one meatball said the waitress but it's a damn big meatball. They created an incredible crisp texture on the crust and it was swimming in deliciousness.

On the other hand the squash salad was not interesting. It lacked acidity, a splash of really good olive oil and perhaps a few soused currants? Got some lemon from the bus boy and lifted a little bit but it was pretty boring.

The sea bass looked really lonely on the plan and the accompanying Persian cucumber salad was very safe tasting. Seem like a dish for someone on a diet. Perhaps one for the ladies who lunch? I read "Persianx in flavor rather than realizing they just meant. Persian cucumbers and that was my fault. The fish was nicely cooked but dish was not interesting at all.

The gnocchi had a lot of potential but it didn't all come together on the plate. Also flat in flavor.

The potatoes were amazing and also incredibly generous compared to the sauteed greens which were kinda meh.

I would come back for appetizers and gazing out the window. Oh, we did love the apricot cocktail made with the mysterious...