Barlume — Restaurant in New York

I’m not quite sure what I’m missing, but I can, with strong conviction, say this establishment has a misaligned rating, and I have grave concerns about its long term success. While some like service can be corrected with time, others are harder to crack.

Ambiance is very akin to KOMODO or any other Miami-esq space with significant dining room capacity. The clientele fits similarly: smartly dressed, attractive, and ready for a night on the town.

First and foremost, we had a group dinner, which may be the reason for the ratings disconnect that I previously alluded to but that is no excuse for undercooked chicken, and while I like my steak medium rare, for IKEA-style Swedish meatballs (the closest cousin I can draw comparison to Barlume’s), I would prefer a more well done approach.

Aside from food that ranged from unmemorable to unconsumable, this was a an over four hour endeavor. I spent more time here than some of the hallowed halls etched into Manhattan’s canyons. Service was attempted but one server for 20+ individuals is an admirable but highly questionable mode of success. The poor gentleman was drinking water directly of what could only be taken for a previously used sauce container (equipped with lid and all) and similar to the food, drinks were slow to arrive if ever at all. Cocktails were all around horrid - from house creations to old faithfuls - save yourself the disillusionment and stick to wine.

Perhaps a normal dining experience takes a completely different shine, but it’s an answer that I’m likely never to uncover as I plan to dine elsewhere… and would recommend the...

If you are a foodie, do not come here. The restaurant is very pretty, and the vibes are great (lively like Barbounia or The Smith). The food and service are not. We waited 15 minutes for our cocktails. The spread sampler is sized for children. The grilled halloumi was basic. The patatas bravas were dry and the margherita pizza tasted like a cheap frozen generic supermarket brand. The meatballs were rubbery, like you found a bag in the back of your freezer and microwaved them. The busiate (duck ragu pasta) and calamarata (pasta with eggplant) tasted like I made it myself with a jar of Carbone sauce at home. Our server only came by once after we received our food, then we never saw her again. We couldn’t order more drinks. On my way back from the restroom, I was tempted to “touch” the tables (since no one else was) and ask people if they were enjoying their food. I was really curious if it was just me??

There are other places in the area with good vibes, similar food and service: Isabelles, Kyma, Barbounia, Le Pecora Bianca, Zaytinya. Barlume would be a 10/10 if they can get their food and service together because it is such a nice and large venue + cocktail...

We came to Barlume on a Thursday for a post-work dinner and the restaurant itself was beautifully decorated with a lively atmosphere. While the happy hour specials were different and fun, overall the quality of food and cocktails was average and a little over priced.

Our biggest concern however, was the lack of service. While all the staff was very friendly, I would not describe them as attentive. Immediately after we ordered drinks, they took away our menus. We requested twice if we could keep a menu because we were there for dinner and yet as soon as our drinks were dropped off, the food menus were taken away. We were never asked if we wanted to order anything else. The rest of the evening was spent flagging down a waiter to bring us menus and again several times so we could place our orders. While the restaurant was buzzing, it was not so busy that this lack of service would be excusable.

Overall, I wanted to enjoy Barlume but other than vibes theres not much it has to offer and I'm confused at the high ratings this place has received as that was not...