Castell's — Restaurant in New York

Really enjoyed ourselves here. They finally took the non-kosher elements of all of the Italian spots we all love, and put it into a Kosher restaurant (although you'd never know it). What's interesting is the lack of signage, such that it almost reminds me of a speakeasy, with a beautiful entryway corridor.

Service was absolutely top of the line, white-glove. Waiters were available nearby for anything at any time, and the food came quickly. They asked about allergies. I almost felt like telling them "no meat, cheese on the side" - ha.

The ambiance and design really sells this place, although the food is pretty good too. Beautiful herringbone wood floors, and even the bathroom had floor-to-ceiling granite tile. They are clearly trying to tap the affluent crowd nearby, where they care primarily about the experience.

I liked the Capellini, it was a toasted concoction of cheese and pasta. The Bianca pizza with hot honey wasn't bad either. The chopped salad was missing dressing but was obviously a reference to Angelica's in NJ, as that seems to be the "chosen" salad for whatever reason. The total was around $225 for two people including tax and tip, although we had drinks. I like how tip is not included.

The only complaint was in the reservation system. They use an answering service that is legally obligated to notify customers of a potential cancelation fee when taking a credit card. This is under NYC Title 6 RCNY § 5-37 and enforced by the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection. When I let the maitre'd know about it, he basically laughed me off. Someone should tell the...

I recently visited Castell's for the first time with a close friend who lives locally (I was visiting from out of town) after searching for dairy kosher restaurants nearby. Based on its great reviews, I made a reservation since it’s a newer spot. Unfortunately, my first impression wasn’t great.

When we arrived, the host led us to a table right in the middle of the dining area, which was already quite cramped. The space felt very tight, with tables and chairs placed close together, and servers constantly navigating between the tables. The chairs seemed designed for smaller people, and as two taller women (one of whom is pregnant), neither of us were able to sit comfortably. We asked if we could switch to a booth for more comfort, but were told no and instead offered an outdoor chair. We declined, and they awkwardly brought out a chair that wouldn’t have been any more comfortable than the original seating.

As for the food and drinks, they were underwhelming. The dishes felt mediocre, and honestly, I believe I could recreate the same meals at home, for a fraction of the cost and with more flavor. It’s also worth noting that they don’t accommodate special requests for allergies or dietary restrictions, which is a bit disappointing.

Considering the portion sizes and prices, I felt like the restaurant was taking advantage of the kosher market, offering small servings for an inflated price. While it was certainly an experience, it’s not one I’m...

Recently, I had the pleasure of dining at Castells, and it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. The ambiance was beyond amazing, with an upscale yet inviting atmosphere that set the perfect tone for the evening. The staff provided top-tier service, demonstrating not only friendliness but also an impressive knowledge of the menu. Despite our unfamiliarity of some options they were incredibly patient and helpful ensuring we made the best selections. The bar was also well-stocked and when asked for a "surprise me" drink the result was outstanding crafted to perfection.

As for the food every dish we tried was simply incredible making it clear that no matter what you order you're in for a treat. The presentation was elegant, and the flavors were carefully curated to deliver an unforgettable dining experience. From the comfortable seating to the pleasant background music, every detail was thoughtfully executed. The cleanliness, service, and overall atmosphere made it easy to see why Castells deserves a five-star rating. If you're looking for a high-end dining experience with impeccable service and phenomenal food, I highly...