Cecconi's — Restaurant in New York

I had high hopes about this place. Went there for a special occasion & specifically chose it because of the scenery, not food.

We were supposed to have a pre-drinks birthday lunch for my mom, but because of the bad weather we had to reschedule for a different day. Luckily, we were able to secure a spot & were seated even though we arrived much earlier. The host was kind and helpful.

Ambience wise, Cecconi's views are actually worth the price in my opinion. It was spectacular.

In general, I don't regret going there, but I would never go back. If that makes sense. :) I think my mom really enjoyed the scenery, people-watching and just spending time together, so I chose to ignore everything else.

We each had pasta, a bottle of water, one glass of wine and an espresso. I think the bill came up to approx.. $106-108, or $116-118. Not sure. Tax and service included if I am not mistaken.

Once we finished our pasta, as I was drinking my wine I ordered an espresso that I did not expect to be served right away. That is my fault. As I drank my wine, the waiter came and handed us our bill. He left and immediately came back and just stood there. I noticed him standing right next to me, so I paid. I felt pressured to pay even though I was not ready to do that, as I was still enjoying my drink. I put money inside, either 110, or 120. Not sure, it depends on the initial amount.

Shortly afterward, a lady came to ask if everything was okay and once I replied everything went well, she asked me why did we only tip that much? I answered I was not finished with my meal, can I tip later? Why do I have to leave the tip with the bill, not after I am finished? After all, I did not ask for the check the first time, he handed it to me and just stood there. It really caught me off guard. I did not have the time to think and just paid. There are different cultures. Everyone is used to a certain way.

I have never been asked to tip directly or questioned about the amount I left, let alone be treated as I was. The tip question is immensely rude. It made me feel like the tiniest person ever. I am not a bad tipper, and even if I was, it gives them no right to ask direct questions.

If I am not mistaken, service was included in the bill percentage. Even if it was not, what if I am not familiar with the US custom of tipping? What if I saved every last penny to treat my mom to that lunch and had no money left? And then, why do I have to tip? Service was ok, but not worth a 20% tip for sure. I ended up leaving additional $10, which is lower than expected I assume, but more then he or...

It kind of pains me to write a mediocre review, but this is our REAL experience. First - I read other reviews that said the service was horrible. That was NOT the case at all for us. Hostesses were just "ok" (bland, not incredibly warm or professional), server and bussers were very nice and attentive throughout, though. So, that aspect of the visit was mostly good. What wasn't great was the following- It was our anniversary. We noted this on the reservation and asked for a table by the window. We were seated in the "bar area", on a bench, next to another couple (huge bummer). The bench moved every time the man next to me did. There was zero privacy in conversation because we were literally on top of the other couple. A quick walk of the restaurant revealed that there were much nicer tables in back, even if we couldn't be sat by a window (although why they couldn't have "reserved" a window table for us after asking is beyond me). Sitting in the "bar area" definitely changed the experience. The food. First, it's overpriced - but we expected that. We started with the meatballs, which were incredibly bland (like INCREDIBLY bland), and then had the spicy salami pizza. The pizza was decent, but it was not even close to a $35 experience. The vibe is fantastic here. Think old Hollywood, or Great Gatsby. It's sexy, well done, and a place you want to be. If the food matched and the request on a reservation had been taken seriously- I would have given this place an outstanding review. Tips for management from two foodies who have eaten in MANY high end places = work with your Hostesses to make them much more friendly and welcoming...work with your chef to improve food experience (just read your reviews), honor guests requests when possible and get rid of the bench seating in bar unless it's for a group that is together. It would not be a huge feat to make this place incredible. The bones are good...it definitely needs some...

This seaside restaurant is actually very good in everything. The neighborhood is good, the food is good, and the decoration is good. But I advise everyone to avoid waiter number 1323! He is terrible! After you sit down! He must ask you to order food! If you don't order food, you can't sit at the table, you have to sit at the bar! And he interrupted me and my friends many times to force me to order! The service from beginning to end was very bad, very bad！Actually, who doesn't have money for tips? It's just a few bucks, right? Who doesn't have that little money? I just don't want to give it to him because I really think his service is terrible! When I first came in, I said I was very hot and asked if I could have a drink first and order slowly, but he said no! You have to order right away! When I was video chatting with my friend, he came over to interrupt my chat many times! Forced me to order! I think the service was terrible, so I don't want to tip you. It's not about the money at all. I spent $22, so the tip is just a few bucks, right? Who doesn't have a few bucks? But is your service really appropriate? The key is at the end! This person actually came to argue with me over a few dollars of tip! Accused me of not tipping! And he went to the front desk and told me that I would not be allowed to come in to consume in the future! My God! Such a service staff is still reasonable? ? ? ? Your service is not good, I refuse to give you a tip! The waiter actually quarreled with the customer? He also ran to the front desk and told the front desk staff that he would refuse to let me enter the store in the future! I'm sorry, I have lived in New York for so long, I have lived in the United States for so long, I always give tips and I always give good tips! I just don't like it, I am not satisfied, you just don't want to give you a tip, I don't want to give you a dollar!...