il Buco — Restaurant in New York

I want this post to come from a standpoint of someone who was in the restaurant industry for over 10 years (I am no longer in the industry). I also don't write on here a lot and only seem to come when I've had a bad experience as well. My wife and I came here because of the reviews on multiple food apps that we hold near and dear to us. We waited for about 90 minutes for a table. There were even some mixups there but I won't get into that. Overall, the atmosphere was awesome. Cool ambiance and decorations and a really cool wine cellar downstairs.

I will first start with the wine by the glass -- I'm no sommelier, but the selections were terrible. Even some of the staff would have us try before because of the feedback they receive from others and themselves. There was ONE out of the 5-6 that was bearable which is insane in my opinion. I will tip my hat to the actual sommelier that greeted us when we finally got to our table. We explained or dislikes on the wines by the glass and she was able to offer a nice Californian bottle for about $80.

Now.. on to the food. Our server greeted us and ran over the specials and that was about the extent of the interaction we received from him. Not sure the style of service here but we seemed to get more attention from other servers throughout the night. Never seen that in my life outside of a server "team" with maybe 1-2 people but he was non-existent after he took our order. We ordered a ceviche to start which was very weird but they let the shrimp "cook" in the citrus rather than actually cook it -- so it comes out almost raw but it was tasty but I have never had shrimp THAT raw. They were still the blackish color you buy them before you cook so I had to ask. He ran through the specials and offered a black truffle pasta for $40 -- that seemed intriguing and we love truffle so we ordered that and a risotto. The food came out -- what a FLOP. I was so pumped to see the amount of truffle on the pasta. I picked up a piece of truffle and immediately threw it in my mouth. CARDBOARD -- my pasta tasted like cardboard. "There's zero flavor" my wife said and I like to give places a shot before immediately turning my back. We both were kind of in shock and aren't the type of people to moan and complain and demand things since we came from that industry. We kind of silently just ate this mediocre food hoping to just put it behind us. It was that moment that I realized I need to write on here to just spread the word -- DO NOT FALL INTO THE HYPE.

Overall, we were just very unsatisfied by the end of our meal. We ordered a dessert from some random server who wasn't ours even though we could clearly see our server about 8 ft away. Anyways, the desserts were ok at best.

Bottom line is I would not recommend this place -- all experiences from the bar to the table totaled about $275 and I'd much rather spend that on a years worth of $.39 Sunday cheeseburgers...

I recently dined at IL Buco, a wonderful Italian restaurant that truly impressed me. The authenticity of the cuisine was undeniable, with each dish radiating the essence of homemade goodness. The restaurant's commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients was evident in every bite, and the presentation of the dishes was impeccable.

Nestled in a cozy and tranquil setting, IL Buco offered a delightful ambiance that added to the overall experience. The extensive wine list showcased their dedication to providing a complete culinary journey, and the servers were not only friendly but also knowledgeable. Our server's expertise in wine pairings enhanced our meal, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.

One standout dish was the tagliatelle with truffles, a true masterpiece of flavors and freshness. The rich aroma and taste of truffles combined with the impeccable texture of the tagliatelle left a lasting impression. Equally exceptional was the ceviche, crafted with precision and featuring impeccable cuts of seafood that were flawlessly prepared. The buratta was fresh and delicious as well. The sweet cherries were a great accompaniment to the cheese.

Even the simplest details were executed perfectly, as seen in the freshly baked bread served with high-quality olive oil. The restaurant's charm extended beyond the culinary offerings; it boasted a great ambiance situated on a quiet street and maintained impeccable cleanliness.

The service at IL Buco was second to none, characterized by its excellence and efficiency. Whether it's a romantic date or a gathering with friends, the restaurant's inviting vibe makes it suitable for various occasions. While the prices may align with typical New York standards, the quality of the experience undoubtedly justifies the cost.

In summary, I wholeheartedly recommend IL Buco to anyone seeking an authentic Italian dining experience that excels in every aspect. The combination of fresh, flavorful dishes, a welcoming atmosphere, and attentive service make it a standout choice among New York's...

Extremely disappointed: food might be good, but the service isn't anywhere up to par, for any Italian restaurant in the area, let alone one with the reputation of Il Buco. The first thing we were told when first sitting down was not, “Welcome to Il Buco”, it was “So you know, we re-booked this table in about an hour and a half. They overbook the tables and will make you feel as though you should be getting the check while you’re reading the menu. Plate runners will pay attention to the table, but the wait staff is inattentive and rarely made an appearance without being directed by the plate runners that we were looking for service. Bread does not come with the meal; it is an extra $5 to $8 fee for a small basket. Even if it is homemade and only $5, I’ve never paid for bread at an Italian restaurant in NY. You could even buy Il Buco’s own focaccia bread at their store and it will cost you $5 for an entire loaf (of which a basket is maybe one-fifth)! You’re expected to pay an extra 2% fee on top of the already sizeable bill, due to “COVID Recovery”; no reference made to the support you provide as a patron at one of the most expensive restaurants in the area.

All in all, there are much better Italian restaurants with more kind and attentive table staff at price points that will make you actually feel like it was worth it. The raving reviews do not account for this restaurant’s problems, specifically the customer service. The nickel and diming, from the 2% COVID fee and charge for bread at an Italian restaurant makes you as the customer feel as though you’re only as valuable as the girth of your wallet. It’s not the money – it’s the principle. It’s sad that a restaurant with the quality of food of Il Buco made me never want to return because of this experience. I went out excited to try the renown Il Buco. but never again - will gladly support the many other great Italian restaurants in the area during this COVID period, who know how to treat customers and create the atmosphere that makes them want to keep...