Jupiter — Restaurant in New York

My wife and I were really excited to dine here when we made our table reservation for the "Rinkside Terrace" part of the restaurant. Our reservation was for when dinner opened, so we were waiting in line—about the 3rd party in tow.

As we were taken to our table, our host was trying to place us near the farthest part in the back of it. My wife mentioned that we were looking to sit closer to the front of the Terrace where we could have a little view of the Rink. The host responded, saying they had a lot of reservations and were fully booked. At this point, my wife caught me up on what the host said—being as perplexed as her—mentioned we were one of those reservations, and the host looked baffled and uncomfortable and mentioned he would go speak with the maître.

At this point, we assumed we would be able to get one of the 3 tables in front of the Terrace (again, 3rd party in line—with a reservation). The host came back and put us in the second row of tables near the front. When I asked if we could get to the actual front, he again waved his hands and said, "We have those tables reserved." Perhaps, again, just inexperience, but this time the conundrum was owned by both the host and the maître. If they understood how this business worked, and those tables were really for extra special parties, they should have the forethought to place "reserved" notes on those tables to show the rest of the guests there is purpose for them. I wish I could say this was the last of this issue, but more on that later.

Once we sat down at the table, the table was imbalanced and shaking anytime you put weight on it. I have worked as a server, and one of the things you always check before letting guests sit down is verifying the table is stable, and if it isn't, you fix it. All of these things are nits, but since the start of this experience wasn't going well, it was adding up. We were looking out of the Terrace towards the rink, and, to be honest, it's pretty dishonest for the restaurant to advertise these seats as "Rinkside Terrace" due to both the length at which you are away from the actual rink windows and all the crowds in front of the windows (because it is in a public space area—doh—again, misleading advertising on their part). It is honestly closer to an eating experience at a restaurant's outside seating in the middle of a mall. Not very intimate or romantic at all.

When our server came around for our order, we ordered drinks, an appetizer, and our entrees. I get up to go to the bathroom, and when I get back, everything is now at our table. At this point, all the frustrations of the night are piling up. Most servers should understand not to fire everything back to the kitchen right away if there are drinks and appetizers, especially when a place first opens, and clearly, the kitchen isn't busy yet. Had the server apologized or even acknowledged the inconvenience, it would have been the last thought in my mind because, again, I have been there—it happens—but the evening experience was not helping the situation.

So my wife and I tried to continue to make the best of this experience by enjoying our meal and drinks, even though we already felt rushed. Now, let's circle back to when I said we had more issues with the host and maître. About halfway through our meal, a couple asked to be placed at one of the tables in the front of the Terrace, in the seats we were hoping to get not much earlier. For whatever reasons, their request was obliged. At this point, my wife and I were just plain annoyed and were ready to leave. I would recommend the Manager setting up a workshop for the staff and review some of the basics of the dining experience. Come to think of it, I didn't even see the manager walking around tables checking in on guests either. Yikes!

All of this is to say, we were incredibly disappointed about something that had such promise to be a special experience. Can't say I would recommend this place to anyone. The only reason it's not a 1 star is because our food was at least good—so kudos to the kitchen...

My partner and I ate lunch at Jupiter last Thursday and my official review is as follows.

The location is perfection, right next to the Rockefeller Center ice skating rink. At our table, we could LITERALLY see it from where we were sitting!

Right when we entered, Francis - a very kind, handsome gentleman - greeted us and asked us if he could take our coat and bags. He escorted us to our table and about two seconds after we sat down, we were offered stilled or sparkling water.

A lot of times at restaurants, I have felt either rushed to place an order or I have felt ignored by the staff. At Jupiter, neither applied! We were given the luxury of talking, laughing, and enjoying ourselves while not feeling rushed or ignored.

When I go to a restaurant, I always check out their cocktail menu - I am a big cocktail guy! At previous restaurants, I have asked if they have anything else besides what is on their cocktail menu because, at times, I don’t like what I see. Many times, I have been told they only offer what is on the menu, even if they have an open bar! However, at Jupiter, when I asked the server Annie (who was so fun and clearly enjoyed her job!) if there were other cocktail options, she enthusiastically replied, “What can I get for you!” I told her I would like a cocktail that is “sexy” and “fruity”. She laughed and said “Coming right up!” When she brought over the drink, it was truly the most magical thing I’ve ever tasted. I had no idea what to expect, as I basically asked to be surprised - but I have never tasted anything like it. Clearly, the bar tending staff at Jupiter knows what they’re doing!

My partner and I shared the “Pappardelle Ragu” and it was the perfect mix of al Dante pasta and beef topping. I wish I could have ordered everything off the menu! When other dishes came out to other tables, I said to my partner, “Can we order everything!?”

The best part of the experience was meeting the manager, Marissa. She came over to our table and asked us how we were enjoying ourselves. I am a very friendly and outgoing person and I told her the extravagant story of how we wound up at the restaurant and also in NYC. She laughed and shared a personal anecdote and we talked for about 5 to 10 minutes. She was so sweet and excited to share about how the restaurant is evolving. She clearly loves her job and enjoys spending time with her guests. Being a restaurant manager is NOT easy, but she clearly knows how to “run the show!”

They have only been open for less than a year and I mentioned the fact that the ice-skating rink was literally right in front of us. I said something like, “I bet it’s going to be super busy in the winter when people are ice-skating!” She laughed and said, “I certainly hope so!” It is rare to experience a manager coming to a table at a restaurant, greeting you, having fun with you, and making that personal connection!

Overall, the food and drinks were phenomenal but most importantly, the service was out of this world. I highly recommend Jupiter to anybody in New York City, specifically people who are visiting “Top of the Rock”, anywhere in Rockefeller Center or the vicinity!

I can’t wait to go back in December when the ice...

I am sorry to have to say this has been the most disappointing experience of NYC. It was Christmas Eve no smiles, no merriment I get they were busy but we waited ten minutes after being seated, had to call someone over so we could get drinks and were very polite and when the lady came over she said 'have you got a problem?' We said no we would just like some drinks to start our evening. It was embarrassing. We came from Australia and the night just descended into rushed waiter who didn't pour our wine (we did) and whenever we asked for anything he was yes yes and rushed off. No rapport and the waitress took out entire order without writing it down even though we were like are you going to remember this? Yes she insisted and then one main wasn't ordered and our other guest had to wait while they rushed it through. We tipped paid and left and no one said a word. We did not matter. My advice is go somewhere else. Oh and when we went to order dessert we asked about the tiramisu and not joking he said ' they make it with gelatine and I don't like it never had it like that before!' We were thankful he was honest but what is going on here? We didn't order any dessert and ordered a short black no teaspoon or sugar and you guessed it we had to ask for these and each time we asked for anything it was like we had inconvenienced the staff. Food was good but not great BTW. Sad bad experience. When you have one week in New York and book here you expect to be treated like a welcomed guest not an inconvenience. Staff seemed unhappy so not sure whats going on there. Merry Christmas Jupiters and do better for...