Locanda Verde Hudson Yards — Restaurant in New York

Absolutely appalled by the way we were treated. Let me start by saying I've dined at Michelin-starred restaurants around the world, and I have never been spoken to or treated the way I was at this establishment--especially not on my very first visit after spending over $300 on food and drinks.

My service dog (yes, a registered service animal) was with me, as always. When we asked about outdoor seating, we were assured that having a service dog inside would not be an issue. That turned out to be a complete lie.

Shortly after we got settled, an African-American woman who I believe was the manager (unfortunately, I did not catch her name) came over and immediately started with unnecessary attitude. First, she said my dog couldn't sit on a chair and had to be on the floor. Fine--no problem. I obliged, even though many high-end places I frequent allow dogs on chairs with a towel or blanket. But then, moments later, she came storming back saying, "I heard you ordered bacon for your dog. That's not allowed. If I see you feed your dog, we'll have a problem."

Excuse me? I was stunned. Completely speechless. The tone, the delivery, the condescension--utterly unacceptable. Who speaks to customers like that? Especially ones who made a reservation, followed every rule, and spent hundreds of dollars? She made it very clear she didn't want us there and wasn't going to treat us with even the bare minimum of respect.

We then asked if we could be moved outside--maybe then it would be okay for the dog to eat there? She looked us straight in the face and said, "Not even outside." Let that sink in. Not even outside on the sidewalk. I have never heard anything more absurd.

When I calmly asked her why my service dog wasn't allowed to eat a small portion of food we ordered, she said, "It would bother the other guests." Mind you--there were literally three other people dining in the entire restaurant. None of them were within earshot or had even looked over at us. The only person who had an issue was her.

She carried herself with this holier-than-thou attitude, as if she was doing us a favor by even letting us sit down. Then she proceeded to brag that at the "other restaurants she's worked at," she never would've allowed this kind of behavior. It was so unnecessarily smug and out of touch with reality. Her goal clearly wasn't to resolve anything--it was to exert control and make us feel uncomfortable. Mission accomplished.

I have never been told by any reputable restaurant--especially those with five-star or Michelin status--that I couldn't hand-feed or serve food to my service dog from a disposable container. In fact, I've always been met with kindness and accommodation. This manager made us feel like we were doing something wrong simply by existing.

The only saving grace was Robert, another manager, who was deeply apologetic and professional. He told us not to worry about the drinks or appetizers and comped the rest of our food, which we appreciated--but the damage was done. We left, feeling completely disrespected and unwelcome.

This was our first time dining here and it will absolutely be our last. No guest--especially one with a service animal--should be treated the way we were. If this woman is your manager, I strongly suggest you rethink who you have representing your brand. Her attitude was beyond rude--it was downright hostile.

Do not eat here if you expect basic hospitality, professionalism, or empathy. We were shocked, disappointed, and ultimately forced to leave. Never again.

*Edit: Sean, the director of NOHO hospitality personally reached out to hear out my experience. He was kind and thoughtful in ensuring this won’t happen again. He really made sure to turn mine and my dogs experience around by offering for me to return to one of there locations on them for a much better experience. Thankful for people like Sean who work in hospitality to solve the...

I typically do not engage in this manner, but I feel compelled to share my experience this time. I made my first reservation at Locanda Verde, located in Hudson’s Yard, on Saturday, April 18, and I must say, the experience was exceptional, rated 10/10. The service was commendable, the food was delightful, and the staff assigned to my table were exceedingly kind. Consequently, due to the pleasant experience I had on that occasion, I decided to host a dinner celebration for my birthday in June. I spoke with the manager on duty that day, as well as with Dailyn Aquino, a host who is remarkably sweet and considerate, and she kindly arranged the reservation for my birthday celebration. Everything was organized, and when my birthday arrived, we went to the restaurant and I requested to be seated on the second floor.

The first issue we encountered was with the waiter/server, who displayed unprofessionalism and disrespect in his treatment of us. To our surprise, the food was served before our drinks, despite having ordered the drinks prior to the food. The service felt rushed, and the staff appeared inattentive, making us feel as though we were a bother to him. We were merely a party of five, yet the server's rudeness was evident, especially when we attempted to take pictures, which seemed to annoy him greatly. This experience was particularly disheartening for me, as it was my birthday and I had hoped for a pleasant celebration. As a result, we requested the bill, paid for our meal, and left only a $20 tip due to our disappointment with the service. On our way out, the manager on duty inquired about our experience, to which we responded with confusion. She remarked that it was due to the lack of a substantial tip. It is important to note that tipping is optional, not mandatory. We explained that we had indeed left a tip, and with an air of arrogance, she pulled out the $20 bill and questioned, '$20?' We affirmed this amount, citing the abysmal service we received. I understand that a restaurant's reputation can suffer from a negative experience, but I felt it necessary to bring this to attention so that the restaurant can better prepare its staff to provide quality service to customers, as we are the ones spending our money.

My experience was horrible, wishing I could have...

Locanda Verde delivers an unforgettable dining experience that seamlessly blends exquisite cuisine with a refined atmosphere. Chef Lily’s culinary prowess is truly something to behold. Her dishes elevate simple ingredients into works of art, and her attention to detail is evident in every bite.

The focaccia was nothing short of spectacular—an ethereal, melt-in-your-mouth experience that set the tone for the meal. The Green Caesar, a brilliant reinvention of a classic, takes this humble salad to new heights with its perfect balance of flavors. The Sardinian Sheep’s Milk Ricotta was delightfully creamy and indulgent, while the Chitarra Nero stood out as a showstopper—exquisite in both taste and presentation.

What truly sets Locanda Verde apart, beyond its extraordinary food, is the impeccable service. The staff was attentive, kind, and warm, making every aspect of the dining experience seamless. A special mention to Lisa and Jose, who were particularly exceptional—knowledgeable, professional, and friendly, they added that extra touch of hospitality that elevates a meal from good to great.

The restaurant itself is a visual masterpiece. The ambiance exudes understated elegance, and the stylish design only enhances the allure of this iconic New York City gem. Whether you’re here for an intimate dinner or a celebration, the atmosphere is unrivaled.

I had the pleasure of enjoying an incredible time at Locanda Verde, and I will undoubtedly be returning for more. It’s rare to find a restaurant that not only offers impeccable food but also creates a welcoming and luxurious environment. Locanda Verde is, without a doubt, a must-visit destination in...