Puglia — Restaurant in New York

Good southern Italy food, but we also got the "bum's rush" We, a family of three, were in town from Tokyo and Washington, DC for four nights for the NY Marathon. Having read the reviews on line, and learning Puglia's was close by--indeed within walking distance of our hotel--and featured live music, I popped by the place, and my grandson and I were instantly offered to be seated. I said, oh no, we first had to go wake up my son, who was asleep, after his 26-mile run--but that we'd be right back in 15 minutes. And so we were. We were being seated, but not surprisingly, my son said he had to head to the restroom first. We sat there wondering why he was so long in getting back to the table. When he returned to sit with us, he said he'd been accosted and literally cornered by two men who were demanding under what name did he have a reservation? (Perhaps this place in "Little Italy" has a problem with tourists trying to use its restroom, but my son is a 47-year-old businessman and happened to now be dressed in a buttondown shirt, wool slacks ,and even dress shoes.) We stayed and finished ordering, as it'd been a very long day. A couple of minutes after we ordered two Peroni beers, eggplant parmigiana and chicken parmigiana, I caught the waiter's eye and asked if we had time to add an appetizer of calamari. When he said but the food would be out in ten minutes, we said, it's okay, never mind. The beers came with nicely frozen glasses and our dishes were ample, flavorful, and hot. Then the entertainment started and the piano player (one of the ones who'd earlier cornered my son) asked if there were any runners in the house. Three hands went up. They acknowledged one with a fun song and sparkler and the other, was recognized and known to sing, so he was beckoned up and he was indeed, talented. Again, a show of hands was asked for any marathon runners. I pointed toward my son and they nodded and said, "Table 10!" which was us. And that was it. Our check was brought. We weren't asked if we wanted another beer or even dessert. I really felt the goal was to turn our table over as quickly as possible. So, go enjoy, but its bread and butter are one-time tourists, so don't expect much in the way of...

Puglia in Little Italy, New York is an absolute gem that captures the essence of authentic Italian cuisine. From the moment you step inside, you are transported to a charming and inviting space that instantly makes you feel like family.

The staff at Puglia are incredibly warm and attentive, providing a level of hospitality that is second to none. They are knowledgeable about the menu, always ready to offer recommendations and ensure that every dish is prepared to perfection. Whether you are a regular or a first-time visitor, you are made to feel welcomed and appreciated.

Now let's talk about the food - simply outstanding! Puglia's menu is a celebration of traditional Italian fare, with a focus on the flavors and recipes of the Puglia region. Each dish is crafted with the utmost care, using fresh and high-quality ingredients. From their homemade pastas to their mouthwatering seafood dishes, every bite is a true testament to their dedication to culinary excellence.

One cannot visit Puglia without indulging in their famous wood-fired pizzas. Bursting with flavor and cooked to perfection, these pizzas showcase the true artistry and craftsmanship of Italian pizza-making. The crust is thin and crispy, with a beautifully charred edge that adds a lovely smoky flavor to each bite. Topped with a variety of fresh ingredients, their pizzas are a true taste of Italy.

The ambiance at Puglia is charming and cozy, with dim lighting, rustic wooden tables, and a lively atmosphere that adds a touch of authenticity to your dining experience. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a weeknight dinner, the ambiance sets the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable evening.

In conclusion, Puglia in Little Italy, New York is a culinary haven that never disappoints. With its warm and attentive staff, exceptional cuisine, and inviting atmosphere, it is a destination that will leave a lasting impression. Whether you're a lover of Italian cuisine or simply looking for a remarkable dining experience, Puglia is the...

Apparently, Puglia has been around for 96 years. And it sure smells that way. Once you walk in, your nostrils will be taken over by the smell of a combination of mold, must, and a dirty bathroom. If you're willing to look past that for the food, don't bother because that is subpar.

Sure, the lunch specials are a pretty good deal - $10.50 for a side salad or a soup of the day (that day, it happened to be minestrone), garlic bread (that's overly buttery), and your selection of about 10 entrees. I went with the rigatoni alla vodka, since I really like vodka sauce. This didn't taste like any vodka sauce I like or am used to. It was more like they out a dash of milk into some tomato sauce and poured it over the pasta. The pasta wasn't cooked well. Some of them pieces were al dente, but others weren't cooked long enough.

Toward the end of the meal, the in house entertainment showed up (at about 1 pm on a Thursday, which is a pretty odd time for that). It was a singer, who had an okay voice but it just didn't seem to fit in with the atmosphere. Our party was in the next room, and it was so loud that I could not even hear what the person next to me was saying. I'm just glad that this "entertainment" showed up when we were almost done. I would have been much happier there without it.

On top of all this, anyone who served us just seemed to have a bad attitude. They seemed annoyed at any question we had to ask.

I definitely would not come back. I only came here because of a work team lunch. Puglia is the perfect definition of a Little Italy...