Savelli — Restaurant in New York

So I frequented this place for the first time yesterday with a friend. It’s very cute and has a cozy feel. However there were a few things that completely took my rating down. First, the original host/ server we had was not the nicest. I mean, he was pleasant, but certainly not someone who would make you enthusiastic about returning to the place. He took our orders and never bothered to check in on us, although he was actively checking on all the other tables around us. Matter of fact, after gleefully catering to another table behind us, and making us wait, he finally came over to ask if “any one took our order.” It wasn’t until a woman server saw us and approached us with such a lovely demeanor, that she changed at least my perspective on the place. She was so nice, and even suggested one of their signature desserts (Tiramisu) to try. Sadly, this actually brings me to the food. I ordered the pasta bolognese and my friend ordered the ravioli ai porcini in salsa Al tartufo. The menu made them seem so delectable. When my meal arrived, it was lukewarm, and surprisingly tasteless considering their ingredients. I usually love a pasta bolognese, but this was one of the few times I discovered one that was just so lackluster, and my friend said they ruined her truffle experience. Then when it was time for us to leave, the waiters suddenly came swooping in like vultures. I had never seen so many people on top of us the entire time we were there. Like, they could have at least given us a second to stand. Not even a minute after we got up, they were rushing over to collect plates. I felt so stressed. Frankly, if you are not looking for lackluster food, and limited/rushed service,...

My friends and I had a great time at Savelli last night to celebrate a birthday. We had a party of about 8 or so and had the perfect table to accommodate us. The service was friendly, courteous, and timely. The restaurant's interior/ambiance is beautiful. It's also not so loud that you can't hear your own conversation, so that was a nice bonus.

We ended up ordering several appetizers, entrees, and desserts, all family-style.

For appetizers, we had two orders of the ARANCINE DI MANZO (short rib arancini, always a winner) and an order of calamari. The arancini came with a sort of basil aioli sauce and the calamari came with a side of marinara (so good).

We then ordered a whopping 29" FUNGHI pizza (mozzarella, fontina cheese, fresh mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, white truffle cream & fresh basil). To be honest, while it was pretty good, it was my least favorite as it seemed a bit dry. BUT, wow, what a beauty! And there was plenty for everyone to have a couple of slices.

We also ordered a couple of pasta dishes, such as ORECCHIETTE SALSICCIA E BROCCOLI RAPA (orecchiette pasta served with sauteed broccoli rabe and sausage—highly recommend) and their LINGUINE ALLE VONGOLE (Linguine served with clams in a oil and garlic sauce—soooo great) as well as a side of broccoli rabe.

For dessert, we ordered two chocolate lava cakes that came with vanilla ice cream, a tiramisu (a highlight of the evening, imo), and a NY cheesecake.

While I would probably try a different pizza next time, I'll definitely return. This is my third time at or ordering from Savelli, and it's truly a great spot in the...

I would’ve given only one star if it wasn’t for the kindness of another waitress.

We came for (admittedly) a late dinner to the restaurant. I get it, the waitstaff doesn’t always “appreciate” later tables but then again if you don’t want us, don’t seat us. We sat close to the bar at first. At the bar was sitting another customer which, for some reason, the restaurant had allowed the customer to bring in his dog (and no, not a service dog). The dog suddenly defecated on the floor which the customer had the brilliant idea of using a bread basket (I swear I’m not making this up) to put the initial waste in and to let the dog proceed to defecate in the basket. I believe the owner was in the restaurant and witnessed everything but simply asked the customer to put the dog out (mind you his dog also just puked all over the floor). No one ever asked us if we were okay, no truly apologized for the situation. We had to ask to move, which another waitress was more than happy to help us with.

About an hour into the service, our actual waiter, leaves us the bill, and about 10 minutes later insists we pay so he can close his cash. Like I said, I get we were a late table, but if you don’t want us, don’t seat us. Not only was nothing offered by the house, considering the circumstances, but they charged the wrong (more expensive) bottle of wine.

We left 15% only because we realized they pooled tips and we appreciated the other waitresses service and kindness. Our meal should have came with...