Sette Mezzo — Restaurant in New York

We had a very bad experience with the manager of the restaurant. He was a total jerk. This is the first restaurant I have not left a tip for in over 40 years of living in New York City. The waiter took away the (single) drinks menu after my friend ordered and before I could look. I asked if they had a Sauvignon Blanc, and he said yes. When I saw on the bill that it was $25, all I did was ask to confirm it. The manager came over and started yelling at me that I should never order something if I did not know the price and I cared. I had only asked the question as it was more than I expected. I waved him away when he started to bring me the drinks menu, obviously to prove the price was correct. At that point it was irrelevant, and I was perfectly happy to pay and go. Then the manager started waving at us to go away, and literally said (loudly!) “go away.“ I was shocked as I had not raised my voice or complained. I live in the neighborhood and there are many equally good and better restaurants to...

Sette Mezzo is one of the underrated gems in all of Manhattan. I’ve been going since I was a little kid in the early 90s.

Their tomato sauce has some kind of magical quality that I can’t quite pinpoint, but everytime I taste their food I’m instantly brought back to a special place. Any kind of dish you try is an instant classic. The Gnocchi Bava, Penne Sette Mezzo, or Branzino are my top favorites. And they have the best tiramisu I've ever tried. You can tell they make it with love.

Besides the food, it’s just a fun time. You never know who you’re going to see, or strike up a conversation with. The ambiance is always alive, and the waiters are engaging and knowledgeable. They make you feel comfortable and welcome. It’s just my favorite place and if you’re in the neighborhood...

After an evening at the Frick Collection, my friend and I stumbled on to Sette Mezzo. It had been a very hot day, and we were in the mood for very special summer dishes. My friend was craving for Melone e Prosciutto, and all I could think of was to have my favorite summer dish: Vitello Tonnato which is a cold dish of thinly-sliced veal covered with a rich, creamy tuna sauce with capers. Neither dish was on the menu, and not many restaurants offer Vitello Tonnato. Our waiter, Diego was just wonderful, cheerful and accommodating. The Melon and Prosciutto dish was absolutely delicious, and the Vitello Tonnato was perfect. Kudos to the Chef! We certainly will go back to...