Babbo Ristorante Enoteca

Chef/owner Mario Batali is drawing lots of attention (winning James Beard award for best new restaurant in 1999) with contemporary but painstakingly "authentic" spins on Italian dishes.

Overall:
Food:
Ambiance:
Service:

Compliments 8 / 10

6/14/02

I live in Modena in Emilia Romagna, Italy, a city which is very well known for its excellent cuisine. I was in New York last week and my sister, who lives in Hoboken, took me to BABBO. It's a fantastic place, even better than the food you get in Italy. I highly recommend it!

Italian food? Not even close!! 4 / 10

2/16/03

Those who lived in Italy know what a good food is. Very disappointed with Mario's claim of so called"authentic" Italian cuisine.

As great as ever 10 / 10

2/24/03

We returned to Babbo about a year and half after our last visit. We've heard that the quality of the food has declined, but we were happy to find that this was not the case. Our group of three were warmly welcomed and promptly seated in the upstairs dining room, and presented with a delicious Chickpea Bruscetta prepared with Balsamic Vinegar and Olive Oil. Our first courses were Steamed Cockles with Red Chilis and Thai Basil (heavenly), Pig Foot Milanese (crisp fried paper-thin slices of pork - delicious), and the house-made selection of Salumi. Our pasta course consisted of Spagattini with Black Truffles, Pappardelle Bolognese, and Gnocchi with Oxtail. All three pastas were perfectly prepared, beautifully presented, and absolutly delicious (The Bolognese is the best I've had outside of Bologna). Our mains followed, Pancetta Ripiena (Roasted Pancetta stuffed with sweet cabbage and Black Chickpeas), Roasted Loin of Veal with Speck, and Grilled Lambchops. Again, I cannot say anything except how wonderful everything was. Desserts were sensational, and the accompanying wine selected by the Sommelier complemented the food wonderfully. The service is low-key but attentive, and the atmosphere is elegant without being at all stuffy. (Even a great selection of music was playing in the background!) I can't wait to return so I can try some of the other new dishes on the menu.

Not worth it 2 / 10

4/22/04

I was treated to the overly-expensive, overly-hyped Babbo and went in with good intentions. Having made reservations in advance, I went dressed up, expecting an enchanting evening. I found other diners in jeans and even one table with an infant that made me feel over-dressed even though the decor suggests fine dining. The service was patronizing. For someone who doesn't eat fancy often, a lot of the menu descriptions needed explaining and even after dishes came out, we were curious as to "what was what". We felt as though the waitstaff looked down on us for not knowing what everything on the menu meant and for daring to inquire what non-alcoholic drinks were available. The flavors of the dishes got progressively worse as the courses continued and after receiving the bill, we both felt cheated and as if we had paid to eat "Fear Factor" food at Tiffany's prices. Forget it! You can eat better tasting food at cheaper establishments that care about providing a positive culinary experience.

11/21/00

This must be one of the best Italian restaurants in New York City. The variety on the menu was exceptional, especially for those who do not eat much red meat. Lots of fish and vegetable options to choose from. The wine list is extensive and well-priced. The service was excellent. Polite and friendly waiters who could answer any question about the menu. The atmosphere is upscale but feels casual and comfortable.

Babbo Ristorante Enoteca
110 Waverly Place
New York, NY 10011
(212) 777-0303

Hours:
Mon-Sat 5:30 PM-11:30 PM
Sun 5:00 PM-11:00 PM

Links:
Website Link Review

NYC Restaurants

Greenwich Village

Italian

Babbo Ristorante Enoteca