Delicious came for brunch, everything we had was epicure
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Elaine B.
We were a party of 2 on Saturday at 6:00 PM Only 2 other tables were occupied the entire time we were there, and both tables were occupied by guests who were obviously repeat diners and well known to the staff. The long and short of it: the soup appetizer was bland and needed salt. The "special" zucchini appetizer was so salty it was almost inedible. Likewise the halibut main course, which came with a "sauce" so over reduced it looked like mush. Veal Milanese was also too salty, too thick, unevenly cooked. The only delicious course was the pastry for dessert, which I doubt was made in house. All this for only $400.00!! Do not go unless you intend to become a regular patron; then and only then, you might have a decent meal. And the hostess really needs nicer false lashes, just sayin'................
Marion Fischer
I rarely post about restaurants but this one is ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Where art, design and food merge. My kind of place! Deliciously artful. Peaceful interior. Swiss chard "cappuccino" was a surprise gift, prosciutto/fig/burrata, pesto vegetarian lasagna, white/milk/dark chocolate mousse. Little sweet bites. Excellent service by Alfonso. Thank you Chef Roberto Deiaco! ✨
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
MING QUAN ZHENG
The server with long false lashes came to take our order never mentioned the prices of their specials not on the menu; can you believe that this Risotto cost over $210? Tastes awful not even worth $21! Are they out of their mind? Think they’re Michelin ranked? The moment after we paid, long false lash server came to urge me to move to the bar because there were people waiting for this table! I’m 38 weeks pregnant and the bar area is tiny (the restaurant alone is tiny) can you imagine someone with huge belly to sit at bar? Well this is their hospitality! So mad that I just stepped out! Avoid!
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 1
Ming Quan Z.
The server with long false lashes came to take our order never mentioned the prices of their specials not on the menu; can you believe that this Risotto cost over $210? Tastes awful not even worth $21! Are they out of their mind? Think they're Michelin ranked? The second after we paid, long false lash server came to urge me to move to the bar because there were people waiting for this table! I'm 38 weeks pregnant and the bar area is tiny (the restaurant alone is tiny) can you imagine someone with huge belly to sit at bar? Well this is their hospitality! So mad that I just stepped out! Avoid!
Lisabeth S.
Great spot for adult company and conversation. Food was amazing and the service Yoo notch. The porcini pasta special with black truffles was something I will dream about for years to come. We live close by and will be back. Not cheap but great atmosphere.
Heather K.
Exquisite presentation, equally impressive preparation and service exemplary - can't wait to return!
D K
I experienced the best food and heartwarming service in Avena.I went to Avena two years ago for Christmas with my friend. We spent a year in the US as exchange students, and New York was our last destination on that long journey. Because of that, we were both not financially comfortable.We couldn't afford a full-course meal, so we decided to share small plates. It must be obvious to the worker that we couldn't tip them well. But no matter how little we ordered, the servers were extremely nice and treated us the same as other customers. Also, the chef divided all the dishes into two plates, even though we didn't ask. We were so touched by your service, and it was heartwarming.I am a picky eater, yet I finished all my plates. The way the food was cooked was flawless. I don't even have to mention texture, and the temperature was perfect. If there's any customer reading this, you should order mille-feuille for sure. Never skip the dessert from here.Thank you so much to Avena for making Christmas unforgettable in New York.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Duck Two Ways, Spinach Soup
Vivian R.
We visit New York a couple times a year and Avena is a priority every time. Incredible food, service, and ambiance!!
S Braun
Thank you for the 10/10 pasta and excellent service. Perfect for a quiet, mid-week lunch.
Chef Roberto is undoubtedly the Best Italian Chef in NYC. He is transforming freshest possible ingredients into edible works of art. Incredible how he can create the most authentic Italian dish with American products because of his vast knowledge. Grazie Chef!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Ed R.
A totally superb experience with incredible food and fantastic service.I do not usually write rave views, but the chef (and owner) is amazing The place is simply great!!!
Curious24558069620
This is a fabulous restaurant. The food and service were amazing,. Four of us had the Branzino which was fantastic, perfectly cooked, and the plate was beautiful looking and tasting. Each course was excellent. There was even an amuse buche which is almost unheard of for lunch. The chef also sent each of us a complimentary scoop of phenomenal mandarin sorbet, homemade and terrific. I cannot say enough good things about this restaurant. It is really, really good in every way!
Kelli Ribera
Avena and its lovely staff and chef provided one of my best restaurant experiences EVER! The atmosphere is amazingly charming, think romantic chic. The food was mouth watering delicious and very fine quality. The staff made us feel like royalty!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Gazpacho
Kal L.
Expect very friendly staff, beautifully presented dishes and an impressive wine selection. The Nals Margreid Angra Pinot Noir $96 compliments most dishes. Avena offers a very elevated and contemporary interpretation of Italian cuisine in a cozy and intimate setting that is suitable for business dinners, a date night, or an evening with friends and family. Skip the desserts altogether and stick to the first and second courses.
Delicious came for brunch, everything we had was epicure
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We were a party of 2 on Saturday at 6:00 PM Only 2 other tables were occupied the entire time we were there, and both tables were occupied by guests who were obviously repeat diners and well known to the staff. The long and short of it: the soup appetizer was bland and needed salt. The "special" zucchini appetizer was so salty it was almost inedible. Likewise the halibut main course, which came with a "sauce" so over reduced it looked like mush. Veal Milanese was also too salty, too thick, unevenly cooked. The only delicious course was the pastry for dessert, which I doubt was made in house. All this for only $400.00!! Do not go unless you intend to become a regular patron; then and only then, you might have a decent meal. And the hostess really needs nicer false lashes, just sayin'................
I rarely post about restaurants but this one is ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Where art, design and food merge. My kind of place! Deliciously artful. Peaceful interior. Swiss chard "cappuccino" was a surprise gift, prosciutto/fig/burrata, pesto vegetarian lasagna, white/milk/dark chocolate mousse. Little sweet bites. Excellent service by Alfonso. Thank you Chef Roberto Deiaco! ✨
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The server with long false lashes came to take our order never mentioned the prices of their specials not on the menu; can you believe that this Risotto cost over $210? Tastes awful not even worth $21! Are they out of their mind? Think they’re Michelin ranked? The moment after we paid, long false lash server came to urge me to move to the bar because there were people waiting for this table! I’m 38 weeks pregnant and the bar area is tiny (the restaurant alone is tiny) can you imagine someone with huge belly to sit at bar? Well this is their hospitality! So mad that I just stepped out! Avoid!
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 1
The server with long false lashes came to take our order never mentioned the prices of their specials not on the menu; can you believe that this Risotto cost over $210? Tastes awful not even worth $21! Are they out of their mind? Think they're Michelin ranked? The second after we paid, long false lash server came to urge me to move to the bar because there were people waiting for this table! I'm 38 weeks pregnant and the bar area is tiny (the restaurant alone is tiny) can you imagine someone with huge belly to sit at bar? Well this is their hospitality! So mad that I just stepped out! Avoid!
Great spot for adult company and conversation. Food was amazing and the service Yoo notch. The porcini pasta special with black truffles was something I will dream about for years to come. We live close by and will be back. Not cheap but great atmosphere.
Exquisite presentation, equally impressive preparation and service exemplary - can't wait to return!
I experienced the best food and heartwarming service in Avena.I went to Avena two years ago for Christmas with my friend. We spent a year in the US as exchange students, and New York was our last destination on that long journey. Because of that, we were both not financially comfortable.We couldn't afford a full-course meal, so we decided to share small plates. It must be obvious to the worker that we couldn't tip them well. But no matter how little we ordered, the servers were extremely nice and treated us the same as other customers. Also, the chef divided all the dishes into two plates, even though we didn't ask. We were so touched by your service, and it was heartwarming.I am a picky eater, yet I finished all my plates. The way the food was cooked was flawless. I don't even have to mention texture, and the temperature was perfect. If there's any customer reading this, you should order mille-feuille for sure. Never skip the dessert from here.Thank you so much to Avena for making Christmas unforgettable in New York.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Duck Two Ways, Spinach Soup
We visit New York a couple times a year and Avena is a priority every time. Incredible food, service, and ambiance!!
Thank you for the 10/10 pasta and excellent service. Perfect for a quiet, mid-week lunch.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Chef Roberto is undoubtedly the Best Italian Chef in NYC. He is transforming freshest possible ingredients into edible works of art. Incredible how he can create the most authentic Italian dish with American products because of his vast knowledge. Grazie Chef!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
A totally superb experience with incredible food and fantastic service.I do not usually write rave views, but the chef (and owner) is amazing The place is simply great!!!
This is a fabulous restaurant. The food and service were amazing,. Four of us had the Branzino which was fantastic, perfectly cooked, and the plate was beautiful looking and tasting. Each course was excellent. There was even an amuse buche which is almost unheard of for lunch. The chef also sent each of us a complimentary scoop of phenomenal mandarin sorbet, homemade and terrific. I cannot say enough good things about this restaurant. It is really, really good in every way!
Avena and its lovely staff and chef provided one of my best restaurant experiences EVER! The atmosphere is amazingly charming, think romantic chic. The food was mouth watering delicious and very fine quality. The staff made us feel like royalty!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Gazpacho
Expect very friendly staff, beautifully presented dishes and an impressive wine selection. The Nals Margreid Angra Pinot Noir $96 compliments most dishes. Avena offers a very elevated and contemporary interpretation of Italian cuisine in a cozy and intimate setting that is suitable for business dinners, a date night, or an evening with friends and family. Skip the desserts altogether and stick to the first and second courses.