Strongly agree with previous reviewer about their employee David Rivoli. Not only is he a well known rampant misogynist in terms of his downright abusive, blatantly aggressive and excessive language and behavior on his allegedly “professional” social media account, but I would never consiously be able to support any business who condones his downright hostile and borderline unhinged behaviors.Along with that, I have never seen someone so blatant in his unearned arrogance with how he constantly makes videos insulting YOUR GUESTS. Any restaurant he works at, he is making videos and posting negative and insulting running commentary about the people who patronize your businesses. Imagine being a paying guest at Avvio and enjoying a nice meal, to come home and find out one of the cooks went online to personally insult each and every request, choice of meal, or interaction you had with staff while dining. From insulting patrons ways of preferring how they would like their pizza cooked, how they would like their pasta prepared, asking for pizza dough for their child to play with, and being dressed down and called “insane” about that request, to how their pizza is cut improperly, just yesterday, where was David not doing his job correctly, being lazy, then gaslighting the customer about how THEY are the lazy ones for not just doing it themselves (!!!) It’s a nonstop barrage of insults on YOUR guests, all so David can have “content.” Immature and inappropriate behavior that reflects extremely poorly on your establishment (currently) and any establishment that employs him now, or in the future. Guests should never fear “retribution” via the internet for simply dining out and making reasonable requests. We need to stop condoning this type of behavior, and not encouraging employees to feel comfortable harassing guests after they’ve dined with you. His downright bragging of how educated and knowledgeable he is vs your “stupid” and “uneducated,” “ignorant” guests are, just in his time working at Avvio, has put me off ever taking the chance that I’ll fall prey to his vindictive fueled behaviors, and potentially have my food tampered with, or be attacked online. It’s is just not worth it. Unprofessional across the board, at minimum.
Doug J
This restaurant is good, but I cannot in good faith support a restaurant who employs a chef as toxic as their chef de partie, David Rivoli. I have personally witnessed him harassing multiple people on social media who disagree with his reviews on restaurants, posting people on his public story insulting them, cursing at them, using slurs against women, etc. Very poor representation from their employee.If this is how he's comfortable behaving in public, then it's very uncomfortable to consider how he may turn those negative emotions towards the food of people or customers he has an issue with.
deborah steele
Was there last night to celebrate a friend's birthday. Not a frequent diner because like so many other restaurants, overpriced. The food and martinis were good, but what came after we ate was upsetting. I informed the waitress that we needed our forks and a knife for cake. She brought us back clean silver, I told her I brought plates. We ate some cake that we brought, all of a sudden, another woman approaches to tell me that they did not realize that we brought a cake and that they were charging an additional 2.50 for each person. She said that cakes need to be approved, brought back to the kitchen and that they would serve it. Guess where that extra charge comes from. I told her that I knew nothing about this practice and charge. Then the waitress came over claiming that she did not know we had brought a cake. I brought some plates with me and I had even told her that we did not need plates. She said that she thought we were ordering dessert. Why would I bring my own plates???? I think her lame excuse bothered me the most. Won't be back
Joseph Young
Food was excellent, drink recommendations were great! Scallop dish on reg menu was amazing! Our waiter, Andreo (sp?) was fantastic and made a special birthday dinner even more fun. Will definitely be back again!
Service: 5
Paul Bilsky
Our waiter Jason was amazing as was the food. Great dinning experience. O yeah we will be back!
Service: 5
RJ Wood
Located in the heart of Garden City which is always a fun place to visit with family and friends, my spouse and I went into Avivo with no expectations. On a Friday evening, the restaurant was busy but there wasn't any wait. We got a spot at the bar, and our bartender was really friendly and attentive. We ordered a few drinks and dinner. I had an espresso martini which was delicious. They had a great selection of wine and the bartender found one my wife really enjoyed. The food was great, I had a chicken caesar salad and the Mrs had a wrap that I did not try but she thought it had great taste and was very fresh. Would love to come back and try more food soon. Definitely found this to be a great place for a night out.
Service: 5
Khamsay Phimmasanh-Baig
First time dining at Avvio and it was ok for me. Typical Italian foods; VERY HEAVY and RICH.
Service: 5
Kevin froberg
Great food and service!
Service: 5
S Elly
Good food and service, also good location.
Service: 5
Barbie
Had to send back overcooked chicken. Had the others taste it and they agreed it was super chewy.. Kale salad had grit in it. Was very pricy 16.00 . Not sure what the uncharge was in lieu of string beans, but based on the check two of us must have gotten charged the full side order. Not a happy client. Maybe a bad night.
Haven't been there in a while. Food is still fabulous. Our waitress was on top of everything. Only downside was the price of the Martinis. Bit overpriced compared to where we have been having lunch.
DennisB
Our server Ryan was spot on with great service. My wife and I with another couple had not seen each other in a while and we got caught up in conversation. Ryan was completely understanding and very attentive with a great personality. When we return and we will I will be requesting Ryan D again.
TheresC
There was a great atmosphere to the restaurant. We had the chicken & Veal milanese; bologonese and meatballs all were delicious. We tried red blend wine that was yummy! Server was pleasant & efficient.
SusanE
Usually the chef/kitchen is very accommodating. I often have chicken Marsala which is not on the menu. I can't have any garlic so red sauces are generally out. Apparently they didn't have the ingredients tho they had Chicken and mushrooms. Ordered a pasta dish but the chicken was pretty dry. Server was excellent. Husband had chicken piccata but serving was smaller than usual. Just the first time I've been disappointed.
Donna I
Love go in there great drinks great. But I was disappointed they got rid of the best blue cheese dressing you ever had. The cauliflower soup and the fresh squeezed juices that they used to mix the.
Strongly agree with previous reviewer about their employee David Rivoli. Not only is he a well known rampant misogynist in terms of his downright abusive, blatantly aggressive and excessive language and behavior on his allegedly “professional” social media account, but I would never consiously be able to support any business who condones his downright hostile and borderline unhinged behaviors.Along with that, I have never seen someone so blatant in his unearned arrogance with how he constantly makes videos insulting YOUR GUESTS. Any restaurant he works at, he is making videos and posting negative and insulting running commentary about the people who patronize your businesses. Imagine being a paying guest at Avvio and enjoying a nice meal, to come home and find out one of the cooks went online to personally insult each and every request, choice of meal, or interaction you had with staff while dining. From insulting patrons ways of preferring how they would like their pizza cooked, how they would like their pasta prepared, asking for pizza dough for their child to play with, and being dressed down and called “insane” about that request, to how their pizza is cut improperly, just yesterday, where was David not doing his job correctly, being lazy, then gaslighting the customer about how THEY are the lazy ones for not just doing it themselves (!!!) It’s a nonstop barrage of insults on YOUR guests, all so David can have “content.” Immature and inappropriate behavior that reflects extremely poorly on your establishment (currently) and any establishment that employs him now, or in the future. Guests should never fear “retribution” via the internet for simply dining out and making reasonable requests. We need to stop condoning this type of behavior, and not encouraging employees to feel comfortable harassing guests after they’ve dined with you. His downright bragging of how educated and knowledgeable he is vs your “stupid” and “uneducated,” “ignorant” guests are, just in his time working at Avvio, has put me off ever taking the chance that I’ll fall prey to his vindictive fueled behaviors, and potentially have my food tampered with, or be attacked online. It’s is just not worth it. Unprofessional across the board, at minimum.
This restaurant is good, but I cannot in good faith support a restaurant who employs a chef as toxic as their chef de partie, David Rivoli. I have personally witnessed him harassing multiple people on social media who disagree with his reviews on restaurants, posting people on his public story insulting them, cursing at them, using slurs against women, etc. Very poor representation from their employee.If this is how he's comfortable behaving in public, then it's very uncomfortable to consider how he may turn those negative emotions towards the food of people or customers he has an issue with.
Was there last night to celebrate a friend's birthday. Not a frequent diner because like so many other restaurants, overpriced. The food and martinis were good, but what came after we ate was upsetting. I informed the waitress that we needed our forks and a knife for cake. She brought us back clean silver, I told her I brought plates. We ate some cake that we brought, all of a sudden, another woman approaches to tell me that they did not realize that we brought a cake and that they were charging an additional 2.50 for each person. She said that cakes need to be approved, brought back to the kitchen and that they would serve it. Guess where that extra charge comes from. I told her that I knew nothing about this practice and charge. Then the waitress came over claiming that she did not know we had brought a cake. I brought some plates with me and I had even told her that we did not need plates. She said that she thought we were ordering dessert. Why would I bring my own plates???? I think her lame excuse bothered me the most. Won't be back
Food was excellent, drink recommendations were great! Scallop dish on reg menu was amazing! Our waiter, Andreo (sp?) was fantastic and made a special birthday dinner even more fun. Will definitely be back again!
Service: 5
Our waiter Jason was amazing as was the food. Great dinning experience. O yeah we will be back!
Service: 5
Located in the heart of Garden City which is always a fun place to visit with family and friends, my spouse and I went into Avivo with no expectations. On a Friday evening, the restaurant was busy but there wasn't any wait. We got a spot at the bar, and our bartender was really friendly and attentive. We ordered a few drinks and dinner. I had an espresso martini which was delicious. They had a great selection of wine and the bartender found one my wife really enjoyed. The food was great, I had a chicken caesar salad and the Mrs had a wrap that I did not try but she thought it had great taste and was very fresh. Would love to come back and try more food soon. Definitely found this to be a great place for a night out.
Service: 5
First time dining at Avvio and it was ok for me. Typical Italian foods; VERY HEAVY and RICH.
Service: 5
Great food and service!
Service: 5
Good food and service, also good location.
Service: 5
Had to send back overcooked chicken. Had the others taste it and they agreed it was super chewy.. Kale salad had grit in it. Was very pricy 16.00 . Not sure what the uncharge was in lieu of string beans, but based on the check two of us must have gotten charged the full side order. Not a happy client. Maybe a bad night.
Restaurantji Recommends
Haven't been there in a while. Food is still fabulous. Our waitress was on top of everything. Only downside was the price of the Martinis. Bit overpriced compared to where we have been having lunch.
Our server Ryan was spot on with great service. My wife and I with another couple had not seen each other in a while and we got caught up in conversation. Ryan was completely understanding and very attentive with a great personality. When we return and we will I will be requesting Ryan D again.
There was a great atmosphere to the restaurant. We had the chicken & Veal milanese; bologonese and meatballs all were delicious. We tried red blend wine that was yummy! Server was pleasant & efficient.
Usually the chef/kitchen is very accommodating. I often have chicken Marsala which is not on the menu. I can't have any garlic so red sauces are generally out. Apparently they didn't have the ingredients tho they had Chicken and mushrooms. Ordered a pasta dish but the chicken was pretty dry. Server was excellent. Husband had chicken piccata but serving was smaller than usual. Just the first time I've been disappointed.
Love go in there great drinks great. But I was disappointed they got rid of the best blue cheese dressing you ever had. The cauliflower soup and the fresh squeezed juices that they used to mix the.