This is a charming little pasta restaurant in North Slope, but the wine list is abysmal (it's a very short wines by the glass list and the two that I've tried have both been disappointing). Service, while friendly, is slow because they seem to be understaffed. I would not recommend coming here right before a game or show at Barclays.
Andy Dienes
I hate to give a negative review because the waitstaff were very friendly, but unfortunately I don't think my dining experience here delivered on what I would expect for the price point.To start with something positive, I did enjoy the wine. They were reasonably priced and it is definitely a heavy pour if ordering by the glass, which I'm not going to complain about.Some of the negative points:* We were seated in the basement wine cellar; the corner alcove in which sat our table smelled so dank & musty we had to ask to switch tables, which thankfully they allowed us.* The service was quite slow, and we were sitting easily 15 minutes with empty plates between each course. Similarly they were not going around to refill the water glasses so mine sat empty for most of the meal* I ordered the quail appetizer. It was presented with the serving fork fallen completely into the sauce, and the sausage inside tasted (to me) a bit dry and overcooked* The linguine was a little watery and the butter sauce emulsion had broken, so there was just a buttery watery pool at the bottom of the plate* This may be superficial / subjective, but the music played was genuinely offputting. It was like a playlist solely composed of sensual crooning covers of top 50 pop songs
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
juliana novello
I went to this restaurant a few weeks back and the food was absolutely delicious. I say that as an Italian American, who is hard to please, when it comes to Italian food, however, despite all of this, I had a bit of an issue, because even though we made a reservation, we wound up waiting for 35 minutes for our table!!!! the waiter was very nice and offered us wine but I don’t drink and reservations are meant so that you don’t have to wait that long. It was 930 at night on a Friday.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
MC Hoff
This was the first time I have ever had a steak delivered that was so perfectly done (medium rare), and delicious. The mashed potatoes were so good I could've completely filled my belly with those alone. Asparagus spears were also perfect.Very, very pleased with everything, including the service and accomodation of a special request.Thank you for a great meal!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Omar Torres
Romantic, intimate, incredible service is what I would describe about the atmosphere. It may seem small at first view. (There is a more sizable and intimate room downstairs). The tables are in close proximity to each other, which invites you to watch others converse and interact as you also watch, with elation, response to the food. To which, is prepared expertly and there is no wrong choice on the menu. The food will warm you. The wine selection is pristine and pairs well with just about anything on rhe menu. The staff goes out of their way to make you feel special and welcome. I love this place and so should you.
Recommended dishes: Cacio E Pepe, Ravioli with Duck
Kevin Alzate
Spent $85 a head for Valentine’s Day. I’m all for “cozy” atmospheres but when you can’t comfortably sit in your chair because too many people are sitting too close to you, then it’s not cozy - it’s cramped. At times, the waiters can barely get to the tables and have to reach over other tables to fill your glass of water.For $85 for 3 courses, I could at least get more than 2 stalks of asparagus for my steak.The steak sauce was phenomenal, so was the gnudi and the chocolate cake was the best dessert I’ve had in my life. The squid ink pasta and quail were delicious as well. However, my mashed potatoes and steak were lukewarm which was a bummer. Steak needed more salt too.Lastly, I was not notified there was a 20% service charge added onto the bill. Asking for gratuity when charging a service fee feels disingenuous and I’m not even sure if any of the service fee goes to the waitress. Not a fan of hidden fees.Overall, I’d recommend this restaurant on a not as busy day as the cramped environment can make you feel claustrophobic. However, the food is great and you should try the chocolate cake.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Kat Parker
Been meaning to go to this charming neighborhood spot forever and so glad we finally did! We had a great family dinner here, the rack of lamb, ravioli and cauliflower were highlights. (Skip the rabbit)Tiramisu and flourless chocolate cake were delish. They accommodated my vegetarian daughter with an off-menu meatless tomato sauce for her pasta. Lovely staff, beautiful cozy atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nisha Modi
Cozy, romantic atmosphere and great
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cesar Salad, Salad, Tagliatelle Al Ragú
Carlos Humberto Blanco BA
Great interior and great service. Food was good, but nothing you can’t really find elsewhere though. A bit overly priced for the small portions/taste compared to other great Italian restaurants. Pasta dishes seemed decent.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Linguine Con Gamberi, Tiramisu
Rebecca M.
A very charming, warm neighborhood spot with all around very good food -- just don't come in a hurry! The main room is cozy, rustic and somewhat romantic-feeling with a soundtrack of bossa nova covers of pop and rock classics. My husband and I were seated at a table in its own corner -- very cute. Food overall is very solid and well-prepared. A favorite was the lamb chops which were perfectly medium rare and served with surprisingly delicious grilled zucchini as they ran out of the usual cauliflower. Only quibble here was that service was extremely slow and not super attentive -- it took almost 20 min to find the host when we got in, we had to stand up and yell to the bartender at one point just to get water, and our fairly minimal meal (one app, two entrees) took more than 45 min to start arriving. The restaurant seemed very understaffed for a Saturday night.
Convivium has long been a favorite of mine, and I have been going several times a year since shortly after it opened. However, I am very unlikely to return. A group of 6 of us had a reservation for 9 pm on New Year's Eve. All 6 were at the restaurant on time, and we checked in. We were told it would be a few minutes, and we should wait outside (on a chilly evening). About 10 minutes later, they told us the our table was being cleaned up--it would just be a few minutes. 10 minutes later than that, someone came by and said--it will be very soon. Then they seated another group of the same size that had arrived after us, and again, assured us we would be seated soon. By 9:40, several of us went in to see where things stood, and the manager, who was busy flirting with some young women at the bar, ignored us for several minutes. He then told us it was New Year's Eve, and that the computer had messed up making too many reservations (I love blaming the computer, not the folks who define the algorithm). At about 9:43 we were seated at a table under the only speaker on that floor of the restaurant, which was blasting music appropriate for a teenybopper event. We asked to have it turned down, nothing happened. We asked again, and it was turned down for about 5 minutes, then blasted again. It was difficult to hear each other and the waiter. The food took a while to come, and most folks were happy with what they ordered. I ordered my long term favorite ravioli dish, which was nowhere near the quality of what I've had so many times before. The duck (if it was duck) was heavily laden with salt, and the ravioli were stuffed with a filling that hadn't been mixed well. It wasn't terrible, but it was deeply disappointing compared to prior times I had eaten it. It saddens me that a long-term well run restaurant has turned into such a mess. Several of our party had been on previous New Years Eves, and said this experience was horrible compared to prior visits. Scratch this one off the list!
joanne k.
My husband and I made a reservation here to join our sons and their significant others for a holiday dinner. Honestly, food doesn't get any better than this. The place is a step out of time and into an old world Italian storefront with beautiful decor and freshly made pastas and fabulous wines. The Montepulciano wine was out of this world - especially for the price. We added the burrata, charcuterie platter and salads to start. All fresh all high quality. Great bread and EVOO with olives. Of course we tried the tagiatelle with a veal and beef ragu along with the linguine and gnudi - delicate gnocchi type pasta in a lovely white sauce. I had the lamb - several small chops breaded lightly and medium rare on the inside. Incredible. It's a quiet place even when crowded. Service is knowledgeable and quick and not hovering. Although a small storefront it was comfortable and welcoming. Desserts were a large portion of wonderful rich tiramisu and a flourless chocolate cake which we had with espresso. No rush, no pressure - we had a chance to catch up on our lives in an atmosphere that was comfortable and inviting. There are so many great choices in Park Slope and surrounding areas. I am glad we decided on this unique and special restaurant.
Jen M.
quaintness extraordinar. stopped by for some wine and eat before the concert. cute place, nice staff. wish i wasn't in a hurry to try out their menu
Gab G.
Great neighborhood spot! My boyfriend and I came for dinner one night and ordered: + Albarosa cocktail + Biancon and tonic + Polenta + Caesar salad + Ravioli + Tagliatelle + Tiramisu My favorite cocktail was the biancon and tonic, and the best dishes were the Caesar and their signature green apple ravioli. Tiramisu was also awesome!
RH Woo
Not sure why this is still a Michelin star Bib Gourmand. Just ok gnocchi and nothing else that's memorable. Service staff is very nice, but the place is empty and a bit forlorn.
This is a charming little pasta restaurant in North Slope, but the wine list is abysmal (it's a very short wines by the glass list and the two that I've tried have both been disappointing). Service, while friendly, is slow because they seem to be understaffed. I would not recommend coming here right before a game or show at Barclays.
I hate to give a negative review because the waitstaff were very friendly, but unfortunately I don't think my dining experience here delivered on what I would expect for the price point.To start with something positive, I did enjoy the wine. They were reasonably priced and it is definitely a heavy pour if ordering by the glass, which I'm not going to complain about.Some of the negative points:* We were seated in the basement wine cellar; the corner alcove in which sat our table smelled so dank & musty we had to ask to switch tables, which thankfully they allowed us.* The service was quite slow, and we were sitting easily 15 minutes with empty plates between each course. Similarly they were not going around to refill the water glasses so mine sat empty for most of the meal* I ordered the quail appetizer. It was presented with the serving fork fallen completely into the sauce, and the sausage inside tasted (to me) a bit dry and overcooked* The linguine was a little watery and the butter sauce emulsion had broken, so there was just a buttery watery pool at the bottom of the plate* This may be superficial / subjective, but the music played was genuinely offputting. It was like a playlist solely composed of sensual crooning covers of top 50 pop songs
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
I went to this restaurant a few weeks back and the food was absolutely delicious. I say that as an Italian American, who is hard to please, when it comes to Italian food, however, despite all of this, I had a bit of an issue, because even though we made a reservation, we wound up waiting for 35 minutes for our table!!!! the waiter was very nice and offered us wine but I don’t drink and reservations are meant so that you don’t have to wait that long. It was 930 at night on a Friday.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
This was the first time I have ever had a steak delivered that was so perfectly done (medium rare), and delicious. The mashed potatoes were so good I could've completely filled my belly with those alone. Asparagus spears were also perfect.Very, very pleased with everything, including the service and accomodation of a special request.Thank you for a great meal!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Romantic, intimate, incredible service is what I would describe about the atmosphere. It may seem small at first view. (There is a more sizable and intimate room downstairs). The tables are in close proximity to each other, which invites you to watch others converse and interact as you also watch, with elation, response to the food. To which, is prepared expertly and there is no wrong choice on the menu. The food will warm you. The wine selection is pristine and pairs well with just about anything on rhe menu. The staff goes out of their way to make you feel special and welcome. I love this place and so should you.
Recommended dishes: Cacio E Pepe, Ravioli with Duck
Spent $85 a head for Valentine’s Day. I’m all for “cozy” atmospheres but when you can’t comfortably sit in your chair because too many people are sitting too close to you, then it’s not cozy - it’s cramped. At times, the waiters can barely get to the tables and have to reach over other tables to fill your glass of water.For $85 for 3 courses, I could at least get more than 2 stalks of asparagus for my steak.The steak sauce was phenomenal, so was the gnudi and the chocolate cake was the best dessert I’ve had in my life. The squid ink pasta and quail were delicious as well. However, my mashed potatoes and steak were lukewarm which was a bummer. Steak needed more salt too.Lastly, I was not notified there was a 20% service charge added onto the bill. Asking for gratuity when charging a service fee feels disingenuous and I’m not even sure if any of the service fee goes to the waitress. Not a fan of hidden fees.Overall, I’d recommend this restaurant on a not as busy day as the cramped environment can make you feel claustrophobic. However, the food is great and you should try the chocolate cake.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Been meaning to go to this charming neighborhood spot forever and so glad we finally did! We had a great family dinner here, the rack of lamb, ravioli and cauliflower were highlights. (Skip the rabbit)Tiramisu and flourless chocolate cake were delish. They accommodated my vegetarian daughter with an off-menu meatless tomato sauce for her pasta. Lovely staff, beautiful cozy atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cozy, romantic atmosphere and great
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cesar Salad, Salad, Tagliatelle Al Ragú
Great interior and great service. Food was good, but nothing you can’t really find elsewhere though. A bit overly priced for the small portions/taste compared to other great Italian restaurants. Pasta dishes seemed decent.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Linguine Con Gamberi, Tiramisu
A very charming, warm neighborhood spot with all around very good food -- just don't come in a hurry! The main room is cozy, rustic and somewhat romantic-feeling with a soundtrack of bossa nova covers of pop and rock classics. My husband and I were seated at a table in its own corner -- very cute. Food overall is very solid and well-prepared. A favorite was the lamb chops which were perfectly medium rare and served with surprisingly delicious grilled zucchini as they ran out of the usual cauliflower. Only quibble here was that service was extremely slow and not super attentive -- it took almost 20 min to find the host when we got in, we had to stand up and yell to the bartender at one point just to get water, and our fairly minimal meal (one app, two entrees) took more than 45 min to start arriving. The restaurant seemed very understaffed for a Saturday night.
Restaurantji Recommends
Convivium has long been a favorite of mine, and I have been going several times a year since shortly after it opened. However, I am very unlikely to return. A group of 6 of us had a reservation for 9 pm on New Year's Eve. All 6 were at the restaurant on time, and we checked in. We were told it would be a few minutes, and we should wait outside (on a chilly evening). About 10 minutes later, they told us the our table was being cleaned up--it would just be a few minutes. 10 minutes later than that, someone came by and said--it will be very soon. Then they seated another group of the same size that had arrived after us, and again, assured us we would be seated soon. By 9:40, several of us went in to see where things stood, and the manager, who was busy flirting with some young women at the bar, ignored us for several minutes. He then told us it was New Year's Eve, and that the computer had messed up making too many reservations (I love blaming the computer, not the folks who define the algorithm). At about 9:43 we were seated at a table under the only speaker on that floor of the restaurant, which was blasting music appropriate for a teenybopper event. We asked to have it turned down, nothing happened. We asked again, and it was turned down for about 5 minutes, then blasted again. It was difficult to hear each other and the waiter. The food took a while to come, and most folks were happy with what they ordered. I ordered my long term favorite ravioli dish, which was nowhere near the quality of what I've had so many times before. The duck (if it was duck) was heavily laden with salt, and the ravioli were stuffed with a filling that hadn't been mixed well. It wasn't terrible, but it was deeply disappointing compared to prior times I had eaten it. It saddens me that a long-term well run restaurant has turned into such a mess. Several of our party had been on previous New Years Eves, and said this experience was horrible compared to prior visits. Scratch this one off the list!
My husband and I made a reservation here to join our sons and their significant others for a holiday dinner. Honestly, food doesn't get any better than this. The place is a step out of time and into an old world Italian storefront with beautiful decor and freshly made pastas and fabulous wines. The Montepulciano wine was out of this world - especially for the price. We added the burrata, charcuterie platter and salads to start. All fresh all high quality. Great bread and EVOO with olives. Of course we tried the tagiatelle with a veal and beef ragu along with the linguine and gnudi - delicate gnocchi type pasta in a lovely white sauce. I had the lamb - several small chops breaded lightly and medium rare on the inside. Incredible. It's a quiet place even when crowded. Service is knowledgeable and quick and not hovering. Although a small storefront it was comfortable and welcoming. Desserts were a large portion of wonderful rich tiramisu and a flourless chocolate cake which we had with espresso. No rush, no pressure - we had a chance to catch up on our lives in an atmosphere that was comfortable and inviting. There are so many great choices in Park Slope and surrounding areas. I am glad we decided on this unique and special restaurant.
quaintness extraordinar. stopped by for some wine and eat before the concert. cute place, nice staff. wish i wasn't in a hurry to try out their menu
Great neighborhood spot! My boyfriend and I came for dinner one night and ordered: + Albarosa cocktail + Biancon and tonic + Polenta + Caesar salad + Ravioli + Tagliatelle + Tiramisu My favorite cocktail was the biancon and tonic, and the best dishes were the Caesar and their signature green apple ravioli. Tiramisu was also awesome!
Not sure why this is still a Michelin star Bib Gourmand. Just ok gnocchi and nothing else that's memorable. Service staff is very nice, but the place is empty and a bit forlorn.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 4