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Italian Restaurant Reviews
Esca Reviews List
Esca
Esca is a Southern Italian Seafood Restaurant created by Mario Batali, Joseph Bastianich & David Pasternack. Esca showcases the style & sensibility of Italian coastal cooking. Dave went to Italy & saw firsthand what they were talking about. After years of cooking French food, Dave had finally found the food he had always wanted to cook. The best fish available, prepared in a simple & delicious way. In Italy that means the local catch, but in New York that means the best fish of the Pacific, Mediterranean & our own backyard.
At Esca you can eat the most sought after Pacific Ocean delicacies along side Fluke that Dave caught on his day off. The menu changes daily & is driven by the fish markets of the world & the farms of Dave’s friends. Esca is the place where you can have stunning raw fish, an incredible bowl of pasta & then a Mediterranean Branzino cooked in sea salt. Esca is the best of Italian coastal cooking with access to the world’s greatest fish.
See more Esca details
At Esca you can eat the most sought after Pacific Ocean delicacies along side Fluke that Dave caught on his day off. The menu changes daily & is driven by the fish markets of the world & the farms of Dave’s friends. Esca is the place where you can have stunning raw fish, an incredible bowl of pasta & then a Mediterranean Branzino cooked in sea salt. Esca is the best of Italian coastal cooking with access to the world’s greatest fish.
341 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 341 reviews
5 stars
(137)
4 stars
(107)
3 stars
(57)
2 stars
(35)
1 star
(5)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(204)
- special occasion(111)
- notable wine list(106)
- neighborhood gem(83)
- great for lunch(58)
- romantic(44)
Esca Reviews List
Review 1 for Esca
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Disturbance
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The restaurant and food were wonderful, but we had a very loud speaking "VIP" next to use who was insulted when I very nicely asked him to lower his voice. He kept up a constant flow of loud talking anyway. The manager came over and shook his hand and at the end of the meal apologized to the "VIP" for the disturbance. Really? How insulting to us. I guess you need to be a VIP to get treated fairly at Esca. Even though the food was excellent, I would not go there again, nor would I recommend it to anyone. I don't know anyone who would appreciate this type of behavior by the manager."
Dined on 5/09/2013
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Review 2 for Esca
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Losing a step?
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The restaurant is one of my favourites, and the food remains excellent. However, on my latest visit, service was slow, and my waiter left for the evening without telling me. I had to wave a random waiter down to order the dessert. Also, the restaurant still employs the most unhelpful, arrogant sommelier in New York City."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: notable wine list
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Review 3 for Esca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
My dinner at Esca....
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I took my fiance to dinner for her birthday and could not be more satisfied.. we had a great meal,great appetizers and while we were there Tony Bennett came in and sat next to us. What a wonderful surprise that was ..I wish I could have got him to sing Happy Birthday to my girl..lol. highly recommend Esca to anyone.."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 4 for Esca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Special Occasion restaurant
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"ESCA is one of our favorite restaurants in NYC. I took my wife there for Mother's Day and had a great time. Our son who graduated from Johnson and Wales University (culinary) introduced us to it and love going there. While it is a bit on the pricey side, it is worth every cent. And compared to restaurants in NJ where you could spend just as much - there is no comparison. The food coupled with the pleasant and knowledgable wait staff, make it an excellent choice especially for special occasions."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 5 for Esca
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Gastronomic experience
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I have never been dissapointed at this restaurant. Food is marvel for the mouth. Service could improve a bit. Music tourmented our ears, however for half of the dinner.... The wine list is balanced and includes a few gems from S. Italy"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: notable wine list, neighborhood gem
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Review 6 for Esca
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"While the food is good, the service is so fast. Two courses in 40 minutes is a bit ridiculous. Slow down the pace!"
Dined on 5/07/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 7 for Esca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Just amazing!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"My second time at Esca, did not think it could get better . . . but it was! I live on the North Coast of Florida, great availability of sea food, but I have never experienced the quality and preparation of seafood that Esca provides. Bravo Orange Crocks!"
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 8 for Esca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Doesn't get better than this...
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great food, fresh, creative and exquisitely prepared. Crudo dishes the best, seafood (branzino superb), seafood pastas a must.
Too good to rush before theatre. This is food worth savoring."
Too good to rush before theatre. This is food worth savoring."
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list
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Review 9 for Esca
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Esca-ndalous noise!
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/08/2013
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food at esca is excellent, but tables are really small and packed and the noise level does not allow conversation.the service was very slow between courses, but the food was great."
Dined on 5/08/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 10 for Esca
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"top notch seafood, expertly prepared and presented. like a trip to a seaside town on the back side of the boot. excellent wine selection. very highly recommended."
Dined on 5/07/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, great for lunch
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Review 11 for Esca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Mario Batali's fish: the BEST ever!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Flinty fresh oysters, wild fresh Mahi Mahi perfectly prepared, Arugula salad, great wine list AND perfect service!
Well done, as always!
Fred and Johnna Kleisner"
Well done, as always!
Fred and Johnna Kleisner"
Dined on 5/07/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, notable wine list
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Review 12 for Esca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
BEST SEA FOOD & SERVICE WORLDWIDE
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The best sea food you will find anywhere in the world. Prepared phenomenally. Fantastic, attentive service. Great value for the great meal you savor. Excellent wine list too."
Dined on 5/06/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 13 for Esca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Wonderful Saturday afternoon lunch at Esca. Got bigeye tuna crudo, fritti which was mixed fried seafood, and the maccheroni chitarra with sea urchin and crabmeat. All was delicious and the service was great as well. Only knock is that the prices are a bit steep for this type of restaurant. Overall, a great experience."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, great for lunch, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 14 for Esca
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Overwhelmingly noisy
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Although it was a Saturday night and very crowded, the noise level was off the chart! The wine was excellent and the food was good, the wait staff attentive, but the noise level colored our entire dining experience. Would like to experience this again at a less crowded time."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: notable wine list
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Review 15 for Esca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Waiter was excellent!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our waiter was on spot- great meal!"
Dined on 4/29/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 16 for Esca
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Great Food & Service, but Cramped
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food is excellent, especially for fish dishes and appetizers. Service is fast, friendly and informative. However, the space is very cramped, tables are close so you are eating as if you were dining with the strangers next to you and it is noisy. It is a good spot if you are only interested in the quality of the food and service, but not for those who prioritize ambiance."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 17 for Esca
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I have been here before and have regarded it highly. This was just an off day"
Dined on 5/03/2013
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Review 18 for Esca
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Does not meet expectations
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Took a client to dinner Monday night. Music from the 60's blared! The food was okay, the service okay and the bill big!
Over$200. I will never go back...no alcohol,no ambience no special vibe. No dessert."
Over$200. I will never go back...no alcohol,no ambience no special vibe. No dessert."
Dined on 4/29/2013
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Review 19 for Esca
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Just terrible
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I had ordered the "Maccheroni Alla Chitarra (House made guitar cut spaghetti with sea urchin and crabmeat)" and it was so salty that I was unable to finish the dish. Even after telling the server, he just shrugged. The restaurant was loud and almost everything else we had was either flavorless or too salty. What a shame, I'm usually a fan of Mario Batali restaurant but this was a huge disappointment. I'd highly recommend Del Posto."
Dined on 4/16/2013
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Review 20 for Esca
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Highs and Lows
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Our dinner at Esca had both high and low points. The service was very good. They were minfdul that we were going to a 7pm show and quickly and efficiently got the dishes out to us without it seeming too rushed. We started with the Pink Snapper and Hamashi Crudo, which were both fantastic. Unfortunately, our second course, the soft shell crab, was just bad. All I could taste was char from the grill. I might as well have just licked by grill. We finished up with the Spaghetti Neri and the Maccheroni Alla Chitarra. Both were great fresh pasta dishes, although the Spaghetti Neri was slightly too spicy for my personal preference."
Dined on 04/28/2013
2010
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 21 for Esca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This place is fantastic. It's
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This place is fantastic. It's small, so when we were dining at 5:30pm it got pretty busy with the pre-show dinner crowd, but it was a great ambience. The service was on point. My water and wine glasses were never even close to empty. As for the food, amazing! I had the linguine which they say is their only dish that gets complaints for being too briny--I am the pickiest of eaters you'll ever meet and I thought it was the best linguine I've ever had. Definitely save room for dessert, too. The price was a lot more reasonable than I expected, especially considering we went with a recommended bottle of wine without asking the price of it."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 22 for Esca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great for Italian seafood
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Incredible food ....great wine....they made sure we were done in time to make our show. Just know they don't open doors until 5 pm. We had 5:15 reservations and arrived eArly to have drinks first but ended up waiting outside for doors to open. Bar is too small anyways....the banana pudding for dessert was also awesome!"
Dined on 04/27/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot
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Review 23 for Esca
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The service was more attentive
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The service was more attentive to their regulars."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 24 for Esca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Esca is perfect for dining
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
"Esca is perfect for dining before attending a Broadway show in the neighborhood."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 25 for Esca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our second visit was as memberable
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our second visit was as memberable as our first. The staff were all friendly and attentive. Every bite of food from the amuse to the cookies were delicious. I can't wait to go back again."
Dined on 04/25/2013
2001
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 26 for Esca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We had the tasting plate,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had the tasting plate, it was great. Service was excellent an all round good experiance"
Dined on 04/04/2013
2013
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Review 27 for Esca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I took a client and his family.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I took a client and his family. What a great choice. They marveled at the food and knew the history. The service was extremely attentive."
Dined on 04/23/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 28 for Esca
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We like the ambiante , food
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We like the ambiante , food is consistent."
Dined on 04/23/2013
2011
Special Features: notable wine list, hot spot
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Review 29 for Esca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We liked the music selections
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We liked the music selections but the volume was too loud. We were early evening so with little competitive noise from customers talking and waitstaff activities, it may have been more noticeable than later in the evening with a full house."
Dined on 04/22/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 30 for Esca
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I had requested a corner type
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I had requested a corner type table for I hadn't seen my dinner companion in many years and wanted a trifle more intimacy. That was not honored. And the service was rushed. The food was excellent and deserving of savoring in a slower atmosphere.
Thank you."
Thank you."
Dined on 04/22/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 31 for Esca
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Generally a nice restaurant,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Generally a nice restaurant, with good food set in a cosy atmosphere. Unfortunately at times we experienced curt and blatantly rude service which was a real shame.
Our overall experience was to feel processed and not welcomed or invited into the experience of the restaurant. This is a disservice to the talented chefs and the food they produced."
Dined on 04/22/2013
2011
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Review 32 for Esca
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food was great and our
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was great and our waiter Chris was fabulous!!! But I think he was a manager (tall african-american fellow), He stalked the table. It was a little unnerving and quite annoying. He made us feel rushed. Otherwise was a great experience. I don't know If I would recommend Esca to a friend, I would feel bad if the service wasn't good."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 33 for Esca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Pasternak is a treasure. Consistent
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Pasternak is a treasure. Consistently excellent fish and terrific wine list. Had the 2008 Aragone at the waiter's suggestion and loved it."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 34 for Esca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The wait staff was very attentive
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The wait staff was very attentive and was thrilled that our dining experience was great. They take pride in the restaurant and it shows in everything they do. I was very impressed"
Dined on 04/18/2013
2012
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Review 35 for Esca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We loved everything about
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We loved everything about this restaurant. The food was delicious and the service impeccable. We had a late reservation and were the last table sitting yet the staff was warm and encouraged us to take our time and enjoy! We did and will return."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 36 for Esca
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Had a reservation for a 8.15pm
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Had a reservation for a 8.15pm table for 3. My guests dropped out last minute but I called Esca at 5 pm to let them know I'd be dining solo. When I arrived the hostess told me to wait while my table was prepared. She spoke to the maitre'd who checked his computer before informing me rather brusquely that the restaurant was overbooked and could only seat me in the crowded bar. I found his manner very ungracious and protested and was eventually squeezed into a table near the kitchen.
I had a good waiter but crudo is overrated as compared to fine sashimi. My squid ink pasta was ok but I readily admit that my mood was soured by the maitre'd. The best part of the meal was the olives and bruschetta to start. Overpriced but nice wine list."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2009
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Review 37 for Esca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A perfect pre-theater dinner
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"A perfect pre-theater dinner spot. Food is very good, service was quite attentive, wine list has many interesting selections and it is only one or two blocks to the theatre."
Dined on 04/16/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 38 for Esca
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Have visited many times and
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Have visited many times and think Esca coming to end of a great run. From greeting at door to seating to service, notably less crisp. Strong sense of the tediousness leaking through. Do it again sew here else Mario, please!!!"
Dined on 04/16/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 39 for Esca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
If splurging for a special
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"If splurging for a special occasion or if money is no object, this place is definitely a winner. Charming, rustic atmosphere and fabulous food and wine. The staff could not have been more accommodating...just enough attention without being overbearing. Can't wait for a return trip to NYC and dinner here. We could not decide from the many options on the menu so went with the tasting menu. Be sure to get the added sushi flight as it is worth it."
Dined on 04/15/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 40 for Esca
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
A disappontment
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Our visit was a great disappointment. We ordered "crispy mixed sea food" and received a plate with shrimps and octypuss and diverse other sea fruits drenched with frying oil. Everything tasted the same - it could just as well have been fried chicken. We would not expect a dish like that on the meny at Esca."
Dined on 04/15/2013
2013
Special Features: hot spot
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Review 41 for Esca
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
We enjoyed the ambience and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We enjoyed the ambience and the service was great. We ordered the grouper for 3 and were aghast at the meager servings. The cost was astronomical!!! $37.00 for 3 forkfuls of fish. Would not recommend to friends!"
Dined on 04/14/2013
2013
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Review 42 for Esca
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
High (priced) Seas Adventures
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is a very good Seafood restaurant with many different out of the ordinary choices. Not for the unadventurous though, that being said, I really enjoyed trying some special appetizers such as white anchovies. Our lunch entrees - we both chose the pasta special. Handmade ruffle ribbons of delightful pasta in a wonderful lemony garlic sauce topped with grilled shrimp and scallops. It was very good! The only thing stopping us from dining here more often is the price. It is highly overpriced for the small portions of food they serve. Lunch cost us &140.00 and we did not eat very much."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2006
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Review 43 for Esca
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Disappointing
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A big disappointment. I expected better from a Mario Batali restaurant. Food was mediocre and the service was inconsistent at best. I wouldn't recommend it - not worth the expense."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2008
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Review 44 for Esca
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
A waste of time and money. Menu
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"A waste of time and money.
Menu was restrictive and prices were inappropriate for the small portions.
Would not go back again."
Menu was restrictive and prices were inappropriate for the small portions.
Would not go back again."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2006
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Review 45 for Esca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food was stunning and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was stunning and delicious. A truly great lunch."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 46 for Esca
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A delicious restaurant on
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"A delicious restaurant on a stormy night in the City. Esca set the mood for an exciting evening (viewing Matilda) with its delicious crudo and marvelous black bass. A little pricey but a very special place. I always recommend it to my Jersey friends!"
Dined on 04/10/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 47 for Esca
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great selection of seafood
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great selection of seafood dishes. We had the salt baked branzino - very impressive presentation and great tasting."
Dined on 03/19/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 48 for Esca
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
We had heard great things
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
"We had heard great things about this restaurant and were so disappointed. The service was rushed and sloppy. Fish was over cooked and greasy."
Dined on 04/07/2013
2012
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Review 49 for Esca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
exceptional in every way
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"esca is our personal favorite.. because of dave and christian. i was raised on Long Island on south shore and have a fondness for dave because of his Long Island roots.......i have been an avid eataly fan since it opened and ate at the fish restaurant counter almost every saturday and would talk to the christian, the chef..was so happy to see him at esca
it is outstanding in every way!"
it is outstanding in every way!"
Dined on 04/06/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 50 for Esca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Awesome food! Can't imagine
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Awesome food!
Can't imagine visiting NYC without a nice dinner at Esca."
Can't imagine visiting NYC without a nice dinner at Esca."
Dined on 03/21/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, hot spot
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