La Masseria Restaurant is inspired from ancient fortified farmhouses that in the Puglia Region of Italy are called “Masseria”. Executive Chef/Co-Owner, Pino Coladonato, grew up on a Farm in Puglia. He was forced to eat whatever was available but soon was tired of bean puree and decided to take matters into his own hands, creating new ways to use the same few ingredients. Now, with limitless ingredients to choose from, fava beans, chickpeas and lentils are still a core element in many of his entrees. Interior Designer Libby Langdon has created a warm, inviting dining atmosphere. Rustic and relaxed, with plenty of old world charm. Oversized iron sconces custom made from antique wrought iron gates punctuate the walls, and artful displays of antique farm tools mixed with various authentic Italian photographs all add to the farmhouse appeal. The 250-bottle wine list encompasses all regions of Italy with few of the best American and the rest of the world.
"Every table was spoken for, and I now see why. This is such a popular restaurant, there was a woman standing there begging for a table when I came in for my reservation . The Maitre d was trying so hard to be so nice to this woman who had missed her reservation that they were booked and COULDN'T seat her as she wished. They were able to accommodate her with a seat at the bar. I had the bocconcini Del Pollo Ciabattino and would highly recommend it."
Dined on 5/22/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, romantic, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We really love this place. Open later after theatre. Excellent Italian food and sonderful service. Everything is fresh. Good wine list. Al dente pasta."
Dined on 5/21/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We were greeted immediately by our waiter with an energetic and sincere "Happy Mother's Day!" His service and that of auxiliary staff were impeccable from that point on. We enjoyed lovely spinach salads with pear and gorgonzola; the grilled salmon was cooked to perfection; linguini with clams also excellent; pasta with eggplant and smoked mozzarella very good, although heavy. Cappuccinos and delicate Italian cheesecake ended what was truly a memorable Mother's Day meal at LaMasseria. We will be back for sure, and as soon as possible!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"The are just west of Times Square has many restaurants that are built for the one-time visitor: tight quarters, fast service (to get you to the theater and/or turn tables), and barely mediocre food. While tables are very close and the menu prices are above market for the area, the food at La Masseria is very good and the service is attentive. This is one of few in the area that is worth returning to."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Its hard to find much better that is as close to theaters as this fine restaurant. It would be good anywhere in the city--bvut it is great in the theater district"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: late-night find, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"My husband and I went to La Masseria for dinner with our two adult daughters, who are both pasta junkies! We had the taglietelle bolognese, ravioli and fettucini with eggplant and smoked mozzarella, My husband ordered the chicken and sausage dish. Everyting was amazing! Prices were vere reasonable as well (except for the burrata, which was a special appetizer that night and we shared. It was $34 for one order ! Delicious, but holy smokes!!)
Our server didn't miss a thing, and was always there when we needed him. We have dined here before on Sunday, after the theater, and the restaurant was much quieter - it can get pretty loud on a Saturday night. This would not keep me from returning, and I look forward to our next visit!"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We were looking forward to dining here, but were very disappointed. Upon arrival, the hostess took us to a loft-type space with approx 5 tables in the back. We were seated in a far corner against the wall. That's where the problems began. Our table was apparently situated above an A/C unit, b/c the vibrations and humming were so bad that the water on our table was rippling. Also, the place next door was playing such loud, thumping music that we could not hear each other speak. We ordered the zucchini appetizer, which was fair. For our entrees, my husband ordered linguine & clams - the pasta was literally crunchy, and the dish had no taste. My risotto was gummy, but had decent taste. Our server was kind and sympathetic, though."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Beautiful ambience with indoor and outdoor seating. The octopus and cuttlefish was excellent, lots of char. The arugula and beet salad was good, but it needed dressing. The Sunday gravy was good, but very little sauce on the pasta. and it needed garlic. The chicken dish with was bland and the spinach was boiled, and did not have garlic. It was authentic Italy. We have visited Italy, and they did not use garlic in their cooking so this was authentic in that way. The wine recommended by the waiter, Chianti Classico Reserva, was excellent. He really knew the wine list, and described the wines very well. I can't say it was a great or bad meal. It needed a few touches like more dressing on the salad, more sauce on the pasta, and some garlic."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: romantic, notable wine list, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Food was good, not great. Rushed service made experience less enjoyable. Plates taken away before fork was put down even after telling server that we were not in a rush. Also serving staff reached across the table instead of moving to each person's side which was unprofessional. The staff was friendly but needs retraining."
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Went before a show... Got there a few minutes before they opened (12) and was invited in and to the bar even though I was early. Everything was great."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: romantic, notable wine list, great for lunch, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"My mother and I had lunch here before a Saturday matinee around the corner. I reserved this restaurant on Open Table read reviews on Tripadvisor. It's a beautifully designed open floor plan and we were greeted and seated immediately. The decor is slightly rustic but elegant. My partner ordered veal with artichokes and I had the special, which was sauteed soft shell crabs. Both dishes came with a spinach medley and potatoes. The food was absolutely delicious - we were both very happy. Since we had to get to the theatre, we didn't order dessert. Maybe next time. I will be returning to La Masseria on my next visit to the theatre and I reccomend that you try it. It's a bit pricey, but it's typical for New York. Well worth a visit."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We were not disappointed with the food. The only minor thing to note is that it is not conducive to romantic dinners, as the tables are very close to one another (we were less than a foot away from the next table!) and the noise level is very energetic. Service was so-so. Their bread basket had a good selection of breads and breadsticks. We ordered the SCIALATIELLI QUATTRO PASSI (Home made short cut thick fettuccini with eggplant & smoked mozzarella) and TRANCIO DI SALMONE CON SALSA ALLA MOSTARDA (Grilled salmon fillet, with grilled Zucchini & Mustard sauce) - both wonderful. We will definitely visit La Masseria when we are in New York - and will definitely have the kids with us next time."
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"This is the second time we ate at La Masseria .Everything was great ,Food,Service etc .WE travel to NYC several times a month to see a show and have dinner or lunch .This restaurant is one of our favorites . Mike and Naia Penik"
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for lunch, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We had such a wonderful lunch experience at this lovely italian restaurant in the theater district. We were greated warmly and taken straight to a nicely set table. Our waiter was warm and engaging. The menu had so many nice choices, we decided to share 2 staters and share a main course. The kitchen split our orders for us and the presentation was equally nice. The food was delicious and very reasonably priced! Our experience was a total 10!!!"
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"A rare gem in the Theater District. Incredibly fresh and quality ingredients. Great service. Great wine selection. Consistent quality. Probably the best choice for food in the Theatre district."
Dined on 4/29/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"This was our first visit to La Masseria; we won't go back. Service was good; they were very willing to prepare dishes that weren't on the menu. Hubby had fettucini alfredo w/lobster and I had penne pasta w/tomato sauce. Both dishes arrived piping hot and tasted good. Our issues were with the noise and lack of adequate space. It was very noisy and tables of two are situated very close to other tables. We were so close to a round table of 6 that the waiters kept squeezing between my husband's shoulder and the back of one of the chairs at the round table, forcing my husband to lean over every time they wanted to pass through. I asked the waiters to go around the other side of the round table: waiters got a bit perturbed; this meant more steps."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2009
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"A friend recommended La Masseria to us. It is her favorite restaurant. We had a 7:45 reservation and got there at 7:30. Although the restaurant was crowded with theater goers we were able to be seated right away. From the moment we sat down we were treated like old friends. The staff was extremely attentive even though it was crowded. We never felt neglected. The food was very tatsty as well. Their pastas are homemade and you can taste the difference. We had a wonderful meal and will certainly be back and will recommend La Masseria to our friends."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We were a group of 8, originally 6 but "crammed" two more around a six-topper at the last minute. I had a roasted whole sea bass. Was not a great entree, but a good one. Pricey. Whole grilled sea bream looked a lot more appealing. My s/o had salmon which she deemed excellent. An Antinori Peppoli was enjoyed by all, appropriate depth for the meals. Service was great, and they were very accommodating when we showed up as a group of eight. Good that we called ahead to change the number of diners.. Reservations are a must!"
Dined on 04/26/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We had an excellent experience. Everything from the service to the food to the ambiance was more than we could have asked for. The food was delicious! Nobody in our small group left hungry. Our waiter was prompt and very helpful.. The tiramisu was a great end to a lovely dinner."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2013
Special Features: special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Had pre-matinee lunch here with a group of 8. Service was impeccable and food was great. Having eaten here before a couple of times, we came based on my recommendation. Everyone in my group loved it! I had the baby artichokes with caccacavalo (sp?) cheese as an ap, followed by the branzino entree, and a glass of the house chardonnay which was very good for a house white! Tasted the creme brulee which was magnificent. Noise level got pretty high for a while, but not unbearable. Prices are fairly high but in line with similar mid-town restaurants. Would recommend for lunch or dinner."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Went after seeing a play on broadway. We had a 10:30pm reservation, we arrived early and the restaurant was still crowded so we had a drink at the bar. The menu is wonderful and not the usual italian fare and the specials are equally as interesting. I had the Buratta app which is fantstic, possibly the best I have had outside Italy and the Chicken / Sausage Mushroom entree was rich and flavorful, both are regular menu items. Can't wait to go back. I have recommended this restaurant before and everyone that has gone has equally enjoyed it."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"I have always enjoyed our visits to this wonderful restaurant. The food is excellent along with the service. One point though and no big deal. When ordering the bronzini (probably spelled it wrong) fish it would be fun to see how they de-bone the fish. Have seen it done at the table before and it is interesting to watch."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"I have eaten at this restaurant many times, but won't be back. The food is only fair and the service while good is not exceptional. However, when I arrived at 11:45 for my 12 p.m. reservation and was told to wait outside with my 90 year old mother I was truly offended and thought it quite rude. There are too many good restaurants in New York for me to be treated like someone's step-child."
Dined on 04/17/2013
2006
Share:
+1point
1of1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"I did not know what to expect but it was amazing. I was not disappointed with this restaurant. The food was fresh, the ambiance, lovely. I will definitely go back to this restaurant."
Dined on 04/17/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Great all around....We were seated quickly, waitstaff was knowledgeable and friendly and the food came out fast even though the place was packed... Only critique I can offer is to add a kids menu but I also must say that the kitchen and waitstaff are very accommodating and will make something kid friendly if they have the ingredients. They went out of their way and made us a great Chicken Parmesan dish that wasn't on the menu!"
Dined on 04/16/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"La Masseria was truly a special experience. Besides the food being outstanding, there was a sense of true caring about their customers. The staff was so accommodating and seemed genuinely proud of their restaurant."
Dined on 04/14/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"This is a great Italian restaurant. If it wasn't in the Times Square area, it would be a destination restaurant. We had a leisurely Sunday lunch for seven at the restaurant. We shared a colorful and delicious bunch of antipasto dishes, followed by a group of sublime pasta dishes and each ordered our own entrees. My roasted rabbit was the best I have ever had, with the meat tender and moist packed with flavor."
Dined on 03/17/2013
2003
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"A better than "OK" place in the Theater District. For pre- or post-theater, it would be fine but not up to the standard one would expect if dining out was the entertainment for the evening."
Dined on 04/07/2013
2006
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"My friends and I went here for lunch before a matinee theater show and we weren't disappointed. The service was attentive yet not overbearing.The food was delicious and the portions were more than enough. Everything was fresh and homemade. The restaurant itself was rustic and welcoming and the decor was authentic and not overdone. Definitely will stop again when it's a little warmer so we can dine outside. Would highly recommend as a go to spot in the theater district."
Dined on 04/07/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.