Celebrating its 107th Year, Barbetta is the oldest restaurant in New York still owned by its founding family. Barbetta is also New York's oldest Italian restaurant and the oldest restaurant in the Theater District. This three-fold distinction has earned it landmark status by the Locali Storici d'Italia. In a glittering interior decorated with 18th century Italian antiques Barbetta serves the cuisine of Piemonte, Italy's northwestern most region. In summer, its exuberantly verdant garden with century-old trees and scented with the blooms of wisteria, oleander, jasmine and gardenia make it a most sought-after site for al fresco dining.
"The Garden is open. Barbetta Restaurant has the greatest garden dining in NYC. The Food was excellent and the service outstanding. This is the place to be during the spring and summer. Our table enjoyed wonderful pasta and entrees that were ordered included rabbit, swordfish and scallops. Desserts were extraordinary. Excellent wines were enjoyed by all. Put Barbetta on your list when you are not going to a show and enjoy. Service was excellent and most attentive."
Dined on 4/30/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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"Sitting in the garden with a glass of wine in hand, we looked at the surrounding tall buildings and couldn't believe we were on 46th Street. Awsome experience all arround."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, great for lunch
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"The food is very good, but what makes Barbetta's really special is the gorgeous setting and the outstanding service. Whenever possible I choose it when I want to spend a long time talking over dinner: I've NEVER felt rushed and the decible level lends itself to conversation. For out-of-towners (as I was with the other night) you can also add a dropped jaw factor - it is so "insider" New York. I've been going there for years and never been disappointed. In the summer the garden is surreal."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2010
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, special occasion
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"Love this place. Charming, elegant decor and excellent, old-school (read that as correct) service. Walking into this historic brownstone is a balm after being in the grungy chaos of the theater district. Friendly and civilized. They care about your whole dining experience and will accomodate show times. There is also a lovely outdoor pario. No one makes better zabiaglione!"
Dined on 6/14/2013
2012
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, romantic, special occasion
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"We went before a show because of its great location. The décor is Old World, with a charming outdoor patio. The highlight is definitely the atmosphere- the friendly, convivial atmosphere make it a fun experience, thanks to the professional waiters who have worked there a long time. The food selections, however, are not standard pasta-heavy Italian- they have a twist, and are more adventurous. They are very good, but not great. The wine selections were nicely varied and had a good number of Italian ones, appropriately so. A very pleasant evening!"
Dined on 6/01/2013
2006
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, special occasion
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"Our waiters were charming and full of personality. Meal was prepared to perfection. Our companion diners became friends! Really it was a surreal evening and we will definitely be back again. We plan on coming back for dinner with clients which is our highest praise! We were here on a Saturday and it's wasn't overly crowded. Dining in the garden was a treat for us city dwellers."
Dined on 6/08/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Barbetta's has always been a cut above. It's not the type of place you go to every day. I was there for lunch with a colleague and we were seated in the outdoor garden. We arrived quite early and neither of the entrees we ordered was available because the delivery truck had not yet arrived. The Maitre D' recommended that we order our salads with the hope that the truck would arrive soon. Lo and behold it did and lunch was saved. Unfortunately, my dessert choice was not available nor was it on any truck. But the service and setting at this NYC gem are exquisite and the restaurant is a must at least once in every New Yorker's or visitor's life."
Dined on 6/06/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"We very much enjoyed our experience. Very quaint setting and ambiance. Unpretentious, but classy. The food was inventive, fresh and excellent. Great for pre show dining."
Dined on 5/24/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"My husband and I dine at Barbetta every time we come to NY. They have the garden open in the summer which is beautifully candle lit and has a fountain which adds to the ambiance. Both the food and service are excellent. Walking distance from Times Square. Not really a good place for children."
Dined on 6/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Waiters ignore you once you order. My entree, the special Tuscan Braised Ribs, was almost inedible due to being overly salted. My wife had a side dish of lentils, which were so spicy they could not be eaten. Appetizer pasta dishes were fine.Deserts were excellent. You have to upgrade the $58 pix-fixed dinner for most of the entrees. Portion sizes were small. We waited forever for a check. This restaurant is for tourists who do not know the difference, but want a name restaurant. There are many better choices on Restaurant Row. I will not be back...and I am sure they could care less."
Dined on 6/01/2013
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"I dined at Barbetta the first time and have returned many times since. It is always a wonderful experience magnified by waiters who've served there for years30 years and who welcome you back like it's your home. We also had the pleasure of meeting the owner for the first time. We'll definitely look forward to our next visit."
Dined on 6/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, romantic, neighborhood gem
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"As always, Barbetta's was an oasis of serenity on a sunny afternoon. The service was impeccable, the food delicious and authentically Italian."
Dined on 6/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
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"We had a perfectly decent meal but the owner/manager loudly berated her employees in front of customers more than once. That does not make for pleasant dining."
Dined on 5/31/2013
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"The most perfect setting, food and wine to celebrate our memorable engagement dinner in NYC. Coming from Cape Town where dining out is one of our favorite pastimes of choice, we were blown away by the beauty of this little gem. We literally felt like we were in Italy and what a wonderful experience when sitting in the heart of the hustle of New York City. The food was wonderfully prepared and full of flavor. my roast lamb rack was delicious! The Chardonnay straight from the Napa Valley was also a pleasant surprise as zi am not a Chardonay lover on most days. The crisp flavours mixed with the buttery undertones made it the perfect wine on a hot spine night."
Dined on 5/31/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, scenic view, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"My fiancee and i were out celebrating our anniversary and I have to tell you this place was perfect. Besides the food being excellent the decore and service matched superbly. I will definitely be going back for or next anniversary. Thank you Barbetta."
Dined on 5/25/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, notable wine list, special occasion
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"I've always wanted to dine here and it was perfect. We sat outside in the garden and had a great time. Our meal was delicious and perfect for any occasion. Definitely going back!"
Dined on 5/22/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Barbetta has the most wonderful outdoor dining gardens in midtown Manhattan. On our most recent visit the food was excellent! The wine choices were perfectly matched. Service was attentive as always. The soft shell crabs were a treat. Try a Wednesday afternoon lunch especially if you are not going to the theater."
Dined on 5/22/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, romantic, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
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"Upon entering the restaurant and being seated to our table, you are immediately transported to a different time. Hearing the piano play such beautiful music, seeing how magnificent every decoration caters to promote such romance, it is simply opulence at its best. The service was stellar and the food was absolutely fantastic - having the Sea Bass simply melt in your mouth. It was a special occasion for us and it is definitely one we will treasure and never forget. Thank you for the memories!"
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"good food -- mediocre service -- but the waiter did have personality when he made rare appearances --- wine list is very overpriced---almost nothing under $100 ---nice for the outdoor patio but lots of better options around town"
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
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"Second time to eat at this restaurant, both experiences were absolutely wonderful! Staff is VERY attentive and did outstanding job! Love this place, will definitely eat here when we return to the city!"
Dined on 5/14/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"We had the pleasure of dining on the secluded garden patio before our Broadway show. Excellent pre-theatre menu and smooth friendly service. Food was excellent and beautifully presented. Good wine list with many well-priced choices.
There are many restaurants on this block but this one is really special."
Dined on 5/15/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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"So wonderful! It had been quite a while since we had been to Barbetta and now all we can do is vow to make up for lost time. The garden is absolutely enchanting and a most romantic and lovely setting. Eduardo, our server, was so welcoming and caring - and fun as well. And then the food was delicious, perfectly prepared and presented. We had a wonderful dinner and cannot wiat to return. Thank you, Barbetta and especially, thank you, Eduardo."
Dined on 5/14/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, romantic, scenic view, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"This restaurant is a centenarian icon of NYC fine dining. Unfortunately, it's best days are behind it and it is coasting on its reputation. The appetizer was served late and lukewarm. The salad course was totally forgotten. The sea bass however, was impeccably cooked.
The terrace is where to dime, weather permitting. It is relaxing and away from the din of the city."
Dined on 5/09/2013
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Review 30 for Barbetta Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)4/5
Beautiful restaurant
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/07/2013
Food
(Good)3/5
Service
(Outstanding)5/5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)5/5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This visit was great. Beautiful garden with really good service. The food was good, not excelente, but the winelist was very nice and had opptiones from $40 to $400. I would definitly go there again."
Dined on 5/07/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, romantic, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"There was no choice but a price fix menu, which was a surprise. I assume that was done to accommodate a large number of pre-theatre diners; however, other restaurants in the area confront the same problem and do not truncate their menus. The wines by the glass were only fair and at $16, overpriced. The food was passable but should have been much better for the price. The nicest part of Barbetta is their lovely spacious garden which was a delight on a temperate spring evening. Overall, I wouldn't go back unless I were just having a drink in the garden on in the old-world piano room in the front of the restaurant."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2009
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
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"the food was fine and it's still a pretty place although it's showing its age. the service, however, was sloppy and unprofessional. the waiters do not seem well trained. ours couldn't explain the prix fixe menu in a way we could understand. the head waiter also yelled at a junior waiter right in front of us. i wouldn't go back."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2009
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"A pre theater meal and the restaurant took advantage of us because of that. Forced us to a narrow menu, where everything could and was be precooked and sitting around. Looked like cafeteria food - no flair, no excitement, just blah. Service was spotty, slow on followup - blah too. All desserts were quite good - only saving grace. So-so food and service at a price that was much higher than deserved. Pretty building/dining rooms. Sad situation."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2007
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"ambience and service was excellent.The food was terrible-not one of the 4 of us had a good dish,The risotto was like cream of wheat, the bolognese sauce was tasteless and had a ton of carrots in the sauce and the pesto sauce was also tasteless and gloppy. Very disappointing for such a beautiful restaurant!"
Dined on 04/17/2013
2009
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"Tnis is Theatre FRow's best restaurant. It has wonderful food, excellent service, and a wonderful ambience. While always inviting, Barbetta is especially special during tghe late Spring and Summer when one can dine in the garden. Hands down, a superior restaurant."
Dined on 04/16/2013
2008
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic
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"We didn't realize there would only be a pre-theatre menu available. The price did not match the quality or quantity of the food. Very limited menu - very small portions. We had to go eat after the theatre. They never asked if we would like another cocktail."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2011
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"Barbetta is one of the finest restaurants I've ever visited - period. Extraordinary service and excellent food. The only thing that was in the least bit disappointing was that the salad was uninspired - and yes, I've had inspired salads at other restaurants. All else was perfect."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"Though Barbetta retains its old-world charm, it's frayed around the edges. The food is good and the service is excellent, but the staff at the front of the house, especially coat check, create a first impression that makes you question your choice."
Dined on 04/04/2013
2009
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, romantic, special occasion
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"We walked into the most beautiful room and after that everything was a disappointment. Who would think you could get a bad Italian meal in New York? The menu was extremely limited and we were four people who ordered a variety of dishes - two were absolutely bland, the rest were mediocre, and the prices were exorbitant. The restaurant has been there forever - I don't know who ever would go back. $300 for 2 appetizers, 3 mains, 2 desserts and 3 drinks. Insane."
Dined on 04/02/2013
2010
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"The restaurant staff was extremely attentive, courteous and professional. The food was delicious. They made our special occasion even more special. This is a wonderful restaurant, and we will be back."
Dined on 04/02/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"Some in our group were less than happy with the salmon since 2 people returned it twice since it was not cooked through as requested. The given salad were quite simple. The soups were quite good as well as all of the selections of dessert"
Dined on 03/30/2013
2010
Special Features: good for groups
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"The waiter explained and made recommendations from the menu. We'll definately go back as the food was good, the service was good and the fixed price of $58.00 is a bargain. Easy walk to the theaters."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"Impeccable service, marvelous food. Beautiful place, terrific ambiance. A great experience sure to be repeated next time we are in NYC. I would highly recommend it."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"Can't wait to go back! First time for a pre-theater party of 5. We were 1/2 hour early and they sat us. Spread dinner out so we were finished just in time for show. Wonderful ambiance, food and service! It is rare that you see the owner checking over tables. There was never a 1/2 filled glass of water. We all loved it!"
Dined on 03/29/2013
2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"We had a great experience for a pre-theater dinner, with especially kind and attentive service from Marco and his colleagues. We will definitely be back!"
Dined on 03/28/2013
2003
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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