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Italian Restaurant Reviews
Grifone Reviews List
Grifone
Taking its name from the mythological lion-headed, eagle-winged monster—Grifone's statues and paintings inside depict the restaurant's namesake—this cozy Northern Italian restaurant flies below the radar. It is all about sauces, with many dishes reflecting the restaurant's regional roots with wine or butter-and-lemon sauces. A thin glaze of seasoned white wine sauce adds a sharply intense flavor to the large slabs of swordfish, while the tomato and cream sauces do more than just complement the various pastas, they add a finely calibrated sweetness. — David S. Hirschman (nymag.com)
See more Grifone details
29 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 29 reviews
5 stars
(13)
4 stars
(8)
3 stars
(4)
2 stars
(4)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(17)
- special occasion(14)
- fit for foodies(13)
- romantic(9)
- notable wine list(7)
- great for lunch(6)
Grifone Reviews List
Review 1 for Grifone
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
authentic food but rude service
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I have always been a fan of old-school italian.
Yet last time I really felt almost insulted by the Captain Waiter arrogant attitude.
I came for a business lunch and immediately as I entered the restaurant, the Captain judged me (looking up and down my outfit)
When I asked for a wine list...he argued and retaliated by letting me wait whereas there was hardly anybody in the restaurant)
When my roasted clams appetizer arrived (delicious by the way) he interrupted me after 3 minutes arguing that I should eat quickly and not talk. when I grabbed my fork he literately went over my guest shoulder to let me grab another fork and then pressed the lemon for me...
This could have be a nice attitude but it was done in an agressive way, patronizing l"
Yet last time I really felt almost insulted by the Captain Waiter arrogant attitude.
I came for a business lunch and immediately as I entered the restaurant, the Captain judged me (looking up and down my outfit)
When I asked for a wine list...he argued and retaliated by letting me wait whereas there was hardly anybody in the restaurant)
When my roasted clams appetizer arrived (delicious by the way) he interrupted me after 3 minutes arguing that I should eat quickly and not talk. when I grabbed my fork he literately went over my guest shoulder to let me grab another fork and then pressed the lemon for me...
This could have be a nice attitude but it was done in an agressive way, patronizing l"
Dined on 6/14/2013
2012
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Review 2 for Grifone
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
What A Find!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Let's begin with what Grifone is not......a "hot-spot". If you are looking for a "vibrant bar scene" this is not it.
Instead, Grifone is very likely the best old-school Italian dining experience anywhere in New York. From the moment you walk in the door, you realize the place is special. A warm and welcoming greeting (and kiss on the cheek for the ladies) from the maitre d' and owner, Mario, begins the evening. The service is attentive but not pushy. Menus? Who needs menus? Order one of the specials or simply tell the waiter what sounds good--they'll make it and it will be incredible. For me, that was a pasta trio to start followed by perhaps the finest osso bucco and gnochi I have ever had.
This is the way fine dining should be.
Salute!"
Instead, Grifone is very likely the best old-school Italian dining experience anywhere in New York. From the moment you walk in the door, you realize the place is special. A warm and welcoming greeting (and kiss on the cheek for the ladies) from the maitre d' and owner, Mario, begins the evening. The service is attentive but not pushy. Menus? Who needs menus? Order one of the specials or simply tell the waiter what sounds good--they'll make it and it will be incredible. For me, that was a pasta trio to start followed by perhaps the finest osso bucco and gnochi I have ever had.
This is the way fine dining should be.
Salute!"
Dined on 6/13/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 3 for Grifone
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ho-hum.
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"A very ho-hum menu, ho-hm food, though all with good intentions and in a very quiet and pleasant setting."
Dined on 6/10/2013
2006
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Review 4 for Grifone
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
old favorite
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We had not been to Grifone for years due to having lived away from the area. Memories said we should go back and we were right. The service is great and the staff superb. Definitely a fine dining experience. Actually, we had trouble choosing from the specials and the menu."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 5 for Grifone
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food and service was fantastic.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food and service was fantastic. Very authentic. Looking forward to dining at Grifone my next trip to the city."
Dined on 04/25/2013
2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 6 for Grifone
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
As always, excellent food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"As always, excellent food and attentive (but not obtrusive) service. Grifone is great for business lunches and dinners."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 7 for Grifone
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
2nd visit and looking forward
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"2nd visit and looking forward to a third. Delicious food!"
Dined on 04/15/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 8 for Grifone
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The food & service was excellent,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food & service was excellent, but the dining room could use an overhaul."
Dined on 04/11/2013
2006
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 9 for Grifone
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
This is a wonderful place
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This is a wonderful place for a business lunch. It is usually quiet and the food is excellent."
Dined on 04/11/2013
2006
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Review 10 for Grifone
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great restaurant to have a
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great restaurant to have a business meeting/lunch...service superb and non intrusive which is very valuable"
Dined on 04/05/2013
2005
Special Features: neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 11 for Grifone
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
My husband & I went here for
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"My husband & I went here for a pre-theatre dinner (for his birthday). Food was fresh & delicious. It is a small neighborhood place. I'm pretty sure we were the only ones there that the servers didn't recognize. Go here and skip the tourist traps!"
Dined on 04/03/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 12 for Grifone
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Just happened on Grifone's
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Just happened on Grifone's because I needed to meet in the neighborhood. What a gem. Will definitely return -- the New York of long ago preserved here."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 13 for Grifone
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Awesome!!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I highly recommend this place. You really cannot go wrong with their food selection!
Many thanks,
Alan"
Alan"
Dined on 03/15/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 14 for Grifone
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This place was great! The food, people, and service was outstanding. It is worth a try!"
Dined on 03/14/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 15 for Grifone
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
My first time at Grifone and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"My first time at Grifone and it won't be my last. Superb old school Italian. It's been here a long time for good reason. Add a very gracious owner and you have a winner."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 16 for Grifone
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Restaurant was empty; wait
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Restaurant was empty; wait staff was attentive and food was okay, but wouldn't go again."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2009
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Review 17 for Grifone
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Grifone is a great special
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Grifone is a great special occassion restaurant. It's a little pricey but definitely worth it because the food is delicious. The service is attentive but not cloying. Grifone is highly recommended."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Grifone
Based on the average of (12) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
3 out of 3 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate