Arte Cafe

Love arte café! Have been going here for years. Food is delicious. It’s a great spot with an awesome bar for those who are dinning alone. I especially love Vanessa the bartender ! Excited to see the renovations happening.

So Disappointing. I admit that I am a tougher critic than most because I have almost a decade of fine dining management experience under my belt and hold restaurants to a certain standard, but my God was this place a joke. Where to start?
1. The service was egregious. Theodore seemed to be the only server who had any type of etiquette or even formal training for that matter and is the only reason I’m not giving 1 star. Not one single person deserves a dime of the grat but him and I really hope he didn’t have to split it. I had a crisp $ 100 bill I was prepared to leave as an additional tip because I’ve been in the industry and I appreciate a memorable experience when I go out. Nope. Not this time. You all saved me $ 100.
** At NO point should a guest in ANY restaurant have stacks of dirty plates from the main course in front of them when dessert is served. Ever. Clear them, Box any unfinished food, Make room for the next course, and don’t look at me like I have 2 heads when I politely ask you to do it.
** Don’t make me have to ask TWICE for cream and sugar for not only my own coffee, but for everyone else drinking it as well.
** I’m assuming the office/​employee area was only accessible from the room we were in, which I understand can be just as annoying for the staff as it is the guests, but when you have a big party, try limiting the amount of times you go in and out while pictures are being taken and gifts are being unwrapped etc. It got obnoxious.
** To the young lady who didn’t even serve our party but came in, untucked her shirt and plopped at the bar to do her cash out — that was sloppy.
2. The food was mediocre. Nothing to write home about. My French toast was nothing great and I had no desire to have more than a few bites.
3. No toilet paper and the Bathrooms were a mess. I get it — it was a busy Saturday afternoon, we were a large party, it’s hard to be 5 places at once, but seriously?
** To the man wearing a blue shirt and tie that I’m assuming was the manager — I hold you accountable. You walked through our room several times and never lifted a finger. Train your staff. Lead by example. Do something other than pace the room. If that was my restaurant and my employees gave that kind of service I would be MORTIFIED and most likely out of a job. The owner (s) should be equally upset with your performance or lack there of.
Although I didn’t see the final bill, I can guarantee it wasn’t cheap. Had it not been my cousins special day, I would have addressed this all before I even left but didn’t want to upset her. Any future trips we plan to NYC will NOT include going back to this restaurant. Very disappointing.

Our visit last night was a complete disappointment! I have a feeling it’s foreshadowing what our favorite neighborhood spot is about to become.
To begin, the normal restaurant is under renovation. They are using some smaller room which I guess is their party room. That’s fine, but maybe make other adjustments to compensate like complementary glass of house wine, trained servers, etc… The room is 500 degrees. I was dressed in more formal attire expecting air conditioning and because of a Broadway show after. Everyone around me was complaining about the heat. The butter melted off my knife before I could even put it on my bread. It was gross. Luckily I had an aisle seat at the show I was attending after so the person next to me wouldn’t think I didn’t shower.
The employees? The hostess at 5:45 was so uptight and cold. I had never seen her before and hope I never see her again. Our waiter was nice, but overall the experience was a disaster. We had to beg for bread. We watched table after table get served the wrong food. An employee actually dropped a used knife on my boyfriend and didn’t even acknowledge
it.
The new menu? Drastic price increase. Also they removed prize options like their vodka sauce. Also, another mushroom dish we liked was removed. We began with caesar salad. It was small and tasteless. Also, we shared fresh mozzarella with tomatoes ($ 16). The mozzarella was the only highlight of the night, but as well it should be for the price! My boyfriend had pasta with eggplant and cheese. The pasta was so undercooked he could barely chew it. I had the eggplant (until tonight they always made it with vodka sauce for me). It was mediocre, but not worth $ 21.
With a bill for 2 over $ 100, disorganized service, 500 degree temperatures and a huge price increase-​we will be looking for a new neighborhood spot.

I am confused with the rash of negative reviews, especially regarding service, when our experience was so positive. We had a reservation for 5pm, definitely on the early side, and the restaurant was fairly empty when we arrived, but full and backed up at the back door by the time we left. Several in the group were older individuals with mobility issues, and so our trek from Lincoln Center, while easy, was a bit slower than I expected. I called at 4:50 to give them the heads-​up we would be running late and was told not to rush; they wanted our party to arrive safe and comfortable. From the minute we sat down, our water glasses were constantly filled, and our needs were checked on regularly, without the service intruding on our celebration. I cannot speak for everyone’s food, but a group of us had the beet salad, which was quite lovely. I would have liked a bit more seasoning or vinaigrette, to bring out the best in the tomatoes in the salad, but the beets were perfectly cooked. I throughly enjoyed my pasta — a fusilli with spicy sausage in a vodka sauce. It was a large portion (I was unable to finish), but not absurdly large. The pasta was cooked well and not left to swim in sauce, which I too often find the case in other restaurants. My boyfriend and his parents had a linguini with a mushroom sauce, which he said was very good, though a bit rich for my taste. Again, a very generous, but not enormous, portion. I am not exactly sure if it was a request from my parents, who paid the bill, or something done by the restaurant as we were a larger group, but we all received a small serving of tiramisu with a half of a fresh strawberry on top for dessert. It was very good and not too strong of an espresso flavor, so even my boyfriend, who hates coffee, finished his piece. While we had put in a request upon sitting that the bill would go to my parents and not my boyfriend’s parents, the waiter apparently was torn by threats from both sets of parents, and the bill was placed in the center of the table, leading to a comical tug-​of-​war… fortunately, my parents won in the end, which was fitting, given this was a celebration dinner after my doctorate graduation.
So, why the 4 star review and not 5 stars? Well my major issue was with the menu itself. Most of our party ordered off the prix fixe (appetizer and entrée at a single price prior to 6pm). I was first put-​off by the pricing, in that more than half of the items (appetizers, pastas, entrees) had an additional fee of 1 – 3 dollars. I have seen this before on prix fixe menus, for the most costly items, but to see it for more than half of the items seemed either they needed to adjust the base price, or just get rid of the idea of a prix fixe menu. Second, there was a lack of lighter options, especially when it came to variations in serving sizes. Most of us were unable to finish our pasta dishes, and the option of a smaller portion size would have been nice and felt less wasteful. Finally, while our experience with the service was excellent from start to finish, by the time we left the restaurant was full and I could see a bit of what other report. In fact, after dinner we wanted to get a taxi for the two older couples, but it seemed we were invisible after paying our bill, and it was impossible to flag down a staff person to help us with calling for one.

Had a reservation tonight. The restaurant is under construction, and there was a torrential downpour before we got there, but our experience was still extremely disappointing.
We arrived at 7pm, and the couple in front of us, who did not have a reservation, was seated. The hostess then disappeared, and the second hostess who arrived ignored us. The party behind us, who had a reservation, was promptly seated upon arrival. We waited another 10 minutes or so before decided that we needed to find somewhere to eat.
My fiancé and I only live a few blocks from this restaurant, so we are there not infrequently, but the service has been sub-​par in recent months, and the experience of being completely ignored was frustrating and disappointing.

Awesome atmosphere with exposed brick. The place was packed during brunch so my two friends and I grabbed a spot at the bar and were taken care of right away. We ordered bloodies and grapefruit bellinis which were delicious. Our waiter was a rockstar. Not only was he bartending and taking food orders from folks at the bar, but I’m pretty sure he was handling a section of tables as well. He was quick and attentive. When he noticed our food was taking a while, he apologized and brought us a tray of muffins.
The food was yummy! Perfectly cooked, great portions. As we were wrapping up, our waiter «topped off» my empty bellini glass with straight champagne and thanked us for coming in. Extra customer service goes a long way! I would like to have experienced Italian dinner at a table, but brunch at the bar didn’t disappoint. Definitely recommend.

Just moved into the upper west side and couldn’t wait to eat at Arte Café… My first impression was a disappointment. I invited my parents to brunch. It took an hour to get our meal and when it arrived it was tasty but not memorable. In addition, the server placed all the meals in one spot on the table and we had to move them to the correct diner. Also, the restaurant is extremely loud. They seemed unprepared to handle the brunch crowd. Its a beautiful restaurant and we might try again at dinner but the first visit was not a winner…

We liked this little brunch place. It was packed and their waiting area is small. We received solid service and the food was normal brunch fare. Their brunch cocktails are really good and priced well. A bottle of sparkling brut is ~$ 23.

I went here with a group of friends and I have to say, my first impression was not good. There were glasses on the table with lipstick stains on them. I would’ve walked right out but we already had reservations and my friends were insistent upon staying.
For the appetizer I ordered the zucchini fritti which was by far the best thing I’ve had all night. It’s what made this review have 3 stars rather than 2. My only complaint was that it was a bit under seasoned.
Next I had the chicken chicken piccata. It was very basic, didn’t wow me, I felt the chicken was pounded awfully thin and was very bland.
For dessert I ordered tiramisu, it was better than the chicken but I didn’t enjoy ridiculous amount of cocoa on top. I was practically choking.
Some side notes, I normally don’t write about the bathrooms but they were really gross and I feel that for a nicer restaurant, they definitely should be cleaner and renovated. Instead they were just a step above a McDonald’s bathroom.
The décor was basic, like any smart casual Italian restaurant really. Nothing here wowed me.

It was four of us having dinner tonight. My friends had fish special with asparagus and pasta meanwhile l did scallop with short rib and risotto. Interesting combination in fact. The food was amazing. The service great too. Very nice and welcoming and always around filling out water and serving our wine. I loved the ambience and décor. I will definitely go back.

Wow.
With new executive chef Billy, Arte Café has morphed from a mediocre-​but-​decent neighborhood staple into one of the best Italian restaurants I’ve dined in!
Seriously. This restaurant is on a roll! We came for the prix fixe (before 6 PM) menu, but after hearing the specials we decided to dive into some new adventures. Pricier, but worth every penny! I started with the prosciutto appetizer which was bountiful and amazing. Plated to resemble a lovely large flower, the thin slices of pear and sparingly-​used blue cheese crumbles dialed down the salt and acidity of the ham perfectly. I almost forgot to mention the special bread that came with the dish. Similar to a «pizza bread,» it finished the plate perfectly.
I am fond of puttanesca and like to try every restaurant’s take on this sauce. So when our waiter described the special main course, large noodles in a puttanesca with bites of codfish, I went with it. I’m still amazed. The entire meal is now one of my happier memories, and I look forward to my next visit!
So why not 5 stars? The lost star has nothing to do with the food. First, the bar service should be faster, especially considering the money made on drinks. Also, it’s time to upgrade the wines. Don’t serve a mediocre $ 12 glass of Merlot with a meal this good. Charge me $ 20 and make it a glass of wine to remember! Finally, I had to wave down the staff three times to refill water glasses. They were a few feet away talking among themselves. FOH staff should always be monitoring tables, replenishing cutlery, napkins, water as needed.
So, enjoy a dinner here. It’s worth it. Even the coffee is better!

a nice brunch place we stumbled upon! really good brunch at good prices! the eggs benedict were perfectly done and salad was also delicious. grilled chicken was the best part. they were nice and friendly, as i needed a spot to charge my phone. We were able to sit at a 4 ppl table bc it was late for lunch. I’d def come back for brunch again! They also have a lil outdoors patio that had pretty flowering tree in it. not sure if its open in the summer or for special events but it’s lovely!

They gave me the wrong order when I went to pick it up, and then made me trek out in the POURING RAIN to pick up the right order! They didn’t even offer to deliver it to me!
Completely rude and unacceptable. That’s the last time I order from them.
Make sure to check what you order from them before you leave.

Over the years I have been here a few times for brunch. The space is large and can get a bit noisy. The carafe mimosas, bellini and Bloody Mary are always a welcome start. The breakfast items are solid portions delivered at the right temperature by an attentive staff.
I want to particularly praise our waiter. Our party of five college friends of 45 years standing was served with high skill. When one of us ordered a beer, he came back to inform us the keg had been changed and perhaps the draft might be unsettled for a bit. He then offered a bottle of Sam Adams which was not on the list. My friend was delighted. I told him later that sort of attention to the customer pays dividends in any profession!
A real value for brunch on the UWS.

Good! Solid place. Wouldn’t say anything extra special but definitely pleased with our mess — burratta was tasty, loved the branzino. Nice place to go if you’re headed to beacon theater or on upper west side. Looks like it has cool outside area in warmer weather.

This is one of my go-​to neighborhood places. The place is larger than it looks from the outside with several dining rooms and outdoor seating. If you stick to the basics, you won’t be disappointed. The salads and pastas are all good. The clientele is a neighborhood crowd. It has a large menu so good for a crowd as there is some thing for everyone. It is not a destination restaurant but hits the spot for good food with a warm, friendly atmosphere.
During the week, it has a great early bird prefix meal if you place your order before 6pm. Three courses and cheaper than cooking at home. Also an excellent lunch prefix.

Came here for brunch last Sunday around 2pm and had a great time.
I arrived a bit earlier than my friend and the hostess offered me a seat at the bar. The bartender was quite attentive, saying hello immediately as I sat down.
After my friend arrived we were seated. Arte Café has very cute décor. The restaurant was about half full around 2pm which I was quite surprised about since 2pm is key brunch time. It took a bit long for our waiter to come to us. However, once we ordered our pitcher of mimosas, he was quite attentive.
Our food was great. I got a Spinach and Goat Cheese Omelette which was light and delicious — a great pairing with our mimosas. Friend got the Eggs Benedict and she was very satisfied.
Just moved to the area so I’ll definitely be stopping back for brunch soon. Very pleased!

Honestly, it’s not the best Italian food you will have. But it’s pretty good. The reason I’m writing the review is because I had a horrific experience ordering via Seamless. Seamless didn’t give my apartment number to the restaurant. My name isn’t on the door of my apartment. And my food was delayed.
What impressed me was the effort that Nick the manager put into making the situation right. I had left my phone in the other room and couldn’t hear it ring. There were 8 phone calls from the manager trying to get my apartment number. Plus when my Ice Cream came to my apartment melted, I called Nick to complain and new ice cream came. And then Nick called again to apologize for a mess that wasn’t his fault.
We all have rough days. Arte Café gets 5 stars from me because Nick handled his rough day with grace. Free dessert would have been nicer. .. but. .. effort should be rewarded.
Normally for delivery, the food arrives faster than promised. They have a bottomless glass of wine during lunch hours. .. I’ve gotten my money out of that once or twice. If you live in the neighborhood and you want Italian food without the long wait, this is the place for you!

I’ve been here twice for brunch and lunch what can I say? I’m a fan of the location and prices! Also, it just so happens the two times that I came down, there was a HUGE street fair going on a street away. Food and then cheapo shopping? YES PLEASE, New York! Below I have listed the 2015 UWS fair schedule :)
On to the review! Both times I came around the afternoon without a reservation and had to wait no more than a few minutes for a table. The first time we decided to sit outside the front (which is wonderful), and the second time we were sat in the back patio. If you want to sit outside, get the front– the back patio has these awnings and since it rained the night before– water was dripping into the heads of the tables on the opposite side of us. yikes.
The first time I got the mushroom eggs Benedict around $ 12, which was very good. The mushroom Benedict was warm, the hollandaise wasn’t too thick and gloopy, and english muffin was still toasted. The second time I got the buffalo pizza ($ 14) which was heavenly! You can’t go wrong with buffalo chicken and a thin crust pizza! They also have $ 5 sangria/​mimosas in tiny glasses. I highly suggest going with a group of 4 or something and getting a pitcher (OR just get a pitcher for kicks because why not :)
The first time we went, the service was amazing– 5 stars! The waitress was attentive to getting us waters, checked in on us regularly, and while we didn’t order the pitcher like she suggested, she gave us recommendations for food since it was our first time there. The second time my friends and I went, the service was the worst. Our waiter gave us our drinks, took our order, and we never saw him at OUR table again until checks– he didn’t even ask us if we wanted anything else. Where was he? Oh, at the table NEXT to us hitting on girls that kept giggling. Hey waiter, they weren’t into you– they liked the extra round of mimosas and glass of champagne you gave them though.
I’m not going to let him deter me from coming back again. It’s a great location with a fair to go to afterwards!

Only come here to eat if you wish to be ignored by the wait staff and enjoy overpriced food.
We came on a Sunday for brunch (it was not busy) and it took about 15 minutes for our waiter to get to us – not counting the time he came by to give us another table’s check (we hadn’t even been given waters yet). It took another 10 minutes to get the mimosa carafe we ordered, and then another 30 minutes to get our food.
I ordered the smoked salmon benedict and it came with a single, measly slice of smoked salmon on each English muffin, and one of my poached eggs had already been broken open (pic attached).
When my friend ordered, he asked if his side salad could be a Caesar salad, and the waiter just said «No.» My friend offered to pay extra, and again the waiter just said «No.» No explanation, no suggestions, just a no.
I’d recommend going somewhere else to eat … there’s plenty of other excellent places in this neighborhood, don’t waste your time or money here.