Otto Enoteca Pizzeria, New York, New York, Pizza Restaurant Details

Food:

"Energetic" to say the least, this "happening" enoteca/pizzeria from the Batali-Bastianich crew lures "lots of families" and "NYU students" with "fantastic" pizzas and pastas, a "huge wine list" and "decent prices"; it's a perennially "packed", "fun, loud" scene – especially in the "Italian train station"–themed front bar.

Food:

I was hoping for better from this supposedly upscale pizzeria but the entire experience lacked consideration or warmth. We celebrated a friend's birthday here and ended up doing the fixed menu. We started with wine at the bar where I appreciated the wine pouring and tasting even for an already open bottle that was just for a glass. The tables here made it a bit hard to stand and have a conversation and the area felt a by touristy without real character.
Seated at the table, we were packed in the back among several other big groups which lessened the intimacy. The waiters seemed overworked or possibly had too many tables so we didn't see them often. We also were lucky to have someone who had been there before and knew what we were supposed to get, so noticed we were given the honey truffle or cherry sauce with the first course. This just felt like a cheap way of cheating us by hoping we wouldn't realize it was missing. Combined with a surprise "party planning" service fee on the bill, for what planning I have no idea, the experience felt impersonal and a bit money grubbing.
The food was good, but only the truffle honey and the asparagus stuck out as exceptional. The salad was a bit boring and the rest of the appetizers blended together and lacked much depth of flavor and were fairly mushy in texture. The cheese and charcuterie were good, and I was smart enough to accompany several practicing Lent so I had a plate essentially to myself. The soft stinky cheese was especially good with the truffle honey.
The pizza was good, but I've had way better at less pretentious places. Roberta's obviously sticks out, but even pizza at places like hotel girafe were far better. A good pizza place needs to start with the crust, and this was simply not great crust. No where near chewy and doughy enough, they need to take a look at how good bagel places make their dough.
I liked dessert the most with the tasty gelato plate. Some of the flavors were losers they should abandon like the way too tart like and the bland vanilla, but the dark chocolate and coconut ones were delicious and nearly started a brawl over sharing them. The olive oil one was interesting for a few bites, but gets a bit too much for a whole scoop. The espresso was good but again not what I expected at an upscale Italian place.
If you're looking for a great pizza, hit Roberta's. For Italian, you're better off paying a bit more at scarpetta or carbone for a more memorable meal.

Food:

What else can be said about this Mario Batali place? Great food and wine at really good prices. Just come already, you'll be impressed.

Food:

inedible. literally. The pasta was undercooked, the pizza crust was like matzo with less flavor, the sauce was acidic flavorless. The pizza toppings smelled so horrible one bite was all either my wife or I could stand. Complete waste. On top of the food service was unacceptable. They didn't even bring the butter or olive oil for the bread, which was essentially stale in any event. Don't waste your time or money.

Food:

NYC is all about food, and when it comes to food, none is more prized than pizza. Pizza at OTTO is an experience, light crust, crisp sauce and fresh ingredients of the highest standard. One of Chef Mario Batali's restaurants in the Village, it has a steady draw and classy atmosphere. Bring a group to get a selection and try their four seasons pizza (Quattro Stagione)--it always changes but is oh so delectable.

Food:

OTTO is the textbook definition of a large, sprawling NYC restaurant that lacks soul or warmth. The menu has some highs, like the fresh pastas and simple pizzas, and some lows, like most of the cold apps. But the main drawback here is the service and space. The restaurant is quite large and it seems like waiters are given too many tables to attend to. By the way, as much as I appreciate A/C on a warm day, freezing cold air showered over our table (and food). Our waiter literally breezed by the table a couples times and displayed no warmth or attention to our needs. The other staff, such as the busboys and water attendants, provide the real service and deserve to be rewarded more. The only reason I'd come here again is if I needed space for a large party.