Becco

my husband and i went here on our first date in nyc 6yrs ago and have been back many time since. the shrimp and spicey tomato app is my favorite of all time. the pasta special is terrific and is what i usually order. the wine list is to die for---so many choices--helpful staff--and reasonably priced. i bring all out of town guests here for a wonderful meal i know they will enjoy. have never had a bad meal or experience at becco. highly rec!!! i cannot wait to go back.

Pros: amazing pasta and wine, fun vibe and energy

"Everything from the friendly wait staff to the delicious food was above my expectations. Small menu offerings, but something for everyone."

love this midtown restaurant - great place for before going to the theatre

Yes, the food at Becco is very good indeed and the service attentive....but how can you enjoy yourself when you cannot hear anything people at your own table are saying? The place was incredibly noisy...the tables so crowded together in the atrium room that the waitstaff was on top of all of us as they served the nearby tables.....a noisy table for 4 next to us when we got there became a noisier, even more crowded table for 6 after the first party left.....unbelievably noisy and cramped...and I will never, ever go back,

Pros: GOOD FOOD AND SERVICE

Cons: NOISE LEVEL---CRAMPED TABLES

Last night i went to Becco for the 2nd time ever, and i felt compelled to write and just say i loved my experince there. My Date and I had the Time of out lives. the Food was excellent! The Wine the server selected for us was great and the deserts were out of this world. we were there from 8:30 till they closed and they were great to us the entire time!
I would recommend Becco to anyone looking for excellent Food

Pros: Service, Service, Service

Cons: Nothing.

excellent choice of dishes! charming atmospere and great service. highly recommend their daily special of three dishes and a salad. bread basket is worth a sample too. excellent choice if you are hungry and ready from a break in the city! Try and get there before 4:00 on a Saturday and you can still get the lunch deal.

Pros: can't miss it!

I've had many meals at this charming Italian gem in the theater distric and they've all been wonderful. The waiters create an almost show-like atmosphere with their never ending pans of pasta floating through the dining room like italian angels making sure that your plate is never empty
the vegetable plate is great fileld with mushrooms, and garlic mashed potatoes
this is a great place to go with a crowd and before you leave i must insiste that you have a glass of Moscato D'Asti the flavored liquer has the perfect about of dry bubbly texture with the added sweetness of pear

My family took me there to celebrate my birthday and while our waiter was pleasant and did a wonderful job serving, the lack of customer service and poor management was astounding. An accident happened at our table by the staff and instead of coming over to help, the manager snickered in the background and refused to help. When we called him over to talk about the situation he was extremely rude and told us that it's against policy to provide any kind of compensation to customers. My mother had to attend a play that night with a destroyed outfit. We tried to reason with the manager and he responded by cursing and creating a scene in the restaurant. Having lived in NY my entire life and worked in the service industry, I was appalled by their lack of service and horrible attitudes. We were told that the only way we would be compensated would be if we came back and spent money on another dinner and maybe we would get free desserts. I would never recommened this restaurant. There are many other delicious Italian restaurants in NYC.

Pros: they do italian right

Cons: lousy management

I've been to Becco a few times I can't say anything bad about the place. Every visit has been very pleasant, with great food and wine. Whenever anyone asks me where to go for Italian food in the Theater District I always recommend Becco!

Incredible!!! Back for the 3rd time in 2 years. Brought a couple of friends from the UK and my wife. We had a vegan, a meat eater, a fish eater, and pork eater. All were in heaven. The staff were extremely attentive and especially to the vegan orders. The sparkling rose wine was the cap to one of the best meals we've have ever had. Plan on returning again and again.

Pros: Every morsel of food

Cons: A touch "lively" loud but bearable

My best friend and I had dinner at Becco on a busy Saturday night. Our server asked if we were going to a show and made sure our food came out quickly and brought the bill with dessert. The atmosphere was very nice, the cocktails were good, the service was prompt and friendly and the food was absolutely delicious. We had the pasta special dinner since we were having a hard time deciding. The antipasto was extremely fresh and the pasta was so good we didn't want to stop eating. If we hadn't been going to a show we would have lingered for more cocktails. I would highly recommend Becco to anyone.

Pros: Excellent service, great food

Cons: waiting area a little cramped

BEEN HERE 3 TIMES AND ALWAYS A GREAT MEAL!!
EXCELENT VALUE WINE LIST.UNLIMITED PASTA IS A WINNER!!
MAKE RESERVATIONS.

Pros: GREAT FOOD

Cons: MAKE RESERVATIONS

I went there with my family during the holidays and had a blast. The wait staff was very friendly and warm. The place was lit just right. And the never-ending pasta was delicious! I think it changes nightly or so but among the three pastas was a pumpkin ravioli that was perfectly delicious. To top it off, Lidia herself was there and taking pictures with everyone, welcoming everyone, going from table-to-table to make sure everyone was enjoying themselves. This is definitely the place to go if you're in the theatre district (where I'm wary of all restaurants)!

Pros: food, service, ambience

Cons: close tables, crowded

Had a great overall experience. We will be back any time to try other items in the menu. Good value, quality.

Pros: Osso bucco, pasta and many other items in the menu

Cons: Nothing !

I showed up in classic date gear; she had underdressed to the point of embarrasment. But despite my constant haranguing her, we both felt comfortable at Becco. The ambience was a bit noisy, but the decor and lighting were romantic. Besides, whispering angrily is more convenient when people at other tables are laughing. We ordered the pasta special and were deftly rewarded. The roasted vegetables seemed to "pop" with freshness; not at all boring as I had thought. The seafood accompaniment swam in my mouth. The 3 pastas of the day were equally as surprising and inventive. Never again will I poo-poo a pumpkin-based seasonal pasta...as long as its from Becco. I'm a bit demanding, and after a decade of restaurant experience, a bit of a cynic. But I cannot wait to go back to Becco. You'll recognize me as the bearded curmudgeon making my dinner date miserable, while enjoying the freshness and creativity of the chef.

Pros: Good lighting, very fresh food, great value

Cons: Only 3 kinds of whisky.

My husband and I went to Becco last night on the recommendation of many friends and we loved it! The food was fantastic and we had a lovely dining experience. Instead of having the endless pasta, which seemed a little too glutonous, we ordered the swordfish and angus steaks. The portions were huge, the food was simple and flavorful, and the wine selections were great. The only slight flaw was that the place was so busy that the waiter couldn't get to us quite as often as we would have liked. Expect to spend about $100 a couple, but walk away thoroughly full and satisfied.

Pros: Simple & Delicious Food

Cons: Very busy wait staff. Pricey.

IT WAS NICE TO HAVE DINNER AND WALK OVER TO B-WAY AND SEE A SHOW. EVEN THOUGH IT TOOK ALOT TO GET US SEATED. WE GOT LUCKY I GUESS. BUT IT WAS GOOD FOOD AND WAS PLEASENT TO SEE THAT EVERYONE ENJOYED THERE MEAL.

Pros: FOOD AND LOCATION

Cons: PARKING

To start the night off i had to go to the bathroom while i was waiting to be seated...i had just had wings earlier in the day, and starbucks, so you know what was about to happend to me. As i go to the bathroom, i sit down and let that stuff go....i mean it was a flow of unnatural forces, picture this, two sun baked pounds of cheese, one old hot dog, and my ex-girlfriend all rolled into my body. came out, then after the el-nino passed i went to finish and no toilet paper....man what a bummer. food was great though.

My 2 sisters and I went to celebrate my 50th birthday.The food was excellent, the waiters were always helpful and it was a wonderful feast. The only bad thing was, as soon as i finished my soda, they took my to refill it, but when the bill came I was charged $3.00 for every glass! Otherwise, I would highly reccomend Beco's.

Pros: Wonderful Food

Cons: Hidden charges

Our first time in NYC from Wyoming and we selected Becco based on Citysearch information and reviews. Our reservations were made, in advance via phone, for a Thursday evening of Easter weekend at 7:30. The place was packed and when we entered they acted like they were expecting us and that we were longtime friends. We were seated immediately and treated like royalty throughout the evening. The wine selection is so large that if you can't find something you like then you're simply being too fussy. An entire listing of wines for $20 per bottle displays some great buys. Our waiter, Marco, was helpful, courteous, and pure fun. The Maitre D, Nathan, couldn't have been more pleasant. The three of us all had the pasta (I know, boring, but we love pasta) and it was truly wonderful. Throughout the evening we kept hearing, "Please, take your time." The evening was a wonderful experience, the food was terrific, hospitality couldn't have been better, and we absolutely loved it. Would I go back? Are you kidding.....I simply can't wait. Thousands of restaurants in NYC and when I do go back, this is the first one that I'll visit. It was a terrific meal on a wonderful night in a great place. I can't recommend it highly enough. Just plan ahead, be sure you have reservations, and don't show up late. You won't be sorry.

Pros: Service, food, wine list, value, uniqueness

Cons: a little crowded but bearable

Dined at Becco's about 8 times or so during the past 2 years. The food is wonderful. Some outstanding choices are the Osso Buco, the rack-of-lamb, fish dishes like striped bass. You can trust the chefs. The meatball appetizer is excellent as well. We usually get the Sampler for dessert, and enjoy almost all items included. Every day there is a pasta special (if you're not dieting) for $21 I think, which includes 3 different pastas (all you can eat). The Caesar's salad included with dinners is outstanding.
We've sat upstairs and down and on both sides of the restaurant. Sometimes we get a VERY small table which is annoying and pre-theatre hours are crowded with reservations almost essential. Service is excellent. We usually get there about 5:45 PM for pre-theatre dinner if show is at 8 PM. If anything, the service is a bit too quick. Excellent cocktails, lots of wines ALL at $25 per bottle. Your server's recommendation is usually fine. Very good wine list beyond the $25 dollar per bottle list, if you want something above "adequate". You will be pleased dining at Becco.

Pros: Outstanding food, excellent preparation, fine drinks, wine, good service.

Cons: Small tables sometimes; occasionally too crowded, average ambience

I'd dined at Felidia's on a previous visit to Manhattan, and wasn't so impressed, but I'd vowed to try Lidia's other restaurant, Becco. I had a hunch that I would like it much better, and I was right. The restaurant was very crowded, but since I was dining alone, I sat at the wine bar to have dinner. The bartender was very helpful, and helped me choose a wine to my liking, as well as make dinner recommendations. I had a peppery wine from the Puglia region of Italy, along with the Galleto Al Forno. It was amazing...I couldn't stop gushing to the bartender about how good that oven-roasted chicken breast was.

Pros: helpful staff, delicious food, good wine

Cons: crowded

Went here with 3 friends the other night..and I can't said it lived up to its reputation. We had a horrible table location despite reservations earlier in the week (right in front of the door when it was 50 degrees out). We ended up trying the pasta special as it's been recommended by so many people, but half of the pasta was uncooked! We had to pick and choose which noodles to eat, trying to avoid chewing raw dough. In the end, it was OK. Probably won't go back for a while, at least not until the memory of this experience is erased. Good wine selection, though (very cheap), and great dessert.

BEWARE! this place charges 18% tip automatically if you have a party of 6 or more, and on top of that, the tip is on top of the tax, meaning they are really getting you for over 20% tip, and their service is not worth it. They may have all you can eat pasta, but you practically have to beg to get a second round of it. If it's all you can eat, when you are done, shouldn't the waiter come around asking if you want more? not this place, they try to take your plates away. We tried to ask for more, and the waiter looked upset, then he called the guy carrying around the pasta to come back, the guy wandered off and we waited about 15 minutes to be served our second round, none of us dare ask for more. With their dessert sampler, they include ice cream and sorbets, but a tiny scoop of each, even if you have 12 people at the table, meaning 12 people will have to dig their spoons into one tiny ice cream flavor, talk about stingy when they charge like $40 for some "unlimited" pasta and some entrees and dessert. The food tasted good, but the service and price kills it.

Pros: food, I like Lydia on PBS!

Cons: bad service, charging 18% tip on top of tax, the pasta is not really unlimited if they don't come around after your first round.

I go often and recommend Becco's to out of town business associates and friends. Went on a Saturday with out of town tickets and the food was great but the service was awful, even surely. Ordered a $25 glass of wine and it was bad. Told the waiter. A young "host" came out and said it was good, obviously we were wrong. Left it on our bill until we asked. Was told mistake but it felt like "trying to get the tourists!"

Pros: great food, pasta special is always a treat

Cons: service on the weekend

Best meal for the price I have ever had in NYC. We had 8 adults and a three year old for a mothers day lunch on a busy Saturday afternoon. I am always disappointed with the service when I am with a large group like this, but this time I was totally impressed with the staffs ability to not only be attentive but also have a smile on while the avoided my 3 year old nephew as he bounced around.

We had the group special! So much food, I am stuffed now just thinking about it. Salad, pasta tri tasting, Steak, Chicken, Swordfish, Potatos etc.......ALL YOU CAN EAT!!!!!!!

$30 a person ..............AMAZING

Pros: Service, Food, Price

Cons: Beer selection

We visited Becco last month . Ok, it's 4:30 PM and we're all waiting outside when the door finally opens . We get escorted through one dining where all the waiters and waitresses are being prepped about the nights menu. Myself along with every other patron were forced to wait in an overcrowded bar while employees carry chairs and such over our heads to prepare for dinner in the next room, shoulder to shoulder we stood there like cattle waiting to be fed. Finally we get seated and our underdressed servers commence running around banging and bumping into us as we sit there waiting to be waited upon. I ordered the all you can eat Pasta , These guys are pros at figuring out what you like and making sure you don't get anymore. service sucks!
I have to admit the bathrooms are very nice and clean.

Pros: neighborhood, bathroom

Cons: service, service , food

Had dinner 4/14 Friday night @ BECCO and was very pleased with the food and service.
Ordered the Pasta special and the waiter came around filling and refilling my plate with three different pasta dishes all night long. The atmosphere was pleasant and casually comfortable. I left 15 lbs heavier!

I work in midtown and Becco became our place go to when we wanted to get away from the office and "blow it out" on the corporate card. The meat lasagne is definatly a choice to go with as is the 3 pasta all you can eat option. I do believe the wine menu is fixed at $20 per bottle, so how can you go wrong with that? The service is great especially sinse they always put up with our antics which usually went on for a few hours and the waiters were always quick to refill our wine glasses. Yes, some of the other patrons might have been put off, but then again others enjoyed our enthusiasm and our wit. We always had a great time and showed up back at the office with our stomachs full and our booze levels above legal driving limits.

Pros: killer lasagne, flowing of wine, tolerant staff

Cons: none

we had dinner at becco on a friday night, and were seated in the left bar area, which while pretty crowded, had a manageable noise level. the service was attentive and friendly. we ordered the $22 prix fixe which offers choice of caesar salad or grilled vegetables and seafood sampler, and then all-you-can-eat pasta (3 offerings). the pastas were quite good -- 2 of the 3 were homemade/fresh -- and a decent value. the caesar, however, was ordinary and boring, and the seafood appetizers were mediocre (octopus was fishy and the swordfish bland). if i were to go again, i'd probably just order off the main menu. nothing to write home about.

Pros: friendly service, attentive staff, tasty pastas

Cons: crowded in bar area, bland prix fixe appet

We just visited Becco restaurant for the second time as I enjoy Lidia's cooking show on TV so much. However, both times we went to the restaurant we had such problems with the seating (with reservations) that it put a damper on our experience. The first time my husband was seated at the top of the stairs practically in front of the bathroom door. The second time we went to Becco, we were brought through the kitchen to our table! This time we were placed at a tiny table right next to the kitchen in the pathway of every waiter/waitress and patron. We were also disappointed in the menu as the only pasta offered were the all you can eat choices of spaghetti and lasagne, not very creative choices. Overall, two very disappointing experiences at a restaurant where I expected to be thoroughly satisfied.

A co-worker recommended this place, I had my heart set on it, but my bf forgot to make reservations on the busiest day of the week theatre Wed! I was soooo upset, We went to restuarant row at about 4:30 no reservations and got a sit immediatly! I was so excited, Great pasta made fresh daily, 3 kinds are brought to you unlimited w/ a starter salad. Pasta changes every day- for only $22 bucks that is your best bet! Great wine selections!! I couldn't choose!!! Must do if your in the theatre area! Restrooms are very clean too.

Pros: lots of options, great food, inexpensive

Cons: need reservations

I spotted this ristorante while walking through "Restaurant Row" and became immediately interested since the dinner room was packed. (It's usually a safer bet that the food is good if the restaurant has a full house). Despite the large 8:30 crowd, we were seated immediately in the charming, quiet back room (recommended). The menu offers a price fix that includes antipasta or cesear salad, and all-you-can pasta, but I opted for "Joe's veal chop," a superb, tender, grilled cut of calf. My friend was also delighted with her selection of the organic chicken. For dessert, we tried the sampler that included small portions of sorbert, chocolate mousse, cheesecake, bread pudding, and custard. All were delicious, but the cheesecake stood out of the group as the best. Overall, I recommend this restaurant, but the service could have been more attentive and polite.

Pros: food, ambience

Cons: service

I was so excited to try Lidia's restaurant - only to find the trio of pastas overcooked and underinspired. The orrechiette dish was so bitter it was inedible. The 4 cheese pasta was cooked to within an inch of its life. The papardelle was decent but dull - chopped tomatoes seemed the only ingredient. I won't go back.

I went to Becco on 10/4/05 with my co-workers. It was a party of 7 and we had a GREAT time. EVERYTHING we ate was absolutely delicious! Since we were a fairly large party, we were recommended the family-style type menu, which included a Ceasar salad, fresh vegetables, unlimited portion of pasta and then steak, chicken and fish (swordfish) as the main entrees. Then for dessert, which was also included in this deal, we had an assortment of all the desserts that are offered. Everything we had was absolutely great. I have been to Becco several times and I have not been disappointed yet. This is definitely a great choice for dinner. The one item I will comment about is the noise. It is usually very loud and sometimes it is a little difficult to hear the waiter, but we just asked him to repeat and we were fine.

Pros: Excellent food, Great value

Cons: Noisy

We had a fantastic meal at Becco's last night. Overall, the dining experience was relaxing and perfect. The antipasto is good, the pastas are fantastic, and the dessert cheese platter is gigantic. The wine was even good considering how inexpensive it is. The service was seemless.

Pros: Relaxing, Quick Service, Delicious

Went with spouse and child- here is the scoop:
Waiter was attentive and friendly
Food was fine- Pastas were good but stuffed pepper portion could have been larger. Wine was good and inexpensive. Chocolate cake good. No childrens menu but were able to accomodate.

Great food, but boy can the head waiter be rude! A minor problem over a substitution and the head waiter is accusing us of all manner of things. We had to walk out before any courses were served. Unbelievable.

It's cozy, with a feeling like eating at grandma's house, where everything is warm and the company you keep is half the fun! A price fix pasta special allows for a whirlwind of all you can eat pasta. The wine list is priced at the same reasonable price for every bottle of wine... so that you are selecting a WINE that you like rather than a PRICE you want. Entrees are less expensive than most lesser quality restaurants and the restaurant is swarming with service at just the right moment, with people who love a good time as much as you do. Accomodations are available for those who are heading off to the theatre, as well. So book in advance, enjoy the meal, and the show. And after the show, head back for a nightcap and choose from their extensive list which includes a dozen varieties of grappa! ****

Pros: food and drink, atmosphere, price

Cons: crowded

We had a lovel meal before the theatre here. We did have to wait for our table despite having a reservation but the food was excellent and the wait staff attentive. I would definatley go there again and being in the theatre district they were sensitive to our time constraints.

Pros: Food, Wine, Staff

Cons: crowded

I haven't had the pasta, but the appetizers, salads, and entrees (especially the steak and lamb) are extraordinary. The steak is marinated in a secret concoction of mushrooms and spices and it's one of the best I've ever had. I enjoy having a seat at the bar (where you can order from the full menu) and letting the excellent sommelliers recommend wines with each course. The $25 list of bottles is superb, and everyone there is friendly and professional. If it was a tad less pricey, I'd eat there every week.

Pros: Steak, $25 wines, Eating at bar

Cons: A bit expensive, Diet buster

I've eaten here at least 3 times, and have even thrown a party in their garden room! The pastas are delicious and do not miss the dessert sampler. I have been dissapointed with the lemon chicken, thoughm as it was very dry. Overall, the service is friendly but I would recommend avoiding the 'pre theater' sitting if you would like to relax and really taste the food. The table anti pasto is great!

Pros: Food, Service

I go to the theatre often and with so many restaurants in NYC I like to try a different one each time, however, my companion wanted to eat at Becco again. You can't beat the value of the Pre Fixe and the Under $25 wine list is great! The pasta is always hot and fresh and NEVER soggy. My friend is a vegetarian and one of the pastas featured last time had meat in it so what did the staff do? They brought her a primavera! The staff is most accomadating and always friendly & knowledgeable. They get you in and out without missing the curtain or feeling rushed in any way. Brava Lidia, etal. ENCORE!

Pros: Great Pastas, Prompt Service, Wonderful Wine List

Cons: Seating is tight

And we thought the food was great. We had kids and seniors at the table. They serve family style so it was more than enough for all. We thought the food was great, the pasta outstanding!, and the value tremendous. For large groups and families and for those of us that are budget conscious, its a great choice.

Pros: Food, Inexpensive, Large Groups