Gnocco

Amazing experience!!! I was over last Friday with few friends and everybody was really happy!! We reserved our table online (yes you can... although we had to wait about 10/15 minutes to be seated). Many "yummy" things in the menu, which our super-nice waiter explained to us almos item by item, Interesting wine list, many, many different wines but only Italian. The food is really great: we had the truffle pizza, whole wheat pasta, the "gnocco" bread with prosciutto, beef carpaccio, filet mignon with wine reduction and few other things I cannot recall right now. The staff is great, everybody seems on top ov everything, from the waiters to the bus boys, especially the manager, a big guy with a big warm smile, who was constantly checking about our "happiness" and make sure we were feeling at home. A delicious desserts trio (tiramisu', Italian Cheese Cake and the AMAZING nutella calzone) has been the triumphal end of our meal.

Thank you guys for this experience: great people, friendly/family atmosphere, very nice and friendly staff, great food and wine choice... and the price wasn't that bad.

I'll be back, for sure... I would suggest to reserve your table in advance, especially Friday and Saturday night.

Pros: Delicious food, great staff, homey/cozy enviroment

Cons: Very crowded over the week end

Posted 10/26/09

I went here for brunch with 3 people, and after 22 years of living and dining in New York City, I must say this was the worst service I've ever been subjected to in this city.

Although the service was extremely slow in an empty restaurant, that issue is to be expected at times. What was unforgivable was the rude, condescending and outright hostile attitude of everyone who works there -- even the busboy.

We waited 30 minutes in a near-empty restaurant to have our orders taken. One of us asked if he could get mushrooms in his omelet, and was told "No" with no explanation. When we got our food I asked for ketchup, and I was told that it was not possible. We were offered refills of our coffee cups (did not ask for them), but were charged for each one on the bill. When we asked about it, we were told by the hostess "This is not a diner" and that we should feel fortunate because they decided not to charge us for all the refills. Then came the real zinger: "But, if it's a huge awful problem for you, I guess we could take it off." What the hell is that?!? To top everything off, when we tried to pay we were condescendingly told that our cards were not acceptable and that they only take American Express.

All in all, the entire experience was uncomfortable and even hostile. A restaurant should never make the customer feel unwelcome and afraid to make even basic requests. The admittedly pretty good food was nowhere near good enough to justify the hostile, rude and disgusting treatment we received. And from the looks of other reviews, this behavior appears to be a trademark of Gnocco.

Pros: Decent (but overpriced) food

Cons: WORST SERVICE EVER, overpriced food, awful awful service

Posted 05/15/09

A fantastic experience!! I went with a group of friends last night. We sat in the garden. The atmosphere was wonderful. The service was impeccable. We had amazing truffle pizza, pumpkin ravioli and wonderful fried artichokes. It was balanced perfectly by a Morellino Scansano wine our waiter suggested. I highly recommend Gnocco for the food, atmosphere and georgeous Italian waiters with dark eyes and accents from the old continent!! My favorite Italian restaurant in New York.

Posted 05/03/09

Gnocco is a great discovery for me. This place would be high standard in Italy as well (and I know what I am talking about). Their famous dish "Il gnocco" is the perfect merge of soft and crispy and moreover is not as greasy as you sometimes find it in Central Italy; the rest of the menu tasty and with a twist of fantasy (enough of meatballs and alfredo sauce, they have real ideas in here) and the internal garden lovely in every season. Definetely the best meal I had in Manhattan and reasonably priced (that is not easy in the city where everything is over-rated)

Pros: the food, the garden

Cons: they rush you a bit

Posted 11/03/08

service was mediocre, yellowed greens, no effort made on presentation or quality. hadn't eaten anything all day, had the beef carpaccio, became ill 5 hours later. not surprised, this restaurant has seen better days and needs to reinvent themselves.

Pros: outdoor seating with a caveat

Cons: poor food quality

Posted 08/22/08

I went for a first date on a Friday night around 9pm and was seated promptly by a very pleasant young woman. The menu selection was lovely and the food was very good - not the best I've had in NYC but for the price, I'd say it was comparable. The decor was nice - we were able to sit in the outdoor garden area. BUT OUR SERVER! So unbelievably rude! Everything was done with a sigh and an eye roll! It took him forever to get to our table and then with a slight eye roll he condescendingly asked if we were ready to order - as though he had been waiting on US for 15 minutes! But before we could answer him he took up a conversation with another server! When he finally did get back to us, everything we said or did seemed to not be worth his time. I wasn't starving so I ordered an appetizer as my meal and that just aggravated him to the point he felt it was relevant and necessary to abrasively remind me it was an appetizer. We had two bottles of expensive wine and yet we were still treated as though we were below his standards. I WILL NEVER GO BACK! There are too many restaurants in NYC - they should seriously re-evaluate the attitudes of their servers if they want to stay open with so much competition out there.

Pros: Outdoor Seating

Cons: Awful Service

Posted 08/10/08

I don't know who waited on the other reviewer, but I've had a fantastic time every single time. Though at times the service can be slow, but other than that no complaints.

I've never heard of the mandatory gratuity, maybe the other reviewer was there with a group larger than 5? It's been my experience that it's customary for restaurants to do that for larger groups.

The food is delicious and the ambiance perfect! My husband and I have been going every week since we found this place, and we recommend that you do to!

Pros: Fantastic food

Cons: At times a bit slow

Posted 07/22/08

Ugly service, okay food depending on what you get (pizza is fantastic, main dishes are mediocre). The waiter we had was rude, not attentive and very moody. At one point, he got angry and asked us if he was "comic" (???). Towards the end of the dinner, I was suprised he didn't sit on the table and ask me to serve him. Although they didn't state it in their menu or anywhere else, they put a mandatory gratuity. When we disputed, the manager took it off and asked us to never come back there again. This is the first time I am experiencing something like this in New York and it is outright unreasonable, silly and rude. It seems like recent reviews are much worse than earlier ones. Do you want to gamble? Next time I want good italian food, I will go to Lil' Frankie's on 1st avenue.

Pros: Pizza

Cons: Service!!!

Posted 07/15/08

I just had dinner at Gnocco on 10th Street in the East Village. It was my third time there, and for the second straight time had a bad experience. My first time there was good. Good food, good service. My second time there, I felt the food was not as good, and there was a strange vibe among the crew, including the Maitre'd. Seemed like everyone was angry with each other. And it spilled over to their attitude toward customers. I though it must have just been an unusual night where something was going on behind the scenes. But on my third visit tonight, it happened again. And the Maitre'd was worse this time. Outright hostility about the silliest thing. So unless you like this kind of atmosphere as you're tring to eat over-priced Italian food, I would stay away. Two other couples we know have had a similiar experience lately, so I don't think it's about my wife and I. Place started out well, but boy is there a bad vibe there now.

Posted 11/02/07

I thought the food here was okay, but the truth is, I don't think I ordered the best choices on the menu. The Insalata Veronica wasn't very good, I forget what was even in it. The sizes aren't too big, but I found that refreshing, because it's easy to overeat Italian food. My main course was the gnocci special with gorgonzola and a walnut sauce. Sounds delicious, but the food seemed to lack something, and wasn't served very hot. The dessert, nutella and ricotta cheese on pizza dough was certainly the highlight. I have a feeling there were far better choices on the menu. If I ever go back, I will update.

The best part of the place is the atmosphere. It wasn't too sceney and felt social and fun, without being too crowded or too noisy. The staff seemed a little spacey but sweet and accommodating. The floor was on slant in the back, so the chairs weren't the most comfortable. But all in all, a pleasant experience, with prices that were quite the bargain. With wine and appetizers and desserts, came to 60 each with tip.

Pros: Atmosphere, affordable, decent food

Cons: Food could use improvements

Posted 05/04/07

A great find in Alphabet City. Good Italian food highlighted by their incredible Gnocchi. They have three different kinds. All good but the porcini mushroom one was absolutely outstanding. Also try their speciality appetizer called Gnocco. It's fried dough with Italian Meats, like salami and proscuitto. Good service and fair prices.

Pros: Gnocchi, Gnocchi, Gnocchi

Posted 04/14/07

I went on a thursday with my wife to celebrate our first anniversary and we really liked it. We sat outside in the garden, was croweded but still romantic. The place is nice, the service was good but is defenetly the food the best thing at Gnocco. we had some delicious stuffed zucchini flowers and mouth watering pumpkin tortelli with ragu sauce. we ended the night by sharing an huge calzone nutella. we are defenetly going back.

Pros: FOOD, FOOD, FOOD

Posted 06/20/06

I was so shocked about the previous reviews about Gnocco that I had to write one of my own. I have been here many times and I have always been pleased with the food and the service. I have brought my friends and relatives to eat here and they all have been enthusiastic! I never had to wait too long to be seated and the bill was never a surprise. A great neighborhood place with authentic, Italian food at reasonable prices. Defenetly a must try.

Pros: good food, good ambience, good prices

Posted 05/23/06

Wish I had read the last few reviews!!! This was by far the worst restaurant I have ever eaten at in my entire life! The staff was totally rude!!! My children took me there for mothers day, on Saturday night, and for an Italian Restaurant, this was a poor excuse for a restaurant. Not to mention they ran out of Chardonnay, and with the little amount of food we ordered it cost $200.00!!! In addition, I was scolded when I couldn't pronounce a word in an Italian. Did I mention the bill was in Italian, and we had to question everything they charged us for! Please remove this restaurant from the list!

Pros: none

Posted 05/16/06

Wow! This was the worst dining experience I have had in NYC in 9 years of living here. It took us 3 hours to eat. People who showed up an hour after us were being served meals while we sat in the freezing cold backyard. When we complained, the wait staff was rude and unapologetic. When the food did arrive we were very dissappointed. My meal tasted like someone had poured an entire salt shaker on it. The calzone nutella dessert was even bad. The crepe it was served in tasted like rubber. F-. Terrible.

Pros: Nothing

Cons: Everything

Posted 04/23/06

On average, I eat out four or five times a week in this fabulous city I simply adore and have never once felt the need to write a bad review of a restaurant. Gnoccho, is the exception. My friend and I waited over an hour for a salad, she was served the incorrect salad, our server was nonplussed. 45 minutes later our less-than-stellar pizza and their even less-than-stellar gnoccho was dropped at the table; no explanation or apology or attempt to acknowledge the ridiculous wait. Our water glasses were never filled, we were never asked if we needed anything else, and all in all Gnoccho delivered mediocre food served with major attitude. I calmly told the server I would never return to which he shrugged his shoulders and walked away. Not exactly the Sunday dining experience my friend and I had had hoped for--or should pay for.

Posted 04/22/06

I went there for dinner last Saturday with friends and loved it. We did not have reservation but the hostess was very helpfull and sat us down in less than 10 minutes. We were sitting in the front room with a mural on the wall. The food was amazing just like the wine. Service was great and attentive. The place seems very popular as it was packed with people. The pizza is one of the best in NY and I highly recommend it. Overall place is awseome with great food and service.

Posted 03/07/06

Had dinner with my sister and her friends who were in town for the weekend. They sat us in the cold area by the windows. Service and food was the worst I ever had in NYC. For six people, he brought us 4 pieces of bread and one plate of oil. We had to ask for everything from plates to more water. My friend asked for a steak medium well, and it came rare. It was then reheated and tasted terrible. I actually received something that I did not order then the waiter claimed it was what I ordered. I'm sorry though I've never been to Italy, I know what Gnocci looks like... and it doesn't look like pasta with white cream sauce. This place will not survive long. The waiter with a dirty towel on his right shoulder might have to find another profession.

Pros: location

Cons: Service, Food

Posted 03/02/06

As tourists roaming the east village on a slow weeknight, a coulple of locals recommended Gnocco's. I can understand some of the bad reviews. We were the only ones in the place. The cheese plate was overpriced, it had more pears than cheese. The main course was awesome though. It had a real homemade feel with mom in the kitchen, without professional experienced servers. This could all equal a bad experience if it was busy. Otherwise it was perfect for these tired Los Angeles tourists.

Pros: food, wine, when empty

Cons: services, prices, when busy

Posted 11/22/05

A restaurant thats friendly and unpretentious, casual but nice enough to make dinner feel a little special. Great food and friendly, attentive service. We had a table for four in the lovely garden on a busy Friday night. Our guests were impressed with the food, as were we. The food was beautifully presented and tasting DELICIOUS. Great place - definitely recommend it.

Posted 09/24/05

I recently dined here with 10 family members. We were squashed into a table in the back and the service was terrible! We specifically requested a high chair but when we got there they said they didn't have one. So I had to have my wiggly 2 yr old on my lap the whole ime! Two pizzas arrived about 10 minutes before the rest of our meals. Two entrees were WRONG and to correct it would have taken 20 minutes according to the waiter... so two people had to settle for something they did not want. Three desserts were not served at all. When brought to the wait staff's attention, two were served and the other NEVER arrived! The waiter disappeared after our meals were served. He lost out on what would have been a very generous tip. The service was bad enough that we'll never go back!

Posted 09/18/05

Simply the best, original italian restaurant in the East Village....pizza is amazing in roman style, prepared by truly roman born chef...I go there often because I feel like at home,
in one of those little pizzerie in Trastevere, the heart of Rome.
Ragazzi di Gnocco siete grandi, thanks for existing.

Posted 07/31/05

I am Italian 100% and I have to tell you this place is really bad.
after we seat the waiter asked for drinks and 3 of our choices of wine were not available. they had also finished mozzarella and the lasagna.
so it took us 30 min to order. I was there with 4 friends and while 2 pizzas arrived proptely the rest took forever. Pizzas were really good just like in Italy but food suckd.
25$filet migno was old and toped with an awful balsamic souce the reginette were made with a souce of terrible gorgonzola. we were charger 9$ for a side of prosciutto that was the worst I have ever had and we send the calamari back because they were stinky.
service was alright however not relaxed because always apologizing for kitched mistakes.

Posted 07/18/05

This place gets busy. Really long wait, sometimes over an hour as on our last visit and then service can be slow.

Posted 07/13/05

I had to write a review (my 1st & I use this site extensively) after reading the previous reviews. Went here a few weeks ago with an Italian friend who brought me because the food reminds her of grandmother's. Without a reservation and it was crowded, we were seated in less than 15 minutes. Our server was attentive, and our food was everything that it was supposed to be. I have recommended this restaurant to several friends already and plan to go back myself. Yes, it was noisy, but we got there around 9 and by the time we left, it had quieted down. However, we never lacked for service.

Pros: Great service, Prompt Friday Seating, Friendly Staff

Cons: Crowded, Noisy

Posted 06/26/05

I have to recommend this little restaurant on East 10th. The ambience inside makes it a perfect place for a first date.I arrived there at around 9:00pm on a thursday night with a couple of friends and we were promptly seated.
We started ordering wine and, since we don't know much about it, we decided to let the waiter choose for us; we were pleased with his recommendation... The food was great as well (my favorite dishes: ravioli, antipasto di mare and especially tagliata). I'll definitely go back... Hopefully with a date!

Pros: great ambience, food

Cons: crowded

Posted 06/15/05

I recently dined here with 5 friends. While we had a nice table in the back, the service here was terrible! The food was okay, but I am sure it would have been better had it not been cold when we actually ate it. One friend's pizza arrived about 15 minutes before the rest of our meals (the remainder of our entrees did not even arrive at the same time), and our waiter half-heartedly apologized for the delay while rolling his eyes. And the place was not even busy! To top it off, we had to ask for our check four times, and the wait staff acted annoyed that we wanted to pay and leave (better than just leaving). While this place could be good if theyd lose the attitude and get the timing worked out, they angered me enough that I'll never go back!

Posted 04/20/05

GREAT PIZZA! Even if I was there to eat some pasta, I had to try it, it smelled too good. If you go, try Tartufata . Attentive staff, with prompt service at all time. Don't miss the Gnocco with prosciutto!!

Posted 03/08/05

Just had the best Eggplant Parm of my life! Unbelieveabley delicious!

Hey, the serivice is easy going .. don't go if you are in a rush or are a high-maintainance person. But if you can chill and enjoy your time there, then this is the place for you!

The Tartuforo (sp?) pizza is just to die for!

Go, relax, enjoy ...

Pros: Food, Ambiance, Service

Cons: Service

Posted 02/28/05

Very dissapointing, good service but terrible food, basic mistakes, unseasoned food, falvourless beef, warm wine glasses, unfresh fish. A Barola sauce which was terrible, I'm not sure how they made a suace taste so simple and one noted. Very dissapointed and all for 100 dollars for 2 people. Waited ages for our main courses.

Posted 02/24/05

They brought-out one of our meals 20 minutes before the others arrived. We had to ask them to take it back to keep it warm.
I had to ask for my drink twice and it never arrived. Even water was tough to get.
In general, the food took too long to be served after ordering.
The service was polite, but there was just not enough of it.
This all being said, once the food arrived, it was very good.

Posted 02/17/05

This place is great whether on a date or with a group. They don't rush you out, and the food is affordable and good. Try to get a seat in the garden if it is nice out. The gravina wine is a good option and their new pizza selections are fabulous. Gnocco is hands down my favorite restaurant in NYC!

Pros: Good food, Inexpensive, Relaxed Environment

Posted 10/30/04

Being an Italian living in NY, I sincerely miss the friendly "trattoria" food that you find everywhere in Italy...the mid-price restaurant where to take friends and family! Well, gnocco is all that and more, fantastic affordable food, friendly staff, and a easy atmosphere!

Pros: Great food, inexpensive, couzy

Posted 06/01/04

I have lived E. Village for over 2years and eat in the neighborhood restuarants frequently. In all that time I have never been more disappointed. In fact I have never written a bad restaurant review. The food here was awful. My entre was so salty I could not even eat it and my guest was disgusted by a bad piece of fish. The tomatoes and mozzarella app. was awful. Service was horrible but then again I return to many places with good food and poor service. In the end we each had a couple bites of our meals. The waiter asked if there was a problem and we told him we were disappointed. Thinking he would return to atleast listen to our we were surprised that he just handed us the bill and walked away. $100 wasted. STAY AWAY!!

Posted 05/12/04

I was looking for something little, quite, where you can sit and enjoy a well prepared dinner without paying an arm and a leg. Gnocco was the place to go! A party of six arrived at 10 pm, on a Tuesday. It was us and another table of pure Italians. A charming decor, the trendy tunes, and the polite service were only setting the stage for what was yet to come. The dishes and wine were exellent! The mussles so tasty, the risoto with safron and parmesan cheese out of this world and the following pasta dishes gave a strong sense of freashness and delightful taste. We had a blast! My friends were very pleased and we highly recommend it.

Pros: Inexpensive, Exellent service, Private

Posted 04/06/04

Gnocco is a really nice Italian restaurant. The food is really authentic and very good.
Those who go there have to try the gnocco fritto, absolutely...because they will not get it easily even in Italy outside emilia romagna!!!

Pros: Food, Service, Garden, also in winte

Cons: only cash

Posted 11/14/03

Very cute restaurant that could easily cost $10 more per person, considering the quality of the food. However, the quality of the waitstaff seems to be declining from prior experiences...

Pros: Good Value, Quality Ingredients, Homemade Taste

Cons: Inexperienced Waitors

Posted 11/09/03

The food and atmosphere make you feel like you are very much back in Italy. The prices are reasonable and the menu is authentic.

Pros: Food

Cons: Noisy

Posted 07/04/03

I'm sad that it is getting more and more crowded at this place! The food is very good, the garden in the back is beautiful in the summer and nothing is very expensive. The service is ok, which is acceptable due to the inexpensive prices.

I've gone back many times.

Pros: great food, inexpensive

Cons: getting more crowded

Posted 04/27/03

great food, great owner, one of the best italian without investing $100 @ Cipriani...

Pros: great food

Posted 03/11/03

Go to Gnocco and you will not be disappointed!!!
Need I say more?

Pros: Cheap, Great Food, Best Kept Secret

Cons: Only Cash, Small Restaurant

Posted 02/14/03

I keep going back for the gorgonzola pasta, it's heavenly and I'm addicted!!! Also very good is the pasta with lamb and tomato sauce.

Pros: great food, outdoor dining

Posted 01/02/03

Great place to meet an old friend for a simple Italian meal. Strongly recommend sitting in the garden out back.

Posted 09/26/02

Delicious!! The food is simply fantastic, the wait staff is very knowledgable of the menu and make great recommendations. You must try the Gnonno, it's especially good with the anti-pasto platter and parmasean cheese. The garden is a great place to eat, too. I just wish they took credit.

Pros: garden, good cheap wines

Cons: cash only

Posted 08/28/02

Watch it people, you can seriously eat too much at this place. It's so delicious though. I don't think you can go wrong with any dish. You have to try the Gnocco, an appetizer the place is named after.

Posted 07/20/02