2 West Restaurant

Ok, so I violated my golden rule of never eating in hotel restaurants at home and went to the Ritz Sunday Brunch for my mom's birthday. I was inspired by an outstanding brunch experience at the Ritz in Grand Cayman and hoped--vainly--that this one would come close. In one word-NO! The most stunning discovery to me (being a New-Yorker, I obviously do not stay in hotels here) was that not all Ritzes are born equal. The service at this one was frankly bad. Sluggish hostess, who, after seeing us standing at the hostess station, dragged her feet across the room for another five minutes and answered the ringing phone before acknowledging our presence. We were approached by a grumpy waiter who asked us what we wanted to drink. We asked for juice and coffee, and he came back with both, poured some for my husband (there were two women in addition to him at the table, and he went to the only guy first!), and turned away to service the other table. When I called him back, he said, without turning--hold on, I'll be right there. Since it is a buffet brunch, we left our plates on the table and went to get desert. When we came back, the plates were still there--five minutes ago. The same unhappy looking waiter eventually asked us if we wanted them removed. t our affirmative, he carefully placed the dirty silverware back on the table--I KID YOU NOT, and took the plates. Now, had I gone to some all-you-can-eat joint on the side of the road, I'd be perfectly happy with this. But for $60 dollars and rather shaky food, surely, they could at least provide decent service. The brunch side was steamed vegetables cooked to a disgusting mashed potato consistency. But all of that I was willing to forgive--if only the service was decent. A particular waitress stood by a table with two customers for roughly 45 minutes, discussing some pressing issue with Broadway, while the rest of the room languished. Perhaps their dinners are better, but certainly not the brunch. Do not go!

Pros: Shrimp Cocktail Worth Eating

Cons: Service, Brunch

Posted 05/04/09

lobster bisque is all i have to say!! the place is comfortable and the staff in friendly. you must try it!

Pros: food and staff

Cons: nothing

Posted 04/02/09

Had dinner last night with a friend, the first time to 2 West. The restaurant is in the lobby area and its very roomy with pink and champagne colored walls and accents, dim lighting, which lends itself to a cozy and relaxing ambiance. The staff and waiter are very polite, attentive and genuine, very sweet and not cocky at all. The bread was a cross between dark and white bread, quite yummy. The white plates and dinner ware was very modern and strange looking, very sheik. The wine glasses were huge and VERY sophisticated, the wine list was decent and I had a very dry but good French Merlot. I started with a cup of the lobster bisque which was so delicious!! The broth was not too creamy, and lots of lobster chunks...I should have gotten the bowl. Then I had the special appetizer hot scallops with salad and pomengrates, which was tasty and different. I had the sea bass which was perfect, the basmati rice was a bit dry, so I ordered a side of creamy spinach which was total comfort food! My friend had the filet mignon and fries which was heaven. For dessert, I had the passion mango cheesecake with blueberries, raspberries, very tasty to end off the meal. The dinner was very laid-back, cozy, the food quite delicious, and the staff just right. This is a perfect place for a first date, quiet conversation or to take your mother for her birthday. I would definitely go back and try the steak, esgargot and crabcakes!!
Andrea

Pros: Dim-lighting, quiet, cozy ambiance, good food, attentive service

Cons: The rice was dry and had no taste. That's it.

Posted 02/07/07

We thought we'd try "2 West" as it was one of the restarted participating in the weeklong Downtown Prix-Fixe event.

*Now when an expensive restaurant has a special Prix-Fixe menu they usually need to cut cost, and have to chose between portion size and quality of product. I've seen some that have made the latter decision, but was glad 2 West chose to just reduce portions - which is what most places should do anyway.

*Service - The service was phenomenal, even in helping select a wine, which they even offered to let us (both of us) sample before opening a fresh bottle. The only mishap of the evening is when they brought me the wrong entree - which they profusely apologized for - we're all human, I could have easily not have been clear on my order. But none the less, they came out with my fish entree in about 7 minutes - it was cooked properly (not raw) and delicious. The waiter and manager both apologized and more than made up for the error.

*Food - Each course was excellent, both of us thought each entree was excellent. The appetizer was a bit dainty (the desert was bigger), but probably most people would prefer more desert than more appetizer.

Pros: Staff & Service

Cons: A bit off the beaten path

Posted 11/18/06

While staying at the Ritz on business I've eaten about five meals at this restaurant. Some things were good, and others were not. I found the steak to be too rare. The tuna was extremely spicy, which was not mentioned on the menu. The lobster bisque, on the other hand, was very good. Some of the other dishes were good as well. The sauce chef was a nice touch. The staff is generally courteous and attentive. The atmosphere is quiet and pleasant. The bottom line is that when I don't have time to go elsewhere and am on an expense account, I would visit this place. However, this is not a place I'd visit for dinner when I am paying. For the same price, you can go to a much better restaraunt.

Pros: Service, Atmosphere

Cons: Prices

Posted 07/27/05

2 West at the downtown Ritz location is quite the dining experience. The house specialty is the lobster bisque and the menu includes a porterhouse for two (great) and a Hawaiian Kobe (even better). There is a specially appointed Saucier who comes to the table with her sauce cart and offers you a choice of 7-8 different sauces...we tried several, each better than the next. Service was impeccable, and the desserts were great too!

Pros: Delicious menu, Great service, Refined atmosphere

Cons: Bit out of the way,, but worth it for sure

Posted 05/07/05

Food was great! Saucier was amazing!!!! They bring a sauce cart up to your table and offer you up to 7 or 8 choices of sauces for your steak (I tried them ALL). The service was on point - what else you would expect from a Ritz? Wonderful dining experience. Dessert was also to die for!

Posted 05/05/05

One of the best Restaurants in Dowtown. Nothing to deal with usual hotel Restaurants. It has caracter. Is good for kids as well. The food is amazing and the service is excellent.

Pros: Service, Food, Wine selection

Posted 05/05/05

2 West is clearly on of the best kept secrets in all of manhattan. This French-American steakhouse offers some of the best selections of meat, being one of three in the city having Certified Black Angus Prime Sirloin. To further enrich the experiance a Saucier comes to the table with a selection of 8-10 classically prepared French sauces to accompany your grilled entree. I was amazed at some of the options, truffle sauce..ect

Besides the food, the Ritz staff really know how to spoil you with AMAZING service!!

Pros: Service, Food Quality, Ambiance

Posted 06/28/04

This is an excellent restaurant. It is a little off the beaten path all the way down in Battery Park, but well worth the trip. Not a trendy hipster hangout this restaurant caters to a mature clientele. The banquets are comfy and the service leaves you pampered. If you go make sure you try the lobster bisque. The steaks are excellent as is the seafood. The elegant atmosphere is completed by the piano playing lounge singer.

Pros: Best service anywhere, great food, piano singer

Posted 06/16/04