Novecento

Awesome food for a VERY reasonable price. I love mediterranean food and this was right up there with the best. Friendly service also. Will definitely go back again.

Pros: food,friendly service

Posted 02/22/09

I ADORED MY EXPERIENCE HERE...I WILL BE BACK !! YOU MADE ME FEEL AT HOME AND LIKE IF I WAS PART OF THE FAMILY. THE SERVER WAS ATTENTIVE AND GUIDED ME WELL THROUGH MY DIFFICULT NEEDS. THE MEAT...I HAD THE RIBEYE; WAS FANTASIC. MANY CHOICES OF MALBECS AND YOU HAVE TO TRY THE PANQUEQUES DE DULCE DE LECHE....BEST DESERT EVER.
THE CHIC EURO-LATINO VIBE THAT WERE HOSTING AN EVENT IN THE MALBEC ROOM WAS THE PLACE TO BE AFTER DINER. I HEARD THESE PARTIES GO ON EVERY FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS...
I RECOMMEND THE PLACE TO ANYONE WHO WANT INTIMATE COZY FUN ENVIRONMENT!

Pros: THE OVERALL EXPERIENCE

Cons: NOT ENOUGH COAT HANGERS

Posted 12/25/08

VISITED THIS PLACE ON CHRISTMAS DAY. WE CALLED BEFOREHAND TO ASK IF THERE WAS A SPECIAL MENU AND WERE TOLD IT WAS THE REGULAR MENU. THIS PLACE WAS AWFUL. THERE SEEMED TO BE ONLY ONE WAITRESS AND SHE DID NOT APPEAR TO BE HAPPY TO BE WORKING ON CHRISTMAS. SHE TOLD US THERE WAS NO MORE BREAD (WE WERE SEATED AT 6 PM). HOWEVER, BEING SEATED NEAR THE BACK WE COULD SEE THERE WERE LOAVES OF BREAD IN THE KITCHEN. ABOUT 25 MINS. LATER SHE BOUGHT US ONE SMALL BASKET OF BREAD FOR 8 OF US. THE SANGRIA IS GOOD BUT AT $50 A PITCHER IT IS NOT WORTH IT. I SEE NO RESEMBLANCE TO ARGENTINE FOOD HERE. THE CHIMICHURRI SAUCE WAS SO OILY IT WAS USELESS. THE MENU WAS NOTHING LIKE THE ONE ONLINE (AND THE PRICES WERE HIGHER IN THE RESTAURANT). THE MENU WAS VERY SMALL WITH FEW CHOICES. I ORDERED THE RIBEYE STEAK, WHICH WAS DONE TO MY LIKING AND VERY TASTY BUT NOTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY. IT CAME WITH SPINACH AND SWEET POTATOES, NEITHER OF WHICH I LIKE. I ASKED IF I COULD HAVE A DIFFERENT POTATO AND THE WAITRESS SAID "OH, NO. THE CHEF DOES NOT MAKE SUBSTITUTIONS." WHAT!? NOT TO SWITCH TO MASHED OR FRENCH FRIES BOTH OF WHICH ARE ON THE MENU AND AT THOSE PRICES IS INEXCUSABLE. WERE THEY JUST TRYING TO GET US TO PAY FOR SIDE DISHES? SEVERAL ORDERED THE SKIRT STEAK AND COULDN'T EVEN EAT IT. ONE ORDERED THE PASTA AND SAID IT WAS AWFUL. WE WERE NOT TOLD (IT IS NOT STATED ON THE MENU OR ANYWHERE ELSE) THERE IS A 20% GRATUITY ADDED (WE WERE 8 PEOPLE). ALL IN ALL WE LEFT $560+ DOLLARS IN A RESTAURANT WHERE THE SERVICE IS POOR, THE FOOD IS MEDIOCRE AND THE PRICES ARE WAAYYYYYY TOOOO HIGH! YOU CAN DO MUCH BETTER. DO NOT GO!

Posted 12/25/08

After year i back there with my friends and whatttt? all " new " , look like french restaurant,
where is the amazing staff ???
chef change also?????
start with host she so cold, arrogant and ugly, my friends food coming in steps (this is really disgusting)
missing appetizers, waiter: "" he say kitchen is busy ,,,sorry "".....what f..is going there????
bad changes there...very disaster....
no more novecento

Pros: disaster

Cons: disgusting

Posted 12/01/08

I was there about a WEEK ago and remembered the food was POOR, AND ALSO" SERVICE IS VERY POOR TWO" sitting in the back, I HAD FLY AND MOUSES WALKING LIKE COSTUMERS, ALSO MY PARTY FOUR PEOPLES, THEY FOOD COMING JUST HALF, MY FRIENDS WAIT LIKE 20 MIN., AND ONE STEAK IS OVERCOOKED (ASK FOR MEDIUM) ANOTHER DISH "SKIRT STEAK" COMING WELL (ASK FOR RARE)...SO I TRY TO ASK MANAGER, BUT NEVER ARRIVE.. THAT'S ALL BAD, RESTROOM SMELL VERY BADLY..
VERY POOR AND DIRTY RESTAURANT IN SOHO

Pros: VERY DIRTY RESTAURANT *MANAGER SHE SMELL WINE*

Cons: VERY DIRTY RESTAURANT *MANAGER SHE SMELL WINE*

Posted 11/28/08

We had a group of 10 for lunch on a Saturday. We were seated about 2:30 so I wouldn't consider it peak lunch time. They probably seat a maximum of 55 people, so it's relatively small. There seemed to be only one waiter and he was flustered & busy enough that he couldn't pay much attention to us. We were obviously ready to order for about 10 minutes before he came over. Granted, he was busy running around bringing out dishes and taking new orders, but they should hire an extra waiter or two. Our food was brought out at different times, I would say that we got 3 dishes, and then 7 minutes later, 3 more dishes, and then another 7 minutes after that, the rest of our order. That means we got the rest of our food a good 15 minutes after the last 3 people got their food. They also messed up an order, someone asked for fries instead of mashed potato, but they did bring the fries 10 minutes later. This led to a few people finished with their food while the others were halfway done. Timing was awful.

Their linguini w/ seafood is horribly bland and watery. Steak was pretty good, I had the steak salad. The dessert came out far too quickly which leads me to believe that it's none too fresh. A small ramekin of creme brulee should not be $8, at least not what they had. Their flan, also at $8 was quite plain. Sure, they dress it up with pretty caramel swirls but as an accessory, it doesn't add much to what you're really ordering.

Another thing is that a bottle of beer costs $7. That's ridiculous. Their wine list is all bottles, and the 3 they have by the glass is too pricey. I ordered their cheapest, at $10 a glass, and the glass is so small that you could drink it in two gulps. This forced me to take very small sips, and since we waited so long, I needed 2 glasses, and I would say the total amount of wine in both glasses equal a regular amount at a different restaurant's one glass.

Pros: okay steak

Cons: poor service, bad timing in bringing out dishes, overprice for what it is

Posted 11/15/08

Novecento proved to be a great Soho dining experience. Our server, Luis, was from Brazil and provided nothing but first-rate service. We began the evening at the bar and were promptly waited on until our table was ready at exactly 9:30. At the table, we started with the Picada Criolla. One order was enough for the entire table; the chorizo and skirt steak were excellent. I ordered the special of the night: grilled rib-eye with sauteed spinach and potato gratin. The rib-eye was very tender and the "chimichurri" sauce was a great complement to the meat. Another highlight at the table was the grilled skirt steak. Portions were ample yet not humongous. We did not have dessert, although I imagine it was delicious.

Pros: Ambience, food

Posted 06/01/07

I had a great dinner last Saturday night, we arrived at 10 and were promptly seated. The food was perfect and our waiter was really nice. What ruined our dinner was that the music was turned on noticeable louder at about 11- 11:30, so much louder that we could not have a conversation. My friend talked to the manager on duty to see if he could do something, his reply was " this is our trademark, loud music, there's nothing we can do" in an arrogant and snobby way. We were very upset the rest of the time we were there and could not believe his answer; even our friendly waiter apologized. I thought it was rude and unpolite to answer like that to a customer.

Pros: food, ambience

Cons: music too loud,

Posted 04/17/07

came for dinner this weekend and found that they opened a lounge upstairs called Malbec Room? It was packed!! Dj playing house music, cute bartender slamming drinks out, people dancing...it was great! Apparently they are going to have a small tapas menu also. This might be my new place...definitely check it out if you are looking for something club like without the club crowd!

Pros: Music, friendly staff

Posted 11/18/06

This lively spot is a mismanaged, disorganized mess. Customer service is nonexistent- even when they promise you a table, they still somehow manage to give it away without apology. Overpriced drinks, loud and crowded, only because of this restaurant's location. The restaurant's self-proclaimed manager and owner, Guillermo, is a smug, senseless figure who'd serve the restaurant better if he were tucked away in a non-customer service position. He is absolutely useless.

Pros: ????

Cons: A restaurant that cares nothing about its customers. Perfect destination for an irritating evening in SoHo.

Posted 10/08/06

The service is HORRIBLE. They serve you like they were making you a favor. The food is regular to bad...NOTHING TO DO WITH THE REAL GOOD ARGENTINIAN FOOD. You can have good red wines and beer...but you can have it at so many places!!
DO NOT GO. I am from Argentina, belive me, this is not what we like to eat.

Cons: Besides all I said, it's expensive!

Posted 08/06/06

With so many better places to eat steak in the city - and the rude serice at Novecento - can't see any reason to go back.

We visited with a party of 10 (had been to the Miami Novecento several times - which is actually good). Got there and apparently our reservation was cancelled (host claimed we hadn't called to confirm it - yet we never received call from them - and we had made the reservation only a couple of hours before), a couple of the skirt steaks were overcooked (ordered medium rare, got well done), two desserts were never brought out, Tarte Tatin tasted of garlic (???).

From now on, sticking to Hacienda de Argentina next time we crave a good cut of argentinian steak...

Cons: Rude service

Posted 06/20/06

Novecento (Fernando) left a message on my cellphone and stated that they will pay back the extra-charged dinner. He was apologetic.

Nonetheless, I do not understand why I would be charged 18% gratuity for a party of only two. We were dressed well, polite, and did not make any retorts or excessive demands during dinner. I was pretty close to calling the owner (my secretary was able to find it), but I will retire at this point. I have been to Novecento in Buenos Aires, and I am sorry to say the the original in New York is quite poor. With so many other restaurants in NYC, I see no reason to go here.

I see that I am not the only unhappy customer. If others have problems, you should feel free to discuss the issue with the owners of the restaurant, Mr. and Mrs. Fernando and Maria Dallorso.

Pros: SOHO/bar atmosphere

Cons: 18% gratuity, slow/curt service, average food

Posted 04/19/06

Came here with a date and immediately liked the room and nice bar scene even though we had a bit of a wait despite a reservation. We ordered a bottle of wine. After taking unusually long to bring the wine, the waiter could not open the bottle and had to get a different one. After struggling again, he finally got it open and filled our glasses. The wine was good and the food was very good and fairly priced. As we were finishing up, the waiter came back to tell us that they needed our table for a reservation and asked if we could finish our drinks at the bar. Being rushed is one thing, being rushed when you're delayed by their own incompetence is another. Too bad. Novecento? Never again.

Pros: Food, Value

Cons: Service

Posted 03/20/06

I have been to Novecento twice during visits to New York and both times the food and service have been very good. We were seated promptly and the wait staff have always been attentive. It is a relaxing restaurant, good for couples and small groups, but can get a little crowded. There is a variety of menu selections including excellent meats and seafood, salads and desserts. The wines are very good. The only drawback is that it is a little pricey for what it is. But, if you are looking for a good meal in SOHO I definitely recommend Novecento.

Pros: Food, Wine, Service

Cons: A bit pricey, Can be crowded

Posted 07/13/05

This is everything you want in a SoHo restaurant and then some. The ambience is tops, the steaks are phenomenal (make sure to get the skirt steak), and the place has tons of character. Very romantic and a great spot the city from where to go elsewhere after your meal. I really have no knocks on this place, the owner served us quickly & promptly...didnt give us a hard time when we didnt order drinks or apps & got us our food fast & warm. I love this place, definetly going back

Pros: Steaks, Service, Ambience

Cons: None

Posted 04/11/05

I have been to several the "$$$-$$$$" restaurants in NYC and NOVECENTO is one of the best in service, food and of course trendy ambience as well. The decor is not as fancy as some of the others although, you cannot resist the Seafood Linguini and their famous Argentinian Skirt Steak with Chimichutti sauce! Most of the servers are from Argentina which makes the place feel more like the country. Good wine, fabulous food and great service with the chic and trendy crowd! What more can you expect?

Pros: Great ambience, Best food, Best wine

Posted 02/20/05

My usual place to go for steak frites in SoHo. Great tasting meat, intimate if slightly noisy ambience and the service is slightly less attentive than it could be but is done with charm. Only gripe is that it is a little bit pricey for for what it offers. Otherwise a safe bet.

Pros: Food Quality

Posted 12/30/04

We were a party of three, I was an hour late, my friends did not even want to eat appetizers before I arrived and despite being packed to capacity, they were never rushed. The wine selection was great and true to Argentina, the staff friendly and I can't seem to get enough of that free range beef

Pros: great food, friendly staff

Posted 05/01/04

Overall I thought the food was OK but the service was quite poor. The waiter was curt and somewhat rude to us. When we finished our meal the manager came over to our table and asked us to leave because he had a party waiting for the table. It pretty much ruins the dining experience when you are pushed out the door after you eat.

Pros: Location

Posted 03/28/04

and i'm usually not much of a steak eater. but this place is great. the space is very comfortable - they don't rush you - you don't have a server holding your bill in their hand asking if you'd like anything else. you get to ask for the check when you're ready. the fries were really good - another thing i don't eat often - but when you order fries they need to be awesome. i would definitely go back again on our next nyc trip.

Posted 11/20/03

I had a good time with a group at this restaurant. The skirt steak was fantastic. Its a great spot and I enjoyed it.

Posted 03/02/03

I was told about this place from a friend who swore by it...and she was right. Argentine steak is by far the best. The restaurant is very romantic, went for my birthday dinner with my boyfriend. Lit by candles and is very quiet. The wine list is very good but nothing beats the enormous and delicious filet mignons. The waiters aren't overly nice, but I guess that is what you get for soho...does have great atmosphere and extreamly reasonable prices. A must try if you are a true carnivore!

Pros: Romantic, Reasonable Prices, Great Steak

Cons: Limited menu, average staff

Posted 01/29/03

Novecento has AMAEZING food if you are a hardcore Carnivore!! And Yes Argentine beef is the best in the world, and Novecento has it!! I highly recomend the Filet Mignon!!! mmmmm
The Milanesa is awesome too...actually whatever you order is great! Never had a bad meal! And yes, the nightlife rocks too!!

Pros: great food, great nightlife

Cons: pricey

Posted 01/05/03

i went here over the summer...we didnt eat here; we just went upstairs to dance....the music was amazing....very deep trance and house...the people were all really into the music and dancing...very good vibes....owner is very nice...serious techno fans would enjoy

Pros: great music, eclectic crowd

Posted 10/22/02

sunday night was pretty good, 2nd floor was packed, the tunes were pretty good, mostly deep house and techno. Crowd was mostly interested in getting dusted. But you can't ask for a better scene on a sunday.

Pros: sunday night spot

Cons: dust activity

Posted 08/25/02

I was there about a year and a half ago and remembered the food was excellent. I went back there last night with a party of 7. It was disappointing enough for me to have to write about it. When I first walked in to find empty tables at 7:30pm on a Thursday night, that should have been a sign. Aside from the room being hot, sitting in the back, we had appertiser that were mediocre to say the least, especially the shrimp on skewers, they were cold and overcooked. The main courses, the Grilled Salmon and Chicken was bland. I had the Seabass, very oily. I don't know if they have changed chefs since but it was one of the worst (moderately expensive) restaurant experience I've had in NYC. A major embarassment!

Posted 06/20/02

My husband and I had the pleasure of dining at Novecento on Memorial Day weekend. The atmosphere is charming the food is excellent and the prices are great! The waiter could have been more amiable, but we didn't let that spoil our dinner. I would highly recommend Novecento to anyone visiting New York City!

Pros: Ambience, Food

Cons: Service

Posted 06/03/02