Convivium Osteria

Had a Sunday night dinner with a group of 6 of my friends. We didn?t have a reservation but the place wasn't crowded and we got a table set up for us in 10 minutes. The food was wonderful. Every single dish that we ordered was superb - and for a group of 6 we ordered half of the menu. We really liked the atmosphere and decor of the restaurant-- it was very well put together. Wine was excellent as well. Most of the patrons appeared to be in their mid 50's and 60's, hence I wouldn?t call this a trendy place. However, the age of the patrons is a clear testament to the great quality of the food. Service, however, left a lot to be desired. The waiter was so rude, as to outright laugh at the questions of some of my friends and acted as if he were doing us a favor by serving us. When our party chose to leave de-minimus gratuity in response to poor service, we were rudely accosted by the waiter. I honestly don't understand why do some people expect to be paid well if they do a poor job? I realize that its a tough job, but a huge part of it is CUSTOMER SERVICE (which is what deserves additional gratuity, in my view). Bottom line, we are unlikely to come back to Convivuum, because there are plenty of places in Brooklyn with comparably excellent quality of food but better service.

Pros: amazing ambiance, great food, beautiful rustic decor

Cons: aweful service

Posted 11/23/09

I have heard great things about this place from friends for years. I took my boyfriend there for dinner and was horrified by the extremely rude wait staff. I got a very strong homophobic vibe from the men working there. I asked several times when making a reservation and at the restaurant itself if they could give us a nicer table since it was my boyfriend's birthday. When we appeared they were even ruder than on the phone and shoved us in the corner at a table we had to share with others.

I could undestand if they were slammed but that did not excuse our rude and unhelpful waiter.

The food was indeed wonderful. but if you are gay, you would be wise to skip this spot. Not romantic in the least.

The people who rave about this place are straight. I wonder if any gay couples have had a good time there?

Posted 09/07/09

love it. miss living in park slope!

Pros: great atmosphere - romantic, good food

Cons: small

Posted 08/18/09

There are few restaurants I can think of as enjoyable to dine in as Convivium Osteria. I have been eating here for quite some time and have had nothing but consistent, favorable experiences from the moment I walk in. Everything from the romantic ambience to the mouthwatering food to the excellent service make this restaurant unique and unforgettable. The grilled baby octopus appetizer, seafood tapas, and whole roasted sea bass are beyond delicious! The extensive wine list, with wine from Spain, Portugal, and Italy, is an added bonus, offering something for everyone. Even the music sets the right tone and makes you feel like you are far away from the hustle and bustle of urban living. This restaurant is in a class of its own, in my opinion. It is by far my favorite restaurant in NYC and never fails to delight me. Leave room for the delectable desserts!

Pros: ambience, food

Cons: there could be a wait

Posted 02/18/09

The service at this restaurant is absolutely abominable!!! While the decor may be nice, do not expect the same from the staff. The food was equally horrible with poor timing. The entire meal made me uncomfortable.

Pros: None

Cons: Rude Service, Poor Food

Posted 02/14/09

amazing food, great decor, great service
cheese plate is great, wine selection and any entree and/or appetizer is simply wonderful. i highly recommend.

Pros: great food, fresh and tasteful

Cons: none... would be better if would be cheaper

Posted 11/02/08

Convivium Osteria has amazing decor and a natural neighborhood feel. The food is worth a trip, but unfortunately, the service overshadows anything positive the establishment has to offer. I wish I had his name, but the man (not too tall, thin, partially going bald) is rude, snobbish, and has ruined our past two experiences there. We won't be going back. I would suggest Ai Di La as an Italian alternative or Miriam as a Middle Eastern alternative, in the neighborhood.

Pros: atmosphere

Cons: service

Posted 10/25/08

Just a quick comment: I have never been to this restaurant and am at the moment considering a visit partially based on the reviews posted here. Thank you to those who have stuck to the topic at hand: is the food good? for those who are using Citysearch restaurant reviews as forum to vent about a break-up over aloof italian waitstaff, that is what therapists are for. Seriously people, as a service to other readers, please try to write about something that is remotely relevant to the restaurant.

Posted 03/21/08

After having lived 4 years in the Slope and recently (sadly) moved out, and never having dined at Convivium (the walk from 9th St. always brought us to Al di La when when felt like a special treat), I can honestly say that we really missed out on something special! I'm not intending to take away from Al di La by comparison, which remains a NY favorite, our dining experience last night was just perfect. As a group of 4 walk-ins, we were sat in the cellar, which at first seemed unnecessary; however, fate has a funny way of rewarding you. The setting was ethereal and brought us right back to Italy, Croatia, Spain, you name it (and I've now also become obsessed with turning my basement of our new home into a replica). I won't get into reviewing the food excessively b/c you can tell from other posts that it's incredible (and it was - each of us had a different entree - outstanding). What a great night! Grazie mille!

Pros: Ambiance, Food, Wine List, Cellar-Seating

Cons: There isn't one in Port Washington!

Posted 12/13/07

My italian ex-boyfriend and I went here one night. The food was exquisite, i must admit. However, i lost my appetite (and more) over the course of the night.
I don't know if it's because I am not italian, or because I don't speak italian, but the staff that approached the table 1) did not introduce themselves to me (just to him), 2) refused to acknowledge I was alive throughout the conversation 3) did not have the courtesy to switch to English (though they spoke), and 4) did not translate.

We even broke up over this review. I cancelled his christmas gift, because he felt it was okay for the him and the staff to treat me like I'm non existent. Everyone has their priorities, I guess.

As mentioned earlier, the food was amazing. But I feel like I would have been treated differently, had i been 1) italian or 2) not accompanied by an italian man.

But then again, I guess that's not an issue anymore.

Pros: Great great food

Cons: Don't bring an italian.

Posted 12/12/07

I have dined at Convivium quite a few times. Returning for certain dishes at a restaurant is not unusual but having them delivered time after time with the same excellent consistency certainly is. Lean back and relax and you can be in Portugal or a small intimate (taverna) in Seville. There are plenty of influences of Central Italy as well.

The wine list is extensive and the waiters are glad to help you make the right choice. The food is delicious and generous. The pastas and main dishes are very inventive as are the first courses. The rib eye alone is enough to satisfy my steak appreciation as a main and also provides enough turf for the other three diner?s surf. It is also cooked to perfection.

The meals are served by a helpful staff that is alert, energetic and very knowledgeable. The main room is lively and spirited while the outdoor garden and cellar rooms are quiet and intimate. There is a special place there for everyone.

Posted 10/11/07

excellent restaurant for the delicious food and service assisting you for everything...i don't really understand the previous customer!!! This romantic park slope spot is one of the best choices in brooklyn!!! the freshness and quality of the ingredients is 1st and ....they know what they're doing!

....but don't ask for caesar salad or fettuccine alfredo or half appetizer or half soup to share with your dog!!!

Posted 09/10/07

After giving this place a few chances I have now officially taken it off my list. I just cannot understand how a 'neighborhood' place can be so indifferent towards guests. The food has been terribly inconsistent and that coupled with warm drinks is too much for me.

Pros: The setting

Cons: Service, Inconsistent Food

Posted 09/07/07

My wife and I always look forward to spending romantic evenings enjoying Convivium's rich, delicious food and excellent wine list. The service is helpful and efficient, and the atmosphere is a mix of rough-cut beams, exposed brick, and warm, low light. It is a perfect venue for a date. The variety of table sizes, hearty fare, and delicious tiramisu also make it a great place to meet freinds for a dinner that lasts long into the evening. The menu is roundly excellent, though some of the seafood may be strong for diners who aren't familiar with Portuguese fare. If you're not feeling adventurous, the Italian dishes are all wonderful - the lamb shanks in particular. This past weekend, I discovered Convivium's basement space at my surprise 30th birthday party: it's a perfect gathering place, with low ceilings, large tables, and a separate bar. The food was served by a friendly, accomodating staff, and all of the dishes were timed perfectly, creating a relaxing, conversation-filled evening. My only request is that they convert the upper floors of the building into a B&B. Park Slope is full of great eats, but this restaurant stands out as a total package, a place where a diner feels more like a guest.

Pros: Portuguese-inspired flavors, ambience

Cons: Small space - make reservations and be prepared to sit at the bar for a few minutes if someone lingers over dessert

Posted 12/17/06

This place is like no other place I've been to in the city. As soon as you walk in, you feel like you are in Europe. The staff is not the most pleasant, but I don't think they try to be obnoxious. We had to wait for our table at the tiny bar but when we got to our table, the feast began. We started with the cured meats and cheese plate, then I had the duck filled pasta with speck. Soooo delicious. The ambience was incredibly romantic and the food was amazing.

Pros: food, ambience

Cons: staff

Posted 12/11/06

We had one of the best dining experiences in our lives last night at Convivium.
My wife and I heard about the place from a friend who loves the place and so
finally we made our way into Brooklyn to try it out. Definitely worth crossing
over the bridge..
We sat in the garden, which has heaters, and first tried the grilled octopus and
some fish tapas over a couple of glasses of dry sherry. Upon finishing the
appetizers our taste sensations were so awakened and fulfilled we began to worry
that we had ordered too much food, but when the giant ribsteak arrived the mere
sight and smell of it was enough to bring our appetites fully back to life.
Luscious tender beef sliced on a wooden slab at the table. The whole experience
was almost too good for one night, including the return home across the Brooklyn
Bridge. And that was that. We walked out with the feeling of having travelled
all across the Atlantic and back in a couple of hours. Loved it.

Posted 10/10/06

What started off as a lovely evening transpired into one of the worst dining experiences weve ever had. Perhaps we experienced Convivium on an off night. The food was disappointing, poorly seasoned and poorly executed. But being in the business, I understand that off nights can happen. But this night got real ugly when the owner himself appeared with all his fury. He vehemently defended the cuisine and he asked that we leave and never come back. We sat bewildered for a moment, paid our bill and quietly left. Perhaps, some lessons in service coupled with anger management would serve this owner well. So proceed with caution if youre curious, but please trust me, its just not worth the risk.

Pros: The ambience

Cons: Service and Food

Posted 09/18/06

My fiance and I dined here for the first time (Al Di La's wait was too long) and this place is definitely one to visit. I had the ravioli stuffed with artichoke which was okay in my opinion. My fiance had the lamb which was delicious and I'll have that next time I visit. Very cozy, romantic. You feel as if you're dining in Europe. The service left something to be desired (was a little too hands off for my taste), but the food and ambiance make it worth coming back to.

Pros: Romantic, Food

Cons: Pricey, Service

Posted 08/25/06

I'm from Spain so I always wanted to try this place that it's a mix of Gallicia (a reagion in the north of Spain), Italian and Portuguese. I went there and I wasn't dissapointed at all. The food was delicious and they also give you good portions of food, which I really appreciate.
The service was really attentive even though we were in a table far away from everybody.

Pros: FOOD, SERVICE, ATMOSPHERE

Cons: PRICE, AMEX ONLY

Posted 05/21/06

I have been here 3 times and everytime has been incredible. Always order the antipasti. If the rib eye is the special you have to get it. The wine list is excellent. If you are trying to save money this isn't the place this is for a robust night of eating and drinking and spending alot but really enjoying it. The basement is a great place for a huge party. The place is small therefore you will wait if you don't set up ahead of time.

Pros: Delicious, Garden seating, Cellar

Cons: Expensive

Posted 04/05/06

I don't know what rude is in the italian but after visiting this restaurant I know what a rude italian is. Our humble anticipations of a good meal in a pleasant atmosphere were totally scraped by the staff of this restaurant. From the meeting at the door to the end of the meal we felt unwelcomed at this place. Such a contrast to many other italian restaurants we have visited in the city !
There is no need to write about the food as it is mediocre at best.

Chao, you won't see us here again !

Pros: cellar room

Cons: all the rest

Posted 03/11/06

I went there with a friend and the service was horrible. We were seated then told there were several reservations that night and asked to move to another table. We were then told we would probably have to move again. All before we even had a chance to order. The staff didnt seem apologetic or even concerned that they were disrupting us. We were then told that the only available table was in the basement in the wine cellar. At this point we were so disgusted we left - who wants to eat alone in a cellar? It was really disappointing because there were some good reviews about the restaurant and we were really looking forward to a nice meal

Posted 03/01/06

My wife and I go out to eat a lot. A couple of weeks ago we discovered this
fantastic gem hidden in the fringes of Park
Slope's 5th ave. It's become our favorite restaurant from the great food to the
rustic but elegant ambiance to the smart
servers. Everything is authentic, and I get the feeling I'm in a small town in
Italy or Spain. Favorites for me: the wine
cellar (it's very romantic), the oxtail pasta and the steak for two (crazy
good). My wife's favorites: artichoke appetizer
(like no other artichoke you've ever eaten), the poached seabass , and the
chocolate tart. Only thing is the one time we went there on a saturday it was
very busy and I felt less comfortable sitting and enjoying the atmosphere over a
glass of port after
our feast. I recommend trying this place out during the week.

Posted 02/22/06

Think twice before making reservations on Valentines Days or other high volume days. The restaurant was over booked and as a result I waited 30+ minutes to be seated. My girlfriend and I were not alone. More than half the small top floor was crowed with couples waiting to be seated. The staff seemed indifferent and insisted that the diners would all finish at the same time. They failed to offer us even a free drink as a gesture. Once seated I was disappointed by the pre fixe which offerred only two choices for each course, which were mostly disappointing. The food seemed hit or miss. That said, the atmosphere was extremely charming and romantic.

Pros: Atmosphere

Cons: Wait, Service, Val Day pre fixe

Posted 02/14/06

As recent Brooklynites, we went here for the first time (and only time without a reservation) in the early summer.
Best points: Decor- it is amazing. Very romantic. Try to get a table in the wine cellar, it is fabulous.
Food: Wow. You think the 3 cuisines won't mix or translate, but it is unbelievably good.
Wine: Excellent. Staff knows a lot about the wine list & it is really comprhensive & interesting.
Staff: There's a maitre de (or head waiter?) who is so accomodating and friendly, he's our favourite. The bus staff is also excellent. You feel as though you don't even realise you're being waited upon. We love this restaurant.

Pros: Decor, Food, wine, Staff

Cons: Reservation essential

Posted 01/20/06

uch like another reviewer on here, I joined City Search just to review this restaurant. It is incredibly overpriced for a small Park Slope restaurant, and the food is not up to par. The chicken liver appetizer had a different flavor every time I took a bite, and the Mediterranean bream fish had almost no flavor. I also found the seats to be very uncomfortable. To top it off, they dont take Visa or Mastercard, which I havent heard of since the 80s. Save your money and go somewhere else in the Slope that has better food and actually has comfortable chairs.

Cons: Overly expensive, No Visa or Mastercard, Uncomfortable seats

Posted 11/18/05

I agree this restaurant is too pricey for the neighborhood. And it's sad because we'd eat here more often, but as it is now it's a rare and special occasion when we eat at Convivium, simply on principle when all we're doing is heading out for a bite to eat in the 'hood. My fave is the artichoke ravioli, and I'm sure I'd enjoy more of the entrees but I can't help but order that one over and over again. I also agree with others here that it's a quiet, intimate space that's inappropriate for loud large groups. And though the service was fine, I too find the wait staff detached in some way. Which affects the overall experience.

Pros: Excellent Food, Intimate

Cons: Too pricey

Posted 11/11/05

We had high expectations but, aside from enjoying the pleasing decor, our experience was only satisfactory. Service was at best distracted, at worst disdainful, even though we came early with a reservation and are not food novices. The food is well-prepared, but the prices are too high for a small neighborhood restaurant. Prices might not have bothered us if we had been treated more warmly and graciously, but the welcome was nonexistent. We won't return.

Pros: lovely interior, sherry by the glass, good food

Cons: snobby waiters, music too loud, expensive

Posted 09/04/05

Buried amidst better known eateries in Park Slope, this is a wonderful place for a date or intimate evening with a friend. There is a romantic outdoor garden, complete with small fountain and covered with vines. The food ranged from good to the very good: we had a plate of seafood tapas which were delicious but not enough for 4 as some claim--try for 2. I had the rabbit, which was very good, as were the potatoes that came with it. There is an extensive wine list, I'd stick with the large variety of Portuguese bottles. Deserts were also good, though limited. The place was still slightly more expensive than I expected; but, in truth, considering the professional service by an authentic Mediterranean staff, it's worth the experience. The American Express-only policy that led to an unwanted grocery ATM trip was annoying.

Pros: Food, Garden, Authentic Staff

Cons: Bit pricey, AMEX only

Posted 08/04/05

This place is so adorable, you definitely do not think you are in New York. There arent many choices (vegetarians beware!), but what they do have is done right. I never thought Id try quail, and it was so wonderful - tender and tasty. And, the cappuccino, oh, the cappuccino, was straight from Italy - do NOT leave without trying it... it will blow your mind!

Pros: amazing coffee, authentic, romantic

Posted 07/09/05

This was the best overall meal I've had in NY in a long time. My wife and I are terrible foodies, and thought everything was superb at Convivum Osteria. I had the pine nut crusted lamb - which was the best lamb I've had and the flourless chocolate cake which was delicious. HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend. Call ahead for reservations though.

Pros: Incredible Food, Great Atmosphere, Attention to detail

Cons: Don't be in a hurry, No large groups

Posted 05/05/05

I have been to Convivum about 5-8 times in the last two years and I absolutely love it. What really makes the restaurant are the owners. They are very warm and lovely. The good is also excellent. Very accomodating.

Stephanie
Park Slopian

Pros: ambiance, decor, service

Posted 04/20/05

From making the reservation (not required) to the before dinner drink (cava), to the table (romantic), to the the ambiance (candles, spanish antiques, etc) to the food of course (original, incredibly deep and rich in flavor) to our departure and saying goodnight to the waiter... this restaurant was a perfectly unique, mellow and enjoyable experience.

The absolute only downside is that it is not priced as cheaply as most other Park Slope restaurants, but that is because the food is nothing like most Park Slope restaurants. It is worth every cent. After one visit it has become my favorite Brooklyn spot. No need to go to NYC for that special birthday dinner.

Congratulations to the owners, designers, chefs, and staff on a restaurant well created.

Posted 01/20/05

This, lovely, antiquated restaurant is THE place to go for romantic evenings & a subdued atmosphere. The person before me is right, this is NOT a birthday place where nosiy, boisterous people are welcomed. A fine restaurant expects fine behavior. Rude behavior is expected when people act distruptive themselves. If I had more money, I would come here once a week! The food is DIVINE and worth every penny! Definately make reservations in advance for special occasions/holidays. My husband & I actually prefer the lower level which is in the wine celler. Very romantic & it makes you feel as though you're in old Europe.

Pros: Cosy, Inviting, Delicious

Cons: , Parking

Posted 01/16/05

When my family visits us in Brooklyn from the Amalfi Coast I take them from the airport to Convivium. There is no other resturant that can advocate my position that New York can offer the warmth and nourishment of home. When my husband and I want to celebrate an anniversary or simply want to be together, we go directly to Convivium Osteria. The exquisite attention to detail in the food and decor have set the scene for some of the more remarkable evenings we have shared. On my first visit, the out-of-this-world olives and bread were almost enough to convince me that this resturant spoke my language, the fish, lamb, pastas and sweets keep me coming back. Convivium is so remarkable because it is guided by the intellegence and love of its proprietors who make every guest feel welcomed, every time.

Pros: freshest fish, best bread, seasonal

Posted 11/07/04

It's that good. This has been my favorite restaurant since I first discovered it about 2 years ago. It's like something out of the Italian countryside transported into brooklyn..the food is absolutely incredible, the owners (a couple who live upstairs and I think own the building) are fantastic, and the look of the place...just perfect...Check out the downstairs seating area if you can.

Posted 07/03/04

Was part of a big group dinner this weekend and had a lovely time. Food was wonderful, inventive, and portions were large. The seafood tapas and cured meat and cheese apps are recommended for two but would easily please 3 or 4 people. The setting is warm, rustic and romantic. The service did not pressure us (and we were there for a while), and provided lots of welcome attention. Plus - they do take American Express.

Pros: Wonderful food, Charming Ambience, Great Service

Posted 02/08/04

My husband and I dined at Convivium last night after reading all the positive reviews posted here. Our entire experience was wonderful. We loved everything about the place -- the atmosphere (so charming!), service (impeccable), the food (creative & delicious). This has become one of our favorite restaurants in Brooklyn and we've already made plans to come back.

Pros: atmosphere, food, service

Posted 01/12/04

Convivium is a great find in Park Slope! Michelle, her husband and the staff are wonderful, warm and inviting! The place has a great rustic charm, whether you're seated in upstairs, in the cellar (it's great) or in the garden (during the summer...shoot for the garden)! The menu changes a bit every so often with new and tasty stuff with a set of standards that are great! I recommend Convivium to anyone interested in good food, good wine and great atmosphere!

Posted 05/26/03

I thought that Convivium Osteria was a very nice place, the decor is simply amazing - you think that you are in some European castle. The waiters were also very polite.

My favorite dishes were the artichoke appetizer, and of course the spanish version of creme brulee. You have to make sure to make reservations, because it's not a big restarant.

Pros: beautiful interior, nice food, polite staff

Cons: a little hard to find

Posted 05/26/03

The place is fantastic; wonderful food, excellent service and charming atmosphere. My favorite place in Park Slope, and the management could not be nicer. Michelle put together an affordable dinner party in the cellar for 15; we had to cancel with only a few days notice, and she was completely understanding and gave us no hassles. Convivium is Manhattan excellence without the Manhattan attitude.

Posted 03/13/03

Reservations for 4 on Christmas Eve and our experience couldn't have been better. Our server was nothing if not professional and the cellerseating felt like Venice. (Try to get seated in the cellar) There is a quail and fig appetizer that was superb, the artichoke appetizer was great as well, but you could easily get the same results at home. If they have it, get the duck tortelle - oh my god!! For dessert, I recommend the fig and chocolate cake. I got pannecotta with blueberry sauce and while it was very clean tasting (like drinking milk, really) it wasn't anything special. This was my first time at Convivium and my expectations were very high and, ultimately, fulfilled. One note, Convivium is a true European restaurant in the sense that portions are just enough that you really enjoy the chef's art - not enough to really leave you satiated.

Pros: Perfect Ambience, Great Service, Great Food!!!

Cons: A tad overpriced., umm..., ...

Posted 12/30/02

This can be one of the best places to escape to in the slope. When they're on, they're really on. When they're off, dashed expectations can leave a bitter aftertaste. Such is love. After several wonderful experiences here and only a few bad ones, here's my advice:
1. Go early in the week.
2. Try the garden or wine cellar for atmosphere.
3. Consider the specials and save room for pana cotta!
4. Take a wad of cash. They don't take cards.

Pros: atmosphere drenched, attentive staff, passion

Cons: a tad pricey, food quality uneven, no Visa or MC

Posted 09/25/02

We started as a group of 5 and showed up as 7, they couldn't have been more accomadating to our party increasing. We were offered inside or outside and chose inside for the charming euro-country decor. Everything we chose was fantastic and they really helped us create our own dining experience. We started with several appetizers for the table to share, we split 2 orders of the pappardelle pasta as a middle course, and finished with a wide array of entrees, all of the flavors where bright, fresh and exciting. Wine, we started with a white from lazio, a pinot from alto adige, and finished with a beautiful Taurasi. We skipped dessert to run home to catch the Sopranos, what a great way to spend a sunday in park slope.

Posted 09/22/02

Food is excellent; wine list is excellent; well worth the price.

Posted 08/13/02

Don't be afraid to ask for help on the menu, it might be a little intimidating to some. All in all, this is one of the best restaurants in the city. The owners are great, the food is delicious and authentic and the atmosphere transports you to somewhere completely removed from 5th Ave.

Posted 07/25/02