Pescatore

347-901-4963

955-957 2nd Ave New York, NY 10022

newyork.citysearch.com

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Categories:

Butcher Shops, Seafood Markets, Restaurants, Seafood Restaurants

Details:

Family-Friendly Dining, Group Dining, Lunch Spot, Romantic Dining

Message from Pescatore

Pescatore, located in midtown Manhattan on 2nd Ave bet 50th/51st, is a large two story restaurant with outdoor seating on the balcony and at street level. Pescatore offers the best value on fresh seafood and delectable Italian pasta dishes made just for you. Try the Pescatore signature dishes such as the pasty pume filled with seafood and a brandy cream sauce or, the Linguine Pescatore for two, a savory blend of lobster, scallops, calamari, shrimp and more. Our extensive menu has something for everyone. Join us on the weekend for our fabulous brunch served Sat & Sun from noon to 4pm. Pescatore is a delightful setting for all your celebrations such as graduations, birthdays, rehearsal dinners or showers, bachelorette parties, reunions and other special occasions. Visit www.pescatorerestaurant.com or call for more information.

Editorial by Citysearch

The Scene
Pescatore is really two restaurants sharing a common menu and kitchen. The first has a more formal feel with tablecloths, gilded mirrors and red velvet banquettes. At its counterpart one door uptown, a downtown decor of brick walls, wooden tables and sexy amber lighting attracts a younger set.
 
The Food
The Italian menu has almost-limitless variations on staple dishes, creating an offering that rivals a Chinese restaurant in its vast number of choices. The most pleasing dishes are often the most simple, like the beef carpaccio with Parmesan, pizza bianca and toothsome osso buco. Whatever you order, be sure to come hungry, as doggy bags seem to be the norm. But do save room for homemade ricotta cheesecake or tiramisu, both of which are very compelling.

Key Points

  • Outdoor Seating
  • Private & Corporate Parties
  • Brunch, Lunch & Dinner

The Inside Scoop

  1. The Extras - Both sides of the restaurant have al fresco dining during the summer months.

Editorial and merchant content by Citysearch

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Insider Pages Reviews for Pescatore

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Aways the Best!

by Michael A.

What can I say; it has been a favorite of Jaana and mine for to many years to list. You wont find a more consistent place in NYC. The service, food, and drinks are great. One of the very few places in the city with a steady neighborhood crowd and wait staff that has been on board for years, that says something in a city like New York.
Mangia!

Posted 02/09/08 | Report Abuse

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great italian and seafood

by Kristen W.

this place is great. good value for your money, fresh seafood, and delicious pasta dishes. friendly service. can be crowded so reservations suggested.

PROS: fresh fish, excellent lobster bisque, good value
CONS: can be crowded

Posted 11/12/05 | Report Abuse

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splendid

by Jaclyn d. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 2,441

I went on a date here many years ago, set on teh balcony terrace overlooking 2nd ave. the food awas great, teh atmospehre was romantic adn teh service was terrific. I ahd a past primavera dish in which was it was excellent.

PROS: great dining experience
CONS: A lot of seafood, if your not a big fish eater....

Posted 11/01/05 | Report Abuse

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Latest reviews from Citysearch.

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fGreat Restaurant for a Bridal Shower

by SharonPeiffer

I had a bridal shower for my daughter on 5/3/08. Pescatore was truly an amazing place to celebrate this very special occasion. The service, food, drinks, etc. could not have been better. All the guests were so thrilled with their great food and service. The staff was extremely helpful, even helping us load gifts in and out of our vehicle. I highly recommend Pescatore for a private party event. Manager Charlesand staff helped us have a very memorable day! We can't wait to return for another great meal!

Posted 05/04/08

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Great food, great little place.

by sweetevita

I found out about Pescatore about a year ago, and I've been a loyal customer ever since. The servers are very friendly, knowledgeable, and accomodating. I have never had a bad experience here. Their selection of appetizers, pastas, and fish is great and their food is always fresh. Their dishes are very natural and not over-done, with just the right amount of seasonings and garnishings. Granted, this place is not exactly what I would call cheap, but you do get some great food for the price.

Oh, and their tiramisu is heavenly.

Pros: amazing food, great service, great location and decor

Cons: they skimp on the bread!

Posted 06/25/07

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Great seafood italian gem

by joshalee

We were planning to go to a sushi place tonight and it was closed. As we walked along 2nd avenue we found Pescatore because of the crowded outdoor seating and interesting seafood menu. We were greeted by a pleasant hostess who surprisngly sat us immediately. The service was prompt and friendly and the food was amazing with great portions and a creative menu. Our entrees included shark fillet and an abundance of fresh seafood such as: Lobster, prawns, swordfish, mussells and scallops. The sorbet dessert was a great way to cap off the meal. The presentation was creative as the mango sorbet was presented in a mango shell. Reasonable prices, attentive friendly staff and a great low key location on 2nd avenue.

Pros: Great service, food and price

Posted 09/03/06

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Good food, great service

by jdpollaro

The food was very good, and our service was even better. We had pasta and seafood dishes, which were very good, but I would not classify them as outstanding. Next time, we will try fish entrees as that is the specialty. Loved the atmosphere as well. We will head back!

Pros: Service, food

Cons: A little crowded

Posted 07/21/06

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Excellent value and service

by jedimarco

Whenever we are in the city for the day we eat at Pescatore. The service is great and the food is delicious. In the nice weather we love the balcony overlooking second ave and enjoy leisurely lunches. The New Zealand Mussels are our favorite and the ossubucco is tender and melts in your mouth. The newly renovated side of the restaurant was a great idea and the ambience is wonderful. The staff is very attentive and makes you feel like family. We recommend this restaurant highly to all our friends and family and have never been disappointed.

Posted 06/01/06

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Don't waste your time here

by zinc11

What an underwhelming way to spend dinner. Wish we would have found somewhere where they know how to cook steak and seafood. The salmon carpaccio was just bland lox over a bed of unseasoned spinich, the NY strip steak was not a good cut of meat, the fish special, snapper, was tough and flavorless, and the key lime pie for dessert tasted like it was from a supermarket. On the upside, the waitstaff were friendly and attentive. We hated to complian at them, so just paid the bill and left, never to return.

Pros: friendly wait staff

Cons: flavorless food, over priced

Posted 04/28/06

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good seafood & pasta

by sortmon

Six of us came for lunch on the company tab. we were seated on the 2nd floor balcony which was perfect for the sunny day. we started with the crispy bruschetta (piled with tomatoes & onions) & caprese (fresh mozzarella with very fresh tomato) as appetizers. afterwards, i had the grilled tuna ($18) served with bean salad. the huge tuna steak was very fresh and grilled rare according to my specifications. it was simply flavoured with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. the fish came atop a huge pile of bean (assortment of white, red, and string beans) salad marinated in a slightly spicy tomato-based sauce it complimented the steak very well. we sampled a few of the desserts. the homemade cheesecake was especially good (light & airy). the white chocolate mousse cake was pretty awful though very dry and dense. bill came to $220 including tip & drinks.

Pros: fresh seafood, large portions, outdoor seating

Cons: dry mousse cake, average service

Posted 04/27/06

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very good

by nycgirl171

I went here for dinner after reading the reviews for this place. The people were nice and attentive. The menu had a good number of options. The calamari was a good portion and the lobster bisque was amazing. Try the halibut. And the tiramisu is a must. The value is excellent.

Pros: Food, Value, Dessert

Posted 04/02/06

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Just an Average run of the mill italian place

by jackryan

Nothing really stood out here. The service was good and they were on point with us. The best thing we had here were the New Zealand muscles...it was the special. They were HUGE and came in this tastey spicey sauce.

Meals were average at best.

Dinner bill minus any drinks was around 70 bucks.

Posted 03/27/06

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Down Hill Slide

by 1martman

Recent renovaitons eliminated one of the big draws, the Brick Oven which turned out great pizza and the like has been REMOVED. I went there at least a dozen times per year hosting and or directing parties to pescatore as well. It looks like the place is in going to head down the slippery slope of cutting cost and losing more business. It's a shame and I'm not happy.

Pros: good vibe, attentive management

Cons: no pizza, skimpy olives

Posted 03/04/06

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Wonderful

by lolli280

A little pricey, but otherwise the olives were delicious and the lobster bisque wonderful. My mother loved her penne ala vodka. Overall, a wonderful experience.

Pros: the cute waiter, delicious food, olives

Cons: a little pricey

Posted 02/22/06

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So Reliable, So Great

by seriouslyletsbehonest

When I have guests in town, I can always count on there being great food and service at an affordable price here. Decor exudes a traditional warm and cozy vibe. Every dish I've tried there is fantastic.

Pros: Food, Service, Not too expensive

Cons: None

Posted 12/14/05

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EXCELLENT!

by sarbear77

This quaint restaurant has a great staff and the best ravioli I have ever eaten!! And I know ravioli. My friends all enjoyed their meals, as well, and we had a wonderful time. We will definitely go back.

Pros: Food, Selection, Wait Staff, Wine List

Posted 08/06/05

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User review by mamapop

by mamapop

This is a great place for lunch during the week. The value at lunch time is great and you have a wide range of things to choose from. My department always has lunch out here when we go out as a group. Very good food. You can chose between Pasta, Chicken, Sandwiches and of course fish. I don't eat fish, but I have heard they have great seafood. They have a monsterous fish dish which takes two people to eat.

Pros: Food, Lunch Value, Variety

Posted 07/14/05

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A New York Staple

by dorgan

It is hard to find a restaurant that you can count on for a romantic dinner or a fun lively time with some friends or a great party setting with such reliable service and continually fabulous food. Maybe that is why there are so many regulars at Pescatore. The food is consistently delicious, always go for the fish special! or the osso buco and don't forget the chopped salad. The wine list is good, there is always a nice Chianti available and the staff is friendly and competent. I'm there every couple of weeks and from all the friendly faces I now recognize, so are a lot of other New Yorkers. Thanks Pescatore.......

Pros: fish, wine, good price

Posted 03/16/05

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Great for groups!

by jessicanatlo

Pescatore is an overall wonderful restaurant! Great place to dine with a few friends or to have company parties. Pescatore has been more than generous in arranging and hosting many parties for Memorial Sloan Kettering. The staff is extremely attentive, helpful and kind! The atmosphere is inviting, cozy and romantic. Most importantly, the food is delicious!!!

Pros: Excellent Food, Friendly Staff, Fun Atmosphere

Posted 03/15/05

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What A Fabulous Night.

by amyrosefarmer

What a night. MSKCC nurses went out for an extraordinary dinner!! We had a beautiful private room with a nice big wide table. Great for talking to the whole group. The food was amazing, the service was superior and the atmosphere was beautiful with very unique and fabulous paintings on the walls! We will be back.

Pros: superb service, extraordinary food, great for a group

Posted 03/15/05

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How did I not find this place sooner??!

by noiebird

When a friend recently told me about this great restaurant on second ave, I was a bit skeptical bc her enthusiasm was over the top. She was not wrong to be excited about finding it. Pescatore has such a great warm atmosphere and delicious food. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE BABY LAMB CHOPS! I could almost make a meal from the olives and bread that they serve before your meal arrives (but make sure you save room for dessert - delicious cheesecake). The staff was extremely friendly and accomodating. Besides the great food, my boyfriend loved the big flat screen TV they have over the bar area.

Pros: atmosphere, food

Posted 03/15/05

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what a fabulous night!

by amyrosefarmer199

I am writing to rave about the fabulous night!! We had a going away party in a beautiful private room at Pescatore. What a great table we had, what a delicious dinner, superior service. I cannot thank you enough for treating our group so well. The table worked out great for our big group. It was perfect to talk to everyone! I could not think of a better dinner! We will definitely be back!!

Pros: excellent service, very reasonable price, pretty atmosphere

Posted 03/13/05

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Excellent Food!, Excellent Service!

by wozob

Food and Service of the same high quality elsewhere in NY
would have been twice the cost.
Highly recommended!!!

Posted 03/06/05

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What's not to like?!?!?!

by kkleisch

We had a wonderful dinner here before the theatre. It was walking distance from our hotel (2 blocks). The ambience was warm and friendly. The food was incredible!! We would recommend "Linguini Pescatore" very highly. All the seafood in it was prepared perfectly -- Not overcooked! Be prepared for LARGE portions. Loved the olives!

Pros: Seafood, Value

Cons: Portions too Large

Posted 02/23/05

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I love it

by dan0426

To sum it up, had a wedding shower there. Excellent service, good food, a pleasant experience. Planned a surprise bday party for my girlfriend, the management helped to make sure it went flawlessly. Amazing service, and how many follow up phone calls did i get? just for dining there? I love it!

Pros: Professional Staff, Great Food, Everything In between

Cons: , closer to me!

Posted 09/19/04

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Been there, done that!

by aznfoodsnob

With so many choices available to us in the city, may I suggest you venture elsewhere to satisfy your craving for fine Italian cuisine? I was there recently with a group of friends which gave me the opportunity to sample the menu. There was nothing that offended the senses, but there was also nothing notable to speak of. Instead the place manages to offer average fare, served by an inexperienced wait staff.

Pros: Nearby bars

Posted 08/29/04

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Good Ambience but not good food

by kharrenski

I went to Pescatore on a Thursday. Excellent ambience, service was good but so dissapointed w/ the food. We ordered fried calamari for appetizer and it was gummy, linguini with clam sauce was dry. My friend ordered ravioli it was nothing special. You only pay for the ambience though.

Pros: Exc outdoor seating, ambience, 2nd floor outdoor

Posted 08/28/04

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Just great

by jihoffman

Had a very enjoyable dinner here. The food was great and the service was attentive (but not overbearing). Very relaxed, but classy. Highly recommended.

Pros: Food, Service, Atmosphere

Posted 04/01/04

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EXCELLENT

by witchblade

I have been dining at Pescatore for the past 3 years and absolutely love it, the service is always fantastic and the food delicious. Even on Valentine's day last year the service was impeccable, how many restaurants can you say that about in NYC!

Pros: Inexpensive, Great Service, Romantic

Posted 02/26/04

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Happy Anniversary

by jbscott11

The food melts in your mouth, the service is great and you'll definitely want to go back here and enjoy another great tasting dinner.

Pros: service, food, atmosphere

Cons: appetiser small

Posted 10/25/03

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1 of 4 favorites in area

by nycritic00

Sushi Rose, Murphy's Pub, Oriental Noodle & Pescatore are my 4 frequented spots in this area - diverse yet all very good. appetizers were good, mixed greens & calamari & veal francese were my favorite orders. bread little hard but dipped in olive oil & balsamic was good. svc could be better. a little tight for table of 3-4. nice to sit by balcony except during hot humid weather. SUM IT: give this a try, a little pricey for this area but it's good food.

Pros: tasty food

Cons: better svc needed

Posted 09/18/03

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One Big Dissapointment!

by donaldport

What it seems to be a nice restaurant from the outside could turn into a very mediocre experience while sitting down. Our apetizers took quite a while to be served, in fact, while all the other tables that sat way after us were being served I asked the waiter what happened to our appetizers, the calamari was tough; The entrees were tasteless and really!, one have to be really bad to mess a simple pasta dish. Pitty!

Pros: Nice setting

Cons: Service, Food, FOOD!

Posted 07/24/03

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Nice place.

by ctac

I looked this place here, on citysearch, and decided to try it. Went there with my friends, one of them was an editor for Departure magazine (luxury travel, food and wine). He used to dining at the best restaurants and he was surprised how great this place was. Food, service and atmosphere were way above your regular restaurant. Try it and see for yourself.

Posted 07/02/03

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How tacky!

by mishyde

Our meal was very nice and the service - eh, nothing to rave about. The waitress took us as tourists and hand wrote a message about tipping 20%. After paying she returned and demanded a higher tip.

Posted 06/05/03

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Food and Company

by Jason

Thank you for the fantastic meal. My girlfriend and I went for a romantic dinner and came away satisfied. Strongly recommend the seafood pocket complimented with a nice bottle of California white wine.

Posted 04/21/03

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A great restaurant

by konajeanne

Pescatore is one of THE great restaurants in Manhattan. The service is great, the food is reasonably priced and it is delicious! In good weather the outdoor dining is the place to be.

Pros: Good food, Reasonable prices, Friendly staff

Cons: , None

Posted 03/03/03

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Best Birthday

by Ife

This resturant was good with a big group. I was searching diligently for an Italian resturant that was good with groups and had good food. They greeted me with a big Happy Birthday when we came in the door. We had 11 people the staff was friendly, the food was excellent, and they gave us a room upstairs away from the crowd and noise, with the radio tuned to whatever we wanted. And most of all we were comfortable. Beside the fact that there was one food slip up, this resturant was GREAT!!!

Pros: GREAT FOOD

Cons: NONE

Posted 02/25/03

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Loads of Potential

by risen_feenix

The food at Pescetore had the potential to be great, but only made it to "pretty good".

First, my appetizer of "fresh" mozzarella, tomato and peppers was "fresh" in the sense that was not "polly-o". It may have been fresh three or four days ago, but what I had was hard and bland. Either get a new supplier, or stop serving old fresh mozzarella. The catfish special was perfectly cooked, but brutally over-seasoned. When you have a great piece of fish (as they had), subtle seasoning is all that is required (and desired). I actually experienced physical pain while eating, there was so much pepper on the fish.

Decor was nice, quiet music in the background, and the staff was friendly and attentive. Pescetore could definitely be a great with the right chef (or properly instructed cooks). For now, it stays in the list of "could have beens".

Posted 02/23/03

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heavenly and devine!!

by farmer303

what an unbelievably yummy and fantastic place to go. this is truly a neighbood secret slowly being let out of the bag. this swimmingly fab food goes so well with the tremendous wine list offered.. the sleek surroundings and casual atmosphere allow for romance or a fun group setting. what an enjoyable array of paintings and photos placed so uniquely on the walls. but, the staff has to be the ultimate draw to this fine establishment. the waiters always know what to deliver and the best things to recommend!! another place that belongs in heaven!!

Pros: fun, delicious, superior service

Posted 02/02/03

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City Top 10--

by jclee79

The food and decor was excellent. If you are looking for a nice small restuarant, with great service and excellent food, look no further. My girlfriend and I had a great time. The black linguine was so good. But really the best part of the meal was the delicious homemade tiramisu

Pros: food, service, decor

Cons: none, none, none

Posted 01/20/03

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I would go there again!..

by soogah

The food was good here and the service was excellent!The waiter gave excellent service he was very attentive to our every needs during dinner and extreamly polite.(something I am truely picky on.) The bill was very reasonably priced considering in new york city standards and I would definatly go back there again! The only con was that the place was too noisy and parking around that area sucks.

Pros: Inexpensive

Cons: Noisy

Posted 01/17/03

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Worth Another Visit

by kubswfan

This place was packed, so reservations ahead of time are a must! With Reservations, our party waited 25 minutes for a table. The menu provided a vast selection, and the appetizers themselves were large portions and delicious. The entree is a heavenly delight for seafood lovers--so much to choose from, this is deserving of additional visits. I regret we didn't have room for dessert. The only mildly negative is in regard to the service--it's so busy, you'll definitely need to flag down the wait staff; rarely will be come over and ask you about the food.

Pros: Large Portions, Tasty

Cons: On the Expensive Side, BUSY, Reservations a MUST

Posted 12/31/02

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Potential disaster avoided

by writa

Rest. lost our reservation. It was a Saturday night. What's a party of 8 to do? Not to worry. The host found a table for us, and a great waiter. Food was wonderful.

Pros: great food, great service

Cons: liquor prices

Posted 12/12/02

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Good food, Great service

by jaiunmouton

This place was great: the food was delicious (especially the desserts --the cheesecake was amazing), the waiters were really friendly and nice. I don't think you can go wrong with this place - whether you're on a date or with a group of friends.

Pros: service, food, atmosphere

Cons: a little bit loud

Posted 11/24/02

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Great food, good service

by hocampo

A very good option for a nice dinner in a comfortable setting. The menu is quite varied, with fish, meat, and pasta entries. The specials are always good. As the specialty is fish, most of their fish dishes are fantastic. Great date restaurant, if a bit on the noisy side.

Pros: Comfortable, Reasonably priced

Cons: Crowded, Somewhat noisy

Posted 10/30/02

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delicious!!!

by oi812

I was here a couple of weeks ago with a party of eight. We were seated in the upstairs room right away. The food was delicious! The wine was just right and the service was attentive but not in your face. Everybody walked away from dinner very happy. The best part was that we didn't have to break the bank to have such a great meal. I highly recommend Pescatore to anyone. Whether you are a dining snob or just looking for a great dinner you will like Pescatore.

Pros: service, delicious, ambience

Posted 10/24/02

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quick full meal

by sunchef182

I thought everyone was very friendly but felt rushed. Food was good but no timing between coarses. I work in the Food and beverage industry and I can tell my fish sat in the window while I finished my salad. Overall was a good experience. wouldn't recommend for relax dining. good for dinner before going out on the town. Waitstaff very friendly.

Pros: Friendly Service

Cons: felt rushed

Posted 10/24/02

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birthday party success!

by bisonification

i threw a birthday dinner for my roommate here and it turned out to be a great success. we had about 20 people and we were seated right away. the staff was very courteous and delightful. we were seated in an upstairs room which was very private and cozy, providing an intimate environment which is hard to find for such a large group outing. the food was excellent! the prices were even more excellent. i had the black linguine with rock shrimp, lobster meat, prosciutto and fresh plum tomatoes. it was oh so delicious! this restaurant is a keeper!

Posted 09/17/02

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Excellent Food, Excellent Service

by pernell74

Initially I was skeptical as I had never relied on internet reviews for a restuarant , but the reviews were well deserved.
The Presentation of the food was not only Fantastic, but the Food, from the appetizers(I'd recommend the Seafood Purse) to the entrees and desert, was also scrumptous!
I would highly recommend this restaurant for small or large parties(3-4).
This is my new favorite restaurant.

Pros: Affordable, Great Food, Great Ambience

Posted 09/06/02

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constant

by ricochan

It's been more than a year since I first visited Pescatore, but the food and service is constant. When it's warmer, I take balcony seats upstairs. One of the best steamed mussles in town.

Posted 09/05/02

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