Convivium Osteria

Doesn't Recommend

MikeGevertz

Joined 4 years ago

Awful Service, Lackluster Food. 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.

Recommends

diankiny

Joined 7 years ago

best restaurant ever. amazing food, great decor, great service

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

Doesn't Recommend

jpayres75

Joined 5 years ago

If service with a smile is important to you, don't come here. 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.

Recommends

jomar72

Joined 5 years ago

Not sure about food, but . . .. 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.

Recommends

danlee1095

Joined 8 years ago

Perfetto!. 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!

Doesn't Recommend

viviansoho

Joined 6 years ago

Food was good. But it was a degrading experience from the staff.. 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.

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greatfavad

Joined 6 years ago

Wonderful surprises every time.. 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.

Recommends

bluecheer

Joined 6 years ago

the REAL THING. 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!!!

Doesn't Recommend

mtk75

Joined 6 years ago

Horrible Service. 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.

Recommends

chriskeane

Joined 7 years ago

Excellent food, matched by incredible decor - I'm always sad to leave. 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.