02/17/09

sooo good

by brigmoran

their appetizer with the 3 dips is fantastic, their fish rocks. seaonsal and organic is the way to go and this is the restaurant to indulge!

01/25/09

worth a visit

by ieatwhatever

My visit to Rosewater was pleasant and a great value for the cost. My friend and I both had the chef's tasting menu, which was five courses, but they gave us an additional two courses gratis. Only $58, and a wine pairing for only $28! Now, this is not Daniel or Jean-George, some dishes were not prefect, but they were all tasty. The highlights were the unbelievable berkshire pork belly...mmmmmm, the poached egg with smoked salmon, and the amazing sirloin steak, which was the most unique and innovative dish. And totally delicious. The Mahi Mahi was notable as well as the deserts. Oh and the celery root soup! wow.

We left the menu entirely up to the chef, and it was really great that they didn't serve us the same thing. We each had different courses, except for the two main entrees. That made it really fun since we were able to enjoy such a variety. I highly recommend this restaurants tasting menu if you don't want to break the bank but have a really nice food experience.

• Pros: great value, creative dishes
• Cons: small dining room, average ambiance.

11/17/08

Fantastic Brunch on a cold day

by charlieko

Had brunch here this weekend. What an experience! Although it was cold and breezy outside, we we able to wait for our table inside the covered porch and were able to stay warm, abeit crowded. The wait was approx. what the doorman said, give or take a few minutes, and he always kept in touch with us about the wait. But once we got in that when the wow factor started. Nice cozy room, packed with happy people. The food and service was what was keeping everyone so happy. I had the apple pancakes that were amazing, and my girlfriends had a frittata, and this vegetable stew that was out of this world. It was also cool to watch the servers move quickly around the room, multitasking as they went. We even had the guy at the door swing by once and fill our coffee, before we even asked for. As a whole, a great way to spend our Sunday afternoon. I understand why the place is packed everytime we had walked by. Our first visit, but definitely not our last!

• Pros: All pros
• Cons: none

10/12/08

Disappointing Brunch

by nishln

I had high hopes for Rose Water. I have to say the atmosphere - we had a table outside in the sun - was terrific, but overall, brunch was disappointing. The ingredients were fresh but the food was tasteless and the service atrocious. The black forest sandwich was completely charred. We would have sent it back, but there was no waiter to be found (more on that later), so we ended up sawing off the blackened edges with a knife. For the $14, I clearly would have expected more than a burnt ham sandwich. The pear ginger waffles tasted like neither pear nor ginger, and were extremely tough and dense. They were quite possibly the worst waffles I have ever had, with the texture and flavor of cardboard. To make matters worse, the inedible waffles were served alone, without even a single piece of fruit on the plate. On a positive note, the frittata was delicious, although not nearly special enough to make up for the other dishes.

About the service: The waitresses were sweet enough in character but the service we received was sub-par. Coffee took at least 20 minutes to arrive, and when it came the waitress spilled a whole cup on the table. She ran off, saying she would get something to clean it up, but as we sat for 5 minutes holding the cups and saucers out of the pool of coffee, it was clear she wasn't coming back. I took it upon myself to go to the kitchen to get a cloth to clean up the mess, and there was the waitress - sitting down, eating lunch. Even after seeing me, she didn't get up to help and I ended up getting a cloth from the dishwasher and washing up the mess myself. After that, the service didn't improve. Any simple request (coffee, water, the check) involved standing up and literally flagging down a server. The restaurant wasn't even that busy.

All in all, there are far better places to go in the area.

• Pros: great ambience, fresh ingredients, friendly waitresses
• Cons: inattentive service, tasteless food, poor value

05/02/08

Decent brunch, not as cramped as you'd think

by radamady

My date and I went for a late brunch and had to wait outside longer than the doorman told us. But he was pleasant and it was nice out. We were feeling patient that day. I always avoid places were the tables are too close together, but although the dining room appeared cramped, I didn't really notice. This is probably because the service wasn't too obtrusive. Had they been more attentive, I would have been more jostled by their continous presence. When they did remember to come by they were good and helpful. The prix fixe brunch specials were unique and tasty. We love beets now! The drinks were overpriced, but that won't keep us from coming back. We may find a better place but until then, we'll give it another shot.

• Pros: Uniqe dishes, creative and well prepared
• Cons: Spotty service, overpriced booze.

03/19/08

total rip off

by mrsb2

I'll start with the good: the food is passably tasty, if ordinary. Now to the bad: this place is overpriced and the service is atrocious. We've been to this spot several times (just didn't learn our lesson, I guess) and the people we interacted with were consistently unpleasant. The wait staff was neglectful and the guy who man's the door is rude. I pride myself on being the kind of New Yorker who can put up with a bad attitude, but he actually ruined our meal. And then, as we were calculating a far-too-generous tip, he had the nerve to ask us to leave and make room for another party. He needn't have worried--we had no intention of lingering.

09/02/07

A very bad night out

by jshade6

Overpriced and mediocre. Very disappointing, especially after reading so many positive reviews! Tasted like airplane food: some dishes were oversalted, others were too bland. Main dishes were overcooked, and the appetizers were greasy and inedible. The help-staff was very kind and considerate, but management did not appear interested. A few dishes at our table went uneaten. There are many other restaurants in the neighborhood that are much superior, especially with prices this high. A new chef? An expensive, sad experience. Avoid.

08/31/07

Don't do it

by grm216

Rose Water was wildly disappointing. I dined with three friends, all of us enthusiastic eaters, and not one person at our table had a decent appetizer or entree. The salty overcooked fish and the flavorless undercooked risotto were bad enough, but how do you mess up up a salad of raw heirloom tomatoes? This restaurant managed it. Our server was professional and apologetic, but the manager refused to even approach our table. With all the great dining options in Park Slope -- go somewhere else. You can spend a whole lot less money for far better food.

06/14/07

Neighborhood gem

by magicj123

I'm a frequent patron of Rosewater in Park Slope, and I am consistently rewarded with a superlative dining experience at this neighborhood gem. I almost don't want to write this review-- I hate to let the secret out! The food is always good, the staff is friendly, and the atmosphere is cozy, pleasant, and comfortable. They make a terrific brunch (though there is sometimes a wait), and dinner here is as good as any restaurant in the city (yes-- including Manhattan!). The space is small, but that is part of the charm. Reservations are a good idea on weekends or special event days, but walk-ins are often seated without too much of a hassle. If you're looking for great food in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, Rosewater's a good bet.

• Pros: Food, relaxed atmosphere, good value.
• Cons: small space good for couples/small groups

05/03/07

A strong pulse at Rose Water

by ethankostbar

I live in park slope brooklyn and nyc for years. I have eaten at many great restaurants in the city. Rose Water ranks among the best thats out there. Which is shocking considering that it is a small neighborhood place. The philosophy like many restaurants is one that supports family farms and communitee. Unlike many establishments, here they can execute a really spectacular dining experience. My meals are always simple, and creative not to mention succulent. Servicers are very friendly and knowledgable. The decor although small is very cozy. If you want a restaurant that has heart and soul this is the one that you will remember for a lifetime. Give it a try you won't be dissappointed

• Pros: Food, Service
• Cons: A bit small