09/08/09

Awful service - homophobic?

by CSMobileUser

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?

08/19/09

love, love, love

by QueenTBone77

love it. miss living in park slope!

• Pros: great atmosphere - romantic, good food
• Cons: small

02/19/09

Wonderful Experience

by Gabriela1218

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

02/15/09

Awful Service, Lackluster Food

by MikeGevertz

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

11/03/08

best restaurant ever

by diankiny

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

10/26/08

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

by jpayres75

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

03/22/08

Not sure about food, but . . .

by jomar72

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.

12/14/07

Perfetto!

by danlee1095

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!

12/13/07

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

by viviansoho

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.

10/12/07

Wonderful surprises every time.

by greatfavad

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.