Monkey Bar - (Near New York, NY)

Kathy D Great food and service in a very casual but eclectic setting. There were a couple misses for us but overall absolutely delicious fresh food and we will definitely return. Mozz and bread is a large portion but absolutely worth trying. Cheese was soft and flavorful and bread was thick and crusty. Little gem salad as pretty to look at as it was to eat. Grilled artichoke, I probably could have eaten 5. Perfectly cooked and seasoned. Bagna Cauda was a miss for us. The anchovy dip was overpowering and I think I just didn’t understand the dish. We tried the agnolotti based on our server’s recommendation and so glad we did. Soft creamy pillows of deliciousness. Spaghetti also delicious, pasta was al dente with texture from the nuts. Escarole was another recommended dish and it was very good and a nice side. The lamb steak was our other miss. It was cooked well but if I didn’t know I was eating lamb I would have thought it was a bland steak. It had no gamey lamb flavor. We didn’t know but will try next time that there is an off the menu steak and potato dish you can order. It looked and smelled amazing. This restaurant serves unpretentious delicious food, can’t wait to return and try more options.

Kolay Fuller If NYC had a love letter to Italian dining, this place would be it. From the moment you step inside, there’s a warm, timeless charm that instantly makes you feel at home like a beloved local spot transported straight from a Roman to the heart of Manhattan. The menu is nothing short of masterful. Every dish tastes like it was crafted by someone who truly knows and loves Italian food from rich, velvety pastas to tender, perfectly seasoned entrées. The Ravioli Zucca practically melts on your tongue, and the Brasato di Costolette di Manzo (braised short ribs) is pure comfort elevated to art. But what really sets Gabriels apart isn’t just the food its the experience. The ambiance strikes a beautiful balance between cozy and elegant, ideal for a romantic dinner, a pre-theater meal before Lincoln Center, or a weekend brunch with friends. The staff are consummate professionals warm, attentive, and genuinely invested in making your meal memorable. I’ve never felt rushed or overlooked; instead, every detail feels thoughtfully executed.

Siobhan Matthews I don’t give 5 stars on all very often but this place deserves it! Our server was Anthony (hard to forget since in the name of the restaurant) he was able to give us options on what wine pairs well with our dinner selection. He was there when needed and perfect etiquette when clearing the table or serving our wine. The atmosphere was quaint and we felt relaxed. Now for the food… what flavor!! We did not see the Chef but we did want to complement him on freshness of the food and original flavors to the area. We ordered an appetizer, dinner and dessert because we wanted to keep going!! We had duck egg roll to start with and it had a sauce with it that was lightly sweetened to balance the flavors. I can go on and on but honestly if you are looking for a gourmet meal close to home check this place out! For the quality of the food the price matched up. Hidden Gem, so glad we found this place we will be back!

Randy Girgenti Easily one of the best restaurant’s in Rochester! The service was top tier! The wait staff was super attentive, knowledgeable and very efficient. Since this was an anniversary dinner we tried several different cocktails from the menu, all were excellent! I highly recommend the 32oz Rib eye, Chicory salad, Cacio e Pepe (pasta dish) to name a few. We will definitely be coming back!

Alexander Williams The decore is phenomenal with a lot of quality furniture. The menu and service, top of the line. I have been here several times now and Diego and Dino have provided nothing short but amazing service every time. The cocktail balance and selection is great, with a large variety from sweet to savory, theres something for everyone. The food was cooked perfectly as always, highly recommended the mussels and dumplings! Must visit bar of lower Manhattan

Jaclyn Campis Ponte Vecchio was the perfect place to come back to Brooklyn for the holidays. I came here with my mother, who grew up in Bay Ridge, and it felt like such a special way to celebrate with both great food and great memories. We started with the Lioni burrata with broccoli rabe, baked clams oreganata, and calamari — and every starter was excellent. The burrata was firm and creamy without being overly watery, and the broccoli rabe was perfectly cooked, not bitter at all, and nicely seasoned with garlic and oil. The baked clams and calamari were both delicious, but the marinara served with the calamari really stood out — truly exceptional. For mains, I ordered the pollo caprese, which was tender, juicy, and a very hearty portion. My mom had the veal spiedini, and it was just as satisfying. After all the starters, the portions were so generous that we both ended up taking leftovers home. We finished with dessert — tartufo and what may be the best pistachio ricotta cake I’ve had in a long time. A perfect ending to the meal. Service was attentive without ever feeling overbearing, which made the whole experience even better. Ponte Vecchio is absolutely worth the trip to Brooklyn — for the food, the atmosphere, and the nostalgia. We’ll definitely be back.