Esca Restaurant

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402 W 43rd St
New York, NY 10036

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(212) 564-7272
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Esca Restaurant - New York, NY
Esca Restaurant - New York, NY
Esca Restaurant - New York, NY
Esca Restaurant - New York, NY
Esca Restaurant - New York, NY
Esca Restaurant - New York, NY
Esca Restaurant - New York, NY
Esca Restaurant - New York, NY
Esca Restaurant - New York, NY
Esca Restaurant - New York, NY
Reviews
( 37 )
( 47 )
( 20 )
( 16 )
( 34 )

Best

If you go for nothing else have a drink and the crudo tasting. Its delicious and so satisfying. I also enjoyed a pasta with crab and sea urchin wich was great too. Dessert wasn't ...

Worst

I was very disappointed with Esca. The food, while solid, was unspectacular and the pricing was outrageous. As a first course, I had linguine with clams, prosciutto and red pepper...

food less convincing than it used to be 12/10/2006

We had a dinner for two, and several courses (the tuna appetizer, the sole entree and the baccala) were slightly oversalted this time, although the quality of the fish itself was very good. Service very attentive, and the wine list is still outstanding and fairly priced, especially for Whites. Pros: good service, outstanding wine list Cons: food slightly disappointing more
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food less convincing than it used to be 12/10/2006

We had a dinner for two, and several courses (the tuna appetizer, the sole entree and the baccala) were slightly oversalted this time, although the quality of the fish itself was very good. Service very attentive, and the wine list is still outstanding and fairly priced, especially for Whites. Pros: good service, outstanding wine list Cons: food slightly disappointing more
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How could it go so wrong? 5/9/2006

Some places can get away with horrible service if the food is great, but at Esca, the service was thin, hurried and rude. The hot food was cold and the chilled food was room temp. I don't know about you, but I like my raw bar items cold, not warm and slimy. Sadly, the more patient we were, the more we were ignored. When we finally asked to speak with someone, the hostess came over and was rude. I had heard a few good things about this place and have never been more disappointed. With so many other great choices in the city, why waste your time and money? Pros: Conveniently Located Cons: Slow, rude service, poor food quality, lack of management more
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How could it go so wrong? 5/9/2006

Some places can get away with horrible service if the food is great, but at Esca, the service was thin, hurried and rude. The hot food was cold and the chilled food was room temp. I don't know about you, but I like my raw bar items cold, not warm and slimy. Sadly, the more patient we were, the more we were ignored. When we finally asked to speak with someone, the hostess came over and was rude. I had heard a few good things about this place and have never been more disappointed. With so many other great choices in the city, why waste your time and money? Pros: Conveniently Located Cons: Slow, rude service, poor food quality, lack of management more
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Too noisy, not a choice for a romantic evening 3/18/2006

We were seated in an alcove at a small table for two next to a very loud table of four. Overall noise level in the restaurant was about equal to that of a rock concert gone bad. (Wooden floors didn't help). Wine steward recommended a bottle of wine priced 50% more than the range I gave him (a very valid range because on the second try he picked a perfectly acceptabe bottle within the range). We had three courses and were done within 1 1/2 hours - not rushed but also not leisurely. Not recommended for a romantic dinner. Food quality was ok. Appetizers (Ahi Tuna and White anchoives were tasteless. Main course was small portions but tasty (Black Cod and Mahi Mahi). Desert (chocolate cake) was superb. Cons: Too noisy more
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Too noisy, not a choice for a romantic evening 3/18/2006

We were seated in an alcove at a small table for two next to a very loud table of four. Overall noise level in the restaurant was about equal to that of a rock concert gone bad. (Wooden floors didn't help). Wine steward recommended a bottle of wine priced 50% more than the range I gave him (a very valid range because on the second try he picked a perfectly acceptabe bottle within the range). We had three courses and were done within 1 1/2 hours - not rushed but also not leisurely. Not recommended for a romantic dinner. Food quality was ok. Appetizers (Ahi Tuna and White anchoives were tasteless. Main course was small portions but tasty (Black Cod and Mahi Mahi). Desert (chocolate cake) was superb. Cons: Too noisy more
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wonderful experience...ask for mitzy 1/20/2006

The cuisine at Esca is incredibly suberb. The presentation and quality of the crudo selections were mind blowing, and my date and I were delighted with the various selections that the chef had created for the evening. To make the night even more delightful was the service. Our waitress, Mitzy, was extremely hospitable. She made excellent recommendations without making us feel intimidated by the menu. We dine quite often and it is nice to find a place where the food lives up to its expectations and the service takes it a leap beyond the typical robotic smiles that adorn other waiters in nyc. more
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wonderful experience...ask for mitzy 1/20/2006

The cuisine at Esca is incredibly suberb. The presentation and quality of the crudo selections were mind blowing, and my date and I were delighted with the various selections that the chef had created for the evening. To make the night even more delightful was the service. Our waitress, Mitzy, was extremely hospitable. She made excellent recommendations without making us feel intimidated by the menu. We dine quite often and it is nice to find a place where the food lives up to its expectations and the service takes it a leap beyond the typical robotic smiles that adorn other waiters in nyc. more
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Takes seafood to another level! 1/5/2006

The crudo appetizer (various types of raw seafood) sampler was unbelievable--six separate ""courses""--all EXQUISITELY presented and flavored ending with a rare taste of sea urchin. Reservations are essential indoors or out but you can almost always get an early seat at the unique ice-filled raw bar where the greatest bartender dispenses volumes of knowledgable friendly chatter and perfectly matched wines as well as oysters. Be prepared: only two non-seafood items on the menu. Don't pass up the desserts! One sour note: the sommelier suggested our $100 bottle of wine and then opened it and served the first taste to someone he knew seated next to us. Both the food and atmosphere were so good, we soon got over it. Pros: raw bar, outdoor seating, friendly atmosphere Cons: need reservations more
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Takes seafood to another level! 1/5/2006

The crudo appetizer (various types of raw seafood) sampler was unbelievable--six separate ""courses""--all EXQUISITELY presented and flavored ending with a rare taste of sea urchin. Reservations are essential indoors or out but you can almost always get an early seat at the unique ice-filled raw bar where the greatest bartender dispenses volumes of knowledgable friendly chatter and perfectly matched wines as well as oysters. Be prepared: only two non-seafood items on the menu. Don't pass up the desserts! One sour note: the sommelier suggested our $100 bottle of wine and then opened it and served the first taste to someone he knew seated next to us. Both the food and atmosphere were so good, we soon got over it. Pros: raw bar, outdoor seating, friendly atmosphere Cons: need reservations more
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One of NY's Gems 12/21/2005

Esca is the type of restaurant one expects in NYC. It's not a hip LES joint, or a dark, quiet West Village Bistro. It's an elegant, well-done Mario restaurant where the food is consistently great, and ideas such as ""service"" and ""ambience"" are so given that to ask about them is laughable. It is not a cozy restaurant--not a good first date place, unless you REALLY have to try hard. It's a place to bring someone to show them that, a. you want to share a great meal with them and, b. you know your stuff when it comes to food and wine. Pros: Food, Wine, Service Cons: Stiff, Business Crowd, Broadway Show Crowd more
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One of NY's Gems 12/21/2005

Esca is the type of restaurant one expects in NYC. It's not a hip LES joint, or a dark, quiet West Village Bistro. It's an elegant, well-done Mario restaurant where the food is consistently great, and ideas such as ""service"" and ""ambience"" are so given that to ask about them is laughable. It is not a cozy restaurant--not a good first date place, unless you REALLY have to try hard. It's a place to bring someone to show them that, a. you want to share a great meal with them and, b. you know your stuff when it comes to food and wine. Pros: Food, Wine, Service Cons: Stiff, Business Crowd, Broadway Show Crowd more
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User review by kmdenardo 12/21/2005

I've had great experiences at both Po and Babbo, so I expected good things from this place. Unfortunately, it was terrible. I had linguine with clams which was way too salty and was undercooked. My father had zuppa del pesce which had such a strong fish smell that I almost couldn't eat my dinner. The lobster ravioli was bland and uniteresting. The only thing that was good was the cod. I can't believe Mario Batali even associates himself with this restaurant. The only explanation for its continued existence is that the clientele is mostly tourists because it is in the theatre district and and therefore they don't need repeat business. On a plus note - the service was great. Pros: service Cons: food more
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User review by kmdenardo 12/21/2005

I've had great experiences at both Po and Babbo, so I expected good things from this place. Unfortunately, it was terrible. I had linguine with clams which was way too salty and was undercooked. My father had zuppa del pesce which had such a strong fish smell that I almost couldn't eat my dinner. The lobster ravioli was bland and uniteresting. The only thing that was good was the cod. I can't believe Mario Batali even associates himself with this restaurant. The only explanation for its continued existence is that the clientele is mostly tourists because it is in the theatre district and and therefore they don't need repeat business. On a plus note - the service was great. Pros: service Cons: food more
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Expected more 12/3/2005

After so many great reviews here, my bf and I went to Esca to celebrate my birthday last nite. The ambiance was fine, a little loud but still nice and romantic. However, being foodies, we were utterly disappointed with the food. It is bland and nothing extrodinary. One of our apps came extremely overcooked and rubbery and we were asked if we wanted to switch apps. When the bill came, both appetizers were charged even though we had one bite of the first and it should not have served competely overcooked. They did take it off when we asked them to. I recommend the black roasted codfish, it was the best dish of the evening. Would not return for the amount we paid. Pros: parking Cons: value, taste more
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Expected more 12/3/2005

After so many great reviews here, my bf and I went to Esca to celebrate my birthday last nite. The ambiance was fine, a little loud but still nice and romantic. However, being foodies, we were utterly disappointed with the food. It is bland and nothing extrodinary. One of our apps came extremely overcooked and rubbery and we were asked if we wanted to switch apps. When the bill came, both appetizers were charged even though we had one bite of the first and it should not have served competely overcooked. They did take it off when we asked them to. I recommend the black roasted codfish, it was the best dish of the evening. Would not return for the amount we paid. Pros: parking Cons: value, taste more
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Have your cocktails elsewhere... 11/11/2005

No room at the bar and nowhere to stand. Have your cocktails elsewhere. The food, however, is very fresh. Try the Ricotta Gnocchi -- it's unbelievable. If you don't have to wait for your table, it's a delicious experience -- although a bit pricey. There aren't very many restaurant of this quality in this area (Hell's Kitchen) so ESCA is a name worth remembering. more
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Have your cocktails elsewhere... 11/11/2005

No room at the bar and nowhere to stand. Have your cocktails elsewhere. The food, however, is very fresh. Try the Ricotta Gnocchi -- it's unbelievable. If you don't have to wait for your table, it's a delicious experience -- although a bit pricey. There aren't very many restaurant of this quality in this area (Hell's Kitchen) so ESCA is a name worth remembering. more
Reply | Report abuse |

A must try! 11/8/2005

Works both as romantic and as a group of friends, they food is excellent and very fresh. The chef handpicks the fish everything we tried was fantastic Pros: Outdoor garden, Service, Tasting Menu more
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A must try! 11/8/2005

Works both as romantic and as a group of friends, they food is excellent and very fresh. The chef handpicks the fish everything we tried was fantastic Pros: Outdoor garden, Service, Tasting Menu more
Reply | Report abuse |
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Menu for Esca Restaurant


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Editorial

  • The Scene
    In an unassuming urban cul-de-sac barely removed from the Broadway fray, Mario Batali, partner Joe Bastianich and chef David Pasternack work their practiced magic. Inside, a...

  • 10/11/2006 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Mon noon-2:30 pm, 5-10:30 pm, Tues-Sat noon-2:30 pm, 5-11:30 pm, Sun 4:30-10:30 pm
  • Payments: American Express, Diner's Club, Discover, Master Card, Visa
  • Neighborhoods: Clinton, Midtown
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