Spiga

beautiful food, beautiful setting, absolutely love it (when I can get a table) more

Capesante con Purea di Asparagi e Aceto Balsamico more

Very disappointing dinner at what used to be a favorite. Zucchini timbales, which were once bright and fresh, are now blanketed in a thick layer of green-can grated parmesan. A mushroom lasagne came drowned in what I swear was a can of Campbell?s Cream of Mushroom soup. When we asked where the second scallop was in the special soup ?with two grilled scallops?, the waiter told us it may have sank in the soup (it hadn?t). Gone are the days of cocoa gnocchi and ?mushrooms three ways? ? this new owner has soiled Spiga. Pros: Who knows? Maybe you'll get lucky and have a glimpse of its former greatness... Cons: Not likely. more

Spiga has a wine list that begins with what would be considered ""an expensive range"" for wines that would normally be considered table wines. When we asked the waiter about the difference between two wines on their wine list, the waiter said that the two wines were essentially the same. Why then have two identical wines at different prices? He then went on to offer us a more expensive ""special"" wine. Of course, the special was also more expensive. Speaking quickly, he tried to push this on us. Spiga's wine list isn't just expensive, it's over-priced. Pros: Nice ambience Cons: Cutting corners on the entres makes for very bad food more

There is a welcome change to the typical Italian fare found through out NYC. For those of us lucky enough to have dined at Spiga, we know of what I type! We have imported friends from across the country to enjoy the maltagliati with monk fish and the gnocchi and the veal with the onion jam -- simply to die for. The gelato is heaven sent as is the panna cotta. The menu changes seasonally, so there is always something new and worth exploring. David and Luigi and Matthew as well as the entire staff at the restaurant are welcoming and well informed. We have never had better service and are continually welcomed backed and encouraged to try new things. As for those two freakishly similar reviews identical in verbiage (""UGH WAY TOO RICH"") but far apart in date, they must be construed as the same person who is out simply to trash a great place to eat and eat and eat! Pros: service, intimacy, knowledge of staff Cons: not open for lunch! more

Was looking forward to our dinner - heard good things about the restaurant. Made a reservation for 8:30 - showed up at 8:30. The owner told us our table would be ready in a minute or two. Twenty minutes later we asked if our table was ready (he had not come to check on us) - we were assured that it would be just a few more minutes. After another ten minutes we informed the owner that we were leaving and I told him I was disappointed in the restaurnats reservation system. He did not appologize and told me he could not keep a table open if someone was waiting to be seated! Cons: They do nto homor reservations but take them. more

Spiga makes the perfect place to have a date, meet friends, or being parents/relitaves from out of town. It's the coziest spot I've found in a long time. The food is incrediable and creative. Lot of mixes of sweet and salty. It's definetely NOT a restaurant for everyone. Theres no classic old fashioned Italian. Trying something is a little of an adventure that you feel you've tried before but definetely not the same. I highly encourage it. My favorite dish is this pasta, like a penne but not, with fra guas (I can't spell sorry), broccoli, and potatoes in a sauce that is out of this world. The wine is fabulous as well as the cheese plates. Pros: creative food, great date spot more

Just had a very surprising experience during an initial visit to Spiga. It turns out that the cost for a 2-hour roll at this neighborhood hot-spot is about $400. Our party of 5 arrived at 6:40 pm and had just been served dessert around 8:45 pm when our waiter unexpectedly appeared bearing the check and proffering a slightly confused soliloquy. Before we could ask any questions, he explained that a large party was waiting for our table and then perplexingly told us to stay ""as long as you want to"". Displaying a well-developed instinct for gratuity preservation, he subsequently let us order coffees and even a glass of desert wine without adding them to the bill. However, shortly after these arrived, the pompadour-toting would-be adult functioning as maitre d' arrived to tell us that we had to leave immediately because he had a party of 8 that needed our table. When someone in my group asked him what VIP was waiting to be seated, he explained that each party is allowed 2 hours to order, eat-up, and clear out at Spiga. The food that wasn't overcooked was very interesting ... but at $200 per hour, it better be. Never before been forced to vacate a table in NYC ... other than one attached to a bowling alley at the Port Authority Lanes. Caveat emptor. Pros: Interesting food Cons: Being chased out after 2 hours more

My husband and I , were invited at a friend birthday party last week. The service was smooth, attentive, and the food was teriffic. We returned last night , just the two of us for a romantic dinner. And once again it was absolutely amazing. Beautiful spot. The atmosphere is cozy, charming and rustic and the wine list is very extensive. We will go back many many times! Pros: Great food, service and wine list more

I'm not so sure that mr dnewmann was at spiga with his girlfriend. The food there is AMAZING. I went a number of times and it was never disappointing. I really think that there is nothing like Spiga in the UWS for quality and creativity. Great food isn't cheap my friend! Maybe you should opt for a chinese take out next time Pros: Great food, amazing wine list more

Seriously, my wife and I went there after reading the reviews, and it seems the only one that was right was the one at the bottom. The appetizers are fine, cheeses and meats but the entrees. Ugh. Way too rich, way too expensive, way not inspired. I think its the chef. Hope you don't make the same mistake we did. Pros: ambiance is great Cons: entrees stink more

I took my girlfriend to Spiga for her birthday, as we are both fans of Cacio e Pepe. Spiga is even better! The steak tartar app was delicious and very well presented. The filet mignon was cooked to perfection and the red snapper was the best red snapper i have ever had in my life. The atmosphere is excellent, as is the service. This place is really a step above of all other Italian restaurants on the UWS. Pros: Great food, Ambiance more

Our party of 5 went on recommendation of a friend's boss. The food was indeed well prepared, innovative and fresh. However, the service was irregular. When we sat down for our 6:30pm reservation, our waiter was available upon request. After 7:30, it was impossible to get his attention. He completely disappeared after 8. The busboy took care of some of our requests, but not others. This is a place to return for good food. I will not expect any services. Pros: good food Cons: no service, loud and crowded more

We have dined at Spiga about 7 or 8 times, most of the time having friends from out of town joining us. Everyone has always loved their meals - fabulous appertizers, pastas and main courses. Wines are reasonable and the selection is quite good.Price is right and the atmosphere is great. Just an incredible restaurant for solidifying a romance, business relationship or friendship. Happiness guaranteed! Pros: Food, Service, Wine list more

i recently went to sPIGA with a party of 6 and had the most amazing meal of my life. I love all foods and go to a nice restaurant about once a week, but nothing compared to the quality of food at Spiga. The ravioli, red snapper, and dessert was delicious. I made reservations again for my bday. Pros: food, wine list, ambiance Cons: watch the step!! more

This is by far the best italian restaurant I have been in New York. Fantastic dishes for creativity and taste, very cozy ambiance and smooth service. Pros: Food Ambiance Service more

Went last night with my girlfriend and my out-of-town mother. All of us gave it two thumbs up (and we can be picky). We agree with commentary in previous reviews, except that the issues with ""WAY too rich"" seem to have been corrected, though we had different dishes (Turbot (excellent; very flaky), Soppressata, and Raviolo). Our complaints are (1) that the exposed brick and music made it a bit loud, but they lowered the music and the place became quieter (but not quiet); and (2) a bit pricey for upscale ""neighborhood"" italian. (Also, watch the step when you go in; it's clearly lighted, but tough to interpret what the light means.) As stated, it seems they are working to correct issues, and we recommend giving them a try. Pros: Ambience, Decor, Service Cons: Noise, Price, "Step" in the entry more

My girlfriend and I tried Spiga last night. The restaurant is very romantic and it's perfect if you want to go on a date. more

My girlfriend and I wanted to like this place. Romantic decor, small, dark, candlelight, with open windows, what not to love. Even the menu seems good with cheeses and adventerous salads. A watermelon and spinach salad was exceptionally good. But the entrees, ugh. WAY too rich. There is a Filet with truffle sauce, which sounds appetizing but then you realize basically it is a recipe for truffle sauce with steak as a delivery method. The Gnocchi, usually the romantic italian place safety dish, is overpowered bya shrimp and gorgonzola sauce with the consistancy of Nickelodeon inspired slime. I only am so harsh because the price is Babbo/Balthazaar cost and not worth it. Maybe a new menu because the place and the winelist is fantastic. Pros: Ambience Cons: Food, Price more