Thalassa is one of my favorite restaurants in Manhattan, and I entertain guests and/or clients there at least 6-8 times a year. It is a beautiful restaurant and I've never had a bad experience with the food or service. BUT, my most recent experience there irked me a little: I was entertaining 8 of my most important clients and felt like the server was trying to manipulate our orders for some unknown reason. We tried to order several appetizers, but our server tried to strong-arm us into ordering a seafood assortment for the table. I let him know we'd be ordering individually, not communally and he again tried to sway me. Several of us ordered the Grilled Stuffed Octopus, but were brought the sliced octopus. We pointed out the mistake and were told that he took the liberty of ordering several other dishes for us. Unacceptable. Finally brought correct octopus dish, but was one short resulting in sharing mine with client. After that, fairly smooth--but bad taste in my mouth with regards to service. I don't want to stop going to Thalassa, but will not return if a server tries to dictate my experience again.
Pros: wonderful atmosphere, stuffed grilled octopi
Cons: usually none, but odd service last visit
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