My friend and I ate here on a Friday night & were excited to test this restaurant out as we had heard great things about it. Our reservation was for 7PM and there was nobody else eating in the restaurant when we arrived. From the moment we stepped into the place the tuxedoed wait staff was rude and hovered over us as if we were going to rob the place, even though we were dressed appropriately for this upscale restaurant (in suits - we had just come from work). We were rushed through our courses, our side dishes were never brought to the table (without apology), and by 10pm they had already run out of one of the desserts. Our check was substantial (salads, appetizers, entrees, desserts, plus 2 bottles of wine + additional cocktails), so at the very least we expected to have service with a smile. We thought that perhaps we were receiving this treatment because we had never been here before or because we were two women dining together, until the table next to us of four people had the same poor service (this table actually complained to the maitre d that the service was horrendous - rightfully so). Sadly, the best part of the dining experience was learning that these other folks were treated badly too, so that it wasn't just us! The atmosphere is great and the food very good (I was shocked that it was reasonably priced, and had a good wine selection with bottles in every price range), however - there are way too many excellent Italian restaurants in NYC with equal if not better food, and whose management would welcome you in and appreciate your business! For the first time in years, I left only a 15% tip - as we were really aggravated and disappointed. I eat out 2-3 times per week if not more, and I can tell you I will never go back to Destino's and will tell everyone that listens never to waste their money here.\r
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PS-the blaring disco music in the upstairs dining area was over the top and outdated!
Pros: Ambiance, good food
Cons: Nasty waitstaff, rushed service, loud music (cons outweighed the pros)
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