Caravaggio Restaurant Reviews

My husband and I had dinner there on Saturday, November 1. I ordered the salmon, which had a much stronger odor than usual for that type of fish. I didn’t want to disrespect the chef by sending the dish back, but unfortunately, I ended up with food poisoning and was sick the entire weekend. Today is Monday, and I’m still recovering. I called the restaurant at 5:39 p.m. to inform them, but no one answered the phone during business hours

Food was amazing- everything we tried. Staff seemed a little frustrated.

It's the the first time we've been here with my wife. The food is tasty and authentic, we loved the pizza!

Wonderful restaurant with a great atmosphere, impeccable service and outstanding food. And they serve dinner later.

The atmosphere. Wonderful.

The service. The most attentive service. We had several servers attending to our every need from food ordering, clearing dishes immediately upon finishing, and filling our waters and drinks. In fact, while I can never complain about outstanding service, it was so attentive that there were a couple times I thought I could use a little less attention so that I could have a little more time for uninterrupted conversation. That is not a complaint- I was more humored that the service was so outstanding.

My appetizer was good (sashimi platter) but my main was very disappointing (jumbo shrimp with corn and fava beans). When I pay 48 for a meal I want at least to be great. The shrimp was overcooked, rubbery and tasteless. Service is a little slow. They took a long time to give us the food menu. Also is weird they have like 20 specials and they just tell you instead of giving in writing, which is very hard to decide and even remember all the items.

Food remarkable. Service impeccable. Atmosphere calming and quiet. Good job!
Two gay men here. Seated and respected like anyone else.

Very good food, small portions, expensive but expected given the location

I've been to Caravaggio twice now and both experiences were fantastic. The food, wine, and cocktail selections are second to none. I was especially impressed by the service staff, they very attentive and freindly. Our server Zelda was very sweet, and knowledgable about the extensive rotating list of specials. The bartender Brittany made us incredible cocktails, I can't wait to try more (the Negroni and vanilla Old fashioned were particularly good). The atmospher was warm, and the surrounding artwork give you plenty to take in and admire while you dine (inside). I was able to sample multiple appetizers and entrees, and was very impressed by the presentation and quality on every single one of them (try the any of the Rissoto selections)! The meal I had at Sistina, the "sister" restaurant to Caravaggio, was equally impressive on all accounts. Hats off to the crew and chef; I can't wait to come back!

Delicious foods served by their professional and very accommodating staff members. Large portions, crisp warm bread, nice wine, tablecloth covered table, space heaters, all under their tent outdoors.

High end restaurant, good for a special occasion. Modern, comfortable space, linen tablecloths, fresh flowers, good acoustics. Food was very good, nice presentation, cooked as ordered. The waiters were extremely attentive to my water and wine glasses, filling them the second they became less than half full.

On the con side, they were out of two menu entrees (I really wanted the rack of lamb) and the waiters seemed more interested in pouring the wine than attending to our other wants i.e. recommending any particular item, asking if we needed anything, showing any interest in our dining experience.

Wonderful neighborhood restaurant. You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu.

Over rated...Do not waste your time and hard earned money. Have dined at Carvaggio several times, each time, unimpressed. Now I understand why! See the below story....

On our recent visit, one of the plates was not as expected and we discussed with the waiter who promptly offered a replacement. (The service is always excellent, staff is pleasant, eager and responsive to your every request.)

A few minutes later, comes a poorly attired, unkept man in his mid fifties who begins to berate my wife for her feedback of the dish. He begins a diatribe regarding the city and the Department of Health. His tone, demeanor and loud voice made our table and the 5-6 tables adjacent to ours extremely uncomfortable. The man goes on to justify his words and behavior because he is the 'owner'.
The waitstaff apologized profusely and explain that he is an 'Italian Alpha Male' and very difficult to work with. Adjacent diner were shocked, having seen the owner's behavior.

So now we know. Organizations, including restaurants, are only as good as the leader.
In the case of Carvaggio, a brusque, rude, arrogant owner who mistreats his employees and patrons.

If you value overpriced food in a uncomfortable environment, go visit Carvaggio. Otherwise, visit the hundreds of other excellent restaurants in NYC !

The food here was amazing. Their pasta is definitely one that you need to try when you find yourself in the Upper East Side. The service was also exceptional. Despite it being busy, they made a point to always check in with us and bring More

Very nice, cozy atmosphere, great location, excellent food...

We came in under dressed and probably not the right age group they are used to. But each of their staff treated us with respect and were extremely willing to help. We even were allowed to order off menu and create a small dish for our toddler that she gobbled up and spilled all over their white linens. The staff was wonderful about everything but even better was the food!!
Our party ordered, gnocchi, lasagna, fettuccini, chicken, the zucchini flower, and stuffed ravioli. We shared bits with each other and I loved every one. I really liked how tender the chicken was and how the lasagna was so flavorful.
Pricey yes, but great staff and food. Worth it.

Great service. Food was amazing. Great wine great atmosphere. Load your wallet up before you go it s expensive

Outstanding upscale menu and food to match. We all had great meals in such a lovely venue!

Great elegant good tasting Italian food, very welcoming staff!

Amazing food and excellent staff who won't let a need go unmet

good solid Italian food is a great setting. Nothing that adventuresome but good for an expense account dinner--one seating per night so you can linger and talk with your guests-that alone justifies the high prices. Blood orange sorbet was superb--msut have been made earlier in the evening with fresh oranges!!!

This review is long overdue, but, alas, most of us tend to leave rather negative reviews first...this is one of the most memorable experiences we've had in years-decor, service, food were equally enjoyable. Special occasion place for sure.

The food ranged from excellent to ok. The service was dismissive, rude, slow and generally poor

Presents well but the food does not match the atmosphere or prices. Service was adequate.

A very fence place, expensive, and with good Italian food. Good service, good presentation, taste and good, but I know italian restaurant best. If you are looking for somewhere for a good conversation, here is the only sound you hear about cutlery. good atmosphere.

Anyone looking to have a small wedding in New York City, I highly recommend Caravaggio!

I had my wedding in Central Park, it was a small wedding and I was looking for a nice restaurant with a private area to hold my reception. This place did not disappoint. The amazing Selby helped me arrange everything from flowers to my cake and it was such an easy, seamless process. My cake (a cupcake tier), was exactly as I wanted it and was soooo delicious. The service on the night was outstanding and the food was so perfect. Thank you all for making the night so wonderful, I couldn t have asked for more.

This afternoon my girlfriend and I had lunch at Caravaggio.

The place is elegant, the food is delicious, and the service was gracious and very professional.

I worked in fine dining in Manhattan years ago and used to train "front-of-the-house" staff -- this place has it together!

These days everybody considers themselves a critic, so I wasn't going to add my two cents until I read scathing comments of some reviewers. From my personal experience, I question whether they are warranted.

While the prices are a little steep for my own frequent dining, I will certainly recommend it to my well-heeled friends and expect one of them will take me to enjoy another lovely dining experience at Caravaggio.

We had an awesome time here. More updated and modern than your average classy Italian restaurant

Selected Caravaggio upon the recommendation of friends, and most grateful! The meal was outstanding and the service second to none. Returned to the Carlyle and happily recommended this establishment to the concierge for future guests.

Excellent service for dietary requirements, elegant and discreet.

Absolutely first class dining! Exquisite cuisine, wines, service and martinis!

Beautiful space, excellent service, everything we ordered prepared perfectly. High expectations, no disappointments.

Best Italian restaurant in NY, by far, and one of the top of any type in the city. Food here is a 29. Many unusual preparations you would not see elsewhere, and quality is always extremely high. Bronzino with black truffles is a standout, and their bomboloni is the best in the city. Surprised that their food score is not much higher, but perhaps others are affected by the higher prices--although for the quality, it is well worth it.

While this is a good Italian restaurant, it's particularly expensive for what it is and they are always pushing to build the bill. In that way, it's something like its neighbor Nello.........though not as aggressive and obnoxious in the way they do it. I always get the discomforting sense that it's all about money.

That said, the room is beautiful (great art advisor), food and service are better than good.

It's not one of our restaurants of choice and occasionally find ourselves there as with others.

I return here time after time after time. The food is just too good. My go to place when I need to take out a client

A classic. Great service terrific food. Better wine

Over priced Italian food. Presentation is good but taste can use some improving.
The attitude by the owner/manager can be rude/strong and might become an issue if you don t know how to handle it. Even while eating or have already order food they seem to want to rush you to get everything and go, honestly if I wanted to do that I would Just order Olive Garden to go, food quality would probably be the same or better (nothing against Olive Garden)
The tiramisu was really good and well prepared.

I was there with my friends once. The waiters were rather...perfunctory. The food barely live up to its price (somehow I'm impressed by its salad though). The wine, I didn't remember what I picked, is divine.

Had dinner here with my boyfriend for our anniversary. Our waitress/bartender was extremely nice! The environment was nice and our food was excellent! Next time we are in New York City we will be back!

Food and service we're excellent. A bit pricey but you get what you pay for. Highly recommend.

Delicious food and fantastic staff! I can honestly say their Vanilla old fashioned is the best old fashioned I ve ever had.

Selected Caravaggio upon the recommendation of friends, and most grateful! The meal was outstanding and the service second to none. Returned to the Carlyle and happily recommended this establishment to the concierge for future guests.

Attentive to creating a safe meal for this allergy challenged woman with Systemic Nickel Allergy Syndrome. Wonderful in a difficult new education of a rarely know of allergy.

Staff knows the menu well, great service, and delicious food. Will be returning.

Top notch. Excellent service, outstanding food, nice quiet ambiance. I have been here several times, never disappoints. The most favorite food is the branzino, but the rest of the menu is great as well.

We dined at Caravaggio with another couple. Most depressing experience to not be repeated. At best a mausoleum with a very old crowd, some elders using walkers or even canes. Terrible service, buffonish waiters, overpriced, the food is not from any region of Italy, it is more a ripp off/imitation of what other french/american chefs are doing on the culinary scene. Art is being shoved down your throat but this can not cover what we see as vulgarity/inferiority trying to pass for class and fine dining. Well travelled sophisticates and connoisseurs can see the fraud/con instantly. People should really educate themselves. Go to Daniel, Del Posto, Jean-George, etc. experience real dining.

Oysters were very good as an appetizer. Soup, entrees were all delicious! Great service!

We dined there for staff dinner. My impression is that this restaurant is still locked in an older era for traditionally table attention, decor and patrons. but for food delivery it was disappointing.
For such pricey menus... we were expecting to be wowed with both presentation and taste
And it didn t produce that gastronomic appeal

The food is fantastic. The desserts are even better. You must try their cappuccino based dessert (can't remember the name), it is just so so good.

Sophisticated Northern Italian food prepared well. Delicious shrimp risotto. Service attentive and discreet. Subdued modern decor, except for the odd mural of many faces across the back wall.

Caravaggio is in the top 5 if not top 3 Italian restaurants in NYC! The service is nothing short of amazing - not overbearing - unseen - but constant service. The food quality is fantastic and standard menu or specials promise NOT to disappoint. If you're looking for a supreme experience - this is the place for you.

Off the charts excellent!!!
The standards are perfect, the specials supreme!
The staff is friendly, courteous, knowledgeable. Attentive but not hovering.

A place that will create a party of flavor in your mouth. One of the best restaurant in N.Y.C!!!
One thing that has to be noted, the service at this restaurant was incredible. We where two adults with four children. Everyone had a fabulous experience!!