Ai FioriTop-notch diningAbsolutely exquisite -- food, presentation, service, ambiance. The pasta was superb and the desserts so creative and not overly rich. .6/9/2013 12:00:00 AMOne of the finest restaurantsOne of the finest restaurants I have eaten in in NYC.6/8/2013 12:00:00 AMgreat downtown spot for dinnerAll the dishes we had were excellent. I can recommend wholeheartedly the razor clams and soft shell crab appetizers. Trofie Nero pasta was fabulous! Black as night curls of pasta - savory and delicious. Another standout dish was the rack of lamb, prepared in an unusual manner, too complex for me to remember, but oh-so-tasty and not your usual lamb dish. Service was very attentive but quiet and subdued. Everyone was happy to answer any question you might have and they knew the answers! Sommelier was helpful and knowledgeable and we had a great bottle of wine. Lovely quiet atmosphere. I love being able to talk to your fellow diners without yelling. We walked from our midtown hotel.6/8/2013 12:00:00 AMGood place for special occasionMy wife and I celebrated our anniversary dinner at Al Fiori.
Our waiter was very knowledgeable and professional.
I suggest the 4 course pre fix menu for $98, it was the
way to go. You get appetizer, pasta, choice of meat or fish
entree and dessert. The food was exceptional. Started with
softshell crab app that was really good and my wife had the fluke
like sushi, would have been better slightly cooked. For entree
we had there signature dishes, my wife had the lobster and was very pleased.
I had the veal chop and I was glad I did, it was large and delicious, but
if you want the veal chop you have to add $12 to the pre fix price.
Overall a very nice night out and we will be back soon.
Tom6/8/2013 12:00:00 AMTrendy hangoutOn the positive side, Ai Fiori provides everything: delicious food, great service, trendy ambiance...
On the down side, the eclectic music is rather loud for fine dining, serving staff are in higher ration for patrons, the food is smaller portion, well executed, and beautifully presented.
Great place to go if you want to impress someone.6/8/2013 12:00:00 AMOne of the bestDining at Ai Fiori favorably compares with some of the best dining experiences in the City -- Del Posto, Le Bernadin, Babbo. The food is inventive and the flavor combinations are just outstanding. The service was elegant but also friendly -- a distinguishing factor. Lastly, the bar and the dining room are beautiful and the spacing of tables is very civilized. A perfect meal and a very memorable evening.6/6/2013 12:00:00 AMAmazing!!We are from out of town and went to Ai Fiori based on reviews and it was the best decision of our trip. The food was absolutely amazing as was the service.6/6/2013 12:00:00 AMHigh-end food served in anHigh-end food served in an elegant atmosphere with attentive and knowledgeable staff. Really enjoyed their pasta dishes. Appetizers are relatively small but of high quality and great presentation.6/5/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food, ok serviceThe food is fantastic. Everyone was very impressed with their meal.6/3/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent!I used this restaurant for dinner with our special client. It was great foods,wine,and nice moody seats. Our client praised "it was really great restaurant I had ever been". I love this restaurant and highly recommended.6/3/2013 12:00:00 AMOne of New York's finest!Unquestionably one of New York's finest.
Second visit here and am very much looking forward to my third.6/2/2013 12:00:00 AMFor a special nightWent to NYC for dinner and a show... total hassle until we got to Ai Fiore. Fantastic evening from then on. Dinner was wonderful; both of us had lamb. The little extras that they did were a delight. You will, however, pay them well for a job well done. We selected this restaurant because of the other comments on OpenTable.com.5/30/2013 12:00:00 AMRecommended - will come back againOne of the best italian place I've had in NYC. Probably better than Babbo.
Environment was romantic, excellent service.
Ordered the Sunday Pasta Dinner and an appetizer, server told us portion might be too big (which is good). So we only went for the pasta dinner.
3 choices of pasta, each one was excellent. Pasta was fresh, al dente, favour is just right, not over or under seasoned. favourite was the blue crab spagetti.
Food was here quick enough, so no long waiting time between courses.
Very nice cocktail. (I dont usually drink but this one is really good)
Service is excellent and professional. You can tell they are from proper training school.5/26/2013 12:00:00 AMA fabulous anniversary dinnerWe dined at Ai Fiori tonight to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary. We were looking forward to this dinner for a while and were not disappointed. The staff were lovely, accommodating, and helpful, especially Michael, Jason, and Susan. Jason gave great advice in regard to our beverage choices and my husband found a new bourbon pal!! Michael gave great menu recommendations in accordance with our dietary needs. In fact, in all the time I have used Open Table, he is only the second waiter to have read my Open Table special requests/comments. Thank you, Michael. Although each course was outstanding, our favorite dishes were the Crudo di Passera and the Corzetti. We look forward to coming back again.5/26/2013 12:00:00 AMBirthday DinnerI saw this restaurant on Zagat's Guide as Best New Restaurant. So we decided to go for my 40th birthday dinner. Everything was perfect!!! The service was impeccable and food was inspiring!!! True Proffessionals, great style, a true dining experience!!!5/26/2013 12:00:00 AMA superb meal, beautifullyA superb meal, beautifully presented and served. Two of the best pastas we have ever had, and a pear dessert that was simply magical. Worth every penny.5/24/2013 12:00:00 AMLovely LunchWe enjoyed a wonderful lunch, where the service, food , and ambiance were all tops! Each dish, the risotta, sardines, cod and scallops were infused with the taste of the sea with nuanced and subtle preparations that were cimpletely varied and beautiful to taste as well as an behold. Bravo!5/24/2013 12:00:00 AMDined there 2 evenings. FoodDined there 2 evenings. Food and design of restaurant excellent. Wine list extensive , mostly at the high to very high end but still some good finds at the <$70 end. On the first evening our server Stephanie I believe her name was , really made the evening. Delightful professional who had worked at the wine Spectator. She was observant and interested. Once she realized we were interested she guided us perfectly on wine choices and food. Outstanding.5/23/2013 12:00:00 AMFirst time at this restaurant.First time at this restaurant. Everything was fantastic and we look forward to returning.5/21/2013 12:00:00 AMAnniversaryOur evening was an absolute delight! BEST restaurant experience in our years of dining! Service was incredible! The staff was attentive to our ever whim and request!5/20/2013 12:00:00 AMFine dining on FifthFrom the Childe Hassan view down Fifth Avenue to the well spaced tables and the warm greeting of Susan Lee and her staff you know you are in for a rare treat. Manhattan ahs more than one great chef and more than one beautiful space to enjoy great food and wine. But, Ai Fiori is the only restaurant I know (pace the Four Seasons) where one can truly experience the true four star experience.
The food is memorable all the way through from apps to dessert one has to choose a course from several beguiling options not merely settle. Both the fish eaters and the meat eaters will find delight. I cleverly sat myself between lobster and veal chop and was I"m not all that ashamed to admit not generous with my guinea hen.
Go, treat yourself.5/20/2013 12:00:00 AMBreakfast at Ai FioriBreakfast at Ai Fiori is a modest but pleasant experience. The best indicator of the quality of the breakfast here is the lightness and
moisture of the scrambled eggs. They were made exactly as I like them.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMEat less bread.I say this only half in jest. Being I guy, I see bread and a primordial urge kicks in to fatten up before some inevitable famine arrives. I'm like Scrat in Ice Age. But order the 4 course meal and save yourself for greatness. This is a wonderful, thoughtful restaurant. Put on some nice clothes, leave the kids at home (and your phone in your pocket.) My wife and I went on a Saturday night and had Lobster Soup, Spaghetti w/ Blue Crab, Butter Poached Lobster, and Rack of Lamb. All inspired. Tables were nicely spaced, so you can talk. (bring someone you actually like talking to.) As a former waiter, I can be critical of service. Our captain (Adam) was polished, professional, friendly, and knowledgable. Thanks, Al Fiore. Bravo to all.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMSuperlative in every way.Superlative in every way. And it ought to be at such usurious prices.5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat foodBrought a client for lunch. Great food. Client loved it. My Halibut was superb. I must go here more often.5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstanding experienceAi fiori is one of the best restaurants in New York and the best italian restaurant I have ever been.
All three meals (first, main, dessert) were inginioysly elaborate and extremely tasteful at the same time.
For those enjoying a vibrant environment, I stongly believe that 'Ai fiori' restaurant would be an absolute tasting experience.5/16/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat every timeOur 3rd time back and better every time!
Wonderful atmosphere5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMSplendid-one of my best dinnersEverything was perfect: from the interior design of the restaurant to the service through the food.
I highly recommend the 'lobster soup'.
Enjoy.5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMFound this because of opentableFound this because of opentable positive reviews, so thanks to all you reviewers. Quite extraordinary, but not overbearing, in every way. Charming Colombian captain who had no problems suggesting a very good, moderately-priced 1/2 bottle of wine. Lobster appetizer very good. Lobster main course (see a pattern here?) and swordfish main course very good. A bit small on the portions, but the richness makes up for it. Very good dessert--strawberry/pistachio little ganache (or something like that). Somewhat unusual neighborhood for such a restaurant, but very worthwhile. Casual business, as mentioned in the info, but nice jeans with a sports coat will also do. We'll be back!5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMElegant restaurantService was great. Food was great up until the entrees. Entrees were average for a high end restaurant.5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMAi Fiori - Awesome!However portions are way too small. I left hungry and I am not a big eater.5/8/2013 12:00:00 AMDinner by myself. Had a coupleDinner by myself. Had a couple of pasta dishes and duck for the main. Food generally good befitting its one michelin star. Huge wine list, but very few wines (bottle size) less than $100. You can bring your own as long as it is not on the list, but the corkage charge is $60.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMFabulous from start to finishThe restaurant was fabulous from the start to finish. Staff were exceedingly attentive but not overbearing. Food was impeccably presented and quite yummy. Quite expensive but worth it for special occasion.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMSpecial occasionWonderful restaurant. Food is outstanding as is the service. Also very pretty restaurant and bar. Very pricey, so recommended for a
special occasion.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent food and service.Excellent food and service. One course was better than the other. Can't go wrong with whatever you order5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways a treat to eat at Ai FioriMy girlfriend and I try to hit a few new restaurants whenever we come into NYC but for some reason Ai Fiori seems to be a repeater on our list. From great recommendations on the menu from our waiter to assisting us in picking a wine, Ai Fiori always manages to please.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMAi FioriThis place was amazing!! The food was some of the best I have ever had and the service was superb. The cocktail list is intricate and delicious. I would recommend this place for anyone looking for a great date night and really good food!!5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMDelicious if on pricey sidePerfectly cooked pasta nero that melts in your mouth and super tasty seafood bouillabaise are two of our most delicious dishes. Ambience and pricing feels typical of stiff, formal establishments, but the food is definitely taste-bud worthy and the service is solid.5/1/2013 12:00:00 AMThe menu, preparation, andThe menu, preparation, and presentation were all of a high standard. It was particularly nice not to be rushed by waitstaff.
Some might describe the portions as small; I think they are perfect, especially for lunch.5/1/2013 12:00:00 AMA Luncheon of SucculenceFive of us took luncheon here and it was out of this world excellent. Order nearly any two courses from the luncheon menu and be very pleased. The portions are surprisingly large and the flavor combinations impeccable. Highly complex and perfectly balanced. This chef does not miss! :) Add to that refined but not at all stuffy service and you have a gem in the making. I'm coming back next visit for dinner! Highlights were scallops with butter foam, the halibut fillet, marscapone/ricotta raviolis with red wine sauce, veal parcels in a totally savory sauce, and the lobster truffle bisque. NOM!4/30/2013 12:00:00 AMI am sorry but there are simplyI am sorry but there are simply no words to describe. The dinner was nothing short of sublime. The dessert that I had was the best I have ever dined upon. You deserve every accolade.4/28/2013 12:00:00 AMThe restaurant was nice butThe restaurant was nice but prices were very high. I had simple baked sliced baby potatoes for breakfast as a side dish and they were $6.00.4/28/2013 12:00:00 AMOther than a slightly condescendingOther than a slightly condescending head waiter, this restaurant was great.
Unusual menu. Look forward to a return visit to try some other items. In addition to the excellent food, the restaurant is beautiful and very comfortable. There is also a beautiful bar.
Of course this is New York so prepare yourself for the big check.4/28/2013 12:00:00 AMFood for food lovers.Absolute delicious food, excellent wine and quiet and personal service. Every single course was very good, and so was the wine pairing. The Agnolotti (braised veal parcels) was the best pasta I have ever had. Lobster was perfectly prepared, and the cauliflower panna cotta starter was modern, tasty and had a combination of textures that was impressing. For a Norwegian food lover, this was a food experience that makes me want to come back to New York.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMAnother Great EveningI have dined here several times recently, for business lunches and dinners with friends. Ai Fiori never disappoints - the space is beautiful, with the tables generously spaced and the noise level comfortable without being hushed. The service is impeccable without being remotely intrusive (an unfortunate feature of many top NYC restaurants being, in my view, that they are entirely too self-reverential.)
The food is scrumptous, imaginative & fun and will make everyone from vegan to carnivore happy.
The $92 prix fixe is worth every penny. Our extremely hard to impress (when it comes to restaurants) friends adored it, and the word is spreading fast. Midtown is a hard sell for a Saturday night dinner sometimes, but Ai Fiori delivers every ti4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstanding. The food wasOutstanding. The food was excellent and Gustavo made the evening perfect.4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMWent back two nights later,Went back two nights later, it was so memorable. Still excellent food and service4/25/2013 12:00:00 AMVery impressive dining space.Very impressive dining space. Front large dining room noisy. Ask for table in back area. Waiter service unfriendly, servers very friendly. Butternut squash soup was great as well as halibut. Would not return.4/25/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had an outstanding mealWe had an outstanding meal at Ai Fiore and highly recommend it.4/25/2013 12:00:00 AMBeautiful restaurant withBeautiful restaurant with great food. Beware - portions are very small.4/24/2013 12:00:00 AM