Aldeanice findBeing Portuguese descent myself, I wanted to check out Aldea and bring some Brazilian friends who were in town for a special dinner...It didn't disappoint at all! Great ambiance with an international look, food had a fun spin on traditional Portuguese (not your typical dishes), really well prepared.. The sonhos for dessert were really a dream... Only downside was the table next to us with a really obnoxiously loud group...5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMAnother fantastic dinner at AldeaChef Mendes continues to outdo himself in the way he makes new delicious combinations of flavors. This time it was the new quail appetizer...just wonderful. My wife and I have been dining at Aldea at least once a month for the past 3 years and have never been disappointed or walked away wanting more. And the hostesses are very cordial, the service is exceptional, the open see-everything kitchen is fantastic, and the general atmosphere makes this just a not-to-be-missed dining experience. Can't wait to get back.5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMVery nice fusion foodIn this nice restaurant, where you can watch the kitchen staff preparing your dishes, you will be amazed by the delicacy of the dishes, a mixture of two worlds: iberic peninsula and America. Land and sea are intertwined in many dishes, reminding us of the best portuguese traditions, with a light touch.
Do not miss the wonderful rice pudding to finish with.
Very attentive staff to serve you.
Good, though not thorough wine list.
Not to miss!5/16/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat experienceWas a perfect evening of tasty food accompanied by great wine5/15/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful Food, Service, Prixe-FixeWent for lunch with a friend. The $25 prixe-fixe lunch is a bargain! I had mussel soup, skate wing, she had salad and paella made with farro. Had two desserts, each wonderful. Food was sumptuous, large portions, well prepared, elegantly served. Iced coffee served in short "old fashioned" glasses was lovely - a nice touch.. Attentive but not obsequious service. The lunch bargain (3 courses including dessert) is quite a deal for food of such high quality. Will definitely return.5/15/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways a delightAldea has become my favorite restaurant. Every experience has been sublime. The setting is serene, the service is impeccable and the food is both interesting and delicious. It is also a great place to explore Portuguese and Spanish wines.5/14/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food was lovely, beautifullyThe food was lovely, beautifully presented and nice twists with goodxquality ingredients.5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent dining experienceExcellent food and attentive service. The menu is seasonal and fresh. It's a little pricey, but overall a great dining experience. We'll be back.5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful EveningMy daughter and I had a wonderful time here. The server was stellar and unobtrusive, answering questions and always there when we needed him. The house cocktail and the wine he suggested were spot on. The restaurant decor is serene and the chairs comfortable enough for a long, leisurely meal. And the food .... Simply delicious. The main courses we had of suckling pig and duck with rice (an imaginative riff on paella) were fabulous. The appetizers -- cod croquettes, ramps and peeky oe crab and sea urchin toast simply delicious. I do not live in New York. If I did, Aldea would be a bi-weekly event for me. Not unreasonable at all for the ambiance, service and quality of ooh.5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat FoodWe've been thinking of coming here for a long time and I'm glad we finally did. The food and service were excellent. they made our 75th birthday celebration special.5/8/2013 12:00:00 AMRefreshingFirst of all, the decor was refreshing and very comforting. The service was absolutely wonderful. The presentation of the dishes was very notable as well, especially the 2 amuse-bouches that my boyfriend and I were served before our meals. Those were complimentary. We were served a small delicious tasting plate of desserts after our meal as well, and that was also complimentary. We also had some really strong drinks, especially one called the 17 Street Lazerac (hope the spelling is correct). That really started us off in a good mood. What I liked most about the whole ensemble is that I did not feel too full after our meal, which is actually something that happens quite often at other fine-dining restaurants. I would come here again!5/1/2013 12:00:00 AMA not-to-miss dining experience...Another wonderful dinner at Aldea. My wife and I go at least once a month and Chef Mendes has never disappointed us. We always leave marveling at the way he puts flavors together and the deliciousness of his dishes. The menu has many new items and we tried a number of them to our great delight. The service is very efficient and helpful A truly not-to-miss dining experience and the manager Heidi is always cordial. Just a not-to-miss dining experience. We can't wait to go back.4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMThose 6 counter spaces overlookingThose 6 counter spaces overlooking the kitchen are fantastic! I take one friend after another there. Surprising that every dish is prepared individually, with utter concentration, and with pride.
Staff very friendly and smiley, especially our waiter Ben.4/24/2013 12:00:00 AMSuperb experience at AldeaI had dinner at Aldea on April 23rd while in town for business. I I sat at the Chef's counter....basically a front row seat looking directly into the kitchen. I was able to watch virtually every member of the staff at work, but most notably, I was impressed by how closely the Chef watched and controlled every dish that was served. He made staff members prepare each dish meticulously, sending all dishes back that we're not perfectly prepared.
I had a salad and the suckling pig, along with a terrific Portuguese red wine. Both dishes were excellent, particularly the main course. The flavors were extraordinary, and the pork literally melted in my mouth. The wait staff was very attentive and friendly, too. I highly recommend Aldea.4/23/2013 12:00:00 AMWhat a findAlden was our second choice -- were we lucky! As only the second customers, we got a larger, more private table. The menu was very different -- mostly local, very fresh products that were really tempting. We chose the green garlic soup and mussel soup -- both delicious. Then beautiful scallops and sea bass as entrees. Our server knew the menu and wine list like the back of her hand and shared her knowledge freely! When they learned it was a birthday celebration, they offered us a lovely dessert wine. What a find!!4/18/2013 12:00:00 AMNever fails to disappoint.Never fails to disappoint. It has been about 5 months since I have been there and the food still impresses me.4/16/2013 12:00:00 AMUnique and memorable experienceThis was my second visit. My friend and I decided on the nine course chef's tasting menu with wine pairings. Each food and wine course was served with flair as well as a wonderful narrative. Each course was delicious and beautiful, and the wine pairings were wonderful. Our experience was enhanced by our decision to dine at the counter facing the kitchen where we were able to watch our food being expertly prepared. We were also pleased to meet George Mendes. A memorable night!4/16/2013 12:00:00 AMA real adult foodies restaurantA real adult foodies restaurant in Chelsea/Flatiron. Takes modern deconstruction of flavors and adds explosions of novel flavors using shaved ice, gels, and the ubiquitous foam. We have been eating out in NYC for over twenty years and this is one of the best restaurants we have been to (food-wise). Can sense the Bouley and Arpege training in the dishes but with its own Iberian twist. Interesting wine pairings, delicious amuses bouches.4/11/2013 12:00:00 AMVery nice and relaxed restaurant.Very nice and relaxed restaurant. Good en friendly service. We had an excellent lunch for a sharp price ($25 - 3 courses).4/10/2013 12:00:00 AMBest dining experienceWonderful dining experience as usual. We some friends from out-of-town and claimed it was the best food they've had, ever (including our adorable wait person).4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMAnother outstanding diningAnother outstanding dining experience at Aldea. We were a party of six. We were warmly greeted at the door. We started off at the bar with excellent cocktails prepared by Maya. For dinner we were seated on the balcony at a table perfectly designed for a party of six, with the just the right sound level for comfortable conversation. Service from Louisa and her team was exceptional. Our multi-course meal was excellent and perfectly paced. We ate and drank and conversed late into the night. A fine dining experience and an exceptional value.
Highly recommended.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMAmazing experience!!! My husbandAmazing experience!!! My husband kept raving abt it w/c is unusual of him to appreciate a place and food.. This place made my bday a wonderful one4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMI enjoyed this meal very much!I enjoyed this meal very much! I had the suckling with clams which was delicious and beautifully plated. The marinated wild stripe bass was sublime but the portion could have been larger.4/4/2013 12:00:00 AMVery good meal here. We hadVery good meal here. We had the tasting menu, which I thought represented exceptional value.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMThe tasting menu was reallyThe tasting menu was really long and tasty. Toasted urchin is our favourite.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMWe dined here whilst on honeymoonWe dined here whilst on honeymoon and as if that wasn't enough reason for celebration, my new wife and I share the same birthday (that day) so it was really important we found the right restaurant to fit the occasion. Aldea didn't let us down. Fantastic food - definitely the best we had in NYC - fantastic service and we were made to feel special without being the centre of attention.
Low-key elegance, exceptional menu and the wine list is to die for. We went for the chef's 7-course tasting menu and paired it with a selection of wines and we were not disappointed. We would highly recommend sampling these delights for yourself!
Next time we're back in the Big Apple, we are DEFINITELY coming back here!
5-stars all round!
Thanks x3/28/2013 12:00:00 AMThe Food Snob Loved IT!The food was thoughtfully prepared and presented. The service was respectful and timed perfectly. Recommendations should be taken seriously because obviously the staff is trained thoroughly. The ingredients were extremely fresh and delicious! I am an adventurous yet discerning diner and this place hit every thing that is important to me spot on! Thank you for helping me give my husband a birthday to remember!
I will definitely be back! (especially for the oysters, octopus and 'Sweet Dreams")3/28/2013 12:00:00 AMLove the food, the ambienceLove the food, the ambience and the service. Went there for the first time only recently and have gone back several times.3/25/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had a lovely pre-theatreWe had a lovely pre-theatre dinner. Our cocktails were very well-crafted, the menu was well-conceived and executed expertly. The service was near-perfect.3/25/2013 12:00:00 AMAldea is our go to for specialAldea is our go to for special occasions and a guaranteed amazing meal every time. Highly recommend for out of towners and locals alike.3/22/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food was outstanding.The food was outstanding. We had the octopus and sardines to start. The sardines were not salty at all. Very fresh. My main meal was the duck and my husband had the venison. All mouth watering. The dessert of rice pudding was the best I ever had.3/22/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had a family dinner atWe had a family dinner at Aldea. Everyone ordered different dishes from the 3 course Prix fixe menu. Everything from octopus to pork to steak was cooked perfectly. Our waitress was friendly and very attentive to us.3/16/2013 12:00:00 AMDon't miss it. SpectacularDon't miss it. Spectacular well-prepared food and lovely service.3/12/2013 12:00:00 AMAnother wonderful dinner...My wife and I had another wonderful dinner at Aldea. We have yet to leave dissatisfied. The menu changed slightly, with a prix fixe menu except at the bar, where it remains the usual a la carte. But there were certainly enough great choices on the new menu format to please anyone. So we can't wait to get back and to again taste Chef Mendes great fare.3/9/2013 12:00:00 AMDefinitely will go back againIt's really a nice spot... The food was delicious. The menu is not extensive but every item on it was very good (we tried the tasting menu). The service was excellent.3/7/2013 12:00:00 AM3rd time and still excellentI have reviewed very positively before and it would not change now . . . just a fabulous experience3/4/2013 12:00:00 AMAn attractive setting accompaniedAn attractive setting accompanied by a staff that made us feel like it was quite important to them that everything be perfect.
I enjoyed the price fixe menu with a salad, chicken breast and rice pudding.
For a business lunch I was extremely happy.2/22/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food...never disappoints!!!I took my wife to Aldea for her birthday dinner. Everything about the evening was wonderful. The service was excellent, the food, especially the razor clams special appetizer, was delicious, the cordial atmosphere cannot be beat, and Chef Mendes cannot be more accommodating. We have dined at this great restaurant many times, have never been disappointed, and intend to dine here many times more. Will make a February monthly reservation as soon as we get back from our foodie trip to Paris. Love this place!!!1/19/2013 12:00:00 AMTHE BESTthis was by far the best dining experience i have ever had. i highly recommend the chefs tasting menu, along with wine pairings. wonderful atmosphere, wonderful service, amazing food, a lovely and memorable time.1/17/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful food, interestingWonderful food, interesting wines (many from Portugal), solicitous service. Who could ask for anything more?12/28/2012 12:00:00 AMA not-to-be-missed dining experiencMy wife and I dine at this great restaurant every month. This time we brought two of our best friends to share the experience near the holidays. All raved about the food, especially some of the new items that Chef Mendes has added to the menu. Besides the great food, very helpful service, and extremely cordial staff, Chef Mendes himself stopping by our table to chat was a real treat, and happens frequently for the years we have been dining at Aldea. We have already made our January, 2013 reservation!!!12/22/2012 12:00:00 AM