How is Aldea - Permanently Closed restaurant rated?

Name: Aldea - Permanently Closed
Address: 31 West 17th Street, New York, NY, United States, 10011
Telephone: (212) 675-7223
Price range: $50 and over
Rating: 4.5

Aldea - Permanently Closed

4.5

2231 Reviews

$50 and over

Portuguese

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In May 2009, Chef George Mendes opened Aldea in Manhattan’s Flatiron neighborhood. Named after the Spanish word for village, the restaurant’s menu is inspired by the Iberian Peninsula and Mendes’ heritage. The chef adds a modern, seasonal approach to create a menu perfectly balanced between rusticity and refinement.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Portuguese, Spanish, Mediterranean
Hours of operation
Dinner Mon 5:30 pm–9:00 pm Tue–Thu 5:30 pm–9:30 pm Fri, Sat 5:30 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(212) 675-7223
Website
http://aldearestaurant.com/
Payment options
AMEX, MasterCard, Pay with OpenTable, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
George Mendes
Private party facilities
Aldea's unique bi-level space lends itself to a variety of special events and occasions, from intimate seated dinners or corporate gatherings in our Wine Room; to a buyout of the Mezzanine for cocktail-style soirées; or a private kitchen demo and multi-course tasting menu in the Chef's Area.
Private party contact
Beth Sugrue: (212) 675-7223 ext. 3

Location
31 West 17th Street, New York, NY 10011
Neighborhood
Gramercy / Flatiron
Cross street
Between 5th and 6th Avenues
Parking details
Two parking lots are located on 17th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues.
Public transit
The restaurant is 2 blocks from Union Square/14th Street with access to all major subways, including: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, L, N, R & Q trains. <br />F & M trains at the 14th st stop.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 2,231 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.4Service
4.4Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Quiet

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SH
SashaH
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on February 21, 2020
overall3food5service3ambience2
The food is amazing, as always, but the service comes with a side of resignation. I ordered a glass of bubbles to begin, the server emptied the flat remainder of a bottle from the night before and attempted to top it off with a fresh one. When I asked to have the half-poured glass replaced with a fresh pour, he acquiesced, acknowledging that the first pour was the dregs. This would never ever have happened when there was a future there. It was depressing.
T
Tatiana
Los Angeles
6 reviews
vip
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on February 18, 2020
overall4food4service2ambience4
Slow service, but very great food. Glad to have gotten in during the final week of service. We also got to meet the chef after sitting at the chefs table. It was an awesome experience to round out our week in NYC.
RK
ReneK
Philadelphia
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on February 17, 2020
overall1food1service2ambience1
I could not believe they charge $12 per person for flat water and $12 per person for sparkling water for a chef’s tasting menu and do not warn people they charge for water for a meal that costs $200 per person. The staff description of each dish was incomprehensible, and with the exception of the amusebouche, the food was inedible due to sinewy pork and repugnant combination of flavors.
a
anotherday
New York Area
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience4
We went there for Valentine's Day and everything was great. The server was wonderful, the food amazing and innovative without being fussy, and the room was well set up (we didn't see upstairs).
RB
RonB
Chicago
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Aldea is one of our top, go-to restaurants in NYC. We enjoy eating there alone as well as with friends. We have been seated at tables and also at the counter where we can watch the kitchen staff in action. Either location is excellent. The food is always beautifully prepared, and preparations vary from time to time. The 4 course menu with wine pairing is well worth the cost. Wines are beautifully matched to each course of food and unusual (at least for us, as they are from Portugal). Don't miss the Arroz as a main course - like a paella Portugese style. Service is always warm, professional, and knowledgeable. Our server this time, Steven, did a wonderful job. Thank you for all the times you have welcomed us and fed us so well. We hope to return soon.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 13, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Aldea met every expectation! It lives up to its 1 Michelin star and we’d give it a second. The food is made with love and you can taste it in every bite. Very good wine list. Our new top pick for intimate dining!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
vip
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 11, 2020
overall1food1service1ambience1
The worst experience ever. From the seating at the table, to food service including hair spotted on my pork, and to charging us twice more money and on top of that mixing up the credit cards and double charging, I mean no wonder why this place is closing this month. The manager got us half the price off for all the unpleasant experience, it came down to $130 ish. Honestly, I would say the whole pacakge that night was worth $30 experience. Then I wouldn’t be this upset. There’s no professionalism in the team, the chef doesn’t care - he is having a good time with his gal pal in the kitchen area. Oh, maybe the chef doesn’t know, or he doesn’t care to find out what happens in the dining area? Great. Everything explains all. No philosophy, no passion. Bye Aldea, I feel relieved that you will be replaced by something else soon. You don’t deserve any star. Truffle night? Come on. I would say you name it “last minute money squeezer night” because everyone is too lazy to work decent when they already know the place is closing soon.
EF
EnriqueF
New York Area
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 9, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience3
Phenomenal food and warm service.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on February 9, 2020
overall5food5service4ambience4
The food was perfection! Really delicious and well prepared. Artfully presented. Small portions, but we left very satisfied.
d
davkron
New York Area
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on February 6, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
As usual... truly innovative yet delicious dishes, great service, and intimate ambiance.
K
Kwei
New York Area
36 reviews
3.0
36 reviews
Dined on February 1, 2020
overall3food4service3ambience5
I celebrated my birthday at Aldea and enjoyed seating at the chef’s counter. Due to a delayed lunch, we decided to go with the 4-course tasting and wine pairing instead of the full tasting menu. But my fiancée and I managed to pick up most of the signature dishes from the full tasting course. We love the foods and concepts - ingredients were fresh and the dishes were not overly seasoned. The ambience was superb as we could see all the movements in the kitchen, highly recommended if you enjoy cooking or watching professional kitchen actions :) Few issues with food and service: my fiancée could taste a little sand in her scallop dish and the black truffle was too light (but the scallop was very fresh and it’s prepared right in front of us), the cauliflower purée was a bit too strong and was competing with the Hokkaido uni, breads were not served until our 3rd (main) course, and paired wines were not delivered with the food throughout the dinner. Overall, we consider the courses solid and enjoyable at Aldea. It would have been a much better experience if the service part were improved and we could just focus and enjoy the foods
RB
RobertB
Minneapolis
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 1, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fabulous meal...everything was impeccable.
AB
AliceB
New York Area
31 reviews
vip
5.0
31 reviews
Dined on February 1, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
A delightful experience. We had the food and wine pairing for a birthday dinner. All of the dishes were meticulously done and delicious. Portuguese wines/champagnes were wonderful. Enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere as well.
GS
GabeS
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 1, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food, service, and ambiance were all top notch. I would highly recommend to a friend!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 29, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Friend going away travel to New Zealand.
TC
TomC
New York Area
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 25, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
We were in Portugal in October and planned this meal to revisit the cuisine we enjoyed so much. The food did not disappoint and the open kitchen allowed us to admire Chef Georg at work creating his wonderful food. It was a great night!
A
Alma
New England
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 22, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
We enjoyed our dining experience very much. The food was excellent. The ambiance was welcoming and elegant. The service was attentive and professional. I would highly recommend this restaurant and will return next time we are in town.
L
Lopes
New York Area
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 19, 2020
overall3food4service2ambience4
The somelier is fantastic,difficult to relax and enjoy on the table waiters is to intense and not necessary, we do not felt confortable with,no portuguese carater anymore and also in the plates.
M
Mken30338
Atlanta Metro
26 reviews
vip
5.0
26 reviews
Dined on January 19, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
George Mendes is the nicest chef I have ever met. We were seated at the chefs counter and just being in the kitchen was a wonderful experience. The aroma when you walk in the door is intoxicating, especially when you arrive when it’s snowing and bitterly cold. The first course of uni was divine. The scallop crudo had magical flavors. Everything the kitchen produced was beautiful presented and was even tastier than it looked. This restaurant is a magnificent gem.
FS
FrancescoS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 5, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Awesome experience. We had 4-course menu with wine pairing. Food was excellent, wine pairing as well. Very attentive to details, will definitely come again when in NY.
FB
FatimaB
Exclusive
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on December 23, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Yes! Delicious food. Great presentation . Wonderful service. We went on Monday when George’s mom prepares a special tasting menu. The Portuguese wine was also superb.
P
Pavel
New York Area
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 21, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very interesting food selection - we went with two prix-fixes to try most of the menu, and it was worth it. Wine selection is also notable. Overall very good experience.
C
Christian
New York Area
29 reviews
vip
5.0
29 reviews
Dined on December 19, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of my favorites. Year after year.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on December 17, 2019
overall3food1service2ambience3
The Bacalhau in the pre-fix menu was extremely salty ... very unhealthy !! Need to either soak longer or adjust the seasonings
KB
KenB
New York Area
242 reviews
vip
5.0
242 reviews
Dined on December 16, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
My wife and two friends had a spectacular dinner created by Chef Mendes and his mother. Everything was superb...the food, the wine, the service, and the atmosphere. We are eagerly looking forward to returning for another fine dining experience.
SG
SarahG
New York Area
23 reviews
4.0
23 reviews
Dined on December 16, 2019
overall4food4service5ambience5
The dinner was delicious, especially the soup and fideo. Unfortunately, the cod dish was overly salty. Our very nice server happily substituted it for an extra portion of soup.
JK
JacquelineK
New York Area
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 16, 2019
overall4food5service3ambience4
Overall the food was incredible. We were so happy to enjoy this experience with Mamma Mendes in town. The only reason I didn't give it a perfect 5 stars was based on the service. It was pretty slow and tables who were sat after us received their food before us. It was nice to be welcomed by Chef & his mother and greeted with a glass of sparkling wine.
M
Mike
New York Area
3 reviews
vip
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 15, 2019
overall2food2service4ambience4
We did the tasting menu and were quite underwhelmed. Most of the dishes were overpowered (cod by salt, sea urchin by itself -- would have been nicer in a better ratio with bread, chocolate dessert by orange zest) and it was oddly unpalatable. I would not recommend sadly, though it has a lot of potential. The shrimp, venison, and cheese plates were quite nice. It was far too expensive to score this poorly on the kitchen execution. Drinks were good.
S
Spikey
New York Area
25 reviews
4.0
25 reviews
Dined on December 15, 2019
overall4food5service3ambience3
My birthday dinner. The food was excellent. Sea urchin appetizer we both enjoyed. I had cod for entree great flavors. Food presentation was very good. For a 1 Michelin Star a few things to be noted. We waited a long time for our cocktails and bread. It has a very limited menu. Worse yet one of the desserts they didn’t have or a replacement offered. Overall we really enjoyed the craft cocktails, food and wine.
RH
RodneyH
San Francisco
20 reviews
vip
3.0
20 reviews
Dined on December 15, 2019
overall3food3service4ambience3
As several other reviewers have thematically commented, the food is uninspiring, the choices are overly narrow, and the portions are small. Its Michelin rating is unwarranted, an emerging trend that undermines the usefulness of Michelin. This restaurant does not properly profile Portuguese cuisine. On the plus side, the wine list has some Portuguese gems.
F
Fildiner
New York Area
28 reviews
vip
3.0
28 reviews
Dined on December 14, 2019
overall3food5service2ambience4
The food is delicious. The setting is beautiful. We could actually hear each other. But the pacing was so off that we didn't get our entree until 21/2 hours after we sat down. Though our restaurant reservation was 7:30, I had to inhale my duck entree, because I had to leave at 10:30 for an 11 pm jazz show. The restaurant gave us a bottle of wine because of the wait, but something was seriously off either with the server or the kitchen.
BC
BruceC
New York Area
20 reviews
vip
4.0
20 reviews
Dined on December 11, 2019
overall4food4service4ambience4
Bar area was loud, but most of restaurant was quiet enough for easy conversation. THe food is very good with an interesting selection. I would go back!
JM
JohnatanM
New York Area
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 8, 2019
overall5food4service4ambience5
Aldea was great! GF and I enjoyed our anniversary dinner here and had a great time exploring the pre-fix menu. Food was great. Recommend!
MA
MASH
New York Area
98 reviews
vip
5.0
98 reviews
Dined on December 7, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience4
It was a very thoughtful menu. We had a wonderful vegetable soup and sea urchin toast to start - both delicious. The Seafood sauteed in garlic was great and the paella was superb. We had 2 wonderful glasses of wine from Esporao. Service was great.
LG
LucG
New York Area
21 reviews
vip
5.0
21 reviews
Dined on December 5, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic experience as always!!
SF
StevenF
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 4, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and service are always wonderful. We had a Spanish organic wine I have not seen elsewhere that made the food come alive. Cod is a fish that most places cook poorly. Aldea gets it, the cod dish was one of the best I have had anywhere.
AK
AngelosK
New York Area
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 30, 2019
overall3food3service3ambience3
I guess since this restaurant has a Michelin star our expectations were high. I think the food was good but nothing special. Not particularly tasty - nothing really memorable.
SG
SarahG
New York Area
23 reviews
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on November 26, 2019
overall5food5service4ambience4
We enjoyed a special Momday dinner. Pacing was a but slow but the food was fabulous!
c
culinaryhappygolucky
San Francisco
13 reviews
vip
3.0
13 reviews
Dined on November 23, 2019
overall3food3service2ambience2
Food was just ok. Service was very slow. Very disappointed. Definitely not a Michelin star restaurant.
H
Hyshe
New York Area
6 reviews
3.0
6 reviews
Dined on November 21, 2019
overall3food3service4ambience5
Very expensive, small portions, very limited menu. We were there early because we were attending a lecture so there weren’t many other patrons and the staff really hovered, wanting to clear plates when we had barely taken the last bite or even before. The food was fine but not extraordinary.

FAQs

Aldea - Permanently Closed is rated 4.5 stars by 2231 OpenTable diners.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Additional information

Cross street
Between 5th and 6th Avenues
Neighborhood
Gramercy / Flatiron
Hours of operation
Dinner Mon 5:30 pm–9:00 pm Tue–Thu 5:30 pm–9:30 pm Fri, Sat 5:30 pm–10:00 pm
Cuisines
Portuguese, Spanish, Mediterranean
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Two parking lots are located on 17th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues.
Public transit
The restaurant is 2 blocks from Union Square/14th Street with access to all major subways, including: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, L, N, R & Q trains. F & M trains at the 14th st stop.
Payment options
AMEX, MasterCard, Pay with OpenTable, Visa
Executive chef
George Mendes
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://aldearestaurant.com/
Phone number
(212) 675-7223
Private party facilities
Aldea's unique bi-level space lends itself to a variety of special events and occasions, from intimate seated dinners or corporate gatherings in our Wine Room; to a buyout of the Mezzanine for cocktail-style soirées; or a private kitchen demo and multi-course tasting menu in the Chef's Area.
Private party contact
Beth Sugrue: (212) 675-7223 ext. 3