Eating at Bar Pitti. Overrated and Overpriced NYC Celebrity Hotspot or Classic Italian Restaurant?
Вставка
- Опубліковано 5 тра 2024
- I eat at and review Bar Pitti in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of New York City. Bar Pitti is an Italian restaurant that has been around for decades and remains an extremely popular spot for celebrities. David and Victoria Beckham, Leonardo DiCaprio, Beyoncé and Jay-Z among many other celebrities have dined at Bar Pitti. I went to see if the restaurant lives up to the hype and I thought it did not.
Instagram: jamesandrew...
Food Instagram: foodalwaysw...
My camera: amzn.to/3JERV17
My sunglasses: amzn.to/3mJXwK2
Full Disclosure: Some of the links in this description are affiliate links, which means I could earn a small commission from a sale, but it doesn’t cost you anything extra. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
About Me: I live in NYC and I’m about food, travel and work.
Nothing better than a genuinely honest review, and this place deserves it. Your content is simple, direct and engaging. Keep up the great work.
Thank you so much!
@@Jamesnu That B rating was enough for me to say "no thanks" lol🤢
"I was concerned for a minute that my taste buds simply stopped working." I'm dead. 😂
Yeah, it was pretty bland.
its a money laundering front
100 bucks for piss poor food? PT Barnum’s observation still lives on!
Yeah, I thought that it was definitely overpriced.
B for Bare hands on a Parmigiano!
Haha!
😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Nuthin but net!
B for bugs.
@@TracyJohnson-sp9ng Haha!
Looks like the place needs a Kitchen Nightmare makeover, or renamed "Bar Pity"
Haha!
It’s probably a restaurant that caters to people who prefer bland food. That’s the great thing about New York. They have something for everyone
Brutally honest and critical reviews, where merited, seem to be a dying art nowadays. Instead, sponsored visits seem to be the norm, biasing opinions and misleading viewers. Thank you for making an unbiased review and stating your honest opinion!
Thanks for watching!
3 dishes, no credentials, what right does he have to diss a resto on those merits?
@@jenniferrollison4377 what right? not sure what country you're from but in america, you are free to express your opinions online. so he has every right to criticize any restaurant he wishes.
I moved to NYC in 2005 and lived on Sullivan Street. I was always intrigued by Bar Pitti and Da Silvano, two restaurants that always had a “scene” and made Page Six in the post pretty often. (I swear to this day, Da Silvano had waiters that would weirdly stop mid-stride and pose as if they knew they were being photographed!)
Never had a desire to dine at either place. Your review confirmed what I always suspected. Bar Pitti seems like they know they don’t have to be a good restaurant, just catnip for a certain type of New Yorker. (I’m not even sure tourists would go there.) Some NY’ers live and dine by the “scene,” some strive to be regulars and recognized anywhere, even if the food is unremarkable. One unfortunate after-effect of Bar Pitts’s blandness is that it cultivates a certain tribe of diners who go out to high-quality, adventurous, culture-honoring restaurants and they immediately reject all seasoning, spice, fire, flavor and fun from those restaurants’ dishes. Can you imagine loving Bar Pitti and venturing over to a place like, say, Rezdora??
I respect Bar Pitti’s sheer endurance in the New York restaurant universe; it’s not easy. I would like to think mediocrity is not the main ingredient in a winning formula. Also, I’m a sucker for a terrific tiramisu but I need a spot to be clean, not “B” clean.
Great and honest review, James! You are ♠️♠️♠️♠️ Aces, sir!
Well said! I really appreciate your perspective! Thanks for watching!
That was one sad meal, James. You were a trooper to get through it. ❤
I try my best!
my jaw dropped when i saw him grate the cheese with bare hands
Mine did too!😂😂😂 I thought “Tell me you don’t want me here without asking me to leave!”😂😂😂Wow! Not to mention, those hands look like they do more than just grate cheese in that establishment.🤢
I'm assuming you expected a grinder? This really made me think, I rarely eat out and even more rarely eat Italian. I googled images of waiters grating cheese and almost all of them were doing it in this same manner.
disgusting
Yes. Noticed that. Was cringing.
ffs, how do you think shite gets done in restos?
"I was concerned for a minute that my taste buds simply stopped working" is actually such a savage roast
I genuinely thought that chicken was a piece of flatbread at first. Not an appetizing look
I did as well. 🤷🏽♂️
Yeah, I was expecting something else when I ordered it.
Big fan of your reviews, James! Would recommend THEP Thai, Upper East Side - best Thai drunken noodles I've ever had and I've been to Thailand. Hidden gem!
Thank you and thanks for the recommendation!
Hi James. Glad that you provide honest reviews. Maybe they will improve their dishes, or maybe not lol. Thanks for the review
Thanks for watching! Yeah, even though I didn't have the best experience, I hope that the restaurant can improve things.
An interesting and worthwhile addition to your canon. Can't believe all those celebrities like the place. But I trust your judgement better.
Thank you! I appreciate it!
i dont know why u dont have more views i am glad the algo recommended me to u.
Thank you! I'm just happy to get any views. Making these videos is simply very enjoyable for me.
Nice! I love honest reviews. The look on your face when eating your Entree…haha.. priceless. Maybe rename the place.. Bar Pittiful! 😂
Haha!
Love your reviews and your honesty thank you you are great.
Thank you so much! I really appreciate it!
Love watching you at small and large venues! Your always honest and that helps all of us who dine out most of the time your reviews help us make the most of our time!!
Thank you! It really makes me happy to hear that my reviews are helpful. I always try my best to showcase what dining at the restaurant is like.
That place looks like a real turn-off. Thanks for the honest review.
Thanks for watching!
Love the honesty. The minute you showed some nice camera shots of the exterior, interior, and that terribly gross looking pasta dish, I came to my own conclusion. This guy is there for one reason, to milk this place for every dime he can before people stop showing up. In a city like NYC, which has more world class Italian Restaurants than anywhere on earth (at every price level) this place is an embarrassment. Thanks for taking one for the team James. Cheers from Chicago.
Thank you so much and well said! Yeah, that's the thing with NYC, there are so many better Italian restaurants out there and people have options. Cheers!
Loved that you gave an honest review! Wish you had a better experience. Thanks!!
Thank you!
The waiter in blue jeans and sweatshirt grating cheese with no gloves and probably dirty hands was enough for me.
I thought the same thing man.
I was thinking the same thing🤢
Nothing better than sitting down to eat some food and opening UA-cam to see you’ve posted a new video. The time and effort you put into these does not go unnoticed! You’re honesty and clear opinions are worth everything and you’re simple editing with a mix of great videography make for a delightful experience every time I watch a video of yours. Keep doing what you’re doing and keep putting smiles on peoples faces!
Thank you so much! I really enjoy making these videos, but it really means a lot to me to hear that my efforts are appreciated.
That pasta looked like pumpkin soup! Thanks for the honest review.
Thanks for watching!
Just found your channel! I love your reviewing style. Subscribed!!!
Thank you! I really appreciate it!
Nice job! I’m glad you enjoyed the dessert after the so-so meal.
Thank you! I'm glad that there was at least one thing that I enjoyed.
Man this was the worst "over price" I have ever seen on this channel! +100 dollar bill including 16,5 for a glass from a 13 bottle...uff! That being sad, I mean "said" - I really enjoy that you visit these sort of places 10/10
Thank you! Even though I aim to go to restaurants that I figure that I'll enjoy, there's sometimes the spot that doesn't quite live up to the mark. It happens.
An absolute waste of $100,......a glass of red wine and a goopy pasta mess,......eaten from an uncomfortable chair.
Yeah, I definitely didn't get my money's worth.
Bingo!
Good review. Good to see you don't just praise everything
Thank you!
Liked the specificity and direct nature of your critique. Very constructive.
Thank you!
The “B” health food score is enough to scare me away
Yeah, it's a bit disconcerting.
The wine glass looks like something purchased at a dollar store
Yeah, it wasn't the best quality.
that pasta looked like i could get it at my local pizza spot
Yeah, it wasn't the most appetizing looking plate.
Chef Boyardee!
The decor, plates, and cutlery look like some place right off I95. And food resembles what you’d get from a community college cafeteria.
Haha!
Would appreciate playlists organised by cuisine. It would help to compare. By the way I love your narrative & easy-to-understand way of reviewing restaurants❤❤❤.
Thank you! I might try to organize some playlists in the future.
Thanks for your honest review, James. I don't think I'll be giving that place a try anytime soon.
Thanks for watching!
Appreciate the honesty in your review. Putting the chalkboard menu on your table for a different set of patrons seemed like the final straw!
Thank you! Yeah, it wasn't the worst offense and it didn't bother me too much, but really any other restaurant would wait until I left to do something like that.
LOL! Got a lot of laughs from this one, when that chicken dish came, I thought it was a actually a flatbread from the look of it. That was a pretty generous pour of wine by the glass, I will give that some credit.
I thought it was bread too...lmao
Yeah, that chicken was almost paper thin!
what's the watch on in this episode James? Not the normal SKX. Love the videos.
Thank you! Yeah, that's a Seiko 5, which was one of the first watches I ever purchased. I haven't worn it in forever so I thought that I would give it a spin.
Oh my - $11.50 for an Amstel Light?? (at the same price as a non-alcoholic beer!) That's crazy. And the pasta really didn't look very appetizing - it actually looked kind of like kraft mac n cheese lol. (PS - very nice haircut!!)
Thank you! Yeah, I couldn't believe how expensive the beer was.
Wow, so sorry to see. If you’re ever looking for an underrated Italian restaurant that’s been around forever, try my favorite in Chelsea called Da Umberto. Great food and great service. Thanks for another great video.
Thanks for watching and thanks for the recommendation!
Another example that any time there's gratuitous hype, run in the other direction! The "B" rating you were more than generous and lenient on, and the fact is you simply can't serve such inferior food these days w prices marked up the wazoo and choices galore in NYC of all places.
Another great one James, you're bound to have better luck on your next outing, so staying tuned!
Thank you! Yeah, you can't win them all.
Hi James, that’s also a really good trick with voiceover, because you can honestly say what you want to say without people hearing you I’m all for honest reviews and it actually makes your channel look more realistic if you go to places that you have good experiences and bad experiences so I do appreciate the honesty. At least you’re not being like Jim Cornett you’re trying to put people down in a very mean way
Also, if you’re ever in St. Louis, you should go to Pappys, the best barbecue place ever
Thank you! Yeah, I like doing voiceovers for a couple of reasons. One, so I don't disturb people around me and the other is that I can fully enjoy my food without it getting cold so I later could give an accurate picture of my feelings.
Indeed! I've been to Pappy's once before and really enjoyed it. Hopefully, I'll get the chance to visit it again.
@@Jamesnu I think Voice is also helpful because it makes it more cinematic, just like how you watch a Woody Allen movie or films like taxi driver with voiceover.
And there are restaurants where they may kick somebody out if they’re doing a review, or if they say things that are a little negative, even if it’s somebody who cares about constructive criticism.
Keep up with the reviews. And that’s awesome. You went to St. Louis, AEW had a pay-per-view there a few weeks ago and I was very blessed to try out the barbecue and there was an awesome riverboat cruise.
I’m also working really hard to overcome my social anxiety block/writers block a few years ago I used to be involved in Filmmaking in New Haven. I should’ve waited a couple years because I had a lot of emotional maturity, issues, judging peoples character and I ended up getting taken advantage of a lot. so, it made me almost afraid live up to my full potential as a FilMaker because I felt that it would be a situation where I put work and time into something and only increments or be around people that don’t care about quality by taking over projects. And I’ve learned life is about investment, so if you’re holding yourself back because you had bad experiences by other people, eventually it becomes your own fault. everybody’s screwed over by somebody, and life is like investing in the stock market, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, but when you lose you make money by learning, and you end up losing again by not wearing your lessons or giving up. so I’ve learned that I need to stop holding myself back and I’m accountable for not living up to being the FilMaker that I want to be, and if Vlogs are away for me to be creative and not invest in people, it’s a lot to find reliable people and Filmmaking, especially on a budget, I just have to keep working on my Vlog skills and go in that direction.
Definitely very inspiring. I’m really happy that you did mention in one of your videos that you have social anxiety and you’re working hard overcome it. I’m proud of myself because I’m not the victim, I’ve had experiences with people, but I understand that I allow that to stop me from realizing my potential, I acknowledge that stopping my potential is completely my fault, and definitely a very small part of the other person.
I’m going to the mariner in Mystic, Connecticut tomorrow morning and I’m excited to travel lunch menu options. I’m gonna go to the heart attack in Las Vegas in a couple of weeks.
@@FreeSpeechArtandWrestling Well said! Keep pushing forward! Always strive to improve and never give up!
I hope you enjoy Mystic! It looks like a great place!
Like the hair cut!
Thank you!
As always, a great review! However, I feel I'll never step a foot in here!
Thank you! Yeah, it's not the best place.
“Could always be worse” is the kind, honest on brand feedback of a refreshing foodie.
Thank you! I always try to look at the bright side of things.
Thanks James. You are a prince!
Thank you!
I feel like the b rating is in things like that man's bald hand on the sweaty parm for grating and the general cleanliness of the actual restaurant. I'd hate to see the kitchen. You're doing God's work because this is a hard no and your review was very fair and thorough.
Thank you!
In the mid 90's the place was amazingly wonderful and the food was absolutely delicious and I had the pleasure of seating next to Harvey Keitel and his party on one of my many visits to the restaurant. This review seems very sincere to me. The price of the wine does not surprise me. The pasta dish looked awful and I would have sent it back. The chicken dish looked terrific, it just needed a little salt and fresh pepper and the obligatory lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil. The Tiramisu looked yummy! Thanks for your review!
Thanks for watching! That's a neat experience to be seated next to Harvey Keitel! He's such a great actor! Yeah, from what I hear, it seems like this restaurant was really something back then.
Thanks for your utmost honesty. No BS. You have to do it like this. I see some UA-camrs and they just end up liking everything. Automatically. It’s fake positivity. Not real. Pathetic.
Thanks for watching!
love that u ALWAYS tell the truth...#SUBBED
Thank you! I really appreciate it!
Hi James,
Thanks for the heads up about bar pitti. There was no incentive to go to this restaurant. I take your word about the lack of quality and a B Health rating.
Please keep on producing your quality content.
Best Wishes,
Peter
Thank you Peter! I'm always happy to share my restaurant experiences.
Hello, well I can relate. I took my girlfriend to an Italian restaurant here in Eugen, Oregon. This city is were Nike was founded and Track Town USA and the University of Oregon are here. I mention this because your a runner, anyway the restaurant had mediocre pasta and it was cold? I told myself, I could make this so much better, we both cook too. The service was good and the ambience was stunning. Old wood and brick. Sometimes, you just never know. Thank you for the video.
Thanks for watching! Indeed, even if a place is popular, it doesn't mean that the food is going to be good.
Times have indeed changed. Best thing about this vlog was your cute sweater.
Thanks for watching!
Bit like The Ivy here in the UK. Once serving decent food, now more a place to see and be seen with the food something of an afterthought.
Yeah, it seems like there's a number of restaurants like this unfortunately.
Thank you for the honest review. I always avoid establishments with a no credit card policy. Who would bring a lot of cash when dining out? The B rating, the lackluster pasta and grilled chicken are all red flags for me not to visit the restaurant. The owner should take your review in a good way for him to improve on his operations.
Thanks for watching! Yeah, I hope the restaurant makes some changes.
You should give Hawksmoor, Cafe Ubani a shot, both very solid and great food.
Thanks for the recommendations! Those are actually restaurants that I plan on dining at in the future.
Have you tried ci siamo? I recently heard about it and it sounds good.
Not yet, but I definitely want to try it sometime.
$20 for a GLASS of wine, Christ 😂
Yep, it's costly.
Yes. That’s absurd. They always get you for the drinks and desserts. Where much of their profits are!
At least it was a nice pour.
You're a savage James! I Love it!
So real and very fair. Amazing!
Wishing you perfect health and 100 years!
Thank you so much!
Cash only - lol. What a money-laundering cesspool. I couldn’t believe what I heard-OR saw in this. Great cautionary public service video! ✌️Yep, as others’ve said, your honesty is why I keep watching! 👏👏
Thank you!
NYC is not the cleanest city.. I'm afraid to ask what does B sanitary score mean. :)
Thankfully, most restaurants in NYC seem to get A grades. At least, it wasn't a C grade.
Almost has the attractiveness of a dive bar in restaurant form. Maybe that’s why it is popular. I can’t think of any other reason.
Haha! Yeah, I just don't see the appeal of the place.
I felt similarly underwhelmed when I visited the iconic Cafe Du Monde. The food and coffee were so bland and it was deflating. There are so many local hole in the wall places with little recognition and amazing food that it’s a shame when an unremarkable or even terrible restaurant gets hyped up.
I know what you mean. Sometimes it can be really hard to meet expectations when a place is so hyped up. Indeed, there's a ton of spots that deserve a lot more attention.
4:13 even the wineglass didn't look clean.
I agree.
Just out of curiosity...
Do they have salt and pepper shakers on the table?
Luckily, I believe they do.
The fear of salt has ruined many restaurants
Absolutely!
Not to be gross but that pasta dish looked like someone threw up Velveeta all over your plate!! LOLOL.
Haha! Yeah, it wasn't pretty.
That looks like a healthy pour on the wine!👍🏼🤠🥂
I know what you mean, but sadly it was about the size of a typical pour. The glass was just on the skinny side.
James I love your personality i meant to say to you! I love your accent 💘 where you from?
Thank you! I'm originally from Chicago.
@@Jamesnu Nice! Your so fournate 🤍
At least with such a rushed experience, you didn’t have to dwell on any underwhelming food for too long.
Haha! That's a great point!
Absolutely insane that you had to pay over a $100 for this. You could have gotten 3x 29 dollar hotogs instead
Haha! That's true!
Sadly Manhattan is riddled with these types of super average Italian joints. It’s amazing how word of mouth can keep a restaurant in business for decades in a city where turnover is so high. My theory is many of the truly exceptional Italian restaurants have moved out of Manhattan and into places like NJ, CT and Long Island. Lucky to live in Astoria Queens where we have some great options.
I know what you mean. There's definitely a lot of great spots out there that don't get the attention they deserve.
Interesting. Thanks for the honest review.
Pasta looks like scrambled eggs
Thanks for watching! Yeah, that pasta was pretty messy looking.
Have you tested the 'Dive Burger' at Le Dive?
Not yet, but I want to check it out.
That wine glass 🫣
Yeah, it wasn't the best.
Well done.
Thank you!
A shame. Restaurants now are getting SO expensive plus they are trying to find ways to trim back more. It’s insane. Just not worth it any more. It isn’t. Why so many now are not eating out. As often. Or at all! That chicken was SO razor thin! Cutting costs. No wonder they want people to pay cash only, so they can just run with the money without having to deal with people feeling like they just got ripped off! Then wanting some sort of refund through their credit card company! I hate that feeling when I go to a restaurant. The feeling I just really got ripped off!
I know what you mean. Eating out is special and it's a shame when a restaurant just doesn't live up to expectations.
If all a NYC restaurant has to offer is "ooh, so many celebrities", that's usually a red flag. Thank you for braving giving more evidence of that truth, James! BTW, any plans to visit and VLOG about Keith McNally's long established boite that kinda set the model for these sorts of restaurants -- BALTHAZAR? Would love to get your views on that one!
I'll definitely make a video at Balthazar. That's a place that I've been meaning to try for awhile.
Be sure to book a table next to Anna Wintour, lol!
That wine glass is stuck in the 1800’s. Oh, and the food looked terrible too.
Indeed!
such a Pitti the food wasnt better, but great video as always James
Haha! Thank you!
I ate special deal two curry over rice and a fried egg in Bangkok for $1.36 and the beer here costs $11.5? Jesus thanks NYC, I’m glad I escaped.
Nice! I definitely have to travel more!
agreed
The pasta course looked absolutely horrific! The "cash only" policy is sketch. Glad the dessert was a winner
Yeah, at least something was good about the experience.
This place should be renamed Bar Pity. Couldnt resist and too easy.
Haha!
The decor was abysmal. The food forgettable. Cash only another demerit. ‘’There’s no accounting for taste”. A quote from Satan in the movie Constantine. With so many strikes it’s a wonder that this restaurant is still standing. Then again, that’s New York! I have to admit, you were kind. If Ruth Reichel or Bob Lape reviewed this place their comments would have been completely toxic.
Yeah, I just don't get why people go there, because there are so many better Italian restaurants in NYC.
I think Victoria Beckham is know for eating really bland food so that tracks
My good friend told me this yrs ago about beverly hills, place where they'll make whatever u want 4get the name
That sounds like a great place!
As a New Yorker I have never entered a B rated establishment to eat. Even small scale local restaurants in my Queens neighborhood are all A rated. Mediocre and overpriced along with no credit cards, poir sanitation...uh no. Maybe celebrities looking to lose weight go there.
Haha! Yeah, there's a lot that I don't like about the restaurant.
Do any NY restaurants pay tax?
Appreciate your honesty, just looking at the dishes it doesn't look appetizing. Maybe lunch is weak for them, the chef isn't there so you get what you get. The glass of wine was generous, in this day and age, here in San Francisco you would never get more than a third of a glass for the same price. The pasta dish looked like it was drowning in sauce, the pancetta/bacon sparse, not good. Have no idea what made you order the other dish, there seems to be no way that would be written in an appealing way,lol, the chicken was pounded to death and looked dry on video and $30 bucks, what were you thinking,lol. Well I can see why you were disappointed. They probably are a cash only business for obvious reasons that are not about the customer, but at least they had an available ATM. Sorry it was a sad experience, and yes it was
overpriced.
Thanks James👍
Thanks for watching! Yeah, the chicken dish was a spontaneous order. I knew that I wanted to get a daily special and I was aiming for a non pasta course. The chicken was one of the most "affordable," at least compared to the other options on the chalkboard. That was unfortunately a bad decision.
i went there years ago before it got overhyped. The owner was there, but the staff, while efficient, was so matter of fact and not that friendly.
That's a shame. Sometimes the service can really make or break a restaurant experience.
Hi James. I have a problem with even walking into an establishment with a B rating especially one that is very hyped. The oil needs some herbs for dipping. The first dish was overly sauced. That was the thinnest chicken I’ve ever seen. Way too expensive for the product. The server had on a t shirt and jeans. No atmosphere. Big swing and a miss here buddy. Sorry for your experience. Thanks again. 👋🏽
Thanks for watching! Yeah, you can't win them all.
I'd much rather go to a great restaurant with great food and an A rating by the health department than a celebrity hotspot. Just because you're a celebrity, it doesn't mean you're a foodie that appreciates great food and all that goes into making your dining experience enjoyable. Also, I have a phobia of rats and roaches, so for a restaurant to get a B rating in NYC... Can't believe no one else in the comments referred to it as Bar Pitti-ful.
Well said!
Wow, that chicken main looked like an absolute snoozer. The endive and sun dried tomatoes could've been cooked peperonata style to grow their flavor, at least.
Absolutely!
Drowning pasta like that is a sin
Indeed!
Hmmm. I prefer my fresh parmesan without the random servers fingerprints all over it. That's just how I roll.
At 11:58, the Health Department's rating system is BS. It started off with good intentions but it's now another corrupt city agency. A "B" rating is good. You get 2 points off for a straw wrapper on the floor in the hallway, not near the dining room. The health department takes points off for everything. If your exhaust fan in the accounting office spins in the opposite direction, that's 3 points off. One month you'll get an "A" rating and then 3 months later you'll get an "F." It's $800 a point you have to pay to the city. I'm sick and tired of customers thinking they know everything about how restaurants operate. Also, the wine was NOT overpriced! Are you kidding me? Restaurants must make 4 X costs to keep their doors open. For most restaurants, 4 glasses of wine equals a bottle so for you to look up the price of the bottle online and say it was overpriced was ridiculous. Are you paying their rent? Are you paying the salaries? Are you paying for their insurance? Maybe they should let you drink for free. Still, the pasta and chicken dishes at Bar Pitti looked awful, like something you'd find in a diner. I would never go.
Pitti Party. Thanks for warning regular folks
Haha! Thanks for watching!