Vanessa M.
Yelp
Bettini is a beautiful restaurant in a lovely location. We returned for a second visit last Friday, after an extremely good romantic date-night experience last summer, but were bummed out and sadly will only be returning for drinks on the deck.
Speaking of drinks on the deck, that was lovely. What a view! It's self-service, however there's an extremely kind and thoughtful diminutive older lady out there who tidies up and who very sweetly brought us a small table to set up our drinks. I believe her name was Minnie? The hostess, Yelena, was also a delight.
The restaurant should treasure these awesome representatives.
Once the meal began, it fell apart fast. Our server was extremely brusque. It felt like we had insulted him before we ever said a word, which was pretty intimidating, though neither of us are rude, or oversensitive. Despite ordering three apps, two entrees, and dessert we left hungry. The tuna tartare was the first slap in the face, appearing without the avocado mousse or any seasoning/ponzu on a dark plate, so that the dish appeared empty. It might as well have been, as it was so small I finished it in two bites. The clams casino were tiny, and cheesy / creamy, not really what one thinks of when ordering that dish, but edible and tasted nice. My wide ribbon pasta with braised beef was also insultingly tiny and completely flavorless. Truly sad, since I have been dreaming about the Bettini pasta all year. It was so good that when we got back to NYC, I tried to re-create it at home.
Dessert was served on an ice cold plate, and was too cold to enjoy the chocolate mousse. Dishes were absolutely slammed down in front of us, loudly, by our grim-faced waiters, and questions got sneers and grunts in reply. For example, we asked if we should order everything at once or if we could get apps and then mains once we had a bit of wine and bread, the waiter said, not unless you want to be here all night. :(
We also ordered a full bottle of very nice wine. No wine pairing suggestions, or tastes, were offered however.
After dinner there was an epic thunderstorm, which we watched from the deck while sipping bubbly. Like I said, the deck is where it's at. I don't need to pay hundreds to be treated like someone's sworn enemy, sheesh.
Recommended for a pre- or post-dinner deck session, or perhaps a drink at the bar, but not for dinner or dessert.