We're seeing a Saturday matinee in NY (late October). We are 'commuting' for the day. I phoned Becco (party of 4/adults) and snagged reservation at 4:45pm; was told they need to turn the table at 6:30pm. Will we feel rushed? Is service good at Becco? (am referring to ordering/meal service.)

I doubt that you'll feel rushed but that's based on my one experience. I ate there with a group and we arrived on a Thursday night at about 6 PM - some folks drifted in as late as 6:30. We had drinks, chatted over our hor d'oeuvres and had a leisurely meal. Some folks left at 8:30 or so and others stayed later for another glass of wine or cup of coffee. The key factor here is the fact that the main focus of their business is the pre-theatre rush. They were quite likely already fully booked for the 6 or 6:30 arrival time due to theatre business. They are very professional and efficient enough that I'd guess they won't rush to get you out well in advance of 6:30 but you'll need to maintain an awareness of the time when it comes to eating, chatting etc. IMHO they were doing you a favor but advising upfront of what their situation is. In other words, rather than just booking you and then trying to rush you after you'd arrived and were midway through your evening, they're telling you in advance what amount of time is available. Regrettably, I've heard far too often from people who've gotten rushed after they'd made reservations in goo dfaith and never been warned that the table was booked for a later reservation. Their syetem for advising you of this also helps you or anyone who goes there for a pre-theatre dinner and needs to be sure they'll have enough time to have dinner and get to the show on time. If there were no prior understanding wioht folks who arrived for the earlier seating, those arriving for a 6:30 reservation might arrive, be forced to wait for their table and then get rushed through the meal.

Let's assume that to be safe you plan to be finished by 6:15 - this allows you 90 minutes. Most folks who go for a pre-theatre dinner allow one hour for dinner or at very most an hour and 15 minutes. You'll have plenty of time for an enjoyable meal. If your eally need to have a good two hours or longer? Eat outside the theatre district.

you should have plenty of time for a nice diner without being rushed. I suggest going with the 3 pasta special that they offer each day. It is quick very good, something for everyone and as much as you want... quicker than the order off the menu,

You probably won't feel rushed. When we've been there, the service has been efficient and courteous, but we've never felt they were pushing us out. You'll like Becco.

thanks posters! We'll probably arrive at Becco early (play should end around 4:15 at Belasco Theater - think theater about 3 1/2 block walk to resto (is this correct?). We are aiming for the pasta (fixed price). I do think it was kind to be told table needs vacating.

Actually, Frankie and Johnny at the Clair de Lune ends closer to 4:30. However, you should be able to walk the 4+ blocks in 15 minutes. And, as others have said, you should have no problem dining the allotted time without feeling rushed.

thanks, Howard!!!