Restaurant Nello in NY
 

I asked the same question in the Lodge forum., however as it is about NY, I put it also here:

I have read several articles about a luxury restaurant in New York. It is called Nello.

The Internet and newspapers are talking about it now because Abramovich has spent $ 47,000 there, and left 5,000 tip. It was mentioned also a pair of Englishmen - their bill was 9,000 and they left 14,000 tip.
From restaurant site I understand that food prices are high but not unattainable. What goes up the bill is the drink ($ 5,000 a famous wine bottles or champagne).

I'm curious , with such tips, are there the waiters millionaires?

And another question: Between the readers of this forum, are some who were at this restaurant?
What is their opinion?

The restaurant is upscale - but those prics are incredible for any place - and not routine at all. Mostiners pay what you would in a typical upscale place - and the waiters get normal size tips. (These were in the paper because they were so extraordinary.)

And yes, I've been there and the food is very good. and they do have wines at normal (upscale) prices.

Uh... there's nothing that special about Nello. Seriously. Food is just ok, in my opinion. These folks obviously had some cash to throw around and they did, in an ostentatious way. It used to be Mickey Rourke's go-to, always bringing his little chihuahua(s).

It gets a measely 17 in Zagats and awful ratings on menupages. When both those sets of reviews are along the same lines, I have to believe there's a good reason.

That story was a hoax and there is a long thread about it here:


http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...s-dine-out.cfm

More:


http://cityfile.com/dailyfile/7817

We have eaten at Nello's, but certainly never spent anything like the above prices. It's been a few years since we were there. The food was fresh and tasted good. The prices were a little steep, but not outrageous for NYC.