Five Eighteen West Italian

518 

on Citysearch

16 years ago

in response to rude staff, Mr Cores51 – If you come to our restaurant (or any other for that matter) obviously overly intoxicated and acting belligerent, please do not expect to be served more alcohol. In fact we take pride in serving our guests with respect and dignity. I should hope that you could try to do the same in future encounters with service staff. 

Cores51 

on Citysearch

16 years ago

Rude staff – Waitstaff and management are rude. Do not go there on a Saturday night an hour before they close or all you will get it is a bunch of attitude from a staff who would like to go home. We had out of town guests in our party and were embarrassed that this is where we chose to take them. Don't spend your money were you are not wanted. Instead walk down the street to the 42nd street Oyster bar where both the food and the service is excellent. 

gooie 

on Citysearch

16 years ago

Great value, Unique and affordable Wine List – I don't see what the problem people have with 518...they are not trying to be the next gourmet food restaurant where you don't know or can't remember what you are eating. They are simply the place to go for fresh food that tastes great at an affordable price. Everything is made in house, from the pasta, sauces, salad dressings to desserts. The specials are always good and solid and fresh. No frozen seafood, organic salmon and great pizzas always keep us coming back. The wine lis... read more

bkomenda 

on Citysearch

17 years ago

Great atmosphere, great waiter - horrible food! – We dined out with a group of 5 adults and all had a variety of meals. The worst chicken marsala I have ever had. Chicken was overcooked and asparagus tasted burnt. The crab cakes were unremarkable and the drizzled sauce was completely the wrong flavor to accompany them. The shrimp appetizers were okay but again, nothing here wowed me or would even make me want to go back. 

Anneater 

on Citysearch

17 years ago

Plain food, nothing special about lionhead fountain, not romantic with white flourescent, bad service to first-time patrons – Naturally curious, I wanted to know what the table near the lionhead fountain is like and why is it so romantic. We arrived, and was shown to the table at the lionhead fountain. Our initial reaction was - what, this it the lion head fountain? We expected a larger, grander fountain but it was just like a garden version of a small lion-head, but the goldfish was entertaining, they seemed to be watching ... read more

21ja 

on Citysearch

17 years ago

You're paying for atmosphere – The food is average and definitely not worth the price they ask, but the ambiance is nice, so I guess it could be a decent moderately priced date place if you must have italian. The extra you pay here is not for the food..it's for the atmosphere. 

kileyq 

on Citysearch

17 years ago

special occasion dining – We have been several times, a few of them on New Year's Eve. We were always seated promptly with reservations. The pizza and pasta dishes are excellent. The best part is the value. I say value and not price because you can get a low-quality cheap meal anywhere. Other restaurants with similar romantic and chic ambience and a delicious menu and wine selection would easily charge twice as much for entrees. If you want to experience a memorable evening without breaking the bank, consider 518 West. We ha... read more

jaf071984 

on Citysearch

17 years ago

Mediocore and bland... – Pros: Prompt seating in a practically empty restaurant on a Sat night. Fast service Cons: Food was bland. I ordered the pear and blue cheese and walnut salad. The blue cheese lacked flavor and the pears were mushy and overcooked. Also, the dressing on the salad was sparse and tasted like it came directly from a bottle. Also tried the Margareta pizza, this was just OK. Too much cheese to cover a poorly made crust. The breadbasket contained the worst attempt at foccacia I have ever eaten. I think the a... read more

darlla 

on Citysearch

18 years ago

A good value – I recently dined at 518 West on a Sunday afternoon, so we were seated immediately. It is a cute place, well lit and decorated with various Italian themed art and little fountains. There was a little confusion regarding who our server was, but once we got that straightened out, we got everything we ordered and promptly. We ordered drinks and a calamari appetizer that came out in a flash. The calamari was lightly breaded and not rubbery. However the marinara it came with was just OK, containing large chunks of t... read more