TLDR
A budget-friendly Italian spot w/ great pasta & cozy vibes. Hits the spot for value, though some say service is lacking.
Details
This Italian eatery is a frequent recommendation for those seeking an affordable dining experience in NYC. While some users praise its value, pasta, appetizers, and cozy ambiance [1], others suggest it may not meet expectations for top-tier Italian cuisine, with one comment noting the service can be horrendous [2]. A specific highlight mentioned is the wild boar ragu [3].
Food Overview
San Marzano is frequently recommended as an affordable Italian option, with users specifically enjoying the vodka pasta [1] and wild boar ragu [2]. However, some negative feedback exists, including comments about bland peanut noodles and a general sentiment that the restaurant is not good or impressive [3], [4]. Despite some criticism, many see it as a solid, inexpensive choice for Italian cuisine, offering good value for the price [5].
Caveats
Some users suggest San Marzano may not meet the highest expectations for Italian cuisine or 'cozy' ambiance, with one comment noting horrendous service [1]. Additionally, while often praised for being inexpensive, some feel the quality may not always be consistent [2].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About SAN MARZANO
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Maybe Too Nichebut Restaurants With A Frozen
"San Marzano was suggested as a restaurant that offers a frozen limoncello cocktail and also has a non-frozen Hugo spritz."
PositiveFrom post: What Are Some Decent Restaurants With Cheap House
"This comment suggests San Marzano as a good option if one enjoys Noodle Pudding, implying a similar type of Italian cuisine."
PositiveFrom post: 7 Day Nyc Need Food Recommendations Updated With
"San Marzano is highlighted as a great and affordable Italian restaurant with only one location."
PositiveFrom post: Best Affordable Italian Restaurant Nyc
"This user stated that San Marzano has horrendous service and the staff does not care."
NegativeFrom post: Best Affordable Italian Restaurant Nyc
"This user commented on the San Marzano recommendation, suggesting the request was for 'best affordable' and not 'bottom of the barrel'."
NegativeFrom post: Best Affordable Italian Restaurant Nyc
"This user enjoyed the wild boar ragu at San Marzano."
PositiveFrom post: Best Affordable Italian Restaurant Nyc
"In response to a comment about quality, this user defended San Marzano, stating the quality is serviceable and offers great value for the price point."
PositiveFrom post: Best Affordable Italian Restaurant Nyc
"This user commented that San Marzano is cheap but the quality isn't there."
NegativeFrom post: Best Affordable Italian Restaurant Nyc
"This user agreed with the recommendation for San Marzano, stating it might not be incredible but is super cheap and satisfying."
PositiveFrom post: Best Affordable Italian Restaurant Nyc
"This user recommended San Marzano as great and dirt cheap."
PositiveFrom post: Best Affordable Italian Restaurant Nyc
"This user recommended San Marzano as a solid and inexpensive option for a sit-down Italian dinner, stating that while not the absolute best, it offers good value for the price."
PositiveFrom post: Best Affordable Italian Restaurant Nyc
"This user recommended San Marzano in the East Village as good and inexpensive."
PositiveFrom post: What Is Your Most Frequented Restaurant
"San Marzano is listed as a frequently visited restaurant."
PositiveFrom post: Recommendations For Japanese Or Italian Birthday
"San Marzano is recommended as an Italian dining option."
PositiveFrom post: Group Dining In Manhattan Under 70 Pp Study Trip
"San Marzano offers prix fixe family-style meals with beer and wine, though it might slightly exceed the $70 budget; they suggest contacting them about a beer and soft drinks only option."
NegativeFrom post: Italian Restaurant To Feel Classy On A Budget
"San Marzano is recommended for its good pasta, appetizers, and wine at a very good price, with a cute ambiance."
PositiveFrom post: A Nice Dinner For Some Reasonably Broke College
"This comment supports San Marzano as a go-to 'nice' dinner spot for college students, describing it as cozy rather than super fancy."
PositiveFrom post: A Nice Dinner For Some Reasonably Broke College
"This is a recommendation for San Marzano, noting it's near NYU and reasonably priced. The commenter suggests walking in rather than using reservations and mentions that sticking to entrees would keep the cost close to $70 total, excluding tax and tip."
NeutralFrom post: Which Cozy Italian In East Village For My Last
"This commenter suggests San Marzano might not fit the 'cozy Italian' criteria the original poster is looking for, recommending Frank/Supper instead."
NegativeFrom post: Which Cozy Italian In East Village For My Last
"This user states that getting a reservation at Torrisi can be very difficult, but notes that San Marzano is fabulous, especially considering its price point."
Positive