Creative Italian-American with a buzzy vibe, known for its acclaimed garlic bread martini and divisive Neapolitan lobster roll.
San Sabino presents a lively and stylish Italian-American dining experience, often noted for its vibrant atmosphere and creative culinary offerings. The restaurant, a sister establishment to the popular Don Angie, is praised for its delicious food and well-crafted cocktails, with the garlic bread martini earning particular acclaim as a city favorite. Diners have often recommended dishes like the lobster ravioli and the unique Neapolitan lobster roll, which features a distinctive pastry. However, the restaurant is also a point of contention for many, frequently cited as being overpriced for the portion sizes. Some patrons have found certain dishes, such as the shrimp parm and steak, to be dry or lacking in flavor, and have questioned the inventiveness of the flavor combinations. Despite these mixed reviews, San Sabino remains a popular spot, often requiring reservations well in advance, and is noted for its appealing interior design.
San Sabino offers an Italian-American menu that receives mixed reviews. The 'Neapolitan Lobster Roll' has been a subject of significant debate, with some enjoying its unique pastry and lobster filling, while many others criticize it for being overpriced and containing too little lobster, often with an abundance of celery. Other highlighted dishes include the 'Lobster Triangolini' and 'Shrimp Parm,' which have garnered both praise and criticism. The 'garlic bread martini' is a standout cocktail, frequently mentioned as a must-try. Overall, while the restaurant aims for creative and inventive Italian cuisine, customer experiences range from rave reviews about the fun food and cocktails to strong disappointment regarding value and execution.
"The garlic bread martini is highly recommended, often called a city favorite. The lobster ravioli and lobster triangolini pasta have also received positive mentions."
Customer feedback on San Sabino is notably divided. While many praise its lively atmosphere, delicious food, and excellent cocktails, with some specifically calling out the garlic bread martini as a favorite in the city and recommending the lobster ravioli, a significant portion of diners have expressed disappointment. Criticisms often center on the perceived high price point relative to portion sizes, with several reviewers feeling the dishes were overpriced or light on key ingredients like lobster. Some also found the flavor combinations to be unexpectedly odd or the execution of certain dishes, like the shrimp parm and steak, to be mediocre or dry.
Important Note
The restaurant is frequently described as overpriced for the portion sizes, and some diners have found the inventive flavor combinations to be unusual or poorly executed.
"This restaurant was suggested as a hot vibe place with good food, fitting the user's criteria for a work dinner."
Positive"The user 'dobeel123' suggests San Sabino as a pleasant lunch option, particularly for those who enjoy seafood."
Positive"The original poster did not like San Sabino and is looking for alternative Italian dining options."
Negative"A user recommends San Sabino."
Positive"San Sabino comes to mind as a solo lunch option, though it typically books for two or more, so a dining companion might be needed."
Neutral"Likes the crab dip from San Sabino and is seeking other recommendations for crab dips."
Positive"Recommends the lobster triangolini pasta at San Sabino."
Positive"The user Cee_Vader stated that San Sabino didn't live up to the hype."
Negative"San Sabino was recommended by skimcpip as a dinner option for a solo diner in the West Village/Soho area. The original poster was looking for an Italian-American restaurant with a nice ambiance under $100pp."
Positive"Author bfdjon also recommended San Sabino, describing it as 'very good' and noting it's from the same team as Don Angie and located nearby on Greenwich Ave."
Positive"Agrees with the recommendation of San Sabino, praising the vibes and especially the lobster ravioli."
Positive"Recommends San Sabino."
Positive"In a reply about Don Angie, the user adds that San Sabino (a sister restaurant) is also excellent."
Positive"San Sabino seems overpriced."
Negative"A commenter ate at San Sabino for a work event and liked it. They noted the venue is small."
Positive"A commenter agreed with the original poster, stating San Sabino didn't meet expectations. They felt the flavor combinations were odd despite attempts at inventiveness."
Negative"The original poster dined at San Sabino but was disappointed, finding most dishes average or poor, particularly the crab, shrimp parm, and steak. Only the lobster triangoli was truly liked, and the poster felt it wasn't worth the price."
Negative"Highlights the garlic bread martini at San Sabino, calling it their favorite cocktail in the city."
Positive"Had a great time at San Sabino for a birthday, praising the delicious, fun food, great cocktails, and amazing service. Notes it's the Don Angie sister restaurant."
Positive"Lists San Sabino as an Italian restaurant recommendation with a focus on seafood."
Neutral"I see more celery than lobster. I hate cheap fillers"
Negative"Ohh helll naaaa"
Negative"How much lobster was in the lobster roll, op?"
Neutral"Wtf is a neaplotian lobster roll. Bet that cost like $30 because it has lobster roll on the name."
Negative"Too much fluff, where’s the lobster?"
Negative"This is like spending $50 on something worth $5 because it looks nice."
Negative"They’ll do anything to make it appealing except giving a full portion."
Negative"Lobster roll on a lobster tail. Very cheeky. But like others said, definitely light on the lobster."
Negative"That looks tasty yet somehow, unsatisfying."
Negative"I would be insulted by how little lobster was on this."
Negative"Making a croissant penis was a choice. Cronis."
Neutral"Looks like a lobster roll in a lobster tail?"
Neutral"There’s not much lobster in it."
Negative"And only $40!"
Negative"celery mayo roll with lobster garnish"
Negative"Looks amazing, but a nightmare to eat..."
Negative"The pastry is similar to a sfoglietella but not sweet. Wonderful vibe there at lunch with the big bright windows and fantastic food."
Positive"The first time I went to San sabino, I walked in as a solo diner! I showed up around 5pm on a weekday and was seated at the bar."
Positive"Can 2019t speak to San Sabino, but you 2019ll be fine to walk in most places."
Neutral"Turning up early (4:30 is a stretch - many venues won 2019t be open for another 30 minutes to an hour) as a solo diner is literally the 201ccheat code 201d to be seated in 95% of restaurants without a resy."
Neutral"San Sabino has some fun options but it's very hard to get into."
Neutral"What do you like to eat at san sabino? It gets mixed reviews on the sub"
Neutral"It r s funny San Sabino is perpetually packed but I don r t hear people talking about it much. I thought the food and cocktails were great though so I understand."
Positive"San sabino mentioned as a recommendation."
Neutral"Commenter remarked that the Tiger Prawns dish from Time & Tide reminded them of the Shrimp Parm served at San Sabino."
Neutral
