231273 Mon Feb 20 00:22:13 -0800 2006 4 18 Manhattan 0 1227987 Finally made it to Apizz last night which I've been meaning to do for weeks. Well the evening started off well, initially, when they were very kind about moving a rez since my in-laws flight was late landing, and in fact we were told to 'take our time'. Well we showed up on time for the revised rez and I was surprised to see how small the place was. We were told it would be about a 20 minute wait and were told to wait downstairs 'in the lounge' which was really just a subterranean area with two tables, no bar, and sporadic service. Drink orders taken, we proceeded to wait about 30 minutes. Still no drinks, but then our table is supposedly ready. Our table for '5' would barely fit 4 though. We saw the problem straight away and were told we could wait at that table for yet another table, which was finishing up and more spacious. Still no drinks. And very jetlagged company. Long story short, drinks finally arrived and about 20 mins later, we finally moved. Pretty annoyed by this point, an hour into our stay. That said, the food ended up being just wonderful and made up for a lot of ill feelings. We shared one of the pizzas and the crispy proscuitto with pear to start and then had a variety of entrees (wild boar lasagna, steak, polpetta, gnocchi, and an amazing risotto). Finished with the rustic bread/banana pudding. I'm still scratching my head about how I nearly walked out the service was so utterly appalling and then was so blown away by the food. I'm hoping it was just an off night for the service...but between the service and the often unbearably loud small space, I'm hard pressed to want to return, despite the quality of the food. Mon Feb 20 00:22:13 -0800 2006 0 Nehna 1 1228051 I posted on Apizz a few weeks ago, and had the same reaction. Good food, good concept, but terrible service. They send you to the lounge downstairs which is directly below the big wood burning oven. So, while you wait for your drinks (which don't come), you are hot to boot. Plus, our service last time was downright incompetent. Still, I've eaten quite a few things on the menu and it's all delicious. Even considering the service, Apizz remains a good value. I just hope the restaurant gets it together. Mon Feb 20 19:07:48 -0800 2006 1227987 0 Leo 2 1228214 I was there Fri. evening, Feb. 17th 7:15 p.m. We were a party of 3 without reservations. It was a last minute decision and if they couldn't seat us we would either go to The Orchard or to Peasant's wine cellar on Elizabth St. We lucked out and were given a table. The service and attention couldn't have been better. Drink orders were taken promptly and served promptly. Our waitress was attentive and professional. We've been there a number of times before but are hardly regulars. There is no pretension, and the atmosphere is warm and inviting. I had the Gambero (shrimp and chorizo in olive oil) appetizer which was delicious and for an entre, the meatballs and as usual they were terrific and satisfying. My wife and daughter shared one of their great salads and the Lasagna, which they loved. For desert, we had the apple crisp and cheesecake. Both deserts were great, but if you like cheesecake, this is one of the best I've had in recent memory in a NYC restaurant. I have been to this restaurant about ten times since it opened and have always found the dining experience as stated above to be very consistent and the wait staff to be very attentive and professional. This is one of my favorites and I recommend it very highly. Tue Feb 21 16:31:45 -0800 2006 1228051 0 Lovetoeat 3 1228228 I finally made it to Apizz after several failed attempts thru the year and had a pleasant surprise. Everything we ordered were good and the service pleasant. The waiter even offered to check my coat in and the host helped me into it on my way out. Maybe, the earlier poster caught them on an off night? Tue Feb 21 17:59:02 -0800 2006 1228214 0 Nyufoodie 4 1228300 I hope so...like I said, I really enjoyed the food. But the service really was horrible. And another poster seems to have had the same experience. Wed Feb 22 11:04:31 -0800 2006 1228228 0 Nehna