Borgo, located at 124 East 27th Street in Manhattan, offers a charming ambiance and a menu that promises elevated Italian cuisine. My son and I recently dined there, eager to see if it lived up to its reputation. While there were some highlights, the overall experience left us feeling underwhelmed.
A Beautiful Setting with High Expectations
The restaurant itself is undeniably beautiful, with a warm and inviting atmosphere that sets the stage for what you hope will be a memorable meal. However, as we glanced at the menu, we couldn’t help but notice the steep prices for pasta dishes—most hovering around $30. For that price, we expected generous portions and exceptional flavors.
A Delightful Start
We began our meal with the chicken liver pâté served with cherries, and it was a standout. The pâté was rich and creamy, perfectly complemented by the sweetness of the cherries. It was a delightful start that raised our expectations for the rest of the meal.
Small Portions and Questionable Flavors
For our main courses, we decided to split two pasta dishes: the ravioli with goat cheese and the lamb ragù over fresh pasta. While the lamb ragù was flavorful and well-executed, the ravioli left much to be desired. The goat cheese filling had a sour taste that made us question its freshness. It was disappointing, especially given the price point.
Additionally, the portion sizes were surprisingly small. While we understand that fine dining often leans toward smaller servings, these portions felt particularly meager, leaving us unsatisfied.
Would I recommend Borgo?
Would I recommend Borgo? While the ambiance and the chicken liver pâté were highlights, the overall experience didn’t justify the high prices. With so many incredible Italian restaurants in Manhattan offering better value and more consistent quality, Borgo falls short of standing out in a competitive dining scene. If you’re looking for Italian cuisine in the city, there are plenty of other options that deliver a more satisfying experience.