Dough Vale

So… We walked into an empty restaurant, and were immediately ignored when we asked if they were open. The owner/server/chef was the only one working. It took us a bit to get his attention because he was eerily staring at us instead of replying that they were indeed open. He began by asking questions about where me and my girlfriend came from, usual small talk for tourists perhaps, but he remarked about her accent which was unnecessary, especially seeing as I’ve lived here for 20 years and her first language is English. While we were looking at the menu and reading reviews, he asks us not to use our phones - “phones are not allowed here”. Confused and stunned, I said, “you are joking right?” to which he replied “50/50” giving me the middle finger by touching his face with it. He tried to make conversation with us, but most of his ‘jokes’ were outright rude and disrespectful, rather than funny. Honestly we just wanted him to leave us alone because it was borderline verbal harassment. After we ordered food, the owner said “I am serious this time. I can’t do this” because we minding our own business and using our phones while waiting. He didn’t seem to have any intentions of returning to the kitchen so we understood it as we weren’t welcome to dine here anymore. We left very confused about the situation.

The exact true Italian food and experience you are looking for. Place is easy, delicious, and warm.

This is hands down one of the best dining experiences in NYC. Homemade, authentic ,yet creative Italian food. Reasonably priced to boot. A lot of Italian spots in NYC are either true old school spots that have lost their spark or the same “new American” take on Italian. Dough Vale is the best of both worlds. Get the Valentina pizza. The owner is a total character which enhances the experience. I felt like I was back home at my Grandparents house in Italy…

Food was great Owner is an acquired taste, a true Sicilian and we had no issues. He was great to us, unlike the reviews I’ve read. Atmosphere was fantastic, music was great. They stayed open extra late for us.

Absolutely fantastic food and atmosphere. Probably my favorite Italian in the city

This was some of the best pasta I’ve ever had. I don’t normally write reviews, but I was blown away by how good the food was. It felt like a movie. The owner/chef/waiter was the BEST HOST, so authentic, and made the night for us. 100% I will be going back for the vibes, music and food which was all on point. That bolognese was truly the best I’ve ever had including in Italy. To finish it off, he specially sourced his wine and it was delicious. Thank you again!

The best pizza in the world ! Very nice guy too :)

This is one of the best little restaurants (and best-kept secrets) in New York. The chef is extremely talented and he’s also a really welcoming, skilled host. The restaurant is cozy, intimate, and well-appointed, and literally everything on the menu is exquisite. 10/10 do recommend. I live in the neighborhood and go all the time.

If you have had authentic Italian pizza this is very very average pizza. I would expect a much better margherita :(

Hidden gem! The pizza is a must!