SERRA by Birreria

Very good branzino, excellent atmosphere.

I’ve been wanting to go to this place since last summer because it had decent reviews. Nope. Total tourist trap. The bar was chaotic with very few seats and they don’t seem to want you waiting there for your table. Hostess was rude. Host couldn’t make eye contact or crack a welcoming smile. The women’s restroom was overflowing with trash at the start of dinner service - disgusting. The $38 antipasti board was just okay. My (real Italian) friend’s squid ink cavatelli were TOO al dente (second time this has happened at an Eataly restaurant. All the cook has to do is pop one in his mouth and check it before serving.) When my friend mentioned this, the waiter made some comment that insinuated she just didn’t know any better. Big mistake. My tagliatelle were flimsy but the short rib ragú was good. We remarked at the poor quality of cheeses served. They lacked the acidic bite and bits of crunch you think of with good aged hard Italian cheeses. Also noted that this “Seasonal” restaurant had a decidedly un-Spring-like menu with charcuterie, gnocchi, and some rich meat sauces. When our plates were finished, no one picked them up for a good 20 minutes. Our waiter, who was putting on an Italian accent, brought us the bill and when my friend offered her card, he put it back in her hand and walked to the next table to take their order. So we went to the front to try and pay and were treated disrespectfully. It was all a bit confusing. I was really disappointed because the outdoor-ish rooftop setting is lovely and has a lot of potential to be really nice but it was giving a suburban chain “family dining” vibe but with high prices and inattentive service. Miss this place - especially if you live here and/or have out-of-town guests. Kid-friendliness: Sadly, it is kid friendly, which ruined any chance of it being a nice place for a date. Wheelchair accessibility: NOT WC accessible despite elevators.

Expected this rooftop to have a view of the city despite being a rainy day; but I guess you can enjoy the view only when the weather is nice and clear. Cocktails were very good and bartenders nice and friendly. Would put something more on the menu to enrich the high quality liquor available and why not, also adding some of the Italian food that makes Eataly Famous around the world also at the bar instead of just at the table. I had a Capri Spritz, a version of spritz with Italicus bergamotto liqueur which I experienced at my workplace. Hostess and manager at the front desk could have been a bit nicer when they saw us coming in.

Lunch on ‘eclipse’ day. Fantastic avocado salad, arancini (rice balls…..think ‘risotto’ amazing) and ricotta with asparagus, peas, pesto and micro greens. All shared between 2 of us. Sorry no food pics, too busy devouring it!

The food was not very good but the service was great. If you like Italian food you have better chances in little Italy and better prices.

Completely subpar food and drink for the price we paid. Super ambiance.

Good food, but overcrowded

The food was really good. We had 3 different appetizers, so good. Since a couple joining the group was delayed we had a drunk before ordering lunch. Everyone had different choices (8 exactly) from the menu. All were great. We also, shared 3 desserts and celebrated a birthday. All the servers for are table were terrific and personable. We had great time. Be sure to make a reservation. The roof top ambiance is so cheerful too.