I headed to Dante for a quick lunch and had an amazing time. This isn’t my first time here but I thought I’d share my experience. I started with the flatbread and my drink of choice was the Rockmelon 75! Bubbly, refreshing and a great riff on the classic. My bartender Ramon was great and attentive (my water glass was never empty!). Thanks again to the Dante West Village Team!

Such a lovely space! Beautifully designed with cocktails that are thoughtfully crafted. On a summer afternoon with large windows and lots of light, this is the perfect place to grab drinks with a friend. Also, the dessert was a nice, balanced way to end everything — it was sweet, but not too sweet. The wait staff were beyond cordial and answered all questions we had.

Food 5/5 The cocktails were mindblowing, definitely deserving of being the second best bar in the world. The cosmojito was stellar, as well as the melon seltzer drink (forgot the name oops). The food was also very satisfying, especially the cauliflower. The burrata was also very fresh and light, great pairing. Atmosphere 5/5 Super cute and elegant, loved the color scheme and gold details. Service 4/5 Decent

+4

Busy space paired with great cocktails. I stopped in for a drink on a Thursday night and was able to get a bar seat within a few minutes great ambiance the cocktails are gorgeous with a-lot of depth. The years of experience really shines at this spot hope to be back for dinner soon.

I recently had the pleasure of celebrating Valentine's Day at Dante West Village in New York. Upon entering, the atmosphere was beautiful and romantic with roses decorating the space. For the occasion, they offered a special pre-fix menu. The service was excellent and the staff was very accommodating. The food and drinks were delicious, the dessert was too sweet for me. Overall, it was a fantastic experience and I highly recommend visiting Dante West Village for a special occasion.

+4

Stopped by Dante West Village on a Friday during Martini Hour and had such a great experience. We were seated in less than 10 minutes, which was impressive given how busy it was. The hostess was incredibly welcoming and set such a friendly tone for the evening, and our server was attentive and kind throughout. Great drinks, lively atmosphere, and truly wonderful service, can’t wait to go back.

World famous cocktail bar, that also serves delicious food. I had a fuzzy margarita with Hawaiian lava salt. Not their best, but decent. My friend had a lovely non-alcoholic cocktail. Mushroom / ricotta sourdough appetizer was delicious. But quite large so share with a friend. The steak tartare is top 3 I have ever had. The crostini is a special kind of bread that is crunchy all the way through. It’s held together with bone marrow broth instead of the traditional quail egg, which gives it another layer of flavor. My friend had the spring risotto. A little on the soft side, but still excellent. The dessert… oh my. I literally exclaimed “oh my god” when I tried the first bite. So good. The champagne/cognac vanilla ice cream digestive was a bit too liquor heavy, and mixed with the dairy from the ice cream is just odd. I recommend the affogato instead, which I had last time. Make reservations at least 2 weeks in advance, otherwise expect a 1-3 hour wait.

The food was delicious and service was good. The dishes look amazing and taste wonderful. Not the cheapest place, and the "main" dishes could be a bit bigger, but if you'll sharing, you'll be just fine.

+1

This was a lovely spot for dinner. There were many fun cocktails to choose from. I tried the "Fluffy Orange Juice," which is non-alcoholic and delicious. The servers were kind. The food was delicious and tasted fresh.

$10 Martinis? YES PLEASE! 10/10 highly recommend visiting this spot! My friend wanted Dirty Martinis, so I began searching for places in New York that offered them during happy hour! After some digging, I found Dante’s West Village, which offers a happy hour deal on Martinis from 3-5pm. Woohoo! We decided to walk in because there were no reservations available between 1-5pm, and ended up waiting in line for about 30 minutes. So, plan ahead and try to get a reservation beforehand. The line is specifically during the happy hour, making 3-5pm their busiest time of the day. We all ordered Dirty Martinis, and the server presented them with a fancy flair (extra points for the presentation and warm greetings by the server in curly hair 🌟). Since we got our table late, our second round of drinks wasn't part of the happy hour. Interestingly, the non-happy hour drink size is larger than the happy hour glass. However, both versions were very strong, so the size difference didn't really matter. Overall, I'd say this is a perfect spot for a date or meeting friends. But I can't emphasize enough—you need to reserve in advance! The only reason I was okay with waiting 30 minutes was because one of my friends was running late.

+4

NEW REVIEW* I had the incredible opportunity to celebrate my birthday with Dante. I decided to opt for the family meal, and it was amazing!!!! The servers and the staff went above and beyond to make this dinner special for me. I can't describe in words how good everything was. Thank you, Dante! __ OLD I recently had the pleasure of experiencing Dante’s brunch options, and I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by the variety and quality of the menu. The first thing that struck me was the stunning aesthetics of the restaurant. The ambiance was top-notch, but the space is relatively small, so making reservations in advance is highly recommended. The staff at Dante was exceptional—attentive and efficient, which is no small feat given the bustling nature of the place. As for the food, most of the dishes we ordered were outstanding. However, it's important to point out that the "flatbread" dish wasn't flatbread but rather a thick, fluffy pancake bread. Despite the misnomer, it was delicious. The yogurt and crispy potatoes stood out as the stars of the meal, both bursting with amazing flavors. Overall, I wholeheartedly recommend Dante for brunch. It's an experience not to be missed, especially if you pair it with some of their delightful and refreshing signature drinks to kickstart your day.

+4

First time here. I would definitely go back. I sat outside Sunday evening memorial day weekend. I was great for people watching and catching a good neighborhood vibe if the west village. The hostess was very memorable, she left a great impression on me. I hade the burrata, burger, and flourless chocolate cake with a chamomile tea. Everything was great.

Beautiful restaurant with a lovely atmosphere. The staff were friendly and attentive, and the mushroom risotto was excellent. A perfect spot for date night!

Great experience at Dante West Village. The steak tartare was clean and perfectly seasoned, the burrata fresh and creamy, and the Wagyu bolognese rich and comforting without being heavy. The seasonal panettone Negroni was a thoughtful, festive twist on a classic. Special mention to Ram, our server—attentive, warm, and genuinely thoughtful. He took great care of us and made the experience feel relaxed and personal.

An excellent spot for top-notch happy hour martinis. Went for my birthday just to have some pre-dinner drinks and it was so enjoyable. Easy, fast, and well priced for delicious martinis. Not too big so you can try a couple different kinds and not feel too guilty. Excellent oysters as well. They make a lemon ice shavings topping for them as well that is unforgettably fresh.

+5

I was fortunate enough to celebrate my birthday here with a large group a few weeks ago, and we had a such a wonderful time. Rebecca the events manager made planning the experience so easy, and we all felt well taken care of. The food was spectacular, and the service was so attentive and warm. The guests with dietary restrictions all expressed how pleased they were with the flexibility and attention paid to their needs, and were tremendously thankful. Thank you for enabling us to have such a special event!

This place is a fantastic restaurant! 🍴 Dante West Village 🗽 serves a wonderful selection of delicious 🤤 dishes 🍽️ - definitely try the Signature Charcoal Oven Baked ♨️ Bread 🫓 and Fire 🔥 Roasted Organic Chicken 🍗 Alla Diavola with Green 🟢 Goddess Dressing and Lemon! 🍋 Staff 👨‍🍳 is friendly and helpful, service is quick ⏲️ and professional, ambience 🎶 is great, and the place is beautifully decorated! 🛋️ I wish I came here sooner!

+6

Shante (host) is truly an incredible asset to Dante. We come here often, and she consistently goes above and beyond to ensure guests are treated well and fairly while they wait. Dante gets busy, and you should not be surprised if you need to wait for a seat if you don’t have a reservation. Shante clearly sets expectations on wait time, and even offered us to order in advance so our drinks would be ready as soon as possible after we sat down. She also offered to move us inside as indoor seating became available. She truly cares about all guests. The drinks and food are also incredible. We love martini hour, and the fluffy margarita. The bread and butter is also perfect.

Excellent cocktail bar serving up seasonal specialties. There's an entire menu page dedicated to martinis and negronis respectively. Their breville juicers add body and texture to the juice in several drinks

Love it just as much as the other location. One of my fave brunch spots since the food is good, the cocktails are superb, and the atmosphere is lively. The winter/holiday cocktail menu is on point. Our fave brunch items were the fall Harvest bowl and the eggs and mashed peas. Can’t go wrong with anything on the Negroni sessions menu.

Oh my God, the vibes are immaculate inside this place!! From my first experience at Dante West Village in the Fall of 2022 to now, each visit has been absolutely amazing. The staff are SO kind & the cocktails are excellent (personally, I rec the Fluffy Margarita Royale + the Mezcalito). Their food is excellent, too!! I cannot recommend this spot enough!! :-)

+5

I had such a wonderful experience at this restaurant! The staff was incredibly friendly and made me feel so welcome. You can really tell they care about every detail. I’ll definitely be coming back!

One of the best brunch spots in the city. I asked for my avocado toast to be deconstructed. Comes with halloumi, peppers and egg. Cocktails also best in the city . This is a gin martini with a sidecar of extra cocktail chilling on ice. Food is delicious. Cocktail list is expansive. Atmosphere is amazing

+1

This is a LIVELY spot for happy hour. Lovely little 10 dollar martinis are premixed and poured for you throughout the restaurant not just at the bar during happy hour which is from 3 to 5. The staff was friendly and quick and the drinks were also poured quite quickly. I’d love to come back to eat as the food looked great. We drank it the dante martini, the upside down gibson as well as the old fashioned

+6

Came a few times for their cocktails when traveling in NYC, enjoyed everything we tried with “fluffy” keyword in the name/description, they’re prepared with fresh juice pressed by their 2 Breville juicers. You can order their Garibaldi in a mini version for $5, it comes in a smaller glass, topped with the same fluffy foam and a fresh wedge of orange. Very close to the flavor profile of Gadibaldi is their salty dog and fluffy margarita royale. Every time we came the service’s fantastic, casual, friendly, make you feel comfortable and feel welcomed but never too much. Often they have a line without a reservation but it moves fairly quickly if your party size is small. Lastly, love their ambience, chic and romantic are two words I think of when I look at their decors. Overall, really enjoyed our visits each and every time. They opened a branch in LA, would love it if they could consider branching to Boston, it really needs a good cocktail bar like this one to elevate the whole cocktail scene.

+4

I was there at Dante’s in the west village and have to say it was one of the most exquisite experiences of the year. My daughter and I were celebrating the holidays together and have to say the Dante martini is the best gin martini in town. Alejandro was our server and he did phenomenal. 100% recommend the Butterfly Branzino, the mushroom and oyster risotto was out of this world. And for entree the loaded potato with the grand imperial Cavair was a perfect statement. Looking forward to our next visit

+2

The team at Dante West Village are world class. You can always trust that your cocktails at Dante will be perfect, that the food is going to be delicious and that the ambiance is going to be so comfy classy New York! I have been to Dante at least 10+ times, including Thanksgiving and holidays!!! What really compelled me to finally write this review is hosting a large group dinner for a best friend’s bachelorette. The team went above and beyond to make it memorable! Rebecca and Michelle from the events team took care of all the details and are extremely communicative via email. Dante will always be the place I bring friends from out of town, and where I’ll suggest going for a celebration! Must order: -Fluffy Margarita -any of their martinis (especially the dirty!) -spicy Fresca -seasonal cocktails always hit! -their bread and smoked butter (iconic!) -calamari -all their salads -fire roasted chicken -branzino You can’t go wrong. Thank you to the DWV team for always providing the best service and experience!!

+6

Service food and atmosphere was awesome, genuinely unmatched! Went here for my 21st birthday and our waiter helped me choose drinks :) The food was delicious - I am a Celiac and they were cautious and safe with my food restrictions! They also brought us a complimentary dessert for my bday, deeply appreciated lol. We got main courses and sides for 4 people and everything was absolutely amazing! I will be returning here for sure.

We unknowingly booked a reservation during Friday Martini Hour, and it couldn’t have worked out better. The place was packed and lively for 3pm, serving half price martinis to customers. We got two seats at the bar and ordered martinis and manhattan’s. Both were very well made. We got the steak tartar which was also very tasty. The bartenders were friendly and gave us some other recommendations in the area. Highly recommend making a reservation for Friday martini hour, TGIF!

+1

Absolutely fantastic experience yesterday for lunch. All the food was delicious, as were the cocktails. The Negroni flight is worth ordering, as you can try four different well presented Negroni variations. Service is fantastic. It’s a bit of an expensive place, but somewhat justified given the quality and experience.

+3

I have visited Dante West Village twice, and both times I have had an excellent experience! They have been very accommodating and super friendly! Not to mention, the food and drinks were spectacular! Rebecca and Michelle (event planning) were super responsive and amazing to work with!!

All drinks are amazing and beautifully crafted. You cannot go wrong any martinis or seasonal cocktails! Although food is not quite memorable as the drinks. I personally love to sit at the bistro table outside and enjoy people watching. It’s a great place to hang out with friends on a night out. A long wait should be expected on the weekends though.

Love this place!!! We’ve been wanting to come here for awhile now. Everything we have tried was amazing here. All the food was delicious and drinks were absolutely fantastic. Thanks to friendly staffs we took care of us and big compliments to chefs and bar staffs for excellent craftsmanships. I highly recommend this place, it’s well worth the wait.

+5

Birthday girls’ night at Dante West Village = perfection. The room is buzzy yet cozy, music at a just-right volume, and the team was warm from the moment we sat down. They checked in just enough and made our birthday girl feel celebrated. The martinis were ice-cold and immaculate—served in frosty coupes 🤩. We also loved the espresso martini (creamy, balanced, not too sweet) and started with a refreshing spritz. We shared a few plates and everything hit the mark: a tender sliced steak with greens, a bright, herby fish, and warm potatoes with lemony aioli. Dessert was a perfect tiramisu—light and lovely. Dante nails the “let’s catch up over great cocktails” vibe. Friendly service, beautiful drinks, and easy-to-share plates—we’ll be back soon.

+1

Best Ribeye steak I have ever had. Most restaurants ( even vegas michelin chefs) have been a disappointment. The wagyu ribeye medium was just amazing.

Organized a holiday dinner event here for ~15 people, and everything was amazing! Rebecca and Michelle were angels to work with and helped us every step of the way, from contracts to menu selection, even to checking in with us closer to the event and afterward! The food (loved the expansive Prix Fixe menu, which had something for everyone to love) and ambiance were perfect, and everyone had an amazing time. Especially for the holiday times when things can get so busy, the Dante team did a wonderful job making sure everything went smoothly and accommodated our every need. Highly recommend anyone looking for a group dinner to check out Dante! We would love to be back. Thank you again for the amazing team for making our holiday dinner so special!!

I really loved sitting outside, in the winter sun, enjoying a cappuccino. Lovely server, beautiful interior, very clean bathrooms and the coffee was very good! Thank you!

Thank you to Rebecca/Michelle for helping me organize my baby shower brunch at Dante! You and the staff made everything so easy from booking to customizing menus to food service. I also appreciated that the restaurant coordinated the cake pick up at Magnolias. This little task made my morning so much easier. Throughout the event, the restaurant staff was very attentive, constantly checking in with my husband/I whether we were okay and guests had what they needed. I also appreciated that we never felt rushed throughout our event. Everyone in our party had a great time!

We had lunch at Dante’s today, and wow, it was incredible! We tried the cheeseburger and the chicken Caesar salad, and both were fantastic. The atmosphere was great, the service was on point, and the food definitely deserves a 5-star rating. I highly recommend checking it out!

An unforgettable night at Caffe Dante West Village! We celebrated my friend’s bachelorette here, and the experience could not have been more perfect. The team at Caffe Dante was incredibly flexible and accommodating in helping us build out a custom menu, it really made the night feel special and personalized. The service was outstanding from start to finish - attentive, warm, and genuinely kind. Every dish we had was fantastic, beautifully presented, and full of flavor. We had some dietary restrictions and they made special dishes for that as well. And the drinks… absolutely amazing! Each cocktail was crafted with care and had that signature Dante creativity we’d heard so much about. It was such a memorable evening, and we couldn’t have asked for a better spot to celebrate. Highly recommend for any special occasion - or honestly, any night you want to feel a little special!

Dante is always on my itinerary when in the city!! It never disappoints. The location, the vibes and the cocktails: ALL 10s!! Secured 2 barstools on Sunday (shoutout to Sam & Jessica 🫶🏼) and we had the best time at the bar with Junior!! We didn’t want to leave lol. We had the shakshouka and omg it was SO GOOD. Can’t wait to be back!

+2

Dante in West Village would be perfect if they had enough restrooms! It's a big, busy restaurant with the best drinks, and they definitely need more than two restrooms for over 100 people. The lines can be quite long. Other than that, everything was perfect! You must order the cocktails—they are a piece of art and taste delicious. Every single dish we ordered, from appetizers to the main course, was delicious. Yes, I would love to go back, and yes, I will recommend it to my friends.

+6

This place is so cool! Service was great, vibe was amazing. I had a non- alcoholic drink and my friends said their drinks were delicious! It was a great experience. I came a few times here and never regretted. One of the best things were not to wait so long for a table.

+2

The restaurant is very cozy and beautiful. We were there during the Martini hour 3-5pm. However the one I like is not on the list. I ordered chocolate espresso martini and regular espresso martini. Both were great. For food i got granola which is so good. Steak and eggs were just average.

Drinks were incredible and service was even better. Server was so knowledgeable–you definitely pay for what you get here in the right way. Would come again. 11/11.

Dante truly exceeded our expectations, even though we only ordered drinks. The ambiance alone is worth the visit – it's like stepping into a chic, yet cozy oasis. The staff were incredibly attentive, making sure our glasses were never empty and providing excellent recommendations based on our preferences. The cocktails were expertly crafted, each sip a flavorful journey in itself. And let's not forget the presentation – every drink was a work of art. Even though we didn't try any food, the experience left us eager to return for a full dining experience. If you're looking for a top-notch spot for drinks with friends or a special someone, Dante is the place to be.

+2

My group and I had a wonderful time at Dante, West Village and truly enjoyed our brunch experience. I hosted a baby shower brunch for 24 people and we had a WONDERFUL experience. Pro tip: ideally, if you have 30 people, you can avoid having a small table of 5 within your semi-private space. Alejandro, our waiter, was great. What impressed us most was how sweet and welcoming everyone in the restaurant was to our group, even the other waiters and staff that were nearby. The service and hospitality made the day feel really special. I really appreciate how it didn’t feel like our group was being rushed. There was really nothing that could have been improved. Everyone enjoyed their choice from the entree options (shakshuka, eggplant, burger, frittata). They also enjoyed the welcome cocktails and latte/espresso drink that was included in the package (which after tax and tip came out to about $85 per person). The holiday/Christmas decor was beautiful. Even without it, it’s such a beautiful space. We really appreciate everything and would love to return in the future. Highly recommend for a large brunch of 30 guests.

Love Dante for their beautiful ambiance, delicious garibaldi, good vegan/plant-based menu options, and of course, we love martini hour!

Dante's in the West Village is a great place to enjoy a sunny Sunday afternoon. My friend and I stopped by and sat outside, where we shared a few cocktails. The drinks were elegant and refreshing, making for a perfect way to unwind. I was impressed by the quality and creativity of the cocktails. I can't wait to return and try the food menu, which looks delicious, and experience the main dining area as well. The service was attentive and efficient, contributing to a pleasant experience. The outdoor seating provided a comfortable environment to relax and chat. The atmosphere was lively but not overly noisy, allowing for easy conversation. I appreciate that the cocktail menu featured a variety of options to suit different tastes. Overall, Dante's offers a good mix of drinks and a nice ambiance for a casual outing. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a enjoyable experience.

+4

I haven’t had a chance to sit down for a meal at Dante yet, but I recently did an engagement photo session there and absolutely loved the space. The staff was so kind and welcoming while we were taking pictures, and the whole vibe of the place is so charming. As a photographer, I really appreciate spots that are both beautiful and easy to work in, and Dante is definitely one of them. The couple I was working with stayed for dinner afterward and later told me their martinis were amazing. I’m already looking forward to coming back to try it myself!

+5

Paola Guada

5 Stars for Dante West Village! We went yesterday for a company gathering celebrating our colleague's 10th anniversary. We were 11 people, and they were kind enough to accommodate our party. Of course, this was reserved in advance. Their staff was friendly, very professional, and knowledgeable about the menu and cocktails, which were delish with premium liquor. Food arrived on time and was delicious. The ambiance was amazing, not too loud, actually, I think we were loud. We had an amazing time and definitely will come back!

Michael Maloney

Wow what a fantastic place, we had a bunch of happy hour martinis and oysters before our opera at the Met, service was amazing and the Banana bread was better than my mom's. Sorry mom. 😔 We'll definitely be back for dinner. PS Sorry I stole some of your beautiful coasters as a memento. 😔

Randi Morgan

Lovely Pre Christmas brunch as we were traveling through NYC for the holidays. Great service, delectable food choices, and a cozy warm vibe. Highly recommend.

Jan Rockstroh

Wonderful, attentive service and top-quality food across the board. Oysters first — magnificent. The fish was excellent, the steak outstanding, the soup delightful, and the mushroom risotto cooked to perfection. We dined as a family of four, with our two daughters. The quality and balance of the dishes stood out — superb produce, very much in the vein of European ingredients and cooking. The interior is equally lovely. Booking can be a challenge — we were fortunate walk-ins. Thank you for keeping a table for the unplanned; it was much appreciated.

Pamela A

I love this place! The cocktail menu is fabulous. I got a Negroni Bianco. So good. My group was eating at 10:30 PM so ate light and were impressed by the numerous options that wouldn’t weigh you down before bedtime. I had a delicious salad with arugula and smoked trout. My vegetarian daughter had a cauliflower dish along with some grilled pumpkin. Another had a burrata appetizer and one ordered the cheeseburger. That cheeseburger was more than she could consume. All of the cocktails were well balanced. One was enough. I’ll be back. Great vibe! Ram, our waiter, was terrific and the staff worked well as a team.

+5

Joon Lim

Storied little pub in the West Village. Wonderfully designed interior. Rustic, inviting, and welcoming. Went by myself to try a martini during their martini hour. Alive enough to have fun but quiet enough to have a conversation with friends. I would have loved to have come by with friends!

+3

Sepehr Asadizadeh

Beautiful and cozy restaurant, great hospitality, staff were friendly, professional and very stylish. Food and drink presentation was amazing! This place is known for their signature martinis and the server garnished the dirty martini in front of us with pure class and professionalism! Amazing experience.

Sara Bailey

Midday indulgence done right! The food was absolutely exceptional ! From the insanely juicy burger to the perfectly cooked steak topped with vibrant chimichurri (seriously, flavor heaven). Everything looked as good as it tasted, and since it wasn’t crazy busy, we got to just sip, savor, and soak in the chill West Village vibe.

+2

Monika D

Dante is one of those places that truly captures the magic of New York dining — stylish but relaxed, lively yet intimate. The moment you walk in, you’re greeted by the hum of good energy, the clink of glasses, and that unmistakable Italian warmth. The cocktails are perfection — balanced, creative, and beautifully presented. (Their Negroni variations are a must-try!) The food is equally impressive: simple, fresh ingredients elevated with care. I especially loved the burrata and pasta — every bite felt thoughtfully prepared. Service was attentive without being intrusive, and the team made the experience feel genuinely personal. Whether you’re stopping by for an afternoon spritz, a date night, or brunch with friends, Dante never disappoints. A true NYC classic that lives up to the hype — timeless, vibrant, and always worth a visit.

+3

Mariee M.

There are places in New York that catch your eye even before you step inside, and this aperitivo bar was one of them. Its exterior radiated a quiet allure, hinting at the elegance that awaited beyond the door. Though I arrived without a reservation and was told there would be a wait, being alone worked to my advantage; within minutes I was guided to the bar, where a small team of bartenders orchestrated the evening with poise. The bar itself was a jewel box of refined detail—delicate glassware shimmering under golden table lamps, a space dressed with a kind of theatrical charm that felt both timeless and contemporary. Since I was in the neighborhood to see Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment, I naturally sought her signature cocktail, the Cosmopolitan. The menu did not disappoint: organized by base spirits—gin, rum, vodka—yet brimming with creativity, including seasonal specials that captured the fleeting moods of the city. I settled on a “Cosmo-tini,” a martini brightened with cranberry juice. Balanced, strong, and spirited, it was the perfect prelude to dinner. When I asked to move to a dining table, a server—graceful and professional—guided me to a small outdoor setting. Late September air carried a chill, yet the chance to dine under the fading autumn light felt too rare to refuse. I ordered a medium-rare skirt steak with a glass of Chianti, both superbly prepared. The steak arrived cooked to perfection, tender and flavorful, its simplicity elevated by precise execution. As if on cue, my server later suggested dessert: an apple galette crowned with vanilla ice cream, a dish that captured the essence of the season. The generous slices of apple and buttery crust made for a finale that was both comforting and exhilarating. What lingers most in memory, beyond the dishes and the drinks, was the attentive warmth of the staff. I regret not remembering the name of the woman who looked after me that night, but I do remember her elegance—her radiant smile and her beautifully voluminous curls, a style that seemed to echo her poise and attentiveness. Dante is, without question, one of the most worthwhile destinations I discovered in New York—standing proudly among the city’s famed viewpoints, museums, and celebrated restaurants. To me, it remains a glowing amber of New York: warm, radiant, and timeless. Though I have since returned home, I continue to recommend it to anyone planning a trip. And one day, I hope to return myself. Until then, I’ll let the memory of that golden evening wait patiently for me.

+6

Denise Villani

✨ Dante West Village — Truly Exceptional Every Time ✨ Dante’s West Village is one of those rare places that never disappoints. From the moment you walk in, you’re treated like family — and that warmth is what sets them apart. The food is flawless, every dish crafted with care and bursting with flavor. Their drinks? Absolute perfection — creative, balanced, and some of the best cocktails you’ll ever have. But what truly makes Dante unforgettable are the people. The staff aren’t just attentive; they’re genuinely kind, welcoming, and passionate about what they do. That combination of world-class food, spectacular drinks, and an incredible team makes every reservation here remarkable. Let me say that again, the incredible team here makes it remarkable. It’s not just a meal — it’s an experience that leaves you saying, “Wow, when can I come back?” If you haven’t been yet, trust me: you need to go. It’s a whole Vibe ✨✨🌟

+1

Dave MacLeod

Beautiful outside table in the midst of a lively street scene on a fabulous Saturday afternoon in the west village. Each drink was distinctive and hand crafted. Avocado toast deliciously served with fried egg, mushroom toast was really good too.

+2

Andrew Hazelrigg

I was pleasantly surprised how good the food was. This place was recommended by my 23 year old sister who doesn’t pay with her own money so i was a little skeptical. But actually all of our courses were great. Shoutout to Max from Argentina for the wonderful service

+6

Andrea Luong

I think this is one of my top places for cocktails. Each drink is made so well. The environment and the decor and all the details are so cute. I had the pornstar martini and loved the passionfruit on the side.

+1

Joy Clifford

An adorable Italian cafe with great vibes, great cocktails and tasty food. I'd high recommend the drinks! They are hand crafted, with fresh ingredients and there are so many to choose from! A wonderful experience all around!

Lina Stef

My friends and I had the best dinner at Dante’s this past Sunday. David ( with the glasses) was the sweetest waiter. He recommended the best cocktail ( verde for the summer). It was so delicious along with the roasted chicken. He was super energetic and I loved that he even helped me celebrate with my friends. I’ll definitely be back writing more reviews for Dante :)

LOURDI

Okay, technically this isn’t my first time having a martini… but it’s my first time having one made correctly. If you think you’re not a martini person, I’m here to tell you: you just haven’t had one at Dante. Period. They’ve officially turned me into a martini girlie. The food? Impeccable. Every dish felt like it came with a side of love. The service? Top-tier. The staff is warm, welcoming, and knows their stuff — ask them about the menu or cocktails, and they’ll school you in the best way. Cleanliness on point, bathrooms stocked with all you need. Now let’s talk happy hour: six signature martinis on deck (yes, six!), and every single one is worth the sip. If you’re feeling bold, there are other specialty drinks. Honestly, you can’t go wrong — drink-wise or food-wise. Bonus points for outdoor seating, because the vibes on Hudson Street are chef’s kiss.

+5

Nice ambiance, a little bit busy inside but perfect outside. Our waiter was attentive, and suggested drinks and food to us. Burger was delicious, juicy and with perfect additions. Side of potatoes had an outstanding sauce, and we got the secret of its ingredients. Halibut was not my favorite, it supposed to be roasted, but came out soft, almost poached, immersed in thin tomato broth. Still, good quality fish, edible, not going to order it next time. Cosmo drinks - good, service - good. Overall, very pleasant experience.

Dante West Village is just a great spot for drinks. The cocktails are dialed in — martinis are crisp and perfectly chilled. Went for their Martini hour a little while back. Everything feels really balanced and well put together without trying too hard. The burrata’s a standout too — super fresh, creamy, and goes perfectly with a drink (or two) if you’re not trying to have a full meal. The space has an easy flow to it, busy but not cramped, and the staff keep things moving smoothly without hovering. It’s the kind of place that feels reliable — you can go for a date, a couple drinks after work, or just when you want something a little better than your usual bar. Always a good call.

We stopped by for martinis and they were tasty.

+6

I enjoy this place during the weekends, but the manager lady is incredibly rude and passive aggressive with her words. There was a bug in one of the drinks, and she verbally fought us and the waiter for changing it without charging us a fee...

Dante West Village is such a fun and vibey spot. We shared the Blistered Shishito Peppers (with Ravida al limone olive oil, sea salt, and togarashi spice), the Wild Mushroom Risotto (with porcini mushroom butter), and the Wagyu Bolognese (with maccheroni al ferro). The peppers had a nice salty citrus kick, the risotto was rich and comforting, and the bolognese was hearty without feeling too heavy. Everything we ordered was solid, but the risotto was the standout for me, and I'm not usually a martini girl but I definitely want to come back already to try the Tequila Appletini and their Crispy Baked Potato.

We stopped in and had cocktails and a shared dish. Both the cocktails and the food were delicious and well prepared. The olives that come along with the martini are amazing! The outdoor seating area is a great space. If you are looking for a place to grab a bite and drinks or just passing by definitely give them a try.

Dante is one of those West Village favourites that really lives up to the hype. It’s a gorgeous cocktail bar with soft pastel colours, marble bar tops, and glassware that makes everything feel a bit special. It’s brighter than most bars of its kind, but still manages to be cosy rather than clinical. The vibe is elevated without being uptight, the staff know their stuff, and the short drinks pack a serious punch. I left feeling very merry for sure. Stylish, fun, and the kind of place you’ll want to linger for “just one more.”

The lighting here lies—in the best possible way. It casts a golden warmth over everything, from the paneled ceilings to the pressed-shirt patrons, seducing you into believing you’ve stepped into something rare. And maybe, by the end, you have. When I first arrived, I’ll be honest—I wasn’t feeling it. The space felt more performative than soulful. The early service was slow, the energy aloof, and I found myself filing it under “Looks like a 4.5, behaves like a 2.5.” But then… the story shifted. Enter Holly, the hostess with actual gravitas. Sweet, responsive, effortlessly kind. A real tether in the swirl of aesthetic noise. She was the first sign that this place had more to offer than just a good mirror angle. Then came the drinks. The first? A miss—entirely my fault. I ordered something with an ingredient I normally avoid (classic rookie move). But every drink after that? Knockouts. Thoughtful, well-balanced, even a little addictive. Complex in a way that rewards attention. This bar knows what it’s doing. My friend Paul, who joined me, had a different take from the start: “We’ve had great service since arrival—even before being seated. Drinks while waiting. Attention without pretension. And every cocktail? Spot on.” He’s also in the service industry, which means he spots competence the way a musician hears a wrong note. His 4.0 is my 3.25—which says something. So, what do we have here? We have a place that opens like a well-dressed stranger—cold, polished, maybe a little smug—but eventually softens into something real. You just have to stay long enough. You have to let the arc play out. Yes, the crowd leans bro-forward. Yes, it’s more West Village than Westworld. But if you let the evening breathe, this place delivers—especially once the drinks start flowing and the staff warms up. Final Word: Come for Holly. Stay for the cocktails. Let the first impression fade. This place grows on you like ivy—quietly, slowly, then all at once.

+5

Dante is my go-to spot to take friends for drinks when they’re visiting New York for a classic New Yorker cocktail experience. The Grasshopper cocktail is really good - chocolatey, minty, and perfect for pre-gaming. The martinis are cute and beautifully presented. The food, however, isn’t the best. I’ve eaten there twice and wouldn’t go back for the food, it can be better. However, this is definitely a place that’s better for drinks than for dining.

nazanin vaziri

Went on a Sunday without a reservation and had to wait around 45 minutes—it gets packed. We finally got an outdoor table, a bit hot but still nice. Drinks (matcha latte + Americano) were disappointing, but the food made up for it. The service was a little weak, probably because it was so busy. Definitely worth trying at least once!

+2

Carly Greenblatt

My friends and I came here for martini hour. The dirty martini came with an entire show and it didn’t disappoint! I do have to say, if you like your dirty martinis extra dirty not to get it here but it was still super good. The olives.. were HUGE! The staff was so nice and helpful. The drinks were a little small for the price but definitely delicious!

This place started off strong. Our waiter was kind, attentive, and gave us great recommendations. We started with the burrata, the steak tartare, and the bread—all of which were to die for. We ordered espresso martinis, a cosmo spritz, and a pornstar martini, and they were all incredible. For entrées, I got the mushroom risotto with chicken, which was pretty good, though the chicken wasn’t my favorite. My friends split a chicken Caesar salad, and the portion size was disappointingly small, especially since the waiter told us it was shareable. My other friend got the clams, which she said were great. Things went downhill when we ordered our second round of drinks. The orders came out completely wrong. We didn’t mind the human mistake, but when we brought it to the waiter’s attention, he was rude and short, and insisted he had gotten it right. I know this might sound picky, but when you’re paying $450 for a nice dinner, you do expect your food and drinks to be correct. He never wrote anything down, which normally wouldn’t bother me, but it does when the orders don’t come out correctly. Also, the margaritas were really bad—like, genuinely not good. I ended up sending mine back and even said I didn’t mind paying for it; I just wanted another martini instead. He took it off the bill, but again acted annoyed and frustrated with us. Our drinks took forever—which we actually didn’t mind at first because it was busy and we appreciated the craft cocktails. But when we asked to cancel the drinks so we could finish dinner more quickly, he told us they were already made… and then we still waited another 10 minutes for them. Service became really spotty: he forgot straws (twice), messed up drink orders, and responded rudely multiple times. But I’m not sure if this is a restaurant policy or not, because this part was shocking: after dropping off the check, he made us wait about 15 minutes before bringing the portable ToastTab device to our table. Then, in front of us, he swiped the card and had us choose between only 20%, 22%, and 25% for the tip—with him standing there watching. Terrible. This is not Starbucks. That alone felt tasteless, but when you’re trying to privately discuss the bill and what to tip, it felt incredibly inappropriate. And just to be clear, we fully understand that 20% is standard. This wasn’t us trying to save money—my friends and I have all worked in the service industry (at nice restaurants) and we respect it, understand it, and are always kind. But we also know when someone hasn’t earned a 20% tip. The service was shitty—point blank. The only thing that saved the experience was everyone else running around helping fix the messed-up drinks, grabbing straws after multiple asks, refilling water, etc. The atmosphere here was absolutely beautiful, but we were disappointed considering how much we paid for the level of service we received. We were so excited for this dinner and simply left disappointed. The hostess was wonderful, the food was very very good, but it was the service that got us. Everyone has bad nights and serving can be tough and exhausting. But just our thoughts. I also would really recommend NOT having a ToastTab…

First of all, the vibes are perfect and I think this place has really great service, but I worry we came at an off time with our late-night reservation. We ordered four drinks and two desserts to finish off our night - the apple tart was hard to cut and chew but the ice cream was great. The sticky toffee pudding didn’t really taste like much of anything and wasn’t finished by the group. Two of us enjoyed our drinks but it was a miss for the other two. When we are in NYC, I think I’d try Dante again because it’s so cozy and romantic, but this time just didn’t quite hit.

Delicious drinks (totally see why they were ranked #1 in the world for cocktails, the chocolate Negroni is outstanding) but the food is definitely a bit overpriced. The cauliflower wasn’t seasoned evenly and the burgers came out to be medium-well done vs medium-rare as requested. Good service though and they do a great job with the outdoor dining. Would recommend going earlier in the day as it gets packed quickly / easily

I don't know where to begin because our experience was interesting to say the least...we arrived on a Tuesday without any reservations, but the wait was only 30 minutes so we sat outside. We received a menu from Max who would later become our waiter. While perusing the menu, we kept hearing this woman screaming, almost whining in a high pitched voice. It went on for so long, that patrons began to express concern, even some of the waitstaff, except for Max. He was extremely nonchalant and did not care. He also did not care to take our drink orders as he kept walking past us and by the time we flagged him down for a drink, our table was ready. One of my issues with Max is that while taking our order, he never looked at us because he was being a looky-loo as medical personnel finally arrived to take the wailing woman to the hospital, which carried on for about 20 minutes. He spoke so fast while taking our order we had to clarify it again, due to him being constantly distracted, which was the theme for the rest of our dinner. Despite our irritation, we enjoyed the peach burrata salad, roasted branzino, 1/2 chicken alla diavola, fingerling potatoes and the baked bread..omg, the bread is a must!! I am obsessed with caffe panna ice cream and Max presented us with 3 options. He recommended one flavor while I requested the other remaining flavors. When he brought out the ice cream, he gave me the one he chose. At that point I had had enough of Max and requested the manager on duty who apologized and comped our salad and ice cream. The ambiance was great and the food was lovely especially when we paired it with multiple Dante Hugo spritz's. Although we were irritated by our waiter, I look forward to returning.

The food is excellent, the drinks are great, and the atmosphere is lively. Unfortunately, the service really took away from the experience. We came for martini hour and things seemed fine until the bill arrived, when the pricing didn’t match what our server had explained. We told the manager we were happy to pay the tab, but wanted to flag the confusion and the inattentive service. Her response at first was simply that the server had been there for five years. She offered to remove a round of drinks, but that never showed up on the final bill. We had to flag our server down multiple times, ended up ordering from other servers, and at one point she was standing in the corner on her phone. After we ordered food and while we were still eating, we were told we needed to vacate the table within ten minutes. If there’s a time limit on tables, that should be communicated upfront so guests can plan when and how they order. Disappointing, especially given how good the food, drinks, and space are.

Very busy spot. We walked in on a Saturday at 1:30pm and there’s no open spot. We waited for about 10minute for bar seats. The hostess said the patios are fully booked. But there were several open seats throughout the duration of our stay. I guess there’s no chance for you to get a patio table without reservations. Bartenders are nice and giving recommendations. This place is famous for their Cocktails and they do taste great. Food on the other hand is average. My Shakshuka was not the best I’ve had. Not much service here because they are extremely busy and we were seated at the bar. Didn’t talk to our server much besides ordering and asking for the check.

+4

HORRIBLE 🤢 HORRIBLE 🤮 HORRIBLE 😫 Stay away ✋️or regret it. The food is ok. Drinks are good. Buttttt get ready to be crammed into any corner available and get moved tables 2x to 3x times. $16 starter bread 🍞 for the table? $16 some potatoes 🥔 for your steak or burger? And don't forget the mandaroty high tip. Place is called The Dante, more like The Ripoff 🤑 ONLY THING is the Jalapeño sauce is 5 🌟 🤩 but the tomato sauce sucks...

A Wise

Starting with the positive: the vibe here is fantastic and the place is cute. We enjoyed the oysters from Nova Scotia, as well as the warm bread with butter topped with sea salt. The young hostess was really pretentious and unfriendly. Although the wait staff was nice enough, it took four waiters until someone could actually name the oysters. We had five different cocktails, all of which were decent but nothing really inventive.

Food was good, drinks were only okay for all the hype (dirty martini was one of the worst I have ever had), atmosphere was great as well. Our server was horrible however. Took 10 minutes to even approach us with no apologizes. Service never improved and even had to depend on the kindness of his fellow server half way through the experience (who we tipped in cash on the way out).

+1

Awful hostess great drinks. Hostess was not hospitable in the slightest. We had asked for a table for two. After waiting a while the hostess asked us if we would like to sit at a table or the bar. We said table. She then asked us if we were planning on eating. We said yes but she was obviously pushing us to the bar so we capitulated. Drinks were great. Halfway through having our drinks the same hostess approached us and told us to move bar stools she had sat us at. All the while shooting us nasty looks. I like to believe upscale pricing gives you upscale service. It would seem that is not the case for Dantes. No wonder they haven’t won best bar since 2019.

Loud place hard to hear. very dry/flavorless chicken, shishito pepper somehow was not good. Bread was fine. Burata was fine. Service was fine. I don't know why so many ppl are there and popular. We did not have any drinks. Maybe drinks are good?

I rate them 0 stars for customer service. They have a "phoneless" system which they say is to make the guest experience better, but it actually is quite inconvenient and frustrating. I made a reservation through my Capital One card. When you call their stupid AI system, it insists the only way for me to manage a reservation is through resy. I never made a reservation through resy. It's impossible to get anybody on the phone to explain any of this. There are other, better bars, who still pay humans to work with customers. I recommend any of those.