THANK YOU for confirming that Theodora and Roman's were a letdown. When I ate at each everyone else at my table was raving about the food and I just...didn't get it? I was definitely surprised to see Little Grenjai on here though - they're still on my to try list and I'm curious to see how my experience will be!
If you give Grenjai a try let me know how it goes. The smash burger gets a lot of love but I haven’t heard as much praise for the rest of the menu. I’ve been going to Sukh for casual thai lately, which really hits.
I went to Ladder 4 in August and it was the best dining experience I had all year 😭😭service and food were both amazing so curious to know when you went/what you ordered
That’s high praise!! I don’t doubt your experience, but mine was just… not great.
I went in Jan this year — there was a crazy decadent sweet potato that oddly came out before anything else, a very good pan con tomate with anchovies. the three mains were all misses, fish, fried chicken, and a veg dish. there were a few courses in the middle I don’t really recall.
The servers were straight up rude though. hanging by the bar drinking wine, not attentive at all, never checked in after the mains were dropped. I got an amaro after dinner and they straight up refused to serve it on the rocks. they said “we don’t have ice and that’s not how you drink amaro anyways.” all this was after we waiting 30 mins for the res!!
The food I might have given another shot. But the service ruined any chance of a return visit tbh. I always want the hot new restaurants in detroit to be great… but they often let me down.
I love this b/c I rarely come across articles that highlight the disappointments of NYC’s most popular spots. I lived just around the corner from Roman’s for seven years (before moving to the UWS) and never went—it just didn’t convince me. This article completely validated that feeling. I'm curious about Theodora - I'll report back lol
I call that proximity bias... I always find myself subconsciously avoiding the places on my block in favor of a double-transfer subway ride to Bushwick lol. But in this case, proximity bias served you well. Definitely let me know how Theodora goes.
Haven’t made it over there yet. I’m wary of celebrity chef restaurants in general, but Bungalow seems worthy. Still haven’t been to Semma though, and I think that’s higher on my upscale Indian list. Have you been to either?
Was really disappointed in it especially how much flavor the main dishes lacked (pulled lamb, paneer). Would recommend Angel in Jackson Heights if you haven’t been yet
THANK YOU for confirming that Theodora and Roman's were a letdown. When I ate at each everyone else at my table was raving about the food and I just...didn't get it? I was definitely surprised to see Little Grenjai on here though - they're still on my to try list and I'm curious to see how my experience will be!
Gotta trust your taste!
If you give Grenjai a try let me know how it goes. The smash burger gets a lot of love but I haven’t heard as much praise for the rest of the menu. I’ve been going to Sukh for casual thai lately, which really hits.
ooh Sukh has been on my to try list too - very happy to hear an upvote for them!
hater in me looooved this
Hahah we've all got some hater in us you're not alone
I went to Ladder 4 in August and it was the best dining experience I had all year 😭😭service and food were both amazing so curious to know when you went/what you ordered
That’s high praise!! I don’t doubt your experience, but mine was just… not great.
I went in Jan this year — there was a crazy decadent sweet potato that oddly came out before anything else, a very good pan con tomate with anchovies. the three mains were all misses, fish, fried chicken, and a veg dish. there were a few courses in the middle I don’t really recall.
The servers were straight up rude though. hanging by the bar drinking wine, not attentive at all, never checked in after the mains were dropped. I got an amaro after dinner and they straight up refused to serve it on the rocks. they said “we don’t have ice and that’s not how you drink amaro anyways.” all this was after we waiting 30 mins for the res!!
The food I might have given another shot. But the service ruined any chance of a return visit tbh. I always want the hot new restaurants in detroit to be great… but they often let me down.
Last one hurt
Had to speak my truth
The claw trend needs to stop!!!!!
STOP THE CLAW 2025
I love this b/c I rarely come across articles that highlight the disappointments of NYC’s most popular spots. I lived just around the corner from Roman’s for seven years (before moving to the UWS) and never went—it just didn’t convince me. This article completely validated that feeling. I'm curious about Theodora - I'll report back lol
I call that proximity bias... I always find myself subconsciously avoiding the places on my block in favor of a double-transfer subway ride to Bushwick lol. But in this case, proximity bias served you well. Definitely let me know how Theodora goes.
Curious to hear your thoughts on bungalow
Haven’t made it over there yet. I’m wary of celebrity chef restaurants in general, but Bungalow seems worthy. Still haven’t been to Semma though, and I think that’s higher on my upscale Indian list. Have you been to either?
Was really disappointed in it especially how much flavor the main dishes lacked (pulled lamb, paneer). Would recommend Angel in Jackson Heights if you haven’t been yet
Angel looks great. I appreciate the rec!!
The tea is piping!!!
I like the idea of the most disappointing mess as a round up
I went to Roman's with my brother and almost all the dishes were so salty they were basically inedible... I really didn't get the hype at all...
i'm one of the few miss ada detractors, and most of my complaints are the same ones you had at Theodora. Makes me skeptical of visiting.
ooooh interesting re Roman's and Theodora!