Novo Restaurant

I just read the review from someone who claimed to go Friday night and I was shocked. I was there for my first time on Friday with 6 other people and my experience was nothing short of excellent. The food was outstanding from appetizers to desert and the thing that stood out the most for me was how hard the owner/manager was working to see to it that we had everything we needed. Perhaps this other reviewer was at a different restaurant because the Novo I went to was a place I am more than happy to recommend. In fact I am going back this Friday with 6 other friends with whom I dine with on a monthly basis, specifically because of the food and service. We like to try different restaurants every month and this month I insisted we go to Novo based on the experience I had. I have been to a lot of restaurants in my time and I have to give this place 4 stars on atmosphere, food quality and service. The owner even sent over some tequila shots on the house to show his appreciation for our patronage. Who does that? Definately a keeper on our list of places to eat drink and be merry. Pros: Close to subway, great food, excellent service Cons: Lack of parking is the only issue more

This review is based on several visits. The last was the worst.\r The manager is bad. His aloofness to customers and conditions is notorious. If he knows you ? he will take care of you, otherwise he will treat you as a wall. He doesn?t greet you, never comes to your table to ask how things are. He does nothing but chats with his buddies at their table or outside. \r We came for dinner on Friday evening and were ?greeted? by a grumpy overworked waitress. Meanwhile the manager was chatting with a group of middle-aged men at their table. Manager was standing between their table and bar stools blocking the way. Despite of excusemes manager did not bother to move an inch and we had to force our way in. \r He was the worst dressed employee wearing a washed out light blue t-short looking like he just got out of bed. This signifies that he has no desire to represent this place or make it any good. Or, may be, the place is how he is dressed and how he treats the customers.\r The waitress was running like crazy while the manager was doing nothing when the place was not ready. He tried to give her orders in between chats and sittings at his buddies? table. She brushed him off.\r The empty tables (including our) were only partially ready. Our table had only one glass, paper napkins and knives and no forks. Even when food came they did not bother to provide forks until we asked for them.\r Waitress asked if we were ready to order without asking if we wanted any drinks. \r We ordered mixed ceviche and beef carnitas for appetizers. It took quite awhile for the appetizers to arrive. Carnitas came cold; ceviche - way over salted. Was it fresh?\r For main course we had stuffed chicken breast and filet minion au pouvre. Food came just warm. Chicken was rubbery and dry. Filet minion (although ordered as medium) was almost well done, meat was flaky and rough rising questions about freshness and the method of storage. \r The bill ran to $97 for two. Cons: Unwelcoming environment, bad management. more

On sunday we decided to go for a late brunch. We passed by Novo couple of times, and decided it would be a great place for brunch. What a mistake that was. We ordered eggs, and some fruit platter. Right next to us, a couple that came to the restaurant at the same time as we ordered dinner/lunch. After 15 minutes they received their food, which i might add did look appetizing. After 30 minutes, our food was not there, we asked the waitress where it was, she said its coming, after 10 minutes it will be out momentarily. After 50 minutes of waiting for us, my boyfriend asked again, how long it will take for our food to arrive, the waitress gave us a tandrum that we should not speak to her like that and that she will get us the manager. For god's sakes a simple, sorry there will be a mix up would be enough. The manager did not come to our table, but told her to give us free drinks, but did not tell us how long until our food is to be served. Needless to say, we got up and left. Definetely the worst service I had encountered in a longest time. Pros: decor? Cons: waitress, very long wait, over 50 min for brunch! more

Monday Nights are great at Novo...live music by a wonderful Jazz Trio. One of the best Mojito's in the neighborhood. They have flavored Mojitos as well as Classic. Its a great place for a drink after work, a great neighborhood joint to go grab a drink and a bite to eat with friends. Manhattan flair with Queens prices. So for the best Mojito in this neighborhood go to Novo. Pros: AMBIENCE, SEATING, SERVICE Cons: LIMITED SEATING AT BAR more

After walking around Jackson Heights and enjoying all the sights and smells, we walked past Novo and found the menu to be appealing. It was a great choice - the prices were so easonable and the food \r was quite good. All four of us were please diwht our entree, especially the pork chop special. The blackberry mojitos were delicious. The service was pleasant - it was definitely a serendipitous find. more

This place is amazing!!--tons of character, great food, and I love the owners!! The music is great too, lots of variety--some nights Jazz, then Samba on Wednesdays and of Friday and Saturday nights its packed and everybody is dancing until all hours of the night so if you're in the mood for something low key go on Sun night-Wed night and if you want something with a little more Club/Lounge Scene go Thurs-Sat. You must try this place!!. Pros: food and music more

Jazz in Jackson Heights, Queens, NYC! Real jazz every Monday night 7 to 10pm! This is big news - there is a tiny sign in the window, so you could miss it. I know I did. But this is the real thing, Jim Hershman's Trio is the band. I was there 10/30/06, and even tho' another guitarist was sitting in for Hershman, it was great, real jazz by hip young players in Jackson Heights!\r \r Casual atmosphere, great music! Support jazz in the neighborhood! Go to Novo Monday nights! more