When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Canto West Village
Why Canto West Village is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Canto West Village is an inviting and lively restaurant located at 117 Perry Street in New York City's West Village. Renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and bold flavors, Canto offers a cozy yet energetic setting ideal for meeting friends and enjoying a memorable dining experience. The original location captures the essence of the lively West Village, where close-knit tables encourage social interaction and spirited conversation. Highlights include their celebrated frozen espresso martinis, known for their smooth texture despite some patrons noting a smaller serving size, and a selection of Italian-inspired dishes that pair well with the upbeat environment. The restaurant provides an intimate but bustling space typical of the dynamic West Village vibe, perfect for pre- or post-theater gatherings or casual nights out. Whether you are craving well-crafted cocktails or authentic Italian flavors, Canto West Village offers a cheerful ambiance complemented by its signature drinks and an eclectic menu that aims to elevate everyday dining into a social event.
Here's what people think of Canto West Village
As of recent, Canto West Village holds a 4.6-star rating based on 890 reviews.
Reviews of Canto West Village reflect a mix of appreciation for the atmosphere and some dissatisfaction with certain food offerings and value perceptions. Positive reviews frequently mention the lively and vibrant environment that makes it a fun spot to catch up with friends. Many highlight the excellence of their cocktails, particularly the frozen espresso martinis, praised for their taste and quality. Users also appreciate the cozy nature of the space and the authenticity of the Italian flavors served. On the other hand, negative reviews focus on instances where dishes like pasta or salads were underwhelming or perceived as not delivering sufficient flavor or value, with some customers mentioning that the portions and prices did not meet their expectations. Additionally, a few patrons expressed disappointment in the size of drinks and questioned the price-point relative to what was served. Despite such criticisms, the overall consensus leans toward Canto being a popular destination with a strong emphasis on social dining and well-made cocktails, holding a solid 4.6 rating from over 890 reviews. This indicates that while there may be variability in food experiences, many find it a worthwhile and enjoyable place to visit in the West Village.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Shynelle Blake
My friend and I went to Canto this past Wednesday with a 5:45pm reservation. Despite booking ahead, we still had to wait about 15 minutes for a table because the restaurant was packed and accepts walk-ins. It was a bit frustrating, especially since the restaurant opens at 5pm, there should be tables reserved for people with bookings. We were also told happy hour ended at 5:45pm, which seemed unusually early. On a positive note, our waiter was great! She took my food allergy seriously and offered thoughtful alternative recommendations. The frozen espresso martini was amazing, and the food was delicious too! Because we missed the happy hour due to having to wait for a table, we asked if we could still get the frozen espresso martini’s for the happy hour price and the waiter was able to honor one of the drinks for the happy hour price.
Rebecca Drouin
The food and drinks were incredible! The mushroom risotto dinner special was absolutely perfect. So flavorful! Alexia our server was very attentive and kind. The restaurant was incredibly busy, but she did a great job of continually checking in on us.
Nicole Erlich
This review from Nicole and Maggie. WE LOVE CANTO!! Fernando was a great bartender who whipped us up these amazing frozen espresso martinis. We also ordered the bucatini carbonara and it was to die for! The vibes were everything. It’s gorgeous in here. It’s such a good time. 100/10 recommend. Def will be coming back!
Aime Zelaya
The food was incredible. My favorite pasta was definitely the carbonara. The Tuscany skirt steak was also excellent. Service was quick, and our waiter, Oscar, was attentive, kind, and offered great suggestions. The cocktails were delicious, especially the espresso martini and raspberry spritz. I’d love to come back and try more from the menu!
Damaris Flint
Loved this cute and cozy spot for dinner. Had an amazing time here with my best friend. Alexa was a great host, so sweet and attentive. The food was good, beside finding hair in my food, Alexa accommodated this issue very well. Would definitely come again. Frozen expresso martini is a MUST. 💗
How to reach Canto West Village
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Why Canto West Village may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Canto West Village with your friends? This Italian restaurant offers a distinctive urban atmosphere in the heart of New York's West Village, making it an appealing spot to reconnect with friends or enjoy a casual family outing. With a solid rating of 4.6 from nearly 900 reviews, it clearly resonates with many patrons who prioritize ambiance, crafted cocktails, and a convivial dining experience. Canto’s warm and inviting environment—especially its al fresco seating—makes it a perfect place to savor drinks and engage in long, meaningful conversations without the rush seen in many fast-paced eateries. Though the menu prices are on the higher side, ranging mostly from $18 to $35 for dishes and $16 to $19 for cocktails, the overall experience fosters a laid-back setting ideal for gatherings where the focus is on socializing and enjoying quality drinks. The combination of well-reviewed cocktails alongside a warm setting encourages groups to linger, making it a desirable venue for both casual meetups and special occasions with friends or family.
What activities can you do at Canto West Village for a group meetup? Primarily, this place excels at being a social hub for dining and drinking, with an emphasis on Italian-inspired cuisine and expertly mixed cocktails. Groups can enjoy a shared meal with dishes like beef short rib sandwiches, tagliatelle bolognese, and gnocchi gratinati available. Its extensive wine list and inventive cocktails, such as the famed frozen espresso martini and other mixed drinks, create a vibrant atmosphere perfect for toasting to celebrations or simply catching up. The restaurant’s friendly service and inviting bar area offer an engaging environment where friends can congregate for cocktail hour or a night out. Additionally, the al fresco dining option allows groups to experience the lively street vibe of West Village while enjoying their meals outdoors, enhancing the communal feel of meetups. While food reviews vary, the drink offerings consistently receive praise, making Canto a hotspot for those looking to rally over creative cocktails and a cozy atmosphere.
Why is Canto West Village perfect for group dining or meetups? Its location in a bustling, trendy neighborhood of Manhattan is a major draw for groups looking to combine excellent people-watching with delicious food and drinks. The restaurant’s spacious layout and warm ambiance encourage lingering and conversation, important ingredients for memorable group outings. The thoughtful curation of drinks and appetizers provides plenty of options for sharing and sampling, which is ideal for groups that appreciate variety and communal tasting experiences. Despite some criticisms about food quality and perceived value, many patrons stay for the ambiance and cocktail craftsmanship, which adds to its appeal as a place to relax and socialize. Whether you are looking to celebrate a birthday, host a casual reunion, or just enjoy Sunday brunch with friends, Canto offers the comfort and style that transforms an ordinary meal into an event. Its balance of approachable luxury and convivial setting makes it particularly suited for friends and family looking to spend quality time together in a stylish yet comfortable environment.
What should groups expect from the dining experience at Canto West Village? Although opinions on food quality are mixed, with some guests appreciating the pasta dishes and others finding them underwhelming, the overall dining experience emphasizes a slow, relaxed pace that encourages guests to savor their meals and drinks. Groups accustomed to lively social dinners will find the service warm, albeit not always speedy, supporting a stress-free dining experience that prioritizes conversation and connection over hurried plates. Cocktails stand out as a highlight, with many patrons raving about their quality and innovation, making the bar a natural gathering point for groups focused on enjoying their favorite drinks. The thoughtful presentation of appetizers and mains, paired with a carefully selected wine list, means that diners can mix and match flavors to their group’s liking. For groups with varying tastes, Canto’s menu offers enough diversity to cater to different preferences, while its chic decor and inviting vibe further enhance the communal dining atmosphere.
How does the ambiance at Canto West Village contribute to group gatherings? The restaurant boasts a warm and convivial ambiance that makes it a prime spot for social interactions. The interior blends modern Italian chic with casual comforts, providing a stylish yet approachable space. For outdoor enthusiasts, its al fresco dining is a significant draw, allowing groups to enjoy the fresh air and the vibrant street scene of the West Village. This outdoor seating is particularly appealing in pleasant weather, making it easy for friends or families to relax and linger over multiple courses or extended drinks. Inside, the softly lit environment and carefully curated music selection fuel a feeling of intimacy and exclusivity without being overly formal. Although reviews of the vibe and sound levels occasionally mention incongruities, such as mismatched music choices for particular occasions, many guests find the overall setting conducive to memorable social experiences. The thoughtful design fosters an atmosphere where groups can genuinely connect, celebrate, and create lasting memories in a comfortable environment.
What kind of group occasions is Canto West Village best suited for? Its blend of sophisticated dining and casual comfort makes it ideal for a variety of group events ranging from birthdays and anniversaries to casual friends’ nights out or small family celebrations. The cocktail-focused menu offers a touch of luxury without the stiffness of more formal venues, making it easy for groups to feel at home while still enjoying a curated culinary experience. The venue works well for groups that want an intimate setting but also crave the urban energy of the West Village neighborhood. Because of its reputation as a cocktail haven, it’s particularly suitable for those looking to rally over drinks and light bites rather than formal, multi-course meals. This makes it a great spot for pre-theater gatherings or after-work meetups as well. Although some food critics express reservations about its value, the overall welcoming atmosphere and quality drink offerings strongly position Canto as a preferred destination for laid-back, social group occasions.
How can Canto West Village enhance your meetup experience through its menu? The menu offers a range of Italian-inspired dishes that cater well to groups who enjoy sharing various plates. Items like tagliatelle bolognese and the beef short rib sandwich serve as hearty options, while dishes such as the gnocchi gratinati appeal to those who prefer classic, comforting flavors. The frozen espresso martini and other inventive cocktails elevate the drink experience, adding an element of fun and sophistication that appeals to diverse palates. Even though some customers find the food quality inconsistent, the crafted cocktails and wine selection generally receive high marks for taste and presentation. Sharing a variety of menu items encourages interaction, debate, and discovery among friends and family over the course of the meal. This communal eating style enhances the sense of bonding and can turn an ordinary dinner into a shared adventure of flavors.
What do patrons say about the value and service at Canto West Village? Reviews reflect a range of experiences with some patrons praising the friendly service and the quality of cocktails, while others express disappointment about food portions and price-value ratio. The service is often described as warm and attentive, although some note that food delivery can be slow, contributing to a relaxed dining pace rather than a rushed experience. Pricing is in line with upscale Italian restaurants in the area, and while cocktails are generally considered worth their price, some of the food items have drawn criticism for not matching their cost. Despite these mixed reviews, many guests elect to return for the ambiance and drink offerings rather than the food alone. This suggests that the real value for groups lies more in the atmosphere and the social experience than in the culinary precision, making it a place where the experience of meeting and mingling genuinely shines.
What makes Canto West Village a memorable venue for social gatherings? Beyond the food and drinks, Canto’s charm is rooted in its ability to create an inviting social environment. Its well-executed cocktail menu and warm ambiance encourage guests to relax and socialize without feeling pressured by the typical restaurant rush. The outdoor seating enhances this by connecting diners to the vibrant West Village streetscape, which itself is a characterful backdrop for any meetup. The staff’s friendly approach and the vibe of the space combine to generate a relaxed yet chic environment where guests can unwind. While it may not be the highest-rated for food, the combination of location, atmosphere, and drink craftsmanship makes it a memorable spot for guests to rally with friends or family, turning any outing into a cherished social event. Whether you’re meeting old friends or making new ones, Canto West Village offers a dependable social setting that focuses on conviviality and community.