DO NOT SHOP HERE. This place is the worst grocery store I have ever been to. I just walked out and saw that they charged me $12 for a bag of grapes. I don't even want to go back because its so dirty and the guys there are horrible. The guys there are totally cheep and definitely over charge on purpose. Then he told me that he forgot to charge me for one of my groceries when he clearly had and made a scene when I was just trying to leave. All they care about is themselves, couldn't give two shits about their customers. read more

I made a purchase that was about $20 but my Amex Bill was for $60. My husband purchases came to $16 and Amex showed $60. We went to the store and the owners reimbursed us for the mistakes. If you shop there check your credit card to make sure the amount is right. Two times is a coincidence or a theft. Not going there again. read more

I like the place. Great dipping stuff humus, guacamole, babaganoush. etc, and cheese selection. I did get short changed $5 at the register. Don't care for that individuals game and attitude but won't keep me from coming back. Consider it an investment. read more

Another gross and shady thing from this store. They cut out the date and place thier date on it. Its so old that the package wont come out of the box . Has a smell to it. Don't go here..... they change labels. read more

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ZERO stars but had to click 1 star to post this review. These people are crooks! I sent my teenager to buy a box of cereal and a bag of lemons and they charged her $25 and didn't give her a receipt. She forgot to get a dozen eggs so she went back 5 minutes later and they charged her $18, again, no receipt. Good thing I saw the charges on my credit card as soon as it was swiped and was appalled! I had to go the store myself to speak to the owner. The sheer audacity of swindling a teenager astounds me! The owner said it must be a mistake. I get it, it can and does happen but twice in a matter of minutes???!!! Shame on you! I will never ever set foot in this store again. Avoid at all cost! read more

What would I do without Barzini's? While fresh produce is not their strong point (look carefully - sometimes it's fresh and sometimes not) you'll find lots of marvelous specialty grocery items not easy to find - like convent sweets from Portugal, Israeli products, exotic jams and more. Friendly staff and free samples of cheese, too. They used to have a rodent problem, but that has been taken care of. The neighborhood just wouldn't be the same without Barzini's. read more

I wish every family owned grocery shop operated on the Barzini model. They have about six different types of butter. And a strained yogurt from Iceland that I'm addicted to. Every beer you could ever wish or imagine to drink (Santa's Butt?) is here. Once people here get to know you, they make sure you're well taken care of. "Where's the dog, Lisa?" "Awww, little Hua is up at the apartment with her mommy." "Are you sure you can carry that all by yourself? Do you want me to help you out?" (Was he really going to carry my groceries for me? Yep.) "It's all good, thanks, I'm strong." Laugh, laugh, laugh. They have everything you could ever want. I would say they are even more equipt than... gasp... Whole Foods on the Bowery. Their prices are very reasonable and it's actually a pleasant experience to shop there. Nobody pushes or shoves, everything is well stocked and so fresh. Bravo Barzini's! May you live another 100 years. read more

Dear Barzini owners. I can deal with the long lines and accidental overcharges (although perhaps not so accidental since this is the only place that actually overcharges consistently). But what I cannot deal with is your manager putting me through 10 minutes of confrontation for a store credit of $6.98 for selling me bad soup. When I was silly enough to bring it back thinking they'd gladly replace it or give me store credit (silly me!), not only were they not apologetic and instead of being horrified as they should have been (the soup went so bad the lid almost poped off a week before its expiration date) they were questioning me on when I bought it and since it was over 48 hrs ago, I didn't qualify for a store credit or a replacement product! When I said I'll complain to the owners, the guy at the register told me 'good luck' and when asked for his name told me he 'has no name'. Others, including the manager tonight, also refused to give me his name. Unbelievable considering I shop here all the time and buy way more than $6.98 worth of stuff. I finally got the credit after one of their guys tasted the soup and confirmed it went bad. Their store credit does not even begin to makeup for their rudeness and unapologetic behavior. Had I known, I would have never attempted to even bring it up with them. read more

It's cheaper than Zabars so that's a plus, but Dean and Deluca's is cheaper than Zabars these days so what does that really say? I have never seen a creature that wasn't dead and in the frozen foods section milling around Barzini's so I'm assuming they fixed their rodent problem. What I love about Barzinis: - Great prices on FRESH produce. Cheaper than Fairway, i kid you not - Incredible world cheese selection - Yummy cold cuts that are fresh and reasonably priced - They have the spices I need that I can't find anywhere else - Ground turkey for 5.99. You can't beat that! - They deliver! What I don't love about Barzinis: - The aisles are literally built for midgets. Who can fit through aisles that are 1-ft wide?! Seriously. You aren't that desperate for space! Get rid of the organic toiletry aisle. We are in a recession--everyone is buying Dove and Duane Reade brands right now, not Fruits of the Mountains formulated by Tibetan Monks hand lotion. Expand some of the aisles puh-lease! I can't bargain hunt for the ingredients for my pasta sauce without knocking over 20 cans of roasted red peppers any longer! - The cashiers that work at Barzinis are on a 24/7 PMS cycle. They are never in a good mood and if I told them I brought my own eco-friendly grocery tote, they look at me like I just asked them to donate a kidney to my first born. read more

Gross. Just say no. Their problems are fixable but they don't seem to care. Until they clean up the place, discard the old cheeses and produce and then hire decent help, Barzini's is a waste of time and money. Go to Zabars. read more

Amazing variety of anything you can imagine with reasonable prices . The owner is such a gentleman . Highly recommended !

I'd like to like this place. I really would. I love walking by their displays of fruit in the morning, they seem to get a fair amount of local produce, and they cram a somewhat amazing selection of gourmet foodstuffs into a small space. Alas, the too-good-to-be-true selection is, in fact, too good to be true. Much of what they carry should be in the garbage bin, not the grocery store shelf. I've just had too many bad experiences with moldy cheese, stale chips, icy ice cream and other sub-par purchases to keep shopping here. They simply don't seem to get the turnover they need to sustain the selection of foods they carry. read more

BARZINI'S CHANGES EXPIRATION DATES ON CHEESE, MEAT, FISH, YOGURT, CEREAL, BACON, AND LIKELY OTHER PRODUCTS. I'd suspected this having bought cheese that should have been good, but turned out to be hideous on more than one occasion (teleggio is supposed to be a little funky, but not smell like a corpse). And yet until today, I'd decided to think that the cheese was an isolated problem because of the convenient hours and large selection of other good products that I regularly buy there (fresh baked breads, Thomas's English Muffins, Bonne Maman jams, Hagen Daaz ice cream, occasionally respectable fruit - the things they sell in high volume). Alas, it's store-wide, and my experience today has lead me to a boycott. Just now I'd nearly bought a large container of Chobani plain non fat greek yogurt that, according to the expiration sticker on the bottom, was good until 11/11, and on sale "2 for $8". I decided to put it back because there was a little crusty part on the bottom edge that could have been dried yogurt, or just a scrape from having fallen off the truck. So I took the one underneath it and noticed it had the same little crusty thingy. Upon closer examination, it appeared to be white-out. "Maybe they're all like that" I thought. Eh, no. The neighboring Chobani containers, which were not on sale, all had a digitally printed expiration date on the bottom edge of the container, right where the white out was on the tainted ones. Sorry Barzini's. I've been a loyal customer for the past six years, but you've cheated me for the last time. I've put in a complaint with the Department of Health, and hence forth will either travel the extra distance to Fairway, or pay the higher prices at Food Emporium. read more

I have been meaning to write a review for this grocery store for some time now. After I purchased a bundle of bananas ($2.75) the other night and came home to find they were completely rotten ( couldn't tell from the outside of the bag), I felt it was time. As another reviewer said, it seems it takes one day, if that, for whatever you buy there to magically expire. I bought a pre made salad one day and checked the date to be sure it was still good, which it was, but upon opening it up to eat, I literally found white out in the salad!! I returned it to them and they gave me my money back but to my surprised, they didn't even seem bothered or shocked by the paint in the uneaten salad! This market, while closest to my apartment, is not good for anything except maybe their iced tea or cold and closed drinks. Food is moldy, tasteless and often just poor quality. Bummer. STAY AWAY! read more

I've put off writing this review, but after seeing the strawberries I bought yesterday covered in gray fuzzy mold this morning, I've decided not to put it off anymore. The few things I've bought at this store have simply gone bad! I bought a dozen eggs, and 5 out of the 6 I cracked were grossly gray inside. I returned them, got another dozen, only to see the same thing. Gross and unacceptable! This really makes me question how they handle food. I once bought a pint of ice cream, and it seemed like it was thawed and refrozen, it had a grainy, curdled texture. I went back for a refund and of course they only offer store credit. After a small fight I got cash back. After these few incidents, I do not trust the freshness of anything in this store, especially dairy. The shelves are overflowing with products (so much that the Quaker oats are stacked up on the air conditioner!), and I'm sure some of them must have been there for months, if not years - there aren't that many people shopping there to begin with, and some of the items are pretty obscure with low demand. I occasionally still buy potatoes or an orange from here, but I would advise anyone to stay away from more perishable products. Just yesterday, while waiting in line, I saw meat over a week past its expiration date in the cooler! The store also has a very off-putting pungent smell (probably from all the cheeses they have been stockpiling). What is also annoying is that they break up multipacks (which are supposed to save you money) of yogurt or chocolate and sell them individually. When I tried to use a coupon, they charged me more for the item than the sticker price (something about how the manufacturer doesn't reimburse them bla bla bla I really don't care, I just want to pay $2 less for the stupid smoothie!). Overall, be very wary. Or just avoid entirely. read more

I really wanted to like Barzini, since it is right across the street from my apartment and by far the most convenient for a quick store run. After reading reviews and having a few poor experiences, I felt it was finally time to share my story. I have been overwhelmed more than a few times by the smell that greets you upon walking in. Are we sure that that is the smell of great cheeses? I think it reeks a bit more of food past its prime. My milk magically turned bad a day before its "expiration date," which certainly disappointed me as I unexpectedly had a taste of rot during my morning smoothie. No, it was not from the frozen berries...those have proved to be fine, if not a bit frost-bitten. A little ice never hurt anyone...bad milk? Absolutely. My other experience this evening may have had more to do with how the store is setup and my previous experience with grocers' leafy greens sections. I make a mean quinoa and kale bowl, which requires...you guessed it, fresh kale. I have been gathering bunches of the leafy greens from various grocers across this fine country for years. The leaves are usually gathered in small, consumable bunches or piled in individual leaves. Barzini had curiously enormous kale bunches...seriously, so large that only a couple of them fit into the shelf space. I thus assumed that for one to buy consumable bunches of kale, a shopper need merely take a handful of the leaves from the bunches. This was apparently incorrect, as I learned upon checking out today. As I brought my kale to the counter, the overly exasperated clerk emphasized that what I did was completely wrong and charged me double (or maybe triple?) the price. It was an honest mistake, and I figured that the extra dollar or two that they charged me would have been worth it to keep a customer. Alas, it seems that I will be buying my kale somewhere else that was more interested in keeping my business. West Side Market is, after all, not too far away... read more

Barzini's is horrible, from the initial stinky cheese smell when you first walk in (that smell worsened by the fact that many of the cheeses are expired and have fake expiration dates on them), to the cramped isles stuffed to the brim, to the dirty floors and dust filled products on those isles that have been jacked up in price. What once might have been considered a New York charm or authentic neighborhood market is really just a disgusting rip off. I made the unfortunate decision to go there the other day, after i had boycotted the place for months. Laziness and below freezing temperatures got the better of me, I'm just around the corner. The fruit I bought (that was a couple of dollars more expensive that most other places) went off a few days after I bought it. The milk went off just less than a week before its due date. The overpriced honey was solidified at the bottom of the jar. The only true deal was the soup that I bought, 3 cans for $8. I left the checkout feeling taken advantage of because of the cost and within days I continued to feel like I had just been shyster-ed because of the quick deterioration of the products. In the end there are SEVERAL grocery stores in the neighborhood, directly on Broadway just a few blocks from Barzini's that sell quality products in a clean environment that is not overpriced, go to those! If it's too cold, order in with enough for leftovers, what it costs you to order in might even be less than a solitary bag of groceries at that s&!thole. read more

It makes me really sad to write this, but I too witnessed first-hand a rat scurrying across the aisle one night at Barzini. I'm saddened by this because I really like Barzini--like many reviewers, I agree that they have a great selection of cheese, the Persian owners are SUPER nice (and even let me practice my Farsi with them), and the produce out front is beautiful and tempting and makes me feel like I'm in Europe. But a rat infestation is foul, offensive, and downright unsanitary. I could never in good conscience serve a dinner guest food that was kept in such conditions. Why don't they set some bait or traps to take care of the problem??? read more

Not sure why everyone rated this place so poorly, but probably because I limited myself to the fresh produce outside and their tempting chocolate selections right by the entrance, where you pay. They have a great selection of reasonably-priced fruits and veggies. For some reason, my friend and I couldn't figure out why organic fruits were cheaper than the regular... but hey, why not? Lots of cheese to pick from (and you can smell the cheese section as soon as you turn towards it) with lots of samples. I did notice some expired butters as I was waiting in line, though. So I'd definitely go with other reviewers and recommend checking the expiration dates on all the dry goods and other things. read more

I don't get how the reviews are so bad. If you're a limited/special edition junkie, this store has things the other places don't - I'm talking Pumpkin Spice Cheerios, french toast english muffins, illy iced espresso, a dozen types of peanut butter powder and a great fruit selection. NYC markers generally don't get special edition products in, because there's not enough space - if you want to try candy cane oreos, you can spend $8 on Amazon or go to Barzinis and get them 2 for 5. Even when the line is good, they have multiple people at each register so it moves very quickly for a store of its size. Some items are pricy, but this is not a store you buy all your groceries at. It's a staple for fruit, ready made food, cheeses and any specialty item. For protein, I would probably go elsewhere. read more

$6 for one fennel bulb? Wtf Yet .... Only $1.99 for whole box of excellent French shortbread ? Yay In sum: Good merchandise. Schizophrenic pricing. Caveat emptor. read more

Go to Barzini's for: -Fresh produce -Cheese -More obscure brands that your typical grocery store doesn't carry They're open 24/7, which is a huge plus. read more

I hate writing bad reviews but well... You can't have everything. It's true that they're convenient since they're open 24/7 but if you like to be able to move and turn without any struggle, this is the wrong place for you to go. A lot of things are expired and most of the veggies (especially garlic) are moldy. I only came here twice because it was on my way back home. Also, be careful with items that don't have a price tag on it. Both times the guy I checked out with didn't know the price by heart so he asked the guy at the other checkout counter (kinda bald and fat guy, never smiles) and both times the item was apparently $4.99 which considering what it was, is extremely overpriced. So either $4.99 is the only price he knows by heart, or he spontaneously makes up the prices, or it was just a coincidence. Considering the way he thought about the price, the last one is the least likely (I know a little bit about psychology and he wasn't thinking at all - he's no Einstein either so it's clear that he lied). If you want fresh veggies for a sort of convenient price, go to Han's Family Market (94th St) or Broadway-something (I think it's Broadway Farm, a few blocks down from Barzini's - also open 24/7). People who live across the street: stop trying to talk it pretty. If I lived across the street I'd probably go there too but it doesn't change the facts. read more

Having shopped at Barzini for 20+ years (?). They have some good prices on some things but not enough to excuse the likelihood that they peddle second-level produce. Their vegetables are usually old before they get to the bins. I can't damn them across the board, they do get some very fresh stuff but the majority is hit-or-miss. They do have a good selection of cheeses, beer, soft drinks and packaged meats. read more

As mentioned in other multiple reviews, their produce is often out of date and spoiled. Almost nothing is fresh, past sell by dates, and rancid. Yet, you'll be charged ridiculous prices + extra (I think made up) taxes that they can never explain. Avoid this store. read more

I like shopping at Barzini's for many reasons - they sell a good range of organic produce that is not nearly as beat-up as the stuff at Fairways, and it's cheaper than Gary Null's. They have a good selection of apples - many types, with something usually on sale. They also have balsamic vinegar that I like cheaper than Zabars. I love the fresh FETA from behind the counter and their olive bar is way cheaper than Whole Foods or Zabar's. The cheese selection is good. I buy LOTS of fresh produce here every week. I have continued to shop here because they are a small, locally owned business and I am not happy about the way larger chain stores are driving the small guys right out of business. I get good quality, gourmet food at prices lower than other stores in the neighborhood. They have individual character, as opposed to the supermarket mentality. Their Kombucha selection is good, and so much cheaper than Whole Foods. Ditto with the fresh guacamole. They also offer FREE DELIVERY in the neighborhood for purchases over about $50. read more

Barzini is a market that answers all my family needs - from dairy and meat products, fruit and vegetables, to even fresh flowers. It is the Fairway of the 80s and 90s of the Upper West Side. Customer service is great - manager is nice and help you with smile. Another reason why we like Barzini is the fact that the store is always clean. read more

Barzini has everything you need and want. They have a huge selection of cheese that had me at hello. I was shocked by their cheap prices for cheese and definitely took advantage of it. I have been back several times for produce (hit or miss), random groceries, and cheese. The last time I was there I needed a Gruyer cheese and they only had one type, so I ended up getting it. Well, I got home with it, and it was fine, but my boyfriend noticed the sell by date was 10 days before I bought it. Blah! No mild or anything so we still used it, but I have a feeling that one has to look over the cheese carefully before purchasing. read more

"This is my New York." July 4, 2013, I was told to bring Watermelon Beer to a party. I found it here. No lie. You want dat Coconut Water? Dat elusive white cap original flavor? Made in Brazil? Not dat made in Thailand stuff? Come 2 BZ's. This is the only place in Manhattan that's got these. Perfect place to stop by after a run in the park. Get rehydrated. Perfect place to get your late night Hagen Daz Great protein bar selection. read more

I live next-door to Barzini's so I come in pretty frequently for small purchases - fruit, cheese, ethnic foods, bread, etc etc etc First off I love the staff, who are extremely friendly and knowledgeable - and miraculously know where everything is! This alone is remarkable because the store has about a billion specialty products packed into its fairly small space. I was prompted to write this review because tonight, while walking uptown, I went into 5 stores in a row looking for kimchi, the spicy Korean pickled cabbage, which my wife and I had a craving for. The first 4 places not only didn't have it, but didn't even know what it was. Then I came into Barzini's, where a helpful employee walked me right to it. Barzini's to the rescue once again! Thanks guys, you earned your 5 stars tonight. :) read more

The advantage of Barzini is that it is a store which carry many various products from around all the world. The management, especially Mr. Parvis, are very polite and knowledgeable. Barzini's products are fresh and stocked professionally. One big plus- they open 24/7. Highly recommended. read more

I feel guilty writing a bad review of my once favorite grocery store, but I can't love them anymore. I forgave the questionable old pasta sauce and the sometimes not so fresh cheese, but after finding bugs in a bag of pasta and a maggot in the sunflower seeds, I am no longer on board with the Barzini way of life. The staff is nice and friendly (except for the way over friendly butcher who wants my number) and they have a good selection of beer. I live just around the corner so I have been known to go there often. I'm sad that their food isn't acceptable because it is so convenient read more

PRI-CEY! Don't get me wrong, they are open 24/7 and that alone is amazing. Their cheese and veggie selection is on point. But it is pricey! Chicken, meat and fish? Not so good. Ready to eat meals? Well,,they do have pasta, salads, and some chicken / meat meals. Not bad. If you are tired or in a hurry, this place is a savior. read more

Gross. I saw rats running from under their refrigerators in the store. Never again.

Used to shop here a lot. But after a few too many bad experiences - like, cheeses that turned out to be moldy (and not in a good way) upon arrival home, or fruits that delivered on price but not on quality - I stopped. I switched to Mani Market: Columbus Avenue @ 94th Street. read more

Sorry but zero stars are appropriate for the staff that forgets that we the customers pay their rent. The management down lacks integrity and proper professional training. But wait, you can't teach someone what they don't want to learn. Avoid this store and it's sexist remarks. read more

Staff is EXTREMELY rude. Overpriced and cramped. 100% worth walking a few blocks in either direction to another store.

too expensive - $7.00 for 1/2 gallon of organic milk - lower the prices, I keep seeing businesses and lasting delis shuttered and this one will too if prices are not lowered. read more

I've shopped here for almost my entire life and really enjoy the variety of cheeses they have (you can even try samples for free). I enjoyed shopping here as a child with my Mother because they usually had what we needed and the staff were really friendly. They do not try and rip people off and donate food to a pantry where I volunteer! They have amazing Greek feta cheese, guacamole, olives, Italian cookies (for good prices - 2 packages for $6.00) and other tasty sweets + it's open 24/7. read more

Barzini's has a good variety of specialty foods, and this makes a positive shopping experience at the store. For example, they have a good selection of cheeses, crackers, and yogurts. But be careful to check the selling date on items. Pay attention at check-out to make sure the cashier punches in the correct price for your items. When an item has a mark-down sticker price on the side, the cashier might punch the full price on the top of the item, and not realize the sale price on the side of the item. This has happened to me today. read more