hmmmm.... I really, truly, wanted to LOVE this place. Chef Moro has cooked some of the best meals of my life, when he was the Chef at Mirbeau/Giverny. He has outstanding talent and is a creative genius. No doubt about that. But Moro's Table, for me, was a miss. For the record, I have been only once, but as it's over an hour drive for me, I won't be returning anytime soon and I do feel compelled to write this review. 1st off, the menu is weird. While the restaurant philosophy follows the trendy theme of local local local, there is a TON of seafood - which I don't think is coming out of any of the Finger Lakes. There are 5 menu sections - apps, salads, small and large plates - and then there's also a sushi menu, and a mussels menu. So with whole sections for sushi and mussels, and then more seafood selections from the apps and small plate menus, I'm just saying that's a LOT of seafood for a place that claims to have a local food focus. I realize I went in the winter, but local farmers markets are still offering onions, potatoes, radishes, apples, kolrabi, greens, carrots, parsnips, beans, etc, and of course plenty of meats are available all year round (no need to buy from the Hudson Valley). and honestly, the sushi section just has no place on this menu. It does not fit. So I started with a meat and cheese plate, which was not great. Unfortunately, there was some kind of horseradish something compote that had a juice that completely covered all the meat selections. I wasn't a fan, and thus none of the meat could taste good to me. I also thought the portion seemed small, though it didn't end up being an issue as I was so turned off by the meat anyway. Next up was a super yummy salad with bacon and dates and cheese and a bangin vinagrette. Best part of the meal, hands down. Alas, I'm not the person that wants the salad to be the star. Now my entree. Eek. Ok let's 1st say that I was in the right mood the night we went. I had wanted to go for so long, and hubby and I REALLY needed a date night. I was stoked to be there and at the time, tried quite hard to see past any and all flaws. So when my duck confit dish arrived, I tried to ignore the fact that it was extremely salty and just enjoy it. Well I could only "enjoy" about half the dish before the salt prevented me from finsihing - and wow, when I went to eat the leftover duck the next day, I was blown away by how salty it truly was. Criminal, but I threw it away. Also, I just have to say that the dish was just plain boring. Going to a restaurant owned by Chef Moro, I wanted to see that brilliance that I had seen from him before. This was a duck leg on top of a few slices of roasted potatoes, and then a throwaway pile of greens and cherries on the side. Boring. Why not a sauce to bring it all together? This is the kind of food I can cook at home and save two hours of driving and a lot of $$. My dessert was a perfectly good creme brulee, nothing special but just fine. Price for 2 apps, 2 salads, 2 large entrees, 3 drinks, 2 desserts = $152. Too much for this particular meal. Well it does kind of kill me to be a lone negative reviewer here, as I am actually a huge fan of the chef, but it's that reason exactly that compells me to write. The next time I go, I want my insanely high expectations to be a whole lot closer to being met. oh, and bring a flashlight! It is DARK in there. read more

This is a letter I sent to the owner's of Moro's Table that went unanswered. I took the time to write a constructive letter I did expect some kind of response but to this day nothing! January 18, 2013 Dear Ed and Beth, I hope this finds you both well. After dining with my wife and another couple on Saturday evening, I'm writing with a few observations as to our experience at the restaurant. While unsolicited, I do hope that this letter may be of use. We started at the bar with a professional and friendly bartender who made our wine selection easy. We were then seated promptly for our 6:30PM reservation and were served delicious bread. Our server, Lisa, did a fine job throughout the meal explaining additions to the menu and answering questions. Overall, our food was excellent, though I did feel as though the foie gras got lost amidst the crouton and pear in the appetizer I ordered. It didn't seem as though the foie gras was the focus of that dish as perhaps it should have been. Now, please allow me to make mention of the difficulties of the meal. At this time, I will note that I am a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America (1980) and spent the majority of my career in the front of the house. The first observation stems from an experience I had upon using the Men's Room. I washed my hands with the hand soap and the overpowering scent of the soap lingered during the meal. I must say this is the first time of the many times I have dined out over the years that this has happened. My wife even commented that she could smell the scent from her seat. Additionally, while I used my dinner fork for the foie gras appetizer, in my opinion, an appetizer or salad fork should have been provided. I then had the Belgium Endive salad, which was very good, though I first had to call our server to the table for a fork to use and again, I was given a dinner fork. Further, we went through the entire meal, to the point of our entrées being cleared, before our water glasses were refilled, when two were empty and two were half empty. Lastly, each time a course was served, the food was brought to the table and "auctioned" off. My experience in fine dining would dictate that there should be a system in place that the server or manager would know which position should receive each dish. I was recently in New York City over the holidays and had the pleasure of dining at Jean Georges Vongerichten's ABC Kitchen, where both the service and food were flawless. I realize I have high expectations when I dine out, but I do try to apply standards that are commensurate with the restaurant I'm in. Again, I do hope this critique is constructive, and my wife and I very much look forward to dining in your restaurant again. read more

I guess there's no way to know often foodies wander through Auburn, NY, or if any of them even know where it is. Me, I'm still looking for a reason to be here, but here I am, here you'd be if you could experience Moro's. How can you not ask the question: why is this place here? How could they be so good in such a small area? From conversation with one of the wait staff we learn they've been open about three years in a nice if a bit loud location right in the central business district. Done in mauves and muted colors with a pleasant full equipped bar, the restaurant exudes understated class. Not the stuffy kind, just a place where you'll be more comfortable in a collar shirt and long pants. But we're talking food here. When you walk in you'll get aromas of what's in store. The wonderful smells waft from the meals being served, and the menu conveys a direct, honest and sophisticated approach to food. If it's fresh and available, it will be listed with the specials. Our meal started with Canadian oysters served with house made sauces and finely cut fresh horseradish to pick them up. We followed with a simple yet tasty Caesar salad garnished with kalamata olives, tomato pieces, and house-made croutons. Entrees were the special paella and the scallops from the regular menu. The paella would be more like a de-constructed version of the traditional paella, using Andouille rather than Spanish chorizo, but still a wonderful mix of flavors. The only gripe might be the over-cooked rice. The scallops were superb. Yes I know it's a go-to dish for many restaurants, but done this well, you know this Chef does seafood! We covered the meal from the adequate wine list with a New York State Pinot Grigio: not spectacular but a good performer for what had been ordered. Notably missing was a Rioja which would have complemented the paella. We could have left well enough alone, but house made Jim Beam Bourbon ice cream and a plate of local cheeses carried us out the door. 'nough said: this is a gem of a place where you'd not expect to find such, and with a friendly and competent wait staff whose service was gracious if a tad too leisurely you can't miss if you want a most pleasant evening. read more

Moro's was always our favorite spot to dine....lately however it has gone done hill in more ways than one. The service has slowly been declining. We waited tonight for over 45 minutes for our food to arrive. And we had to ask to have our water refilled....seemed to be under staffed and it wasn't even that busy. It's quite disappointing because it always was our first choice when dining out. I'm sorry to say that we probably won't be returning. read more

This place is incredible. The menu is varied and at first it seemed odd that it featured sushi, but the Shrimp Tempura roll was delicious. Our entrees were superb also and the service was very good. The atmosphere is elegant and romantic. For Central New York, this place is truly unique! read more

Outstanding! Let me start with ANNMARIE our waitress. Her energy, laugh and service set the entire mood for the night. The mussels in the parsley and white wine sauce were to die for. You will want to drink the sauce by itself. It's so good you won't even want to interfere with trying to dip bread in it. The sauce is that good. Next up were the scallops with spaghetti squash. Perfectly prepared and yummy. My friend had the special...Panko crusted fried cod with steak fries a chipotle ketchup and sautéed vegetables. The fries and the vegetables were delicious but the cod was a bit greasy. Here comes ANNMARIE (I told you about her). We told her about the fish and she apologized and in approximately 3 minutes came to the table with 2 homemade limoncello drinks and a beautiful dessert. I told her she didn't have to do that and she said "it is important to us that our customers have a great experience when they come here"! I fell in love with her and what they stand for. I will be back and I highly recommend this restaurant. read more

We dined here recently and were just blown away by the food! We came here for our first time knowing that Chef Ed Moro and his team provide excellent food and boy did they deliver!!! We felt the service of the evening started off rocky- being 2 of 8 people at the bar we were ignored for a bit while the bartender cleaned some glasses- a simple acknowledgment of "i'll be right with you" would've sufficed. We ordered some drinks and enjoyed them while we waited for our table- and be ready to pay, an average glass of wine is $14 dollars. When our reservation time came around we were shown to a table that I felt was less than perfect (it was next to the door and on a cold night) so the hostess showed us some others, but they were no better. I was bummed that we couldn't sit in the one open booth, thinking they had saved that for a larger party I was okay with that, but come to find out, another 2 top sat there not a larger party, so i don't know why we couldn't have that. But in the end our table was just fine, only a quick breeze or two from the door. Our waiter seemed a bit off his game that night- nice enough, but not that attentive or friendly. The reason for my 5 star review was the food. From appetizer to desert they delivered! To start we had on of their sushi rolls- it was so fresh and french onion soup- which you could tell was home made broth--delicious. Our main meals of grilled lamb and steak were divine!! I could eat it every night! And we finished the night with their daily dessert and fresh pressed coffee that was from a place in Ithaca and blew us away, yum!!! I'm salivating as I'm writing my review right now reliving the meal :-) I do want to mention that we thought the place was a little more fancier than it actually was. We showed up in a tie and jacket at a little black dress and sat down next to a woman in an NFL jacket, jeans and a small (well behaved) kid- so if you are under the impression like us that the atmosphere is fine-dining then you'd be wrong. ;-) read more

This is a big city fine dining experience in the small Finger Lakes community of Auburn, NY. The atmosphere is all about elegance. The staff is very attentive and the extra perks (like taking your coats at the door) really make you feel like they are kissing your arse. THAT is how I like to be treated when I go out. The food I ordered was perfectly executed. I had pan seared scallops, and the sear on them was perfect. Overall, a great experience! read more

I went back in March and it has left a lasting impression. It is a nice place, especially for Auburn. The decor works well for a date night. I went with three others for a girl's night out and we had fun. The food didn't settle well with me but it could have also been the glass of wine. The prices are up there but I like how you can choose different portion sizes. Would definitely like to try again, without the wine, to give it another shot. read more

I have had dinner at Moro's several times. I love the creativity of the menu, service and the atmosphere. Last weekend we got lucky --- a table without a reservation. The only complaint was that we didn't want to rush HATE TO. our appetizer was still in play, and they seemed a little frantic and pushed the dinner on a little too rushed. But the food is so good and the staff are so nice, it's hard to grumble. Only did it in case they read these and want to know the gods honest truth for future. read more

Amazing little gem. My first time in auburn ny and he food was awesome. Oyster on the half shell were great, duck breast cooked to perfection and service was great!! read more

My family had a wedding dinner there and I was so impressed. The food was served fresh and perfectly prepared. wait staff were prompt and solicitous and the house wine was very good. I was so impressed I went back and complimented the cook on serving three different entrees to 50+ folks and earning kudos all around. He responded to varied prep requests and nearly everyone felt they got what they asked for. read more

Simplicity at it's absolute finest! We stopped in to Moro's Table on whim. We feel fortunate to have found such a genuinely great restaurant. The reception, service, and food were all equally matched and excellent. The food was properly presented and prepared. The scallop dish I had was the most memorable I can ever remember. We drive over and hour to get to Auburn . . . I'd drive 3-5 times that distance to enjoy and evening at Moro's again. Enjoy! read more

Found this place by accident. I had a delightful meal. I had a filet Mignon that was prepared perfectly and I could cut it with a fork. The berry tart with calvados ice cream was exquisite and an unbelievable surprise. I think this is a new caliber restaurant in the city of Auburn, that is for sure. Service was fast and efficient, the owner came out and asked me how everything was. read more

Truly wonderful meal from start to finish. Went with a party of 6 so had ample opportunity to taste many offerings. I was impressed by the seafood (scallops, mussels, cod) -- it's rare to find truly fresh seafood cooked this well in upstate NY. Mussels in Pernod, fennel were scrumptious! Stunning foie gras. Super tender and tasty beef rib roast. Very solicitous service, and overall warm and friendly ambience (could be improved with a few more softening fabrics but overall good). Our whole party was impressed. read more

Great flavors. Superb service. Fair pricing

Great food and atmosphere. We stayed in Auburn on our way to Ithaca and our meal here was the highlight. I liked that we could order two sizes for our main course. read more

It was a fantastic value for the money. We had three courses and each dish was delicious. The appetizers were not large enough to share which is something to keep in mind since it offers appetizer-size portions for its entrees. The only reason it didn't receive 5 stars is because it was a bit loud, due to the acoustics, so it was difficult to hold a conversation over dinner. There are two different dining spaces, the smaller space might be better sound-wise. read more

We were so pleasantly surprised with this place, best mussels and fantastic strip steak!!! Highly recommend!! We started with Endive salad, very good. And service from Cathy was excellent!!! read more

Had been waiting to try Moros table for two years...we were not disappointed! The food was absolutely wonderful! The mussels Pernod was so good we were eating the broth with a spoon rather than let it go to waste. The bouillabaisse was very good, but the braised ribs my daughter ordered was even better. Fresh food, and the full portions were generous in size. Everything was delicious, even the fresh bread and butter. read more

We ate on the lighter side when we went to Moro's, but the food was still excellent. The menu is very creative and has offerings and sizes for all types of eaters. Additionally, the atmosphere was very comfortable and relaxed, but classy. The restaurant has a big city feel - I've been to similar "feeling" restaurants in Boston, Portland, Washington D.C. One area for improvement is the service. It was pleasant, but slow. read more

A bit noisy but the food is excellent. Service has been inconsistent. For a high end restaurant wine is often served in glasses not appropriate For the wine. I like the offering of the entrées in smaller portions. read more

Food was delicious. Service was exceptional. We had reservations for 11 (7 adults and 4 kids) and the atmosphere was great.

I ordered a beer while we waited for a table. Once we were seated, I ordered another only to find out they were out of that kind of beer. I made a different selection and again when I went to order another drink, they were out of that kind of beer. There was a large selection of beers, just not very many of each kind. The food was ok. The location, atmosphere, and food were trying too hard to be fine dining and charge for fine dining. The food was good, but overpriced for what it was. read more

We dined here on a Friday night and the place was very busy. I called and made a reservation and when we arrived the hostess couldn't find our name because the person who took the reservation had mis-spelled it. We figured out the problem and ended up having a great meal. I had a half order of the braised short ribs and a salad. My husband had the scallops and loved them. We split a carmelized banana cream tart which was heavenly. My husband had a cocktail and a glass of wine and I had a glass of wine. The prices weren't cheap, but we felt the quality of the food was worth it. read more

Hands down, the best meal we ate during our recent vacation in the Finger Lakes. My companion had the grilled lamb chops, and I had the broiled salmon with a beet salad. I rarely leave a restaurant without a doggy bag because of portion sizes, but at Moro's Table you can order a small or large plate for the entree. Service was attentive, decor is sophisticated. A great place for a special occasion. read more

If they don't know you they'll act like it there. Poorly dressed wait staff for an expensive restaurant is a MAJOR turnoff. Everything is overpriced. So many better places to eat in Auburn No wonder nobody I know goes there after the first trip. read more

The atmosphere was very home town and the service was fair The martini was one of the worst I have ever had The entrees we're good sized but seemed a little overpriced. Overall just an average meal Was a little difficult getting a reservation despite that the place was empty when we arrived read more

A true delight. Never been disappointed. The variations on mussels...to die for. The lyonnaise salad...wonderful. And make sure to get dessert. I usually go for the bread pudding. read more

Had the ribeye special. Was cooked perfectly. It tasted amazing. Lisa our server was very friendly and knowledgeable. Would recommend to all my friends. read more

Not good. Everything was over-sauced and either over-salted or completed devoid of salt. The mussles were basically sitting in a bowl of half & half and inexplicably covered in a pile of chopped vegetables. I should have listened to my gut when all of the specials featured "truffle oil" (major red flag)... Each and every dish was disappointing and the cocktails were not particularly good either. It's basically TGIFriday's-level quality but with an upcharge for all the faux fancy (ahem, truffle oil). read more

Excellent food and great atmosphere! Easily one of the best dining experiences I've ever had. A+++++++++++++++++++++

Best option in the area for 5 star cuisine. Live entertainment and very good service. Inside is intimate, low light, and tastefully decorated. read more

I love the menu at Moro's Table, its not too big, yet there is a good variety of dishes to choose from, including sushi, and the frites are excellent. The portions are perfect, not gigantic like a lot of other local restaurants, and they're always exquisitely prepared with a pleasing presentation. They have a very nice wine list and a great atmosphere to round out a great dinner experience. read more

Chef Moro is a culinary genius. Every dish down to the sauce is made from scratch and presented in such a beautiful way. There has not been a meal that I did not absolutely adore! I love that they have half sized entree portions, because after an app or two I can never finish a full plate of food:) Besides, you might need room for dessert.... which never disappoints! A+ read more

Favorite Auburn place to eat. Pork belly is the only app I've ever had, once you have it you're hooked. All the entres are excellent and save room for desert. read more

Ed Moro and his team truly make some amazing food, but I also have to add that the staff is warm and knowledgeable! I think Beth and Ed should open a sushi place too. I wish I wasn't sitting on a computer now but eating some of Ed's sushi creations!! read more

This could have been a pleasurable experience....truly meant as a "fine-dinning" experience.....interesting menu, but not great....simply had muscles and a salad, wife went with scollops.....our other guests had a unique soup, scollops and a special desert. OVER-PRICED for what we had! (And we have substantial experience).... What totally spoiled our dining experience was the waitress......pushy, loud, and attempted to over sell the deserts, even before our appetizers, drinks or main course were delivered..........clumbsy and attempted to argue with one of my guests.........she apparently has not been indoctrinated properly. Atmosphere OK, but not special. In any event, it left a bad taste (no pun intended!) ...so, consequently, it'll be awhile until we go back as we have a multitude of choices within a 30 mile radius. Pa Rhino read more

A really nice place for dinner. The food is good. Definitely one of the best "fancy" places in Auburn. Everything tasted good and I had a nice time! read more

Best restaurant in CNY (did you hear that, Krebs?). Everything is phenomenal but the mussels, oysters and fish preparations are out of this world. Amazing!!! read more