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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to the Upper East Side

Italian food for dinner

A traditional Italian dinner is the only thing that feels like a proper way to end the day.

Based on 911 Opinions
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Updated June 2026
01
L'Osteria image 1
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Italian restaurant

Small room with intimate seating and large windows creates a cozy vibe. Dinner shines with superb shrimp pasta and desserts like tiramisu. Quiet atmosphere fits well for family gatherings and friends, with attentive service adding great care.

Pasta dishes stand out with superb shrimp pasta, basil pesto, and seafood options. Desserts like tiramisu and panna cotta receive high praise. Service complements the food with attentive and great care.

Dinner offers wonderful dishes in an intimate and quiet atmosphere. It suits gatherings with friends and family well.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the Caesar salad with extra Parmesan."

"The pasta here is excellent, with a perfect creamy texture."

"The service at these dinner spots is fantastic and accommodating."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant is quite small.

2

Customers have the option to pay the bill via a QR code.

3

The restaurant charges 16 dollars for sparkling water.

02
Maruzzella image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers a calm and relaxing atmosphere with outdoor seating that suits pleasant weather. The space feels down-to-earth and family-oriented, with a pleasant room but could benefit from updated decor. Guests enjoy homemade pasta and fresh seafood dishes in a neighborhood setting.

Homemade pasta stands out with rigatoni cipullo and tagliatelle with seafood as highlights. Fresh burrata and house-made desserts like tiramisu cake add to the Italian food offerings.

Dinner here offers a great choice with consistently wonderful experiences. Service can vary, as some waiters may judge based on appearance and not check satisfaction.

People are saying

"I thought the food was delicious and had an authentic Italian flavor."

"The homemade pasta here is delicious and wildly outrageous."

"The food at this dinner spot is delicious and everyone loved the desserts."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has a simple, flavorful menu of Italian classics.

2

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food offered.

3

There is no refill for soda, so plan accordingly.

03
Masseria East image 1
Italian restaurant

Elegant space with white tablecloths and modern decor offers a chic vibe. Enjoy authentic Italian dishes like mushroom risotto and fresh seafood. Attentive service creates a friendly atmosphere perfect for birthdays or casual dinners.

Authentic Italian dishes feature pasta cooked to perfection with rich red sauces and fresh seafood like clams and mussels. Highlights include mushroom risotto, spaghetti primavera, and a tiramisu noted for its exceptional flavor.

Dinner features attentive service and a friendly atmosphere. It suits occasions like birthdays and casual meals with family.

People are saying

"The Italian food service here is outstanding and attentive."

"It's an elegant and inviting space with a warm atmosphere."

"The dinner spots here are delicious, especially the pasta dishes."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner service.

2

The restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

3

Expect a warm welcome and accommodating service for families with kids.

04
Rothschild TLV image 1
Kosher restaurant

Small kosher spot offers fresh homemade pasta and high-quality kosher meat in a stylish, air-conditioned outdoor patio. Courteous staff create a lively atmosphere perfect for dinner celebrations with privacy and great music.

Fresh, homemade pasta shines in dishes like the short rib tortellini and Holly ravioli. Risotto stands out with a smoky, creamy texture and earthy mushroom flavors, often paired with tender short ribs.

Dinner here features courteous staff who serve professionally and attend to every detail. The outdoor patio accommodates large groups well, making it suitable for celebrations like anniversaries and work dinners.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, delicious, and always looks good."

"The service at these dinner spots is so patient and kind."

"The homemade pasta here is exceptional, especially the short rib tortellini."

Good to know

1

Reservations can be made online and seating is almost immediate upon arrival.

2

The total cost for four people with three meals, two appetizers, one dessert, and a tip was $400.

3

Expect high prices for portion sizes; a small piece of beef costs $68.

05
Water & Wheat Upper East image 1
Italian restaurant

Long room with fresh pasta station creates a cozy, quiet vibe perfect for intimate dinners or family meals. Highlights include carbonara and tiramisu, all at reasonable prices near $100 for two with drinks and dessert.

Fresh pasta options stand out with carbonara that ranks highly and a filling bolognese. Desserts like tiramisu and cannoli offer a strong finish.

Fresh pasta stands out as a dinner highlight with reasonable prices around $100 for two including drinks and dessert. The spot suits intimate dinners or takeout and works well for family celebrations after a day out.

People are saying

"The Italian food service here is fantastic, they really took care of us."

"The salads here are super fresh and flavorful."

"The pasta here is fresh daily and just flat-out delicious."

Good to know

1

Make a reservation before visiting to ensure seating.

2

The restaurant offers gluten-free options for those with dietary restrictions.

3

The price for two people is about $100 without tip.

06
Heidi's House by the side of the road image 1

Small space with cozy atmosphere and soft jazz creates an intimate setting. Cramped seating and simple decor contrast with welcoming service and a quaint neighborhood vibe. Regulars enjoy quiet conversations and quality drinks like sangria and Bordeaux wine.

The gnocchi special stands out as a highlight, often described as 10/10 and highly recommended. The mushroom lasagna with pesto and the bruschetta and tuna tartare also offer memorable Italian flavors.

Cozy and intimate setting suits quiet dinners or date nights. Dinner offers delicious flavors and a relaxed atmosphere.

People are saying

"I loved their roasted artichoke salad; it was delicious."

"The pasta and mac and cheese at these dinner spots were incredible."

"You have to try the gnocchi; it's truly wonderful Italian food."

Good to know

1

You can only reserve a table by calling ahead at the time of opening.

2

Making a reservation is highly recommended due to the restaurant's popularity.

3

Same day reservations are available.

07
Home Kitchen image 1
American restaurant

Small American restaurant offers cozy, laid-back atmosphere with casual, relaxing decor and outside seating. The vibe is kid- and dog-friendly, creating an inviting space near cultural spots. Tables on the street add some noise, but overall energy stays pleasant and welcoming.

Eggplant parmigiana stands out with perfect layers and a rich flavor. Spaghetti with meatballs tastes delicious, while calamari is crispy and salads feel light and refreshing.

Dinners feature great portions like lamb shank and chicken with delicious flavors. The atmosphere stays lively and suits both lunch and dinner times.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and incredibly fresh."

"The staff here are so friendly and attentive at dinner spots."

"The Italian food here, especially the pasta, has perfectly balanced flavors."

Good to know

1

Reservations are preferable for groups larger than three.

2

Happy hour oysters are $2 each from 12 to 5 pm, Monday to Thursday.

3

The restaurant serves brunch on Saturdays and has an all-day brunch menu on Sundays.

08
Lusardi's image 1
Italian restaurant

Old-school Italian charm creates a warm, cozy vibe perfect for intimate dinners. Enjoy perfectly cooked pastas like Rigatoni Cipullo and fresh seafood such as Linguine All' Ammiraglia. Attentive, funny waiters make every meal memorable.

Perfectly cooked pastas like Rigatoni Cipullo and Tortelli In Salsa Tartufata stand out alongside fresh, flavorful seafood such as Linguine All' Ammiraglia and Mediterranean Sea bass. Dishes like Risotto with Black Truffles and chicken parmesan add rich variety to the Italian offerings.

Leisurely dinners feature a relaxed pace and memorable moments. Funny waiters add a personal touch that makes meals stand out.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic Italian, truly excellent."

"The food here is amazing, especially the seafood."

"The Italian food here, especially the pasta, is outstanding."

Good to know

1

Booking in advance is highly recommended due to the bustling dinner hours.

2

The restaurant allows ordering half portions of each dish to test before the dinner party.

3

Expect to spend a significant amount of money on your meal.

09
Altamirano's Italian Ristorante image 1

Italian restaurant offers an upscale, cozy atmosphere with soft lighting and tasteful dรฉcor that balances elegance and comfort. Music is live but quiet enough for easy conversation, creating a warm and inviting vibe for families and couples. Tables are well spaced to provide privacy even when the place is lively.

Pasta cooked to perfection stands out, with options like Bolognese and ink pasta customizable with fresh truffle. Desserts include a notable tiramisu, and the overall food quality is consistently high.

Crowded and lively atmosphere fills the space during early Saturday dinner. It suits romantic dates, special celebrations, and family dinners with kids welcomed on weeknights.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the shrimp scampi."

"The Italian food, especially the pasta and roast chicken, is outstanding."

"The pasta here is high quality and executed beautifully."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends to avoid long waits.

2

The restaurant features a diverse menu with classic Italian dishes.

3

Parking is available nearby, but can be limited during peak hours.

10
ZOI MEDITERRANEAN UES image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant shines with live jazz music and a sexy, classy atmosphere. Outdoor seating feels cozy and private, perfect for dinner with personalized service. Italian dishes like truffle fettuccine and grilled chicken with smoky eggplant puree offer bold, rich flavors.

Truffle fettuccine stands out with rich flavor. Entrees like seafood pasta and branzino offer bold, tasty options. The grilled Mediterranean chicken comes with a creamy smoky eggplant mozzarella puree and Cafรฉ de Paris sauce, adding unique depth.

Dinner features outdoor seating and personalized service with staff making efforts to enhance special occasions. The menu offers great suggestions and pairs well with evening entertainment.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean dinner spots here have fresh, well-balanced flavors."

"The live music here is amazing and creates a lively atmosphere."

"I'd come back just for the amazing baklava."

Good to know

1

Live music is available on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with great deals.

3

Brunch is served until 4 PM on weekends.

11
Emmy Squared Pizza: Upper East Side image 1

Urban chic space with an outdoor terrace offers a fresh vibe and artisanal pizza that stands out. Atmosphere tends to be loud, making conversation challenging during busy times. Group dinners fit well with long tables and reservation options.

Squared pan pizzas prepared like focaccia stand out here. The MVP pizza with burrata, pepperoni, pesto, and vodka sauce offers rich flavors. Pesto breadsticks and gluten-free Margherita and Burrata pizzas provide solid options.

Portions come ginormous and often leave leftovers. The spot suits casual dinners with friends, family, or colleagues, including groups with kids. It works well for weekday dinners or after a museum visit.

People are saying

"Our server Cesar was so attentive and asked about allergies."

"The dinner spots here have such attentive and welcoming service."

"The pizza here has a great crunch and is really tasty."

Good to know

1

The pizza place stops taking orders at 8:30 PM.

2

Make a reservation to avoid a wait, especially for parties of 4 or more.

3

You will experience a one-hour wait at this place during peak times.

12
Antonucci Cafe image 1
Italian restaurant

Cozy interior and eclectic artwork set a warm mood. Enjoy homemade pasta like gluten-free fettuccine and rich veal parmigiana. Dinner portions are just right, featuring dishes like sage tortelli and saffron rice cake. Bustling kitchen and booth seating add charm.

Homemade pasta dishes like gluten-free fettuccine and carbonara stand out. Italian classics such as veal parmigiana and pappardelle Bolognese offer rich, flavorful options.

Dinner here features dinner-sized portions with dishes like sage tortelli and saffron rice cake with mushrooms that suit an early meal.

People are saying

"The handmade pasta here is perfectly executed and gluten-free friendly."

"It's a cozy place with a warm, intimate atmosphere."

"I had a wonderful dinner, the food was delicious and authentic."

Good to know

1

Reservations are by phone only and recommended due to high demand.

2

The kitchen closes at 10:20 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.

3

The lunch prix fixe menu is $29 for three courses, offering great value.

13
Uva Next Door image 1
Italian restaurant

Old-world Italian decor creates a cozy, upbeat atmosphere with great music and a quiet, covered patio reminiscent of Tuscany. The space suits conversations and dates, offering both bar seating and private outdoor cabanas. It fills with energy when crowded but maintains a warm, inviting vibe.

Soft, pillowy gnocchi and hearty pasta dishes stand out here. Options include homemade gluten-free pasta vodka, eggplant ricotta, meatballs, and lamb ragu, all served in generous portions.

Prix fixe dinners offer a full-size appetizer, entrรฉe, and dessert for $45 per person. The spot suits celebrations with friends and family and works well for quiet dinners or parties.

People are saying

"I thought the truffle gnocchi was to die for."

"It's so cozy inside with the warm lighting and decor."

"The food at these dinner spots was delicious and a hit with guests."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for larger groups.

2

Martini Monday offers $4 martinis with the purchase of a main dish.

3

Happy hour runs all day, providing great deals on drinks.

14
Amarena image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers a beautiful interior with classic yet trendy decor and a marble bar that creates a romantic, classy atmosphere. The space feels lively and noisy, fostering a communal vibe where people often talk to neighbors, especially at the bar. Outdoor seating provides a quieter, pleasant alternative with nice music and decor.

Gluten free pasta stands out with its exceptional taste. The vodka sauce balances perfect spiciness and sauce-to-pasta ratio. Chicken parmesan features a golden crust and rich heirloom tomatoes.

Dinner here draws a crowd for special occasions like anniversaries and birthdays. Sitting at the bar feels like joining a community magnet with a lively atmosphere.

People are saying

"The service for dinner spots here is amazing and makes the night feel special."

"Miguel is the soul of the place, a true hospitality magician."

"The Italian food's Spicy Vodka Pasta has unforgettable flavor and balanced heat."

Good to know

1

The restaurant gets busy after 9pm.

2

There is no dress code at the restaurant.

3

Serving sizes are small, so consider ordering sides.

15
Sant Ambroeus Madison image 1
Italian restaurant

Medium-sized Italian restaurant with timeless, effortlessly chic interior and impeccable decor. Atmosphere feels cozy yet cramped, blending traditional elegance with a ritualistic Milanese vibe. Features include a walk-up coffee bar and a dessert and pastry counter, enhancing the authentic experience.

Prosciutto appetizer offers rich aged ham flavor with sweet mozzarella. Pastas come well prepared and presented, including bolognese and spaghetti pomodoro e basilico. Risottos like porcini mushroom and saffron stand out, along with flavorful Ossobuco and veal Milanese.

Sophisticated dinner offers a leisurely pace with high prices that match the value. Staff like Kevin and Marco create a special atmosphere for occasions like birthdays.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is excellent, especially the pasta."

"The coffee service here is fantastic and truly stood out."

"Marco made my birthday dinner a smash!"

Good to know

1

Reservations are required to dine at Sant Ambroeus Madison.

2

A $4 surcharge applies for sharing a salad as an appetizer.

3

The burger costs $40, making it one of the pricier menu items.

16
Nightly's image 1
American restaurant

Restaurant combines downtown chic decor with a 60's cocktail lounge vibe and sexy dim lighting. Atmosphere is loud and lively, perfect for dates or gatherings with friends. Outdoor seating adds a relaxed option to the energetic indoor space.

Lemon carbonara pasta stands out with its perfectly al dente texture and a luxuriously creamy sauce brightened by lemon. Mushroom pasta, risotto, and cacio e Pepe eggs also offer memorable Italian flavors.

Dinner here turns into a long, relaxed event with friends, often stretching into a nightcap at the bar. The menu offers many gluten-free options, and private spaces like the Boardroom suit celebratory dinners well.

People are saying

"The food at these dinner spots is delicious and memorable."

"You have to try the sticky toffee pudding; it's the best I've ever had."

"The Italian Food here, especially the gnocchi, is incredible."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended because it gets packed.

2

The bar operates on a first come, first serve basis.

3

The restaurant charges $11 for mashed potatoes.

17
Uva image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant combines cozy atmosphere with a bustling bar and an intimate private wine room. Low lighting and small, close tables create a snug setting, complemented by a charming back patio that offers outdoor space. The vibe suits romantic dates and lively gatherings alike.

Pesto here rivals what you'd find in Italy, rich and fresh. The ricotta gnocchi shines with a creamy black truffle and chive sauce, light and luscious, making it a standout dish.

Cozy ambience suits family dinners and dates well. Kitchen stays open late, allowing dinner orders past 9:30 pm.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the tender veal."

"The dinner spots here have brilliant dishes with layered nuance."

"The Italian Food here has pillowy soft gnocchi soaked in delicious sauce."

Good to know

1

On Monday nights, Uva offers a meatball Mondays special for $48, which includes an appetizer, entree, dessert, and a glass of wine.

2

The restaurant offers $4 half size martinis on Martini Monday.

3

Uva doesnโ€™t take reservations for 4 or fewer people.

18
Serafina Fabulous Pizza 79th (UES) image 1

Italian restaurant offers lively atmosphere with close table seating and attractive space that feels like the Mediterranean. Outdoor and rooftop seating provide heated, cozy spots with views of bustling street life. Energy stays bright and buoyant, especially in warmer months when rooftop opens.

Black truffle pasta stands out as a signature dish, rich and flavorful. Classic Italian dishes like rigatoni al bolognese and carbonara follow traditional preparation, with pasta cooked al dente and sauces that capture authentic tastes.

Dinner here suits special celebrations with thoughtful touches like roses for anniversaries. Booking on a Monday evening is easy, and the spot works well for family-friendly dinners or casual nights out.

People are saying

"I found the pizza here to be delicious and divine."

"The Italian food, especially the pizza and pasta, is delicious."

"The service at these dinner spots is attentive and friendly."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as there is no waiting area.

2

The restaurant is not accessible for those with mobility issues due to stairs.

3

Expect high prices that may not justify the dining experience.

19
Sistina image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers an elegant interior with artistic decor evoking Italy and old New York. Atmosphere varies from quiet and reserved to loud and crowded, often filled with older diners. Wine selections stand out as exquisite and well-curated.

Pasta stands out with excellent flavor and texture, especially the shrimp and garlic pasta. Dishes like crudo, risotto, and scallops also deliver strong Italian flavors.

Dinner here features excellent food and attentive service that lets conversations flow without interruption. It suits both intimate meals and group celebrations.

People are saying

"The Italian food's pastas were absolutely delicious, perfectly cooked with rich flavors."

"The wine selection here is unbelievable."

"The dinner portions here are large and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are difficult to secure on weekends; book well in advance.

2

Expect high prices, with some specials exceeding $120 per plate.

3

The restaurant has a strict 'no children' policy.

20
Butterfield Market image 1
Gourmet grocery store

Bright, clean space with beautifully arranged displays and a cozy, elegant atmosphere creates a neighborhood feel. Outdoor seating with benches invites relaxation while enjoying the lively surroundings. Classical music adds a refined touch to the shopping experience.

Pasta and steak with chimichurri sauce appear on the menu alongside Italian staples like mozzarella cheese and focaccia-like breads. Mozzarella cheese can be aged, and breads may sometimes be stale.

Bright, clean space offers fresh produce and a variety of lunch and dinner options. Thanksgiving dinner items like turkey, stuffing, and gravy are available for order.

People are saying

"This market has a spectacular selection of fresh, delicious prepared foods."

"The Italian food here was a hit, delicious and beautifully plated."

"I considered their frozen yogurt the best on the Upper East Side."

Good to know

1

Be prepared for a premium price tag that may not match the perceived value.

2

Most items are not marked with prices, so ask for details.

3

Butterfield Market offers a unique experience with high-quality food.

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Upper East Side, New York

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