Antonucci Cafe Reviews

This Italian restaurant has an extensive menu, both food and wine, and both are excellent. Small and off the beaten track, but worth the step back in time. Classic lasagna and veal cavatelli were winners the night we dined here.

Walked in with no problem around 2:00pm. Neat and well-appointed. Just as a neighborhood Italian restaurant in supposed to be. The waiter explained several specials but we ate from the menu. What can one say but "delicious!" Just as one likes a first experience to be. I can see why reservations may be needed at dinner.

Located near the Metropolitan Museum of Art, we visited this neighborhood restaurant with relatives. It was a Friday night and very busy. Tight seating but it all seemed to add to the ambiance. The walls are decorated with a diverse collection of art. Nice menu with a complimentary bread basket. Five of us shared 5 appetizers of which the crisp and light Zucchini Flowers were the standout. I ordered the mushroom ravioli which was delicious and got a taste of someone's eggplant ravioli which was equally yummy. Wonderful meal and great experience.

What a wonderful surprise! We have gone to most of the top rated Italian restaurants in New York. Antonucci's is up there with the best. We have a code for many restaurants - "been there - done that". Antonucci's is a definite "been there - will go there again and again". Food was wonderful and the service great.

We visited this last night for the first time. Agree with everyone that the bread and tomato dip were great. Most of the food was well prepared and delicious. The eggplant appitizer was such a small portion that one could not tell what was in it. All of the portions are on the small size, particularly for the price. Scallops were perfectly prepared but 3 scallops for $27 is perhaps an excess of portion control. I would return for the food, but the service was a disappointment. We had a 7 pm reservation and it was clear from the moment we arrived that they wanted to turn our table and get us out. Bread and spread were dropped immediately and drink orders requested before we were even fully seated. Waitress brought drinks and stood there while we read the menus waiting to take our order. Main courses were delivered almost simultaneously with clearing appitizers. Table was not only cleared while someone was still eating but they reached in front of the face of the person still eating dessert to pick up her silverware. Either they are in a hurry, the servers are not correctly trained or a bit of both. I understand that this place is small and busy and they want to turn tables but they must allow two hours for a party of four. We arrived on time and were out the door by 8:30. We felt rushed through the entire meal.

Antonucci is a terrific, upscale Italian restaurant on a charming block on Manhattan's Upper East Side with a great ambiance. Its walls are filled with paintings, prints, and drawings by local artists. The tables are packed closely together, but the clientele is chic. The food is delicious and authentic. This is not a spaghetti with red sauce and chick parm place. The dishes are beautifully presented and there is an excellent selection of wines by the bottle and by the glass. The wait staff seems to be mostly from Italy, which adds to the fun. Great food, great for people watching, and there are outdoor tables in nice weather. Nice place to celebrate a birthday or special occasion with a group of friends, or for a night out as a couple.

As a party of eight, we experienced wonderful food and attentive service in a very warm and inviting atmosphere. The range of Italian dishes and wines was wonderful and everyone was happy with their choice. It was also an atmosphere where we could engage in conversation.

Antonucci is a solid neighborhood Italian restaurant with the traditional dishes one would expect. Service is friendly though not exceptional. The food is enjoyable but not exceptional in any way. Still, worth a visit if you are nearby.

We were lucky to get a table on a Saturday night around 9:30pm without a reservation. What a charming, warm, cozy restaurant this is --- with excellent food. All courses were strong. The service was super-friendly. The prices are not cheap $$$. But worth it.

If you want New York Italian this is the place to go. Its not large, nor too noisy but its popular and the food is fantastic. It look simple but the food has a wonderfult taste and unlike most restaurants the prtion size is not enormous but reasonable. A slightly off the main drag gem on the upper east side.

I just had an opportunity to enjoy a very nice prefix lunch here. Grilled calamari and a lovely orata dish. Everything was cooked to perfection, and the quality was top notch. It’s not often I don’t have a single complaint, but this is one of those times. They bring out a nice marinara sauce with melted ricotta cheese that you can dip your bread in, and even that was delicious. Definitely want to try dinner here.

My daughter and I stopped in for a light early dinner. There were a bunch of tables on the street. Nice and breezy and about 100 feet from busy 3rd avenue so you could see the goings on but weren’t assaulted by road noise. Unfortunately, those were filled so we were escorted into the nicely appointed interior. I think we lucked out with the time so would strongly suggest a reservation at the usual busy times. We wanted something light, so we settled on spaghetti for my daughter (12) and the grilled vegetables for me. I also had a glass of the Gavi – nice, light, fruity a little on the sweet side. My daughter said the spaghetti was the best she has ever had. She is a pasta expert and is not given to hyperbole. The grilled vegetables were done perfectly with a light (very light) layer of cheese. The waitress was darling and treated my daughter well. Overall, we couldn’t have asked for more and given New York prices a reasonable value. We would definitely return.

A neighborhood restaurant that serves exceptional food in a graciously accommodating style: what's not to like? Despite the need to accommodate an early start-time for dinner as a result of its popularity, Antonucci provided an excellent dining experience as well as a thoroughly appealing cuisine. Known as a locals' spot, the staff was both welcoming and professionally efficient. The quality of the fish and beef entrees was first rate, as was use of a combination of ingredients in the sauces that created more than the typically northern Italian flavors. The prices were reasonable as was the wine list making this an upper East side stop that doesn't break the bank but nonetheless delivers a superb cuisine along with hospitality and good service. Well worth a visit for a dinner for two or more. A seat at the bar (small but sufficient for six people) might work for a dinner without reservations and affords a view of the kitchen that is certain to entertain.

I enjoy visiting this Upper East Side Italian because of it's charming atmosphere and wonderful food. I have been for lunch and dinner and both are equally good. I especially love the amuse bouche of baked goats cheese. And what follows does not disappoint; braised artichokes then veal. It's a great place for a long lazy lunch with a glass or so of rose. This is my archetypal local Italian and on my list for lunch whenever I am in New York.

Our second visit to Antonucci. We were so pleased with our first meal we had to see if they could meet the same high standard. We were not disappointed. Great meal. Great service. Great setting. Can't imagine a better meal in NYC

So good! Have the spaghetti and the parma ham with figs! Great service too. Sit outside before it gets too cold. 81 st. loves you!

Under seasoned, over cooked, overpriced. The soft shell crabs were over cooked and greasy. The duck ravioli was cardboard and tasteless. This is one of those neighborhood restaurants that locals go to because they've always gone there. Good wine list but over the standard 300% markup. The staff overbearing, and urging us to order as soon as we sat down. Had to tell them to back off. Why would anyone want to order wine before they know what they will be eating? Most clients don't know better, you do

I have tried a few times to dine at Antonucci Cafe but was always booked and could not get in but today I lucked out. Er left the MEt after seeing the Heavenly Bodies Exhibit and walked over to the restaurant praying that we would get in and we did. Let me say it loudly....THE FOOD IS AMAZING. Run dknt walk to this restaurant, trust me you will not be disappointed. I cant stress it enough, you will enjoy the experience. The service, the wine and food all good, an enjoyable experience. Be sure to call to make reservations.

Wonderful neighborhood restaurant with homemade pasta and excellent service.

chose this restaurant after reading the reviews from Trip Advisor........great find! Believe the reviews -- atmosphere and service just right -- and the homemade pasta fabulous. Will definitely recommend.

Super quality food and staff service. We felt that we had stumbled upon an upmarket "locals" restaurant because most of the clientele seemed to be wealthy upper easters who are discerning and love Italian food. Try their belly pork and lasagne, which were both delicious and beautifully prepared. Would most definitely go again, but remember to book a table because it was full to the gunwhales.

We visit on most of our trips to NYC and often join New Yorkers who eat out frequently. There has never been a disappointed diner. Warm, attentive service. A large selection of traditional dishes with fresh ingredients that get the flavors and textures just right.

Decorated with a very mixed choice of artworks, Antonucci is a simple and elegant restaurant. A consistently good service and great food make for a great dinning experience. At lunch the frittatta and salads are a must. At dinner any pasta is served al dente and prepared in a delicious and unique way. The outdoor seating is not very comfortable but that doesn't deter New Yorkers from having a glass (or two) of wine and enjoying a nice lunch. I've been a customer since it opened an it has never let me down.

We had dinner at Antonucci recently, and enjoyed friendly service, this time at the bar in the back of the very small restaurant. The place was absolutely crowded; even a twenty couldn't get us a table. But the bar was interesting; it is near the finishing kitchen and it was interesting to see the care each plate received before it was released. Bean soup was perfectly prepared, but the fish and meat in the pasta dishes were almost tasteless. The pasta, however, was perfectly prepared. Noise levels here are very high, and we probably won't come back. It's a place for regulars if you want a good table.

If you are looking for a place for local instead of tourists... this is the place. Good size portions. Great ambiance.

The homemade pasta is excellent & unusual. The service is good & the ambiance pleasant. We keep returning! In the warm weather the outside dining is nice.

Let me start by saying this is the first restaurant review I have ever written. We have been going to Antonucci and ordering in from Antonucci for over ten years, and helped support the restaurant through Covid by picking up orders ourselves when there was no delivery. Recently, when we ordered in, the green beans we received were absolutely inedible and we just threw them out. Knowing that sometimes these things happen, I let it go and did not even report the incident to the restaurant. Subsequently, we ordered again from Antonucci for three people, and this time the pasta we ordered was the size of an appetizer and also inedible. When I called to complain, the woman who answered, rather than apologizing and offering to take care of the problem immediately, told me she would call me back. When I insisted that her calling me back was not helpful since my husband and I had a dinner to eat and my daughter did not have a meal, she hung up on me. For an expensive restaurant like Antonucci, I expected immediate service from the hostess and/or a manager. That did not happen. Several weeks went by and my husband and I—hoping things might have changed—called for take out again and were told that we were cut off from ordering. Outrageous. I was born and raised in NYC and have eaten in all kinds of restaurants, from coffee shops to Michelin star restaurants. I have never experienced such rude, unprofessional and mean-spirited arrogance from any business in this city. I understand that restaurant kitchens can sometimes have problems, but the quality of the food Antonucci is now serving is regularly awful. And for us to be treated this way after years of support is simply disgraceful. SHAME ON YOU ANTONUCCI!!!

The lack of upscale upper east side nyc Italian spots lead to initial success for this establishment. Take my word. Hit Elio s or Nicolas s. We were seated on time with friends. Our waiter was disinterested. Our glasses of wine were served in 20 minutes. The food was served out of sync with the appetizers. We complained to the owner, this is a small establishment, and he was not at all apologetic. He waiter brought over a few cookies as a freebie he stated. We were charged for the wine. We were subsequently charged 12 bucks for the cookies. Oh sorry stated the manager, owner. We have never had a bad experience at Elio s. NEVER.

My family loved this place! The tomato sauce and ricotta appetizer was to die for, and we enjoyed other appetizers as well. We all got different pastas which were lovely. We had great wines as well as amari from an impressive menu with dessert. The desserts were nothing special and paled in comparison to the awesome dinner, but there was nothing wrong with them. To top it off, the atmosphere is very cute, and the waitresses dress very elegantly in black dresses and pearls.

Concierge recommended and arranged an early Tuesday evening dinner prior to our catching a later train out of the city. Arrived a few minutes early as we were not sure how long the walk from our hotel would be, and seemed to be the second table seated for the evening. Greeted by a young but friendly server who took our wine order and quickly began to push for us to order. We deferred as we had not even received our pre dinner cocktail. My wife daughter and I were in the city for my daughters birthday and we were not in a hurry, so we ordered appetizers. As our server was leaving that table a young man arrived and asked if w were ready to order our entrees-again we politely deferred. I think the young staff was a bit too ready to turn a table , with no real need as when we left at 745 there was a few open tables and not once did an arriving guest have to wait for a table. Once the young servers settled down the service was fine and evenly paced. I think if they concentrated more on serving the tables in house more than worrying more about the next table it will serve them well. Onto the food- wife enjoyed her Caesar salad, my daughter an excellent prosciutto and roast pepper/mozzarella platter and I a heirloom tomatoe with anchovy ,onion and roasted jalapeño salad-all excellent. Entrees-Daugherty roast chicken the star of the night, my fresh pasta w/ string beans and pesto outstanding. Wife's gnocchi a bit too rich but a small side of red sauce offered graciously cut the richness to make it too very enjoyable. Desserts homemade but not necessarily memorable. Only 1 type of Chianti available and not a really good one. We opted for the house Pinot noir which actually was quite good and very well priced. A very nice atmosphere once everyone settled in. As an aside, I thought I heard the owner was the chef at Remi, one of our old favorites. If true he should be proud of the food coming out of this kitchen I'm sure this eatery has plenty of neighborhood business but we enjoyed and would recommend and return.

Small busy Italian eatery...Menu is fun and food is amazing...the bread with Sauce and cheese when you sit is a perfect start

Very good food and service. Expensive, but worth the price. Pasta very good (and pricy). Liver.... delicious.

As Yogi Berra might say, nobody goes to this restaurant because the wait is so long. In fact, with a well-timed reservation in hand, this Upper East Side, small, neighborhood, authentic Italian restaurant is a must. As locals in the neighborhood lament, Antonucci has been ‘discovered” and with good reason; its great. Frequent customer Madonna lives in the neighborhood, but that didn’t impress us. Food, service and atmosphere did impress us! They are excellent. This is the real deal.

We have enjoyed dinner in the past, this time tried lunch. As delicious, sophisticated and at the same time simple ( in the best Italian tradition) as earlier experiences. As we remembered the staff could not be more pleasant, the service top notch and the food prepared with care and precision. A sophisticated wine list, both by the glass ( not always the case) and bottles. Go and bring your taste buds. Does not disappoint.

A nice restaurant offering a good verity of Italian dishes well prepared .the service is good the wine selection very rich . Overall one can enjoy a wonderful evening .reasonably priced.

Found this restaurant through an online discount. Have been back 3 times since using the discount. We really love the atmosphere, food, and location. It's very close to the metropolitan art museum, and all the shopping on Madison and Lexington avenues. Also, reasonable prices for this area of NYC.

After the day at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, we started walking to find a spot for an early dinner. We were walking by this inviting Italian restaurant and just had to stop. We were so glad we did! Most importantly, the service was tremendous! We didn't have reservations but were treated as if we did. The staff was very attentive and we never had to wait for anything. The food was delicious, especially the eggplant ravioli and the cavatelli. We treated ourselves to profiteroles for dessert and one order was plenty to split. We ate outside on the sidewalk as is so normal in NYC in summer. The restaurant is charming and delicious! We will definitely return if we have the opportunity!

I lived on the block for the better part of a decade and would eat here often and still think of their wonderful lasagna and lamb pappardelle. On the right night, we would sit outside at one of their four tables and be very happy. After reading some of the reviews, I would have to agree that management was overly preoccupied with the see and be seen crowd from the area and spent too much time gladhanding, while being generally disinterested in the average folk looking for a good dinner. This often leaves a bad taste in people's mouths, despite the cuisine. Tables would often be held for no reason and the owner and his friends spent many a night taking up the prime tables outdoors. In this way, it was very old school/old country, and I'd imagine we would have been miffed if our trip to the restaurant consisted of more than a stroll across the street. At this point, it's a coveted locals/regulars spot, but would need an attitude shift to be a place travelers or out of town visitors sought out. Perhaps that's how they like it, but don't go in expecting the 'lady and the tramp' Italian restaurant experience, unless your name is Madonna. (she lives 4 doors down).

I suspect that we hit it at the right time. It was midday and midweek. I had an exquisite lamb shank. Fave beans were a little undercooked. Service and atmosphere were great. Going to keep it on the UES list, but only midday midweek

Finished so so dinner and was asked to move to a lesser table to accommodate a reservation. Enough said. Avoid like the plague and head to Elio's or Nicola's.

We had a wonderful dinner at Antonucci Cafe. The bronzino was possibly the best I have eaten. Crisp outside and done, but not overcooked fish. The pear salad was a bit disappointing (pears weren't ripe) but everything else was outstanding. the service is great--prompt and efficient, but didn't feel rushed. The Cafe has a very nice neighborhood type feeling. Would recommend for families and couples.

We choose this site based on excellent reviews in Trip Advisor. If you want to go to a place that do not respect waiting list for being seated and they priorize larger groups that came after you with no reservations, then this is your ideal choice. Besides, the hostess came several times to said the table was almost ready while they continue setting other people priority. Having so many other places available, why spent money and time here? Think twice before deciding to go Antonucci's.

Went to this quaint Italian restaurant with my daughter who lives in the City. She had been there several times and thoroughly enjoyed her meals and atmosphere. (Think Scenes from an Italian Restaurant). We had a spectacular meal and dessert was to die for. Staff was friendly and accommodating. Overall a great experience

This restaurant is a small plce. Both times we had tables on the street. Always good for watching the world go past. The food was fabulous, great ways of doing a venitian style italian new york style. So lots of sea urchin drizzled, great truffle dishes, brilliant pastas and the steamed clams were just extraordinary. We had great fun with the wine list. The bread and tomatoe sauce was just perfect the first night we wandered back from the summer stage program of opera in central park. As we sat to eat clams late in the evening with a little sancerre. This is a very NY experience. do it and enjoy it.

The people who live here and know where to go , chose our restaurant. My husband had dined here before with our friends,it was felt a great place for a return visit. We had Foie Grais for an appetizer, and just having dined in Sur Lat in France we were not disappointed. I had a veal in lemon sauce with the most delicious sweet flavored Brussel sprouts, I had ever had. My husband had the meat lasagna which he thoroughly enjoyed. We finished off our meal with a light sorbet and fresh fruit. We had an excellent selection of wines to choose from.

A charming Woody Allen-ish old standby Italian on the upper East Side specializing in now classic New York style Italian food and cheery waiters in aprons and small tables. Classy local neighbors enjoy this comfortable hangout.

Typical east side neighborhood place in the 80's. Squeeze into a tiny space but attentive and helpful service and yummy Italian menu with some nice surprises. I'd make this a regular stop when we are in NYC. Caution - be sure to reserve!

I went here recently with a friend and thoroughly enjoyed the food and the ambience. A quaint place, it has maybe 20 tables and has a bar up a short flight of stairs. It also has outdoor seating on a reasonably quiet street. It is a classic neighborhood italian with good food that is not unreasonably expensive, with good service. I will definitely go back.

Absolutely delicious every time. Best to eat outside in the warm months and enjoy a glass of rose with dinner.

Mr Antonucci is there 7 days a week at this exceptional local Italian restaurant. He has brought the best of Italian fare to this hot spot in the upper east side. Lots of Pasta, and super secondi makes for great tasting dishes. Best reserve as all the locals know the place and it is always crowded. Lots of fish on the menu as well as meat dishes but try the Crispy sweetbreads for a taste sensation. Enjoy!

I went to Antonucci to meet a friend for dinner. My friend was late, and the staff was very nice and patient. I ordered a glass of wine and waited...and waited. The staff remained friendly and understanding, and I hope to be back there to actually enjoy the food...people around me, seemed to enjoy their food very much. 5 stars for service!

We must have been asked 6 times within 5-10 minutes of being seated "would you like to order"? We had just gotten a glass of wine. It became so annoying that we finally just ordered. My "fish stew" special ($34) was excellent but the crowded restaurant plus overly pushy service was a spoiler. And it was very pricey -- every entree for mid $20s to $30+. At these prices you should be able to enjoy! Won't go back.

Lovely neighborhood place with a grown up vibe. Patrons in civilized attire (who wants to enjoy a nice dinner out cheek to jowl with a couple in cutoffs, tank tops and cargo pants?) Delicious bread with marinara dipping sauce. Good wine list, friendly but professional service. Tuna tartar app very good and no so predictable as some--interesting Italian spin on what mosts chefs seem to think must be Japanese inspired.. Solid pastas. Try the orchette with sausage and fennel, or mushroom ravioli. Fish all tasty.

Have been here a number of times and, previously, thought it was very good. This time, they screwed up our reservation, rushed us for dinner, and the dinner (octopus starter, black ink risotto and paglia et fino entrees) were meh. This is NYC, so there are so many alternatives. So disappointed.

I found this restaurant through Tripadvisor. Our meals were fabulous as the ravioli and meat lasagna were homemade and very tasty. The ricotta fritter desert with the chocolate and vanilla sauces was extraordinary. I am recommending this restaurant to family and friends. Another added benefit is it is located in a great neighborhood near the Met.

Great Italian food, warm service, beautiful restaurant, famous names sit side by side with us all. We enjoy this restaurant as it is not far from the Metropolitan museum. It is best to book if you have specific table needs. We always book unless it is a quick lunch and even then. The food is fresh, the chef is apparently from Venice originally from when I remember and the service is unhurried. It has an old world charm. The last time we sat next to regulars who were simply wonderful. They have lived in the neighbourhood for years and this is their local "canteen" - remember that the tables are close to one another.

It is very cozy. You fell like to be home . The food is delicate ,a friendly atmosphere, nice paintings on the wall. You should try the salmon and the lobster's salad. And say halo to the owner Francesco Antonucci who is a gentleman.

Lunched here between museums, a great place to relax and gather strength. Excellent food and service. It has tables outside (a quiet street) but it was raining when we visited. Would love to visit again.

Great food prepared with pride......small restaurant..... We prefer to eat inside make sure you say that when making your reservation

I just happened into this lovely neighborhood cafe. I felt right at home eating lunch by myself. The octopus was exceptional and beautifully presented....fresh,fresh,fresh. The service was cordial and professional....I will return!

This charming looking UES Italian restaurant, which we've loved over the years, has devolved into a Speed Dining experience. Before we had time to adjust our napkins the overbearing waiter with his busboy sidekick were pushing us to order and soon to clear our plates. It is definitely a place to keep one thumb on your plate at all times or you'll find your dinner gone. The Caesar Salad we had was decidedly mediocre "fast food", the Lasagne Bolognese good. These days it seems the restaurant's goal is turning tables not providing a pleasant experience. It just a pretty face with no substance.

This is a great little restaurant. The atmosphere is cozy and the food tastes amazing! There is lots of art on the walls which I like, but I found that it could have been displayed neater. It's a very clean place and the staff provided great service.

I enjoyed a fantastic and fresh meal with friends here, and have nothing but good things to say. The restaurant is small and adorably appointed, which made for a pleasant atmosphere (and even with a full house, still a small enough size that we could easily hold a conversation). A large number of the pastas on offer are made in house, which added a great authenticity. We enjoyed some items on their seasonal menu, too- which were so tasty that I have already decided that I must return in another season in order to enjoy what will be offered. I highly recommend this place.

My wife and I have visited this restaurant two times. It serves excellent "bistro" Italian food in a very cozy setting. There is always a buzz to the room. Service is top notch as is the food. Pasta dishes are a standout. I started with a tasty bouillabaisse and for my entree I had the classic meat lasagna which was delicious. My wife began with zucchini flowers stuffed with cheese and her main course was flower gnocchi with peas, pesto and spinach. Both were top notch. We ended the meal with a mouth watering warm chocolate molten cake. Overall a wonderful experience.

This is a small Italian restaurant tucked between 3rd and Lexington on 81st street.The food is always excellent and it caters to a very upscale crowd including local politicians and celebrities. This is a great place to go for good food and people watching.

Situated in a cozy east .81 st location it is well appointed and offers a well represented menu of multiple choices of meats , fish snd pasta items. An upper east side crowd arrives fairly late for dinner . Service is quite attentive snd generally the food is well prepared with some Italian standbys and a few specials to amp up their menu. I found it a very good spot to Dine inside snd outdoors either just a few people as it a bit tight inside.

Authentic italian food from de Venice region,. True to origin and quality ingredients .Well served dishes, fast and kind service. A little bit noisy. Fantastic place in UES.

This is a very friendly neighborhood place. It is not fancy, but the service is good and the calamari starter is outstanding. We enjoyed our food and the atmosphere very much.

If you like lasagna, the meat lasagna at this restaurant is all you need to order. Nice selection of wines and much, much more on the menu. A bit difficult to see in this posh upper east side neighborhood, but worth the search.

We were 6 people crowded into a table for 4, but we managed and had a wonderful meal last Saturday. The food was well prepared, very tasty and the service was equally pleasant. The portions were large and everything was made to order. Reservations essential. I like a crowded restaurant, it's a sign of good food. Nice place on the upper East Side.

Today was my first visit to this cosy restaurant on NYC's Upper East Side. The menu sounded mouth-wateringly delicious which made it tricky to chose. In the end I had an appetizer of bone marrow and salad and gnocchi with ragu as a starter. Both dishes were simple yet seriously delicious. The host/owner enquired whether everything was to our liking to which we replied yes. In the end and for no specific reason he offered the three of us desserts on the house. This has never happened before but it was a really nice ending to a lovely evening with memorable food. Grazie mille!

We arrived a little early but we're able to sit and wait, and I'm glad we did. Service was fabulous and the food was delicious!! To start we had warm tomatoe sauce with goat cheese and bread... to die for then I had the foccica blt and it came with shoe string fries yummy!! My husband was penne with olives and capers, he said it was very good. Would come back again if I was in the neighborhood

We had a wonderful Saturday night dinner at this small neighborhood family run Venetian trattoria that has its act together. There is an exciting vibe to the place. Dining here is like looking at a fine watch movement--everything runs perfectly from the service to the delicious food. The pastas, meatballs and entrees that we ordered were all wonderful. For desert the four of us shared their excellent profiteroles. Another positive is that the wines are reasonably priced. The relatively small dining room, where the tables are close together, is attractive featuring a large oil painting of Paula Zahn, a fan of the restaurant.

Overpriced mediocre food. A waiter who didn't know the menu really well and felt incapable of making recommendations. A noisy ambiance devoid of warmth and charm. I must say I was shocked anyone would bother going here

Great place for brunch. Liked the location and the interior. Had the feeling that there were a lot of locals coming on a regular basis.

A New Yorker friend recommended this neighborhood Italian restaurant to us and it was a winner. Upper east side and a straight shot from the Met. Sweetbreads were as good as advertised. Also grilled octopus.

We met a friend who lived nearby and he suggested Antonucci. We like Italian so we said fine. The place is small with a nice ambiance. Tables are close together and it can be hard to talk. The menu is impressive. My wife ordered a chicken liver mousse which I thought about ordering too. I'm glad I didn't. I didn't like the presentation with hard boiled egg and onions. My wife said it was very loose. I ordered eggplant parm which I like and the waiter recommended. There was almost no sauce on it and the eggplant was tough. It was not a good dish. We had pasta next. My wife had cavatelli bolognese which was ok just needed salt. I had gnocchi which was good. Desert was not special. Service was ok. There are lots of great Italian restaurants in NYC, this is not one of them.

Love the food, particularly the seared calamari and veal scallopini: YUMMY!! Always a pleasure coming here and I look forward to doing this again

Terrible customer service. Food just ok. Not worth the price. Soggy home made pasta. Won’t be back again. Better Italian restaurants all over NYC.

For years, I ate at a place called Remi in midtown, but stopped going there in 2006 after it had changed hands and the magic disappeared. Imagine my delight when I visited Antonucci's this evening and realized that it was run by the same chef that had made the food at Remi so special. Everything was superb, and I recommend it without reservation (though you will need one).

in my neighborhood.. they deliver.. believe food a little too expensive.. but the arancini is outrageous.. keep going back for those arancini..

We went for lunch today and it was disappointing. Both of us ordered at the same time, yet my friend's soup came out 20 minutes before my appetizer. It was a calamari dish that couldn't have weighed more than an ounce or two. It was tasty, but it takes some nerve to charge $14 for .50 cents worth of squid. I then had to wait almost half an hour, and only after making a fuss, did my main course come out of the kitchen. It was one piece of cannelloni and would barely suffice as an appetizer. Our waiter was non-existent and considering the reputation of this restaurant, I wouldn't go back.

Really very good food in a neighborhood restaurant, catering to locals and regulars. Small but not too noisy. Accommodating special diets. Helpful maitre’d. Other staff could use educational help.

Antonucci has become our favorite place to eat since moving to the neighborhood. I highly recommend the grilled octopus or calamari to start. I've tried several of the pasta dishes (there are many), LOVE the bucatini as well as the orichetti. The restaurant is very charming, on the small side. The have a huge mural of Madonna (she is a neighbor).

This is a neighborhood restaurant at 170 E 81st St. It was highly recommended by some locals and did not disappoint. The pastas, seafood, and salads were all wonderfully prepared.

Having walked by this little place for more than a year, we finally walked in last week. What were we waiting for??? The food was delicious, the service was attentive, and the charming interior was exactly what we needed after a long day in the city. Fresh arugla salad with shared reggiano parmesan was a delight, but the homemade eggplant ravioli was perfection. Our entire table of four swooned. We will be back.

This isn't a bad place, but it simply isn't memorable. As a neighborhood place it is fine. Would I go there if I weren't staying int the East Side within walking distance of the place? Not really. It is obviously popular, and members of my family who live nearby, eat there regularly. It is also-typical for a NY City eatery-fairly crowded. My salad was great, but my main dish, a mushroom pasta was overcooked and too salty. The wine was great, and the service was also fine.

We had a fantastic dinner in this small, cozy and very charming restaurant a few weeks ago. The service was amazing, as the food we had. The uptown location makes this place even more interesting as it's not in the middle of downtown, the small detour is worth the stretch. My wife was here a few years ago, with the same fantastic experience. She now makes thier famous meatballs at home. The owner recongnized my wife and treated us with a tasting of all the desserts on the menu.... :-) We will be back for sure!

Way better than expected restaurant! An excellent Italian restaurant. The Service was very quick, Bread and grisinni on the table right after you sat down. Good wine list of Tuscan, Piedmont, Venetian and other Italiam wines at reasonable prices. The appetizers were in very ample proportions and of excellent quality. Ditto - the entrees. The desert menu was excllent and the portion-sizes were a lot bigger than in most of the other high-quality Italian restaurants. Only drawback: a relatively small restaurant with tables close together, so it's better if you're already married or with a "steady date"; not romantic for a first date. Prices quite reasnable, considering the high quality of the food. (which is why you go to a restaurant in the first place, n'est pas?). As for my wife, who is herself a gourmet cook and hard to please: she was pleased.

Dinner was good, tasty and a good variety of options especially the long list of specials. The wine list was good. Unfortunately the wait staff kept on asking what we wanted to order rather than being aware we were deep in conversation and had not looked at menu. I assume they wanted us to order so they could "turn" the table.

Like all New York location, you need to make reservation to ensure you have a place to eat. Wine list was affordable. The plates are outstanding. The arancini's and the octopus carpaccion to die for. I had the mushroom ravioli. I will return,

We stopped at Antonucci’s on the Upper East Side for lunch. We came upon it by chance and it looked so inviting we hurried in. We were first served delicious bread with a small dish of hot tomato sauce and chèvre. We scooped the concoction onto the bread and mmmm it was very good! We had mushroom ravioli and veal scaloppini. Both of which were excellent. We shared a traditional and creamy Tiramisu for dessert. The wait staff was very friendly and knew the menu well. All in all it was a lovely New York City Saturday lunch!

From the marinara and cheese accompaniment to the excellent bread and breadsticks, through the pear salad and buffalo mozzarella appetizers, the pork and barata (fish) entrees , the warm chocolate cake desert, and the Barbera wine by the glass (a generous pour, served from the bottle), everything about the meal was excellent, as was the service. Not cheap, but reasonable for NYC, particularly considering the quality. Decor of the restaurant is also quite nice. We will be back!

They have raised their prices to obscene amounts. Totally not acceptable. Much as I like this restaurant I am upset by their outrageous prices. Especially the wine list. Not one bottle under $70. Shocking. Will not go back until they adjust.

My Brother in Law recommended this restaurant and he was recommended it by an old friend of his. We all live on the Upper East Side. Usually word spreads quickly about neighborhood restaurants that are this wonderful, however it is more than just a neighborhood spot. It is not pretentious, however the crowd is eclectic. The walls are covered with paintings, photos, sketches etc. that seem to change on occasion. I was caught by a sketch that was done on paper signed by Sonia Rykiel. There is a large painting of Madonna (the material girl) whipping up food in the kitchen. The salad with the hearts of palm and avocado is a fav of my hubby along with any fish. I enjoy the eggplant appetizer, mushroom ravioli and the banana soufflé. The spaghetti and meatballs are yummy. My sister-in-law (her father was an Italian butcher) always gets the Chicken Milanese and she is verrrrry selective. She could find anything wrong with a restaurant but hasn't seemed to find anything wrong at Antonucci's. The Frank Family thanks the chefs and owner for keeping peace in the family for we all enjoy it.

So here's the problem. Food is terrific but the place is way too small and packed with people so it's loud and very uncomfortable. We were last here 6 years ago and I wrote a similar review. It would be nice if these good people found a larger space. Meanwhile, this is not for me.

Terrible customer service. Food just okay. Not worth another visit. This is in my neighborhood but there are better Italian restaurants around that are less expensive with better food. Do not recommend.

A wonderful real Italian restaurant! The place is small and you can feel a bit crowded but the food is worth it. We had changed our reservation to a half hour later and were gently reminded that we now had an hour and half to eat vs. the usual 2 hours. The fact that they were willing to still accommodate us was wonderful. The seafood lasagne was very special and appetizer of bread with sauce and cheese was equally great. The noise level does heat up starting around 7-7:30 and this was a Wednesday night!

It was a cold windy day when we ducks into this restaurant.To cold to walk to our original destination. Very pleasantly surprised. The Meatballs, Mushroom Ravioli and the sautéed Spinach were very good. Service was efficient and attentive. Next Museum Mile visit will see us return to this fine restaurant.

Antonucci’s has become a favorite neighborhood restaurant because it never disappoints. The extensive menu offers a lot of choices including a wide range of daily specials. There’s always a good variety of pasta and fresh fish - the steamed halibut with mushrooms has become my personal favorite but the branzino is also great. The atmosphere is cozy and eclectic and the service is prompt and polite. Good wine list. The lunch special is a real bargain.

Have tried many times to obtain a reservation as our daughter lives nearby and had heard from many friends how good this was. We are often disappointed by restaurants on the UES(overpriced, poor food, poor service). Finally, we got a reservation. Unlike Dr. Rick88, we found the entire staff very friendly and well-trained. The trouble with the menu-everything looks tempting, and the dishes we had were attractively served, correct temperature, appropriately seasoned, and the pricing was reasonable. The atmosphere was convivial. Actually, portions were often large enough to share-the veal chop was to be split by two people and the waitress inquired if they wanted it split beforehand(they did and each plate came with a full portion of accompaniments). One person cannot have pasta and asked if the spaghetti could be omitted and just have meatballs("no problem") was the reply. Try for reservations long in advance - I would eat here frequently if I lived in NYC.

They have a very. Good lunch special three courses. For $29. Food is very good with A nice Italian special flavor to it wine list is small but quite good and prices are fair for the quality Good neighborhood place

I usually don't go to italian restaurants outside of Italy since they are not quite the same as the food at home, but Antonucci is quite different. We tried the fried zucchini flowers, the baccala with polenta, and all the desserts. The granita al caffe is delicious and perfectly made. Good choice of vines and excellent service. Bravo!

This is a jewel of an Italian restaurant. Wonderful ambiance, attentive wait staff, and delicious cuisine. Probably the best veal scaloppini I have ever eaten! The tables were close together but that added to the ambiance.

We walked in and got seated right away. This was a nice surprise, the restaurant was packed. The service came quickly and often to take of anything we needed. Antonucci's has a varied menu that will please almost anyone. I had the fish that was done to perfection. My wife had the eggplant that she enjoyed. Our friend who is vegetarian had mixed steamed vegetables that he said had great seasoning. I will put this on my return visit list.

Food was good but portions were very small. My homemade cavatelli was miniature, bite size pasta. Got the check and went elsewhere for dessert.

A classic Italian restaurant in the Upper Eastside, little touristy and well attended by the neighborhood. The food is very good, the menu manageable, the prices according to the location. The tables are unfortunately much too tight and also small, therefore unfortunately quite uncomfortable. The service is good, but we would have liked to have waited until we got up well before closing time to clean up the place. That seemed a little uncomfortable. Otherwise, a nice evening.

We had lunch in early May at this delightful, small Italian restaurant tucked away on the upper East side...and thoroughly enjoyed their fabulous eggplant parmigiana dish and excellent tomato and mozzarella salad. Portions were small, and the space was rather tightly packed, but it's worth seeking this place out!

We chose to go to Antonucci because it is a few meters from Madonna's house in New York. She is also dominating the hall of the restaurant with a big mural. Francesco is the owner and stays in the main hall and coordinates everything. Of course, he pays a lot of attention to Italians. The food is really Italian, we had eggplant parmigiana, the real recipe, very good one, and veal scaloppini, again very adherent to the Italian recipe. We did not have pasta, which would have been the real test, but I can say that pasta is the "real" al dente pasta, looking at other tables with Italians which were locals. The restaurant is maybe a little small and tables are very very close, so privacy can be a concern. I can tell you the whole story of the people in our neighbors table. Overall a great place to go in the fantastic Upper East Side of Manhattan. Prices were adequate for the place, 90$ for two people, a bit expensive but you are in the most sophisticated area of NYC

Food is good, but not amazing. The lunch special is a very good value, $30 for 3 courses. Can be cold inside if it is cold outside not much protection.

This is a small restaurant with great charm and fantastic food. The paintings surrounding the dining room create add such ambiance, but the food is the show stopper. Everything from the bread with dipping sauce to the main course was delicious. The service was also excellent. Don't miss this little gem for a fabulous lunch or dinner.

Excellent food and service from start to finish. Small outdoor section is absolutely perfect although some at the adjacent table did not heed the no smoking signs (or state law)!

My husband and I have been going to this restaurant for 20 years. It has been one of our go to Italian restaurants in the neighborhood which have good food and a nice vibe. Parenthetically, despite our being regular customers, the owner did not ever welcome us or even say hello. When a coworker told me that she wanted to give me a holiday gift certificate to a local restaurant in December , I told her Antonucci. The meal was fine. When we went to settle the check, I told our server we had a gift certificate. I showed her a photo of the gift certificate and told her that it was in the drawer at the Maitre’d’s desk. She then brought over the owner who accused us of stealing the gift certificate. I was astounded. I told him to look in the desk. He came back with the gift certificate and never apologized. We could not believe it. His manager called me the next morning to enquirer how our experience was with the gift certificate and I told her the whole story. She could not believe it either. I told her that the owner needed to call and apologize for his egregious behavior. Needless to say, he never called. We will never return. I will add that several of our neighbors have had similar experiences with this owner.

The service here is very good and friendly, the premises are clean and well designed, and people have a great deal of fun. The pasta is really the best part of the menu, with several interesting sauces (gravies, if you prefer), but neither my companion nor I are impressed with the other dishes.

This is a "Ristorante" and a very good one to boot. Small, relaxed, neighborhood place. Oh, yes and good food, too. If you are "in the neighborhood," stop on by. And another thing, you can hear yourself think and the person across the table.

Not only is Antonucci the best neighborhood Italian on the Upper East Side, it has fast become my favorite place in the city to grab takeout. The spaghetti & meatballs and roasted chicken are divine, and I always crave the homemade focaccia and breadsticks. I have ordered in 20+ times in the last year, and have never been disappointed!

We were here for lunch, and enjoyed their 3-course pre-fixe (with plenty of choices). Their eggplant parmigiana was a big hit — really good! We even looked for a similar recipe when we returned home. The cannelloni on a bed of spinach was also excellent. The vegetable lasagna was good but small, luke-warm, seemingly cheeseless, and sauceless. When I took it back to be heated, the hot replacement was even smaller. The pasta bolognese at the next table looked like a much better choice. All went well with their Marramiero Dama 2019 Montepulciano. Our 2 desserts, tiramisu and chocolate tartufo, were both excellent. Service was friendly, but stretched thin. Wine prices were pretty sporty (ours, one of the lowest priced, at 65 bucks, was over 4x retail). That said, we had an otherwise delightful lunch, and would return — but we’ll avoid the lasagna and probably drink our wine somewhere else beforehand.

We visited this restaurant ('cafe' does not do it justice) when we were last in NYC in 2013, and thought it was the best food that we had eaten during our 10-day stay. We wanted to show our son and his Manhattan-based girlfriend what we had discovered. We arrived at 9.30, the first available booking, and the tables were starting to empty around us. No problem….more space for us! However, the waiter seemed jaded and impatient and wasn't particularly welcoming, the waitress seemed jumpy and was maybe nervous and new, and when the food came it did not seem to be as delicious or special as we had experienced last year. It was all fresh and well-presented but that's all we could say really. So upset that our son wasn't impressed with the only choice of restaurant that we had been allowed to make over this visit, and I doubt that he will be going there with his local friends in the future. Maybe the main chef was having a night off?

One of the best Italian restaurants in the Big Apple! Pasta is superb. Wine list extraordinary. Meats are cooked to perfection. Creative recipes. Superb bread and tomatoes purée to start each meal.

Like the title says, this restaurant just hits home. You are promptly greeted by the friendly staff who seat you in this cozy restaurant. Weirdly as you sit down, no matter where in the restaurant you instantly forget that you are in fact in a restaurant. The drinks are severed from the bar in the adjacent room and are quickly served whilst the staff give you menus and prepare the table with water/bread etc. At the top of the stairs in the restaurant stands il signore Antonucci actively watching everyone to make sure they are taken care of. He does walk around and greets people, as well as thanks them for coming. A true restaurateur, it is impossible to not feel welcome or not taken care of here. To the food! I've started with the calamari, tuna and prosciutto at different times. They are all delicious and I can imagine the rest are as well. For main dishes I've had different types of pasta, as well as the cod. For dessert it's usually the chocolate cake or affogato with some espresso. I can't tell you how much I love this restaurant, everything from the quirky decor to the staff, it just warms you up every time you step in. Definitely worth a visit!

Went for a lunch here, both me and my girlfriend had pasta. We where not impressed, the food was average or below average which the price didn't match. The service was ok, nothing more, waiter seemed very unhappy. I would find another place next time.

We visited Antonucci based on tripadvisor reviews, and I was not disappointed! My husband and I are from Italy and we were very impressed with the cuisine. The restaurant is compact but very pleasant, with an eclectic collection of artwork on the powder pink walls, including what appears to be a Rauschenberg in one of the bathrooms! We were greeted at the door by the manager and seated promptly (thank goodness we had a reservation!). The service was prompt, attentive and friendly. The wine selection was excellent. The breadbasket gave us the first indication that we were in a top notch Italian establishment. As many have commented, the marinara and cheese that comes with the bread was very tasty. We had Arancini di Riso, Veal Tongue (my husband is a fan) and Steamed Clams. All three were absolutely delicious. We ordered Bucatini and Risotto al Nero di Seppia (risotto with black squid ink) and loved both. Finally we ended with a pear tart which was delightful. I would highly recommend Antonucci.

Eating here is an altogrther delightful experience. The menu always offers new, interesting and bold offerings to excite th taste buds. The service attentive and not intrusive. The atmosphere warm and welcoming

Quaint Italian on the UES. Very nice menu and a long specials list. Wine list is extensive as well. Food is quite good and this is clearly a locals favorite. Can't go wrong here but don't expect Michelin star or top Zagat experience. Just a very good local spot.

Wonderful food, so much variety. When you first dit fown they bring a great cheese in fresh tomato sauce to dip the bread Loved my avocado and hearts of palm salad and Bronzino. The sitting is a bit tight.

My favorite Italian on the Upper East Side. It’s a small place, so reservations can be tough to get. Savor the fresh breads and dip into the warm tomato sauce and cheese that each table receives. Pastas are delicious, as is pretty much everything on the menu. Service is professional yet warm.

We did not have a reservation on a Saturday night, but got seated at an inside corner table after a short wait at this seemingly bustling (pricey) Italian. The pastas were the main event, and were quite good; our sea bass dish was also tasty. Some of our dishes needed more flavor (like the arancini). The space is tight, with tables elbow to elbow. And there is some amount of people watching. The service, accommodating.

Consistent food of the highest calibre,served by waitresses that know the menu and are super efficient. Yes , the place is small and yes you are sitting on top of the next table but service and food makes all the difference. A very broad menu that contains some very fine dishes, always promptly served . Highly recommended by the regulars that eat here every night which is why you must book ahead of the day. Excellent chef who really knows his dishes and staff will always be helpful if you need any advice. I always enjoy the meals here and we eat here at least once every week.

A leisurely Saturday lunch at Antonucci’s was incredibly delicious. Lovely atmosphere with art on the walls and attentive service made for a great experience. Everything was prepared to perfection. We just returned from a trip to Italy and didn’t have a finer meal there. From the bread and tomato sauce with goat cheese starter to the meatballs appetizer to our 2 mains, carbonara and mushroom ravioli, the food was all scrumptious and beautifully presented. Highly recommend.

Small neighborhood feel. Took very good care of this business traveler! Went back the next night with a business associate.

We found this lovely restaurant while searching for Italian cuisine within walking distance of the Breuer Museum on the Upper East Side. We came in at the tailend of the lunch hour and ordered from the special luncheon menu. The dishes were prepared to order and the food reminded us of the typical meals we have had in small family restaurants in Italy. The proprietor made us feel welcome and struck up a conversation which made our experience all the more authentic and personal. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal and plan to return again.

Was only in NY for 3 nights, this I picked on-line, was walking distance from my hotel. On a Sat. night, I got an early reservation, and was pleasantly surprised. Both dishes we had were very good, veal piccata was delicious. They never rushed us, although they were busy, and the whole thing wasn't too hard on the wallet. Cappucino at the end was perfect. Excellent team service.

A small (~15 tables) UES place that just exudes "cozy". A very attentive staff greets you as if you are a regular, and the no-rush service for couples, families and the occasional business crowd is just right. Pastas a la Roma are the heart of a fairly complex menu, aided by a robust list of daily and weekly specials. Great wines by the glass make the selection of the appropriate accompaniment easy. On our last trip, we had the monkfish special and what may have been the smoothest, silky lasagna I have ever had. The black risotto is also fabulous. Buttermilk pane cota was a great way to finish. The prices are appropriate for NYC but not outrageous by any means. Go and go again!

Good northern Italian cuisine. Only problem is we were told when we arrived that we had to leave by a certain time. I understand the need to move tables, however the way it was conveyed was a bit impolite.

Wonderful neighborhood Italian restaurant. Pastas are fabulous. Only wish it was easier to make a last minute reservation - but that's the price you pay for a great restaurant.

My husband and I traveled into NYC via train for a 4-day trip, staying with friends, seeing relatives, visiting museums, and more. I'll get right to the best part - the food at Antonucci! Yes, our friends made a reservation, thank goodness, as people just kept pouring in. Despite the blowing snow and sleet, it was worth the walk. Everything about our meal was perfect, from the server, Brenna, who was very busy but remained calm and lovely, to the food we chose and the very good bottle of wine. The food list is long and tempting, and I will happily, with a reservation, go there when we next are in NYC.

A quiet, reserved atmosphere lends itself to the classic Italian cuisine. Well prepared entrees are distinctly prepared. Desserts are exceptional and should not be overlooked, particularly the banana soufflé and fruit tart.

Consistently good Italian food on Upper East side. Be prepared for a very large menu with excellent waiters and service. Its very hard to fault the choices of food but be aware the restaurant is really cramped and you will be sitting on top of the next table. Definitely one of the better East side establishments.

This odd little restaurant has a clientele that has seen it all come and go. There is nothing hip about this place but it is quirkily charming and has really terrific food. Great homemade pastas.

We want there for a late lunch after a visit the MET, we went there because of the critics. It was evn better than expected. Great food, nice atmosphere and decoration, a bit pricey but worth it!

We've been to Antonucci's a half dozen times over the past year. Regarding the food Its a very consistent and well run establishment. I started with an over sized martini as we arrived 30 minutes early for our reservation. The owner was in the bar and offered me a taste of his best cognac - terrific. Our whole family loves the meatballs, the lasagna and try the burrata, you won't be disappointed. You'll be treated like family.

We stopped by here for Sunday lunch after a visit to the Met museum of art. We had read the reviews and were not disappointed. The fixed price lunch menu was very reasonable as well as the regular lunch menu. We received a warm welcome from the owner's wife and were promptly seated. The food was excellent as well as the service. We understand it gets quite busy, so if you can, would recommend making a reservation.

From beginning to end there wasn't any redeeming qualities in this restaurant that formally was one of my favorites on the UES. The bread was stale and the sauce was brought 15 minutes after the bread's arrival . We asked for olive oil that never arrived. The caesar salad didn't resemble its name. There were a few wilted leaves without any discernible taste of what you would expect in this signature dressing. The cod's first appearance was horrifying by its size, palette, and it was completely inedible. The waitress then offered another dish which was also inedible. There didn't seem to be any manager of sorts to deal with our disappointment in our entire meal or an offer to reduce the bill..

My wife and I ate there earlier this month. The food was very good. We both had pasta dishes. Great salads. My tip, if you have a choice sit inside. Its a lovely space. The outdoor seating is more problematic. Like a lot of restaurants they’ve built a little shelter on the side walk for seating. Those seats looked ok but they also have some orphan tables which are not in the shelter. Our orphan table was squeezed up against the rental bike racks and had a view of the adjacent dry cleaner’s basement steps. You had foot traffic squeezing by on one side and vehicles on the other. About half way through the meal we noticed the dry cleaner’s steps also had a lot of rodent activity. Not the greatest accompaniment for a meal. We skipped desert.