Lex Restaurant Reviews

My boyfriend and I went here for dinner on a travelzoo coupon. We have been trying many different neighborhood places on these coupons from travelzoo, livingsocial, groupon, etc. Four choices of wine were offered- two red and two white. The Chianti was fine. We split an appetizer of calamari, which they split in the kitchen. Somehow I ended up with all of the big pieces and my boyfriend ended up with nuggets of fried batter. My calamari was OK - well fried but under-seasoned. Then we ordered mains - no branzino or lamb, so he ordered seafood risotto and I ordered chicken parm with spaghetti. The seafood risotto arrived and looked OK but the seafood was sprinkled on top of a plain risotto, it seems. It was not great. The chicken parm arrived and I immediately noticed two things - 1) it was served with ziti, not spaghetti, which was VERY overdone 2) the mozzarella cheese on top was simply sliced, perhaps from one of those plastic wrapped craft singles. Like the calamari, the chicken was fried well but everything else on the plate was awful. Then the WORST part. Dessert. It seems that Lex Restaurant does not have any type of pastry chef, and whoever does their desserts should be fired immediately. I make better snacks when I botch a recipe at home. The offerings: brownie, cheesecake, carrot cake, vanilla ice cream. Brownie was over cooked and topped with Hershey's (or cheaper) chocolate sauce. Carrot cake was obviously cut hours before as the edges were dry and tough. Dessert was TERRIBLE. We will not go back and do not recommend you go back either.

This is a noisy and crowded neighborhood restaurant with tables very close together. It is near the 92nd St Y and does alot of business before performances there. I only went there because of its location.

We stopped in to Lex Restaurant at the suggestion of a friend who frequents the restaurant. From the moment we sat down, our experience was nothing but pleasurable and amazing. They walked through the menu with us, helped us with our selections, and made sure our glasses were never empty. Most importantly, the food was outstanding! Rich flavors and cooked to perfection. I would highly recommend if you are on the UES--or even if you aren't, it is worth the trip.

A friend introduced me to this restaurant last summer -- many folks who attend events at the 92nd Street Y have dinner here before or after events. We enjoyed a second meal very much -- authentic Italian with friendly service and a very pleasant venue.

Service, food, ambience are all top notch. At our table, mussels, gazpacho, chicken scarpariello, Lamb chops, whole wheat pasta, linguini with clams,apple pie a la mode were all splendid. Do yourself a favor and go to an event at 92Y and start off with a fine dinner here. If there’s nothing happening at the Y, go there anyway.

This is not “ haute”cuisine . This is delicious food, friendly service, warm atmosphere, fair prices, What more in the world do you need.

We went for brunch. The menu was not inspiring, there was nothing creative or even very interesting. A bunch of salads and pastas was most of it. I had a portabella salad that was good and my wife had a nice truffle oil risotto, which was very tasty. I just found the Lex to be so-so.

This is very close to the 92Y and had good service before our show. Highly recommend this restaurant! Good service and good food. One block from the Y. Very convenient.

Their French rosé is VRAC that costs less than $12 a bottle retail, but is inflated to $60.00 at Café Lex. Who can enjoy a place that takes that kind advantage of its customers? The dinner was ordinary and overcooked.

Fantastic service & very tasty food! We are on holiday from England staying not far from the Lex, after a full on day of walking we wanted somewhere close to the apartment for dinner, we were not disappointed! The staff are very attentive and knowledgeable of the menu, lovely experience! I had the flounder special and my mum had the salmon, delicious! Thank you!

We have been here for lunch twice now, and it has been quiet and pleasant. Just wish the service was more attentive. It seems like the slower a restaurant is the slower the service..We had to constantly ask for bread, water and more coffee. We had salads, pasta and I believe a hamburger too. All were large portions and well prepared.

Looking for a fabulous dining experience, please try Lex Restaurant. I've patronized Lex many times, the pastas are cooked to order perfectly(even al dente), chicken dishes that are stuffed all have incredible taste,scallapini dishes flavorful and the fish is as fresh as it gets. Brunch is also excellent, service is always attentive and the deliveries are quick, hot and always delicious. This restaurant has a loyal local following and visitors will feel at home immediately.

Fresh fish, beautiful clams and mussels. The eggplant appetizer was phenomenal. Very quaint little restaurant with great food. Reservations needed on the weekend.

I come here often. The owner and servers are warm and welcoming, the food is delicious, and the place is pretty. They don't push you to order more than you want, and are generous with their wine pours. I love the porcini risotto (one of the best I've had); bronzino, veal dishes. They also are great at making adjustments to what you want. Great place. And reasonable. And it's also fine for going solo. They treat you well.

Splendid small, busy Italian restaurant. Very professional servers great food. Good atmosphere. Fair prices for New york city. Will revisit

Four of us went for brunch after a Sunday morning event at the 92nd St. Y. Restaurant conveniently located practically across from the Y, which was a blessing, as we were all starving. Restaurant is typically long and narrow, but clean, bright, with an attentive Maitre D', linen tablecloths and napkins. Two of us had Cobb salads, 1 eggs Benedict, and 1 rigatoni with Mozzarella. Everyone pleased with his/her food. Hot food (even poached eggs) came piping hot. Salad greens were crisp and fresh; grilled chicken breast was moist; bacon crisp with not a drop of fat on it. Portions generous. Wines, by the glass, were $10 - not cheap; not outrageous - but a very generous pour, larger than I remember anywhere else in Manhattan. Generous bread basket, with warm, fresh bread, served with a bowl of virgin olive oil, or butter, if you ask (we did). Did not have dessert, or coffee.

We were a large group of eight colleagues in town for a work meeting. We came on the early side ( 6 pm) and was able to get a large table in the front. While we ate the place filed up and people were waiting when we left. Might be good to make a reservation. Everyone enjoyed their entrées and calamari appetizer ordered. Complimentary fresh bread and dipping oil to start. Service was efficient but almost too many daily specials to consider. Lots of choices for vegetarians who eat fish. Prices high but in keeping with the neighborhood.

Spent the early part of the afternoon at the Guggenheim with my boyfriend and his visiting parents. We decided to walk towards Lex Avenue to find a spot for an early dinner. Stumbled upon the Lex Restaurant and immediately loved the vibe. Very quaint and quiet. The best part was our amazing dinner. I had a pappardelle pasta special with huge pieces of fresh salmon over veggies. Amazing.... My boyfriend also had salmon but with brussel sprouts and roasted potatoes, also a special. Both dinners were excellent! Shout out to the waitstaff who were very friendly and attentive. I’ll definitely be coming back!

Early dinner the other night was such an enjoyable experience that I returned later after the show for a nightcap. Veal saltimbocca was outstanding, and the manhattan was just right. White tablecloths and fresh roses add to the ambiance. Very accommodating staff: when I returned after the show, the bar was full, so the maitre d' seated me at a table even though I was having only a drink this time.

My sister and I enjoyed a meal here in December. The service was wonderful, I imagine that we were greeted by the owner who was very friendly and quickly had us sat and the wait staff offered us drinks straightaway. Our mains were delicious and plentiful and our desserts - chocolate brownie and a selection of sorbets were very nice. There were alot of people dining on the night we were there - and the restaurant seemed to work smoothly and effienently. I would eat here again.

I decided to order the chicken parmesan even though I haven't had much good meals of it in a very long time. The chicken there was wonderful and perfect in every way, the sauce had great flavor as well. I was surprisingly pleased. Service was great as well. My friend had the chicken caprese and was also very pleased. It's a very small place but well decorated and I liked their festive colorful spanish inspired plates.

This (please make a reservation) small Italian restaurant one block away from the 92 Street Y that we always go to before attending an event is both convenient and reasonable for a very good dinner. Because it is small there seems to be a tendency to rush you in and out. Don't be intimidate--have your drink (if you have time) and then order. Service is good and there is attention to your comments. The last time we ate there my wife's veal was not very good--pounded to oblivion and then served. She left most of it on her plate and when the bill arrived that order was deleted with an apology. Nice! The pastas are great so are the fish dishes.

I've now been there twice in the past month and both times I was really happy with the food, the ambience and the wait staff. I was there with friends before a show at the 92 Street Y. They had been there before so we decided to try it. We all had different food. Fish, chicken, salads, etc. The place has lovely white table clothes and we were escorted to our table by someone who might have been a manager. The bread and oil were great. The wine selection lovely. Our water glasses were filled up quickly. I would go there again.

the place is nice, small and tight and we sat at a table for 4.if it was crowed i would have been in trouble.. and i am not that big.crab cakes were very good.. not worth $16 for 2. but good.dinner, lamb, was soft but not the best i have ever had. chicken parm.was nice. very chessey.wine was very cold. server joe,was nice and pleasant.. but for a $21 tip and your customer dined for 40 minutes,which i ate for 20 minutes and conversated with my date for 20 minutes.. its not much to serve.gentleman at the door took our coats which was nice. low lighting is nice.person answering the telephone for reservations can use some improvement.overall experience.. this would not be my first choice.. maybe my 5th brought dinner during a pre-fix price and felt like i ended up on th losing end at the $33 tax and tip.think you can do better.

We were looking for a restaurant for dinner prior to a show at the 92nd Street Y. Since there was only one other TA review, we took a chance and made our choice mainly based on the menu which is on their web site. We were not disappointed. The server was mindful of our time constraints, and our selections were brought out promptly (less than 1/2 hr for appetizers, less than 45 mins for entrees). When we arrived at 6pm on a Wednesday, only a few tables were occupied, but by the time we left, almost all of the tables were taken. It appeared that some of their patrons were neighborhood regulars. I would have to say that the gazpacho soup was outstanding. Maybe one of the best I've ever had. For the entrees: mahi mahi was good but slightly overcooked; seafood risotto was good but not memorable. The desserts were not particularly creative, but it's a small restaurant and I'm sure they don't make them there. All told, a good meal with no major disappointments. Dinner for two with two glasses of wine, appetizer, main course and dessert came to $116 excluding tip. Oh, and the complimentary port was a nice touch!

Last night I attended an event at the 92nd Street Y and looked for a place within walking distance to have a late dinner. My party and I were thrilled to have had a great dinner served by an attentive and friendly wait staff. We had two different kinds of branzino which was delicious,

family.. that's how they treat you the minute you walk in the door. they welcome you the minute you enter and always remember what you like to eat and drink, and you NEVER have to ask for anything. even though we were there on Christmas eve, (knowing they were away from their families) they were gracious and warm and accommodating.. it does NOT get better than that. period.

Lex Restaurant has been our go-to place about once a month for years. The restaurant is easy to miss, and with three giant steps on Lexington Avenue you will pass it. Inside, the ambiance is warm with Italian-inspired cuisine, though the owners and waiters are truly international. The small bar is very convivial. This is a place, possibly because of its size, where it's hard not to start a pleasant conversation with complete strangers. Meanwhile, the food and wine are consistently pleasing.

We dined at Lex Restaurant twice while in New York and it was a wonderful eating experience. The pappardelle pasta with salmon and tomato was delicious also the Lentil Soup was full of flavour but the piece de resistance was the Lemon Sorbet served inside a lemon. It was a wonderful way to end a great dining experience.

The restaurant was just down the road from our apartment and we kept walking past it , despite the pretty Christmas trees and decorations on our way downtown. Having been sightseeing all day we decided to try the Lex and what a surprise. The food was fab and the service excellent. Our waiter Altin was very helpful and nothing was too much trouble. Will be going back the next time in NY.

We had been somewhat burned by the price and poor standard of musuem cafes in our Washington DC/New York experience so far decided to find a local restaurant between the Guggenheim and the Met. You are in a fairly fancy area (Park/Lexington) but this little italian was spot on. Nice range for lunch time between lighter meals (but still huge) and full on dinner. Friendly staff, clean and welcoming

We ordered a meal for 4 yesterday including grilled salmon, various pasta and salads. The food was good and not too filing. Their takeout time starts at 3.30 so it just best to pick up the food and bring it home. Next time I will eat in when we have more time. The food was for family and friends.

Atmosphere was nice , food is so delicious and tasty, everything we ordered was so good ,will go back definitely

I came for an early dinner on a Groupon. After a bad experience at an Italian restaurant the night before, I found the antidote here. The service was well-paced, and very attentive. I had the sole stuffed with shrimp and crab, and it was perfectly done. I was in and out in about an hour, but I never felt rushed. The only drawback I can think of was when the bread basket was brought out, I requested butter (as opposed to oil for dipping) and never received it. Otherwise, this is a good find on the Upper East Side.

I've been going to Lex for so many years I've lost count. My favorite local place for dinner in the hood, but worth a trip from outside. Excellent food, courteous service, friendly interior. You can't go wrong here. I've also had brunch here, equally good. Weekend dinners definitely need a res.

We were very early but were seated quickly in spite of that, although unfortunately at the window. The ambiance is very comfortable. The menu and daily options are extensive, and it is easy to imagine going back just to try various dishes. The appetizers and mains were very well prepared and presented. Both the veal dish and the pasta were very good. Service was exceptional and biscotti was given with the coffee. Highly recommended

Wonderful cozy little place for gatherings both big & small at both lunch & dinner. Food is absolutely amazing with excellent variety for all. Service is also top notch excellent attention to detail & attentiveness from each of the friendly professional servers is next to none. Hidden gem in the big apple.

Near Lincoln Center this restaurant is somewhat expensive but the food is excellent.Its been in this location forever and is always reliable. Also the noise level is normal so people can enjoy conversations as well as food.

I was excited to snag a great brunch deal at Lex Resturant on Groupon. We planned our visit to Resturant Sunday, September 3, 2017 because our hotel dud not provide breakfast on Sundays. I believe the info on Groupon stated the Resturant opened at 11:00 am; however, their website may have stated they opened at noon, which was plenty time to allow us to sleep in. The trip took over 30 minutes on the subway, but when we arrived after noon, we could see that chairs were still stacked on the tables. When we approached the door, which was opened, but blocked by staff standing in the entrance, we inquired if the Resturant was opened??? The gentleman spoke very few words to say "no, they were repairing the floors." Thus was very disappointing as I was really anticipating a good breakfast with a good cup of coffee, which was lacking at my hotel this trip. I'm thankful that Groupon credited my account for the misfortune.

Very nice restaurant if you are going to a lecture at the Y or just wanting a nice dinner. Varied menu nice staff.

We two old friends ate dinner together at Lex Restaurant. He chose the venue because he often dines there when he attends events at the 92Y two blocks away. The restaurant has a very elegant modern Italian decor heavy on mirrored effects. Service was prompt and knowledgeable and cleanliness was very good. Starter was a very crusty bread with a grassy EVOO -- a very good dipping experience. His spaghetti and clams were well prepared and smelled delicious -- it must be good because he almost always orders it here. My sea bass was cooked rare to my specifications and was very nicely seasoned and a very good cut of the fish. The place filled up very quickly after 7 PM and is clearly a neighborhood favorite.

Have been a regular at Lex for years where friendships flourish as fellow neighbors have bonded through the years. Sure, we complain occasionally but then it's like dining at home! Restaurant remembers every person's quirks...from creating vegan specials, omitting ingredients, adding extra flourishes. The customer rules! Moderately priced weekend brunch menu. Yes, very busy prior to afternoon/evening events at the 92nd Street Y. So on those days for lunch, arrive after 1:15. For dinner, arrive after 7:30. Well balanced menu with numerous daily specials. Fish particularly good.

There are not many places to eat convenient to the Y that offer good food and attractive surroundings so we were delighted to find Lex. We were here for a late lunch and had great service and a leisurely lunch. The kitchen was very willing to make accommodations to dietary needs. The salads were large, fresh and delicious as were the pastas We will definitely be back for dinner

We stopped in for lunch for the first time at the Lex Restaurant (91st & Lexington Ave). We would recommend it to anyone who is visiting the Museum Mile or the 92nd St Y and wants a great meal. The food is great, the waiters are most friendly and the atmosphere is inviting and cozy. White table cloths, art on the walls, front windows open in nice weather. A tad pricey but worth it!

Walking around waiting for Irene. We stumbled upon Lex restaurant on 91 st. Walked in and looked at menu. Standard Italian fare.There was one super appetizer that we ordered it was the shrimp with cantaloni beans was absolutely delicious. Entrees were good one Chicken Scaparielllo and one Veal Piccata the service was excellent. Owner was very attentive to detail so if in area it would be a very good choice for a quick dinner. A nice walk from the Met if nice evening.

My wife and I and another couple went out for a dinner and to catch up. We went into Lex Restaurant our friends said it was a great restaurant. The Maitre d’/waiter was great he had many suggestions and recvomendation and the specials were all excellent. I had the lasagna which i have not eaten in quite a long time and WOW! Was I glad I picked this dish. Super fresh, home made pasta, the cheeses and sauce was outrageous! My wife had the Orta’ It was a Mediterranean fish similar to the Bronzino which is also wonderful. All of our dishes were unbelievable and outrageously tasty! The coffee and desert was also outstanding, the apple crisp and the tartufo and their coffee was fabulous. AND, they give you a FREE liquor drink for after dinner, sambuca or amaretto and it was the perfect end to a great night! The cost was not all that outrageous, probably middle of the road and approx 190 for four dinners, four coffees and two deserts and 4 sodas with dinner. Try it you will not be sorry!! I promise!

We were six people and we all enjoyed our meal. The restaurant was cozy and lovely, the food was delicious, and the service was excellent. We will all go back to this restaurant when we are in the area.

My friend and I discovered The Lex when we were walking home to our B&B further up Lexington Avenue. The food was excellent-I had the Veal Marsala. My friend (who is very fussy!) loved the house Pinot Grigio. That is a huge complement😂 coming from her! The staff were very friendly and helpful. We meant to go back but didn't have time. Next time! Trish&Laara from Glasgow, Scotland

My husband and I had a fabulous fish dinner on Saturday. Orata and bronzino, each with a superb vegetable base. Perfectly cooked. They were pricey (ask the price for specials) but worth it. Excellent salads, nicely and lightly dresssed. Very generous pours of wine but not an extensive choice by the glass.

Every time I go to 92Y for voice auditions, this is the place I choose for lunch. Never disappointed. Once inside, you forget that this is New York, a crowded city. The place is cozy and quiet. I may have been lucky to be surrounded by people like me who need some quiet after a morning of vocal music. Food is excellent. My recent favorite is seafood risotto. Pairs wonderfully with Sauvignon Blanc. The service is very good, with that quality of being there and very attentive without being intrusive. I am looking forward to my next visit.

4 blocks north of 86th street subway (4, 5 or 6 local) Lexington. A narrow dinning room, close tables, small full bar. Treated like family, arrived early for a party of 4, sat at the bar and was told we could sit at the table while waiting on our party. Not full but doing a brisk business on a Thursday night. Dim lighting but enough so you can read the menu and see your food. Service prompt, knowledgeable and allowed us as much time as we wanted. Never felt rushed. When pouring the last of the wine, my glass was shorted just a bit and the waiter made it a point to complete the fill from another bottle with no extra charge. Offered free after dinner drinks, port, coffee or sambuca. The food was very good and reminded us of some restaurants we had visited in Italy. Mussels, as an appetizer, in a white wine sauce were sweet and tender. Lamb shank in the osso buco style with risotto, stuffed chicken breast with potatoes and vegetable, zita with sweet sausage and broccoli rab, cherry tomatoes. The zita was good but maybe a handful of fresh basil would have given it a little more zip. All enjoyed their selections. The tiramisu was light and fluffy but needed a stronger coffee flavor. Prices moderate for a typical full service, white cloth eatery. $16 to $30. . It was a pleasant experience.

We were attending an Art opening and took a break to find dinner. Walked down Lexington and came upon this restaurant and decided to take a chance. Nice, friendly wait staff. Cozy atmosphere (maybe a little too cozy - the tables are close together.) Very good sea bass over a bed of grilled corn mixed with other vegetables, nice gazpacho made with watermelon and wonderful veal meatballs. The lasagna was made with a sauce that had a kick to it which was unexpected. Good pour on the wine. Average prices for Manhattan which would horrify an out of towner. If I lived closer I would definitely return.

The Lex is a great place to go for a light lunch or dinner. The wait staff is friendly, lots of return customers, and a very welcoming atmosphere! The food is terrific and the wine is wonderful!

We are locals and eat here all the time. Highly recommend. And ask for the specials! Great staff and service too

Went for dinner with my son. I had French soup and veal picatta; he had lentil soup and pasta with shrimp. Both very good and would definitely go there again.

OK, this place is a good little find, but it's not more than you expect when you enter: modest size, modest menu, modest results. Food was decent, nothing more. Service was strange: waiter was hard to understand and seemed to like to mumble. But hey, you get what you pay for, and in this case the price was just about right.