ZipPicks Awards
Best Italian in Soho
Best Business Lunch Restaurants in Soho
Master Critic Review
Sartiano's
7.7
In the Mercer Hotel's former Mercer Kitchen space, nightlife impresario Scott Sartiano partnered with three-time James Beard winner Alfred Portale for upscale Italian with a scene-y edge. The caviar cannoli and lobster bucatini impress, though you're equally paying for the celeb-spotting and SubMercer downstairs lounge.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster Bucatini, Mortadella Panini, Caviar Cannoli
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: James Beard-winning chef in a scene-making SoHo hotel setting
Who should go: Scene-seekers and those wanting upscale Italian without pretense
When to visit: Lunch upstairs cafe for mortadella panini and people-watching
What to order: Lobster bucatini, mortadella panini, Sunday sauce for sharing
Insider tip: The upstairs cafe is walk-in only and perfect for solo dining
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet - street parking is competitive in SoHo, use nearby garages on Crosby or Broadway, or just cab it
Dress code: Elegant upscale - no shorts at dinner, no hats, no sportswear or flip-flops, no bachelorette sashes or crowns
Noise level: Lively to loud when packed - basement acoustics amplify the buzz, quieter in booths than near the bar
Weekend wait: Near impossible without reservation - prime slots (6-10pm) require calling ahead, Resy only shows early or late times
Weekday lunch: Upstairs cafe is walk-in friendly, rarely a wait before 1pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several pasta and vegetable options including burrata, broccolini, and veggie omelette at brunch
Vegan options: Limited - can accommodate with modifications, but the menu is cheese and butter-forward
Gluten-free options: Yes - kitchen accommodates and takes allergies seriously, though not a dedicated GF facility
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent if you're trying to impress. The dimly lit basement space with spacious leather booths sets a sophisticated mood, and celeb-spotting gives you something to talk about. Request a booth away from the bar for easier conversation - it gets loud near the action.
Can I get a table without a reservation? For dinner, unlikely unless you arrive before 6pm or after 10pm - prime slots require calling the restaurant directly. However, the bar is first-come-first-served and you can order the full menu there. The upstairs cafe is entirely walk-in and serves the same dishes.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really. The scene-y basement vibe, dress code, and late-night energy cater to adults. Brunch upstairs in the cafe is more feasible with well-behaved teens, but leave the little ones home for this one.
Best For
Better for: The full package - serious Alfred Portale cooking in a space where you might spot a Kardashian, with a members-club-adjacent energy that makes dinner feel like an event
Consider Alternatives If: You want value or intimacy - portions are refined (read: small) for the price, and the scene can overwhelm the food when you're seated near the bar crowd