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Piccola Cucina Uptown
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Piccola Cucina Uptown
8.8
Sicilian chef Philip Guardione’s Uptown outpost turns house-made pastas and baked dishes like Lasagna della Mamma Rosa into a polished, bustling experience steps from Central Park. Expect tightly packed tables, a balcony level, and a wine-forward crowd that treats this as both date-night spot and pre-park pasta stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna della Mamma Rosa, Pasta alla Norma, Spaghetti cacio e pepe
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: High-energy Sicilian dining with serious pastas and a balcony setting.
Who should go: Couples and small groups craving polished Sicilian pasta
When to visit: Prime evenings, especially weeknights after 7pm
What to order: Lasagna della Mamma Rosa, Pasta alla Norma, pistachio gelato
Insider tip: Request the upstairs balcony for a cozier, more romantic feel.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in this stretch of the Upper East Side; expect difficulty after 6pm. Nearest paid garages are within a 2–4 minute walk.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine if paired with something polished; many guests lean slightly dressy for date night.
Noise level: Moderate-high. You can hold a conversation, but the energy rises during peak dinner service.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-ins are common.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection of vegetarian pastas and starters, including eggplant-forward Sicilian dishes.
Vegan options: Limited—some vegetable starters can be adapted, but mains are sparse; confirm with staff.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free pasta is available upon request, though options are narrower than the main menu.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The balcony seating and warm lighting create an intimate feel, and the polished service keeps the evening smooth without being formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins are generally possible, especially early evenings or lunches. For weekend dinners, expect a wait unless you book ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids who enjoy pasta and can handle a lively dining room. No dedicated kids’ menu; best for families with tweens and teens.
Best For
Better for: House-made Sicilian pastas, a lively date-night setting, and strong balcony ambience compared to more casual lasagna spots.
Skip if: You want ultra-quiet dining, a broad vegan menu, or wide table spacing—other UES Italian options may suit those needs better.
Piccola Cucina Uptown
8.8
Piccola Cucina Uptown channels Sicilian cooking into a bustling two-level space just off Park Avenue with a popular weekday lunch deal. It’s crowded and energetic but delivers deeply flavored pastas and seafood that impress clients who care about food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ravioli di Ossobuco, Fusilloni di Gragnano Scampi e Burrata, Tagliatelle Verdi al Ragù di Cinghiale
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: High-volume Sicilian kitchen with serious cooking and a weekday lunch prix-fixe.
Who should go: Clients who love pasta, seafood, and lively rooms
When to visit: Slightly late weekday lunch after peak rush passes
What to order: Ossobuco ravioli, wild boar tagliatelle, scampi fusilloni
Insider tip: Ask about upstairs seating for a bit more space and quiet.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce near Park Avenue; rely on nearby paid garages within a 1–2 block walk.
Dress code: Smart casual—button-downs or polished knits fit the business-lunch crowd; dressy jeans are acceptable.
Noise level: Lively and energetic downstairs; upstairs is moderately loud but still workable for client conversations.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation due to steady neighborhood traffic.
Weekday lunch: 10–20 minutes at peak; minimal wait after 1:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several pasta and appetizer options, though not a fully dedicated section.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 vegetable-forward dishes can be adapted, but options are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—some seafood and protein dishes are naturally GF; limited GF pasta availability, confirm with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—if you choose the upstairs room. The lively energy feels fun rather than chaotic, and the Sicilian pastas make a strong impression.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually during weekday lunch, especially after 1:30pm. Evenings and weekends require reservations to avoid a 30–45 minute wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids (10+) who enjoy pasta and seafood; the space is tight and busy, with no dedicated children’s menu.
Best For
Better for: A stronger pick for clients who appreciate bold Sicilian flavors, robust seafood pastas, and a lively, upscale neighborhood atmosphere.
Skip if: You want a quiet, lingering meal, extensive vegan choices, or wide-set tables for large presentations or laptop work.
Piccola Cucina Uptown
8.3
A compact Sicilian spot just off Central Park, Piccola Cucina Uptown serves refined pastas and seafood that appeal to food-focused families with older kids. The room is tight and energetic, but service is warm and the kitchen delivers restaurant-level plates that feel worthy of a special night out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Arancini Catanesi, Pasta alla Norma, Tagliatelle al Tartufo
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Sicilian-run kitchen turning out deeply flavored, handmade pastas in an intimate space.
Who should go: Food-focused families with older kids who love Italian.
When to visit: Early evening on weekdays for calmer, less cramped service.
What to order: Arancini Catanesi, Pasta alla Norma, Tagliatelle al Tartufo.
Insider tip: Book ahead and mention you’re bringing kids so they seat you downstairs or at a wall table.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Lenox Hill, especially after 6pm; closest reliable option is a paid garage on E 60th or E 61st within a 3–5 minute walk.
Dress code: Smart casual; polished jeans and a nice top are fine, but most guests lean slightly dressy for evening visits.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively; you can hold a conversation, but peak hours get energetic due to the compact room.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation, shorter if you arrive before 6pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-ins are comfortably accommodated.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pastas, antipasti, and sides are naturally vegetarian and handled carefully.
Vegan options: Limited — expect 1–2 customizable dishes; pastas generally rely on dairy.
Gluten-free options: They can prepare a few dishes gluten-free (including select pastas) upon request, but no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you prefer cozy, energetic spaces with genuinely warm service. It's intimate without being formal, and the food quality makes a strong impression. Not ideal if you want a quiet, hushed room.
Can I get a table without a reservation? During lunch or early weekday evenings, usually yes. For weekend dinners, reservations are strongly recommended; walk-ins face unpredictable waits due to the small footprint.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids and teens who enjoy Italian; the tight layout and lively atmosphere may be tough for strollers, toddlers, or high chairs. No dedicated kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Deeply flavored Sicilian pastas, attentive family-style service, and a compact room that feels personal and warm — ideal for families who care about food quality.
Skip if: You need lots of space, stroller-friendly seating, very quiet dining, or a broad vegan menu.