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Umberto's Clam House
Master Critic Review
Umberto's Clam House
8.2
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
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A Little Italy institution that does red-sauce Italian through a seafood lens—calamari, clams, mussels, and old-school plates that reward ordering like a regular. Keep it classic, keep it paced, and treat it as a nostalgic seafood-Italian stop rather than a modern, technique-driven fish house.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried calamari, Clams (in-house preparations), Mussels (classic Italian style)
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: A long-running Little Italy seafood-Italian institution (since 1972).
Who should go: Classic Italian-seafood traditionalists
When to visit: Weekday dinner for an easier room
What to order: Fried calamari, clams, mussels
Insider tip: Order the classics—this isn’t the place to freestyle.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very limited in Little Italy; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but polished tops or a jacket won’t feel out of place.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is easy, but the room gets energetic during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a very short wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — classic pasta, salads, and vegetable sides are available, though the menu leans seafood-heavy.
Vegan options: Limited — a few pasta or vegetable options can be adapted, but this is not a vegan-focused kitchen.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some seafood and salads work, but pasta substitutions and cross-contact precautions are minimal.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you’re going for relaxed and nostalgic rather than trendy or intimate — it’s comfortable, familiar, and easygoing, but not particularly romantic or quiet.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weekdays or early evenings; weekends are much tougher, so reservations are strongly recommended then.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common, portions are generous, and the menu is approachable for kids who eat pasta or fried seafood.
Best For
Better for: Old-school Italian-seafood classics, generous portions, and a nostalgic Little Italy experience.
Skip if: You want modern seafood technique, lighter coastal cooking, or a quiet, upscale dining room.