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Lena's Italian Kitchen
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Lena's Italian Kitchen
8.3
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Lena’s Italian Kitchen is a quick-service operation that punches above its weight with big, saucy platters and pastas built for delivery and takeout. It’s a staple for Kips Bay residents who want red-sauce comfort—chicken parm, vodka rigatoni, loaded salads—without a full sit-down night out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Parm Platter, Pasta Alla Vodka, Pasta Fiorentina
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: High-volume counter-service spot turning out hefty, delivery-friendly Italian classics.
Who should go: Hungry locals wanting big, comforting plates without formality.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners and game nights when you want easy takeout.
What to order: Chicken Parm Platter, Pasta Alla Vodka, Pasta Fiorentina.
Insider tip: Portions are large—splitting a platter with extra sides stretches value further.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered and very limited after 6pm
Dress code: Totally casual—sweats, gym clothes, and work attire all fit
Noise level: Low to moderate inside, but mostly a pickup-and-go environment
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes for pickup orders during peak times
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or under 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several pasta dishes, salads, and meatless sides
Vegan options: Limited—mostly pasta with red sauce and vegetable sides if customized
Gluten-free options: Very limited—no dedicated gluten-free pasta and cross-contamination likely
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a traditional sit-down first date—it’s better suited for grabbing food and heading elsewhere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There’s limited seating and no reservations—plan for takeout or a quick in-and-out meal.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—kids love the pasta, chicken parm, and garlic bread, though it’s more takeout-focused than dine-in.
Best For
Better for: Big portions, fast service, and classic Italian comfort at a lower price than most nearby sit-down spots
Skip if: You’re looking for ambiance, wine service, or a lingering sit-down Italian dinner experience
Lena's Italian Kitchen
7.8
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Lena’s Italian Kitchen in Kips Bay is a counter-service and delivery-heavy operation known for family-style trays of pasta, including crowd-pleasing lasagna. It’s the kind of place locals call when they want red-sauce comfort for game nights, casual gatherings, or an easy next-day lunch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baked lasagna, Spaghetti with meatballs, Chicken francese
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Takeout-focused red-sauce shop where lasagna pans anchor family meals.
Who should go: Groups needing affordable pasta trays without formal dining.
When to visit: Before typical dinner hours to avoid delivery bottlenecks.
What to order: Lasagna tray, spaghetti with meatballs, garlic knots or salad.
Insider tip: Size up to a catering pan of lasagna and freeze leftovers for easy weeknight dinners.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive, especially after 6pm; most locals rely on quick curbside pickup, rideshare, or walking.
Dress code: Ultra-casual — jeans, hoodies, and work clothes are the norm.
Noise level: Low to moderate — mostly counter chatter and delivery traffic rather than dine-in buzz.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes for pickup orders during peak delivery windows.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or under 5 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — vegetable lasagna, pasta marinara, salads, and several meat-free sides.
Vegan options: Limited — marinara-based pasta, some sides, and salads without cheese.
Gluten-free options: Limited — no dedicated gluten-free pasta program, but salads and protein sides can work.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a traditional sit-down date — it’s better as a casual takeout-and-movie-night move rather than a dine-in experience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but seating is minimal and primarily for quick bites — most people order to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — simple pasta dishes, mild sauces, and family-size trays make it easy for kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Feeding groups cheaply, last-minute pasta trays, and no-frills red-sauce comfort at a budget-friendly price.
Skip if: You want a cozy dining room, handcrafted pasta, or an elevated Italian dinner experience.
Lena's Italian Kitchen
8.6
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Lena’s Italian Kitchen is a quick-service Italian counter in Murray Hill where massive platters of pasta, heroes, and cutlets feed families on busy weeknights. Most orders go out in takeout containers, but there’s enough space and flexibility for kids, strollers, and big appetites grabbing affordable, reliable red-sauce classics.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Parm Platter, Pasta Alla Vodka, Pasta Fiorentina with Rigatoni
Scores:
Value: 9.1
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: High-volume, quick-service Italian spot known for huge, family-feeding portions.
Who should go: Families wanting reliable red-sauce takeout that stretches to leftovers.
When to visit: Lunch and early dinner for shortest lines and fastest turnaround.
What to order: Chicken Parm Platter, Pasta Alla Vodka, Pasta Fiorentina with rigatoni.
Insider tip: Use the platters and Appy Hour menu to build a shareable feast for the whole family at a lower per-person cost.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very limited and competitive; garages are available nearby but add cost.
Dress code: Ultra casual — jeans, sneakers, and work clothes all fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours with constant foot traffic and takeout flow.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes during peak early evening rush
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes typical, faster than most sit-down spots
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple pasta dishes, salads, and eggplant-based options
Vegan options: Limited — pasta with red sauce, marinara-based dishes, and vegetable sides
Gluten-free options: Limited — some dishes can be made without pasta but no dedicated gluten-free program
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a romantic first date — it’s more fast-paced and functional than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — most guests order at the counter and either take out or grab open seating if available.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — best for ages 4 and up who love pasta and chicken cutlets; stroller-friendly with flexible seating.
Best For
Better for: Huge portions, fast service, and affordable family-sized Italian classics compared to nearby sit-down trattorias.
Skip if: You want a formal dining experience, cocktails, or a quiet, linger-worthy atmosphere.