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Fumo
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Fumo
8.0
Fumo’s Kips Bay outpost is a casual Italian-leaning spot where pizzas, pastas, and burgers anchor a neighborhood-friendly menu with strong happy hour deals. It works equally well for cozy dinners, group catch-ups, and relaxed weekday lunches.
Must-Try Dishes:
Penne Vodka, Penne Funghi, Spaghetti Vongole
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Neighborhood workhorse for pastas, pies, and easygoing Italian-American fare.
Who should go: Locals craving casual pasta nights or relaxed group dinners.
When to visit: Weeknights or happy hour for calmer, better-value meals.
What to order: Penne Vodka, Penne Funghi, a shareable pizza for the table.
Insider tip: Take advantage of lunch pasta pricing if you’re nearby midday.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots nearby are tough after 6pm, garages within 1–2 blocks if needed.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans, sneakers, and relaxed dinner outfits all fit in comfortably.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during peak hours but still easy to hold a table conversation.
Weekend wait: 25–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or under 5 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pastas, pizzas, and salads can be ordered fully vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — a few pasta and salad options can be modified by request.
Gluten-free options: Limited — gluten-free pasta usually available, but cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want something low-pressure and comfortable. It’s casual, relaxed, and doesn’t feel overly formal or noisy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes on weeknights and for lunch. On Friday and Saturday evenings, arriving early or after 8:30pm improves your chances.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families with younger kids will find pizzas, pastas, and straightforward comfort dishes that work well.
Best For
Better for: Reliable pasta nights, casual group dinners, strong weekday value, and neighborhood comfort without hype.
Skip if: You want upscale Italian, a romantic fine-dining vibe, or destination-level chef-driven cooking.
Fumo
8.0
Fumo Kips Bay is an Italian neighborhood spot that turns its pasta-and-pizza kitchen toward brunch with eggs Benedict, chicken and waffles, and spritzes. It works well when you want a slightly dressier sit-down brunch where you can linger over coffee and an Aperol.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict, Chicken & Waffles, Rigatoni alla Vodka
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 6.6
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Italian restaurant where brunch plates meet spritzes and house pastas.
Who should go: Couples or small groups wanting relaxed, sit-down Italian brunch.
When to visit: Weekend late morning before peak brunch seating fills.
What to order: Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict, Chicken & Waffles, Rigatoni Vodka.
Insider tip: Ask for a window table for a quieter corner away from the bar.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very limited; plan for garage parking nearby ($20–$35) or rideshare, especially on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy-casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean polished for brunch and date nights.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during brunch but still easy to hold a conversation at the table.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak brunch hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or under 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple pasta dishes, egg plates, and salads work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited — a few modified pasta and vegetable-forward options if you ask the server.
Gluten-free options: Some options available — salads, egg plates, and select mains can be adapted, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the room feels polished but not intimidating, with enough energy to avoid awkward silences while still allowing conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weekdays or early weekend mornings, but reservations are strongly recommended for peak brunch hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for brunch and early lunch — kids do well with the waffles, eggs, and simple pastas, but the evening crowd skews adult.
Best For
Better for: Dressier Italian-style brunch with cocktails, pastas, and a linger-worthy dining experience.
Skip if: You want a fast, no-frills breakfast or strictly budget-friendly brunch pricing.
Fumo
8.1
Fumo Kips Bay is a compact Italian restaurant where weekend brunch layers eggs Benedict and chicken and waffles onto a menu of pastas and pizzas. Open since 2016, it works well when you want a slightly dressier sit-down brunch with Negronis and spritzes.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict, Chicken & Waffles, Rigatoni Vodka
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 6.2
What makes it special: Italian neighborhood spot where brunch plates share space with house pastas.
Who should go: Couples and small groups wanting cozy Italian brunch.
When to visit: Weekend late morning before peak brunch rush hits.
What to order: Smoked salmon Benedict, chicken and waffles, rigatoni vodka.
Insider tip: Request a window or sidewalk table if you want a calmer corner.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated parking or valet; street parking is limited and difficult after 6pm. Nearby paid garages on 2nd and 3rd Ave are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual to slightly dressy — jeans are fine, but most guests lean polished for brunch dates.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during peak brunch hours but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation during peak brunch-to-lunch crossover.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or under 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple vegetarian pastas, pizza options, and egg-based brunch dishes.
Vegan options: Limited — a few pasta modifications and vegetable-forward sides work with adjustments.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some gluten-free pasta available, but cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it hits a sweet spot between cozy and lively, with cocktails to loosen things up without feeling like a party bar.
Can I get a table without a reservation? On weekdays, yes. Weekend brunch is hit-or-miss — arriving before 11:30am gives you the best chance.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier brunch hours work well for kids thanks to pizza and pasta options, but it feels more adult-focused later in the day.
Best For
Better for: Italian-leaning brunch with real cocktails and sit-down service rather than pure coffee-shop vibes.
Skip if: You want ultra-quiet, laptop-friendly brunch or strict vegan and gluten-free options.
Fumo
8.3
Fumo’s Kips Bay location is a modern Italian spot where families split thin-crust pies, big bowls of pasta, and salads at tightly packed tables. It balances neighborhood energy with enough comfort that kids, strollers, and multi-generational groups don’t feel out of place, especially at earlier seatings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cacio e Pepe, Rigatoni Alla Vodka, Margherita Pizza
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Lively neighborhood Italian where pizzas and pastas work equally well for kids and adults.
Who should go: Families wanting sit-down pizza and pasta with a buzzy feel.
When to visit: Weekend brunch or early weeknight dinners before it gets crowded.
What to order: Margherita pizza, rigatoni alla vodka, cacio e pepe to share.
Insider tip: Aim for an early reservation; later seatings can be loud and cramped for younger kids.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive, especially after 6pm; nearby garages on 3rd Avenue typically run $25–$40 for evening parking.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans, sneakers, and casual dresses all fit in comfortably.
Noise level: Moderate-to-loud during peak hours due to tight seating and high energy.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or under 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple vegetarian pastas, pizzas, salads, and starters available.
Vegan options: Limited—salads, marinara pasta, and vegetable sides can be adapted upon request.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some gluten-free pasta options available, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially for casual first dates—it's lively, approachable, and not overly formal, which keeps things relaxed and conversational.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes at off-peak times like early evenings or late brunch, but weekends and prime dinner hours are tough without booking ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—best for toddlers through pre-teens who enjoy pizza and pasta; tight table spacing makes strollers workable but not spacious.
Best For
Better for: More vibrant atmosphere and group-friendly energy than quieter neighborhood Italian spots nearby.
Skip if: If you're seeking a quiet, romantic dinner or a spacious dining room with lots of privacy.