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Scarpetta
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Scarpetta
8.7
Scarpetta, in The James New York–NoMad, is a polished Italian dining room known for handmade pastas, polished service, and a softly lit atmosphere that reads as classic New York date night. It’s a go-to for anniversaries and big milestones when you want white-tablecloth energy without old-school stuffiness.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spaghetti with tomato and basil, Creamy polenta with truffled mushrooms, Braised short ribs
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Modern Italian icon with famous pastas and a refined, romantic room.
Who should go: Couples celebrating big milestones or indulgent pasta nights.
When to visit: Prime-time weekend reservations for full buzz; weekdays for intimacy.
What to order: Tomato-basil spaghetti, creamy polenta, braised short ribs.
Insider tip: Book bar seats for a slightly more relaxed date and easier last-minute availability.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet on-site; paid garage parking available nearby, street parking is very limited after 6pm.
Dress code: Upscale smart casual to dressy; jackets and heels fit right in, casual sneakers feel out of place at night.
Noise level: Moderate-low — quiet enough for intimate conversation, with a subtle dining-room buzz.
Weekend wait: 60–90 minutes without a reservation is common
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or 10–15 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pasta, polenta, and vegetable-driven main options
Vegan options: Limited — not a dedicated vegan menu, but the kitchen can accommodate with advance notice
Gluten-free options: Yes — gluten-free pasta available upon request
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s romantic and impressive without feeling intimidating, ideal if you want to signal effort and taste.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weekdays at off-peak hours, but weekend dinner almost always requires a reservation unless you sit at the bar.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially — while children are allowed, the luxury ambiance and pricing lean strongly toward adult dining.
Best For
Better for: High-end romantic Italian date nights where refined service and atmosphere matter as much as the food.
Skip if: You want a casual, budget-friendly Italian meal or a lively, loud group-dining experience.
Scarpetta
8.8
Scarpetta, in The James New York–NoMad, delivers polished Italian cooking in a dim, modern dining room that feels built for anniversaries and big nights out. Handmade pastas, attentive service, and a soundtrack of clinking glassware make it a go-to when you want classic New York date-night energy without old-school stuffiness.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spaghetti with tomato and basil, Creamy polenta with truffled mushrooms, Braised short rib and bone marrow agnolotti
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Modern Italian dining room known for housemade pastas and celebratory energy.
Who should go: Couples and groups celebrating milestones over pasta.
When to visit: Weekend prime time for buzzy room; weekdays for calm.
What to order: Tomato-basil spaghetti, creamy polenta, short rib agnolotti.
Insider tip: Reserve bar seats if dining last-minute; the full menu is available there.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No onsite parking or valet; street parking is very limited after 6pm. Nearby paid garages typically run $25–$40 for dinner service.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy. Jeans are fine, but most guests lean polished—heels, button-downs, and cocktail attire fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—buzzing energy with music and conversation, but still manageable for date-night talk.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation; bar seating may open faster.
Weekday lunch: 10–20 minutes typically, with occasional walk-in availability.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple pasta, polenta, and vegetable-focused plates available.
Vegan options: Limited — some vegetable dishes can be modified, but it’s not a vegan-driven kitchen.
Gluten-free options: Yes — several naturally gluten-free mains and sides, and gluten-free pasta is sometimes available upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially if you want to signal effort and taste. The lighting is romantic without being awkwardly quiet, and the energy feels confident rather than stiff.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weekdays or early evenings, but weekends almost always require a reservation. The bar is your best last-minute option for full menu access.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids. The vibe skews adult, celebratory, and late-evening focused. Best for teens at most, and even then for special occasions.
Best For
Better for: Scarpetta excels at polished, confidence-driven Italian date nights with impeccable pasta execution and refined service that feels upscale without being stuffy.
Skip if: Skip it if you want a casual neighborhood trattoria, budget Italian comfort food, or a quiet, candle-silent dining experience.
Scarpetta
8.8
Scarpetta in The James NoMad is a polished Italian dining room where handmade pastas, polished service, and a softly lit bar make it a go-to for anniversaries and milestone celebrations. Since opening in 2008, it has become a reliable choice when you need dinner to feel unmistakably “New York special.”
Must-Try Dishes:
Spaghetti with tomato and basil, Creamy polenta with truffled mushrooms, Braised short rib agnolotti
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Long-running modern Italian favorite with famous pastas and a refined, romantic room.
Who should go: Couples and groups celebrating milestones over upscale Italian.
When to visit: Prime-time weekend dinners for full celebratory energy and buzz.
What to order: Tomato-basil spaghetti, creamy polenta, short rib agnolotti.
Insider tip: Reserve bar or banquette seats if you want a slightly more relaxed, datey experience.
Scarpetta
8.9
Scarpetta is a sleek Italian dining room in NoMad where handmade pastas, especially the signature spaghetti with tomato and basil, anchor a menu of refined seasonal dishes. Since relocating to 88 Madison Avenue in 2018, it’s become a go-to for dressed-up dinners, date nights, and celebrations that still feel warm rather than stiff.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spaghetti Tomato & Basil, Creamy Polenta with Truffled Mushrooms, Braised Short Rib with Farro Risotto
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Upscale Italian where housemade pastas and a polished room define the experience.
Who should go: Guests planning refined date nights or special-occasion dinners.
When to visit: Prime-time weekend dinners or later midweek seatings.
What to order: Spaghetti tomato basil, creamy truffle polenta, seasonal crudo.
Insider tip: Share the spaghetti as a mid-course so you can explore more of the menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Limited street parking; garages on Madison Ave and 29th–30th Streets are your best bet ($30–$45 evenings).
Dress code: Dressy smart casual to cocktail attire—jeans are fine if styled well, but most guests lean upscale.
Noise level: Moderate to energetic—lively buzz but still comfortable for conversation.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Usually seated within 0–10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pasta, vegetable, and antipasti options available.
Vegan options: Limited — some vegetable dishes can be modified, but not fully vegan-focused.
Gluten-free options: Yes — gluten-free pasta available on request; staff is knowledgeable about accommodations.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—Scarpetta strikes the right balance between upscale and warm, which makes it ideal for an impressive but not intimidating first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes at earlier or later seatings, but prime dinner hours usually require a reservation at least a few days ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—this is geared toward adults and special occasions; older, well-behaved teens are the best fit.
Best For
Better for: Elegant Italian date nights, standout pasta craftsmanship, and polished special-occasion dining.
Skip if: You want a casual, budget-friendly Italian meal or a loud party-style atmosphere.
Scarpetta
8.9
Scarpetta’s NoMad flagship turns handmade pastas and seasonal Italian plates into a polished but lively private-dining experience inside The James New York. Private rooms off the main dining space host banker dinners, celebrations, and tasting-style menus built around the restaurant’s now-classic spaghetti and rich braises.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spaghetti with tomato and basil, Creamy polenta with truffled mushrooms, Short rib agnolotti
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Signature modern Italian cooking with polished, hotel-level private rooms.
Who should go: Teams and couples wanting elevated Italian in a refined setting
When to visit: Prime-time dinners when the bar and dining room buzz
What to order: Spaghetti, polenta with mushrooms, braised short rib pasta
Insider tip: Ask events staff to build a pasta-focused family-style menu for groups.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Hotel valet typically available through The James New York, street parking is extremely limited and difficult after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart upscale casual to dressy — jeans are acceptable but most guests lean polished.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is easy at private tables, louder near the bar.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation; private rooms require advance booking.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or under 15 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple vegetarian pastas, sides, and antipasti available.
Vegan options: Limited — can be accommodated with advance notice and custom preparation.
Gluten-free options: Yes — gluten-free pasta available and several naturally gluten-free mains.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it strikes the right balance between upscale and energetic, giving you both romance and social buzz without feeling stiff.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins are possible on weekdays and early evenings, but weekend nights are highly competitive — bar seating is your best fallback.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens than young kids — the menu works for adventurous eaters, but the vibe skews adult and celebratory.
Best For
Better for: Polished Italian private dining with consistently strong service, high-profile business dinners, and celebration-ready group menus.
Skip if: If you want rustic, casual trattoria energy or bargain pricing — this is refined, hotel-adjacent Italian with premium pricing.