ZipPicks Awards
Best Romantic Restaurants in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Best Trendy Restaurants in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Best Restaurants With Private Dining Rooms in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Master Critic Review
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.
Consider Alternatives If: You want a casual, budget-friendly Italian meal or a lively, loud group-dining experience.