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La Masseria NYC
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
La Masseria NYC
8.7
Puglian farmhouse-inspired dining from Chef Pino Coladonato featuring authentic Southern Italian cuisine with house-made mozzarella and grandmother's recipes. The rustic stone walls and antique farm tools create a warm escape from Times Square with over 7,000 reviews validating consistent excellence.
Must-Try Dishes:
Scialatielli with Wild Mushrooms, Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe, Ricotta Cheesecake
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Authentic Puglian farmhouse atmosphere with owner-operators present daily
Who should go: Theater-goers seeking refined Italian, business dinners
When to visit: Pre-theater or leisurely weekend dinner
What to order: Fresh burrata, grandmother's sauce pasta, limoncello
Insider tip: Try the lentil spread with bread basket—a complimentary highlight
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available but difficult in Theater District; nearby garages recommended; no valet service
Dress code: Smart casual - slacks and collared shirts expected; no shorts, flip-flops, or t-shirts; dressy casual appropriate for pre-theater dining
Noise level: Moderate to lively - busy and bustling pre-theater (5-7pm); conversation easier at late seatings or weekday lunch; background music at comfortable level
Weekend wait: Reservations essential - restaurant is consistently described as 'hard to get reservations'; walk-ins unlikely during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Easier to secure; call (212) 582-2111 or book via OpenTable; lunch served Mon-Sat 12-3pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple options including eggplant dishes, vegetable pastas, salads, and seasonal specials; menu marks vegetarian items
Vegan options: Limited - some options available with modifications; inform server of dietary needs
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pasta available upon request; call ahead for strict allergies as kitchen is not dedicated GF
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - the warm rustic farmhouse ambiance with stone walls, candlelit tables, and romantic atmosphere creates an intimate setting. Request a table on the mezzanine/loft for couples or outdoors in warm weather for the best experience. The 250-bottle Italian wine list and attentive service elevate the evening. Just book early seating or late post-show to avoid the bustling pre-theater rush.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Very difficult during pre-theater hours (5-7pm) and weekends - the restaurant is consistently described as 'hard to get reservations' with 7,000+ reviews validating its popularity. Walk-ins may have luck at the bar, for late-night dining (after 9pm), or weekday lunch. Always call ahead: (212) 582-2111.
Is it kid-friendly? Acceptable for older, well-behaved children - families do dine here and celebrate birthdays. No dedicated kids' menu, but familiar pastas (meatballs, gnocchi) work well for younger palates. Staff is accommodating and will split dishes. Request early seating before the pre-theater crowd arrives. Not ideal for toddlers given the upscale atmosphere.
Best For
Better for: Pre-theater dining with owner-operators ensuring quality control, couples seeking romantic rustic Italian atmosphere without old-school formality, groups who want authentic Puglian cuisine (not Italian-American red sauce), and anyone who values consistent excellence (7,000+ positive reviews)
Skip if: You need a last-minute reservation during peak hours (book well ahead), want budget-friendly Theater District dining (this is $$$), prefer quiet intimate conversation during pre-theater rush, or are looking for modern/trendy Italian rather than traditional farmhouse cuisine
La Masseria NYC
8.2
Country‑style Italian dining offering rustic dishes and a strong wine list — warm and inviting ambiance makes this a solid mid‑priced date night choice in a convenient Hell’s Kitchen location.
Must-Try Dishes:
Homemade Tagliatelle Bolognese, Branzino al Forno, Tiramisu
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Rustic, countryside‑style Italian cooking with solid wine selections in a cozy setting.
Who should go: Couples looking for approachable, comforting Italian dinner.
When to visit: Evenings mid-week or weekend nights.
What to order: Tagliatelle Bolognese, oven‑roasted branzino, tiramisu.
Insider tip: Later seating after 9 PM tends to be quieter and more relaxed.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited, especially after 6 PM; valet available for $15.
Dress code: Smart casual, jeans are fine but lean towards dressy for a more polished look.
Noise level: Moderate – the space can get lively, but conversation is still easy with your date.
Weekend wait: 45-60 min without a reservation, especially on busy nights.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, but can get busy around noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – there is a dedicated vegetarian menu section with flavorful options.
Vegan options: Limited – a few vegan options available, but not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Yes – they offer gluten-free pasta and have a separate prep area to avoid cross-contamination.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, La Masseria NYC is perfect for a first date with its cozy and intimate ambiance, making it easy to have meaningful conversations while enjoying delicious, comforting food.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s recommended to make a reservation, especially on weekends, as the restaurant can get quite busy. However, if you walk in during less peak hours, you might secure a table.
Is it kid-friendly? While the restaurant caters primarily to adults, it is family-friendly and can accommodate children. However, it's better suited for older kids who can appreciate a refined dining experience.
Best For
Better for: La Masseria stands out for its rustic Italian comfort food, quiet, inviting atmosphere, and strong wine list, making it a top date-night choice in Hell’s Kitchen.
Skip if: If you’re looking for a more lively, modern, or trendy vibe, or if you need a spot with extensive vegan options, there are other places in the area that might suit you better.