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Santi
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Santi
8.9
Chef Michael White's triumphant return to NYC brings six Michelin stars of pedigree to this sophisticated Midtown destination. The handmade pastas showcase White's mastery of Emilia-Romagna techniques, with the garganelli and tortellini earning particular acclaim from serious Italian food devotees.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tri-Colored Garganelli with Scallops, Orecchiette with Blue Crab and Uni, Delizie al Limone
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Six-time Michelin-starred Chef Michael White's flagship return to Manhattan with handmade pasta perfection
Who should go: Fine dining enthusiasts and serious Italian food devotees
When to visit: Power lunch weekdays or romantic dinner reservations
What to order: Garganelli with caviar, tortellini in brodo, squid ink pansotti
Insider tip: Request the horseshoe bar seats for an intimate chef-watching experience
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet - nearby garages at New York Parking 54th Street Corp (54th between Madison and Park) or ABM Parking (54th between Madison and 5th). Street parking extremely difficult in Midtown
Dress code: Refined, smart, and elegant attire required. No shorts or hats permitted in the dining room - this is proper fine dining
Noise level: Louder than expected for fine dining - hard surfaces amplify sound. Some guests report having to raise voices during peak hours. Request upstairs mezzanine or early seating (before 6:30pm) for quieter experience
Weekend wait: Reservations essential - walk-ins nearly impossible. Saturday-only dinner service books weeks out
Weekday lunch: Easier to secure with 1-2 days notice. Prix fixe lunch ($59 for 2 courses) popular with power lunch crowd
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but refined - Cactus Parmigiana (crispy cactus, salsa pomodoro, scamorza), gnocchi, risotto options. Kitchen accommodates with advance notice
Vegan options: Very limited - requires advance notice. Menu is heavily seafood and dairy-forward. Call ahead to discuss options with kitchen
Gluten-free options: Accommodating - many crudo and seafood dishes naturally GF. Staff knowledgeable about modifications for pasta courses
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Exceptional choice for an impressive date with someone you're serious about. Michelin Guide calls it 'perfect for date-night.' The intimate villa-like atmosphere, horseshoe bar, and impeccable service create romance - just request a quieter table away from the main dining room during peak hours. Budget $200-300+ per person for the full experience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Extremely unlikely. This is Chef Michael White's triumphant return to NYC after a three-year hiatus - reservations book quickly, especially weekends. Try the horseshoe bar for walk-in luck, or book 2-3 weeks ahead for prime dinner slots. Weekday lunch is more accessible.
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended. The sophisticated atmosphere, strict dress code, high price point, and refined menu (caviar, sea urchin, lobster) are designed for adult fine dining. No children's menu. Consider for teens 16+ with refined palates on special occasions only.
Best For
Better for: Serious Italian food connoisseurs seeking Michelin-caliber handmade pasta from a six-time Michelin-starred chef. Power lunches with clients you need to impress. Special occasion dining where technique and ingredients matter more than portion size. The tri-colored garganelli and seafood preparations are unmatched in Midtown
Skip if: You want casual vibes, large portions, or value-oriented Italian. Also skip if you're sensitive to noise or prefer intimate quiet conversation - the acoustics can run hot during peak service. Not for quick meals (allow 90+ minutes minimum)
Santi
8.8
Chef Michael White’s Santi turns a Midtown townhouse into a high-gloss Mediterranean-leaning Italian dining room with serious date-night energy. Expect precise pastas, polished service, and a power-scene bar wrapped in museum-caliber art.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ricotta gnocchi with San Marzano tomato and basil, Tagliatelle with black trumpet mushrooms and black truffle, Busiate with saffron, blue crab and sea urchin
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 8.9
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 9.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Big-name chef cooking refined coastal Italian in an art-filled Midtown setting.
Who should go: Couples celebrating promotions, anniversaries, or serious nights out
When to visit: Prime-time dinner, 7–9pm, for full room energy
What to order: Ricotta gnocchi, tagliatelle with truffle, busiate with crab
Insider tip: Ask about half-portions of pasta to share more of the menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Street parking is limited after 6pm; nearby paid garages on 55th–57th Streets are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jackets not required, but polished attire fits the room’s upscale date-night energy.
Noise level: Moderate. You can comfortably hear your date, though the bar runs lively during prime hours.
Weekend wait: Plan ahead — walk-ins often face 45–75 minutes, especially 7–9pm.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait; bar seats often available immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid options including vegetable antipasti and several meat-free pastas.
Vegan options: Limited — expect 1–2 adaptable dishes; pastas typically require modification.
Gluten-free options: Several dishes can be prepared gluten-free on request; pasta availability varies by day.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The lighting, polished service, and intimate two-tops create an ideal balance of luxury and comfort without feeling stiff.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but unpredictable. Your best bet is arriving early (before 6:30pm) or aiming for bar seating, which turns over faster.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. The room skews adult, date-night, and business oriented. Suitable for teens comfortable in upscale settings; not ideal for younger children.
Best For
Better for: Refined coastal Italian pastas, polished hospitality, and an art-driven dining room that feels special without being formal.
Skip if: You want a casual red-sauce dinner, large group dining, or a kid-friendly atmosphere — nearby trattorias or family-style Italian spots are better fits.