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La Pecora Bianca
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
La Pecora Bianca
8.3
This bright, farm-to-table Italian spot emphasizes whole-grain housemade pastas and seasonal produce in a sun-filled space. The rigatoni vodka has achieved near-legendary status among Midtown office workers, while the aperitivo hour draws a sophisticated post-work crowd.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rigatoni Vodka, Tagliatelle Bolognese, Burrata with Ramp Pesto
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Farm-to-table approach with whole-grain housemade pastas and seasonal Italian wines
Who should go: Health-conscious diners and brunch enthusiasts
When to visit: Weekend brunch or aperitivo hour 4-6pm
What to order: Rigatoni vodka, burrata, Produttori del Barbaresco by the glass
Insider tip: Sit at the long bar for solo dining and aperitivo with the after-work crowd
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - difficult in Midtown. Nearby garages via ABM Parking (pre-book recommended). Subway: 6 to 51st St or E/M to Lexington Ave/53rd St
Dress code: Business casual - jeans acceptable but lean polished for dinner
Noise level: Energetic and bustling - tables close together, can be loud during peak hours. Better for lively conversation than whispered secrets
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation; book via OpenTable or Resy
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, walk-ins usually accommodated
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - multiple pasta options (spaghetti pomodoro, cacio e pepe, ravioli, garganelli), robust salad section, whipped ricotta, roasted cauliflower
Vegan options: Limited but workable - farro salad (hold ricotta), roasted cauliflower, sautéed broccolini. Staff accommodating with modifications
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pasta available upon request for any pasta dish. Not a dedicated GF kitchen but options clearly available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Strong yes for casual-impressive dates. The sun-filled space, beautiful ambiance, and shareable pastas create easy conversation flow. Book a booth for more privacy. Skip if you need quiet intimacy - it gets lively.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch: usually yes. Dinner and weekend brunch: risky. This is a popular Midtown spot - book via OpenTable or Resy, especially for groups of 4+. Bar seating often available for walk-in solo diners.
Is it kid-friendly? Tolerant but not catering to kids. No dedicated children's menu, but pasta and pizza work well for older children. High chairs available, wheelchair accessible. Better for kids 8+ who can handle a bustling room and adult-oriented menu.
Best For
Better for: Health-conscious Italian dining with whole-grain housemade pastas, excellent aperitivo hour (4-6pm daily with $10 cocktails and $25 rigatoni + rosé combo), group-friendly with private dining for up to 25 guests
Skip if: You need quiet romance, a specialized kids menu, or late-night dining (closes 9:30-10:30pm). Also skip if you hate crowds - this place buzzes with Midtown energy
La Pecora Bianca
7.9
La Pecora Bianca’s Midtown outpost channels a bright, modern trattoria with all-day pastas, spritzes, and shareable plates. It’s a flexible date-night choice, equally suited to a casual early dinner or a buzzy late spritz-and-pasta stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rigatoni vodka with house-made pasta, Burrata with seasonal accompaniments, Tiramisu for two
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: A stylish, spritz-forward trattoria with approachable pastas and a lively bar.
Who should go: Couples who want upbeat energy and polished but casual dining
When to visit: Early evenings for easier walk-ins and softer noise levels
What to order: Rigatoni vodka, burrata, tiramisu to share
Insider tip: If you like to linger, request a banquette table rather than the bar-height seats.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Midtown East; expect metered spots to be scarce after 5pm. Nearby garages on 2nd & 3rd Ave typically run $25–$35 for evening parking.
Dress code: Smart casual. Polished jeans, knitwear, and casual dresses all fit the room’s date-night energy.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively. Conversation is manageable at tables, but the bar area can skew louder during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, depending on weather and patio demand.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait; business-lunch turnover is steady.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options — several pastas, salads, and antipasti are naturally vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — a couple of veg-forward starters and customizable salads.
Gluten-free options: Good selection — gluten-free pasta is available on request and several mains avoid gluten naturally.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The lighting is flattering, the energy is upbeat without being chaotic, and the menu is approachable for most diners.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes for early evenings or late nights. Peak dinner hours (7–8:30pm) typically require a wait, so arrive early or try the bar for quicker seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids and teens. The room skews adult and buzzy, and there are no kid-specific amenities or menu items.
Best For
Better for: Casual-but-polished dates, spritzes, and reliable pastas in a bright, modern setting with all-day flexibility.
Skip if: You want a deeply traditional Italian menu, a quiet dining room, or tasting-menu-level cooking.