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Abaita
Master Critic Review
Abaita
8.6
Abaita is a kosher Italian spot in Midtown East where a wood-fired oven turns out Neapolitan-style pies alongside pastas and seasonal small plates. The pizzas lean on high-quality dairy and vegetables rather than meat, making it a go-to for kosher diners and anyone craving lighter, well-crafted pies in a polished yet relaxed room. It works equally well for dates, business meals, or lingering dinners with friends.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita pizza, Mushroom pizza with wild mushrooms and parmigiano, Artichoke pizza with bechamel and mozzarella
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Kosher Italian restaurant with a serious wood-fired pizza program.
Who should go: Kosher diners and pizza lovers seeking refined pies.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners or unhurried lunches for full experience.
What to order: Margherita, mushroom pizza, classic spaghetti.
Insider tip: Ask about seasonal specials—the kitchen often runs off-menu pastas and pizzas.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Turtle Bay, especially after 6pm; nearby paid garages on E 49th and E 50th are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual; polished jeans and button-downs are common, though diners often lean slightly dressy for date nights or business meals.
Noise level: Moderate — conversational tables are still comfortable, though the room gets livelier during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes without a reservation; longer for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait, especially before 12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options — many pizzas and pastas are naturally vegetarian due to the kosher dairy-focused menu.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable-forward dishes may qualify, but pizzas rely heavily on dairy; check daily specials.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free options are available for select dishes; call ahead for GF pizza dough availability.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the warm wood-fired oven, polished décor, and relaxed pacing make it intimate without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights or late evenings, but reservations are recommended for prime dinner hours and Fridays.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids who enjoy pizza and pasta; the room skews more adult and date-focused, with limited space for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Refined, kosher-friendly Neapolitan-style pizzas and a more polished dining room than most Midtown pizza spots.
Skip if: You want meat-heavy pies or a casual slice joint — Abaita focuses on dairy-driven, elevated preparations.