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Antonucci's
ZipPicks Awards
Best Romantic Restaurants in Upper East Side
Master Critic Review
Antonucci's
8.2
A polished Italian dining room that plays well for anniversaries and “dress up a little” nights without feeling stiff. The best version of the meal is seafood or house pasta plus a simple green starter—avoid over-ordering and let the kitchen’s classic Italian lane shine.
Must-Try Dishes:
Branzino, Hand-rolled strigoli, Spaghetti bolognese
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Classic Italian in a refined room that suits special-occasion dates.
Who should go: Couples who want classic Italian
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for smoother service
What to order: Branzino, strigoli, bolognese
Insider tip: Do one starter and two mains—portioning stays cleaner and better paced.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive in the evening; paid garages are available within a few blocks. No valet.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy. Nice jeans are fine, but many guests opt for a blazer or dress for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate. Lively but controlled—easy to hold a conversation without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, longer during peak date-night hours
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a short 5–10 minute pause
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several pasta, salad, and vegetable-forward options that feel intentional, not afterthoughts.
Vegan options: Limited – possible with simple modifications, but not a core strength of the menu.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free mains and salads; gluten-free pasta availability varies, so ask before ordering.
Best For
Better for: Romantic Italian dinners where atmosphere, service, and classic execution matter more than trend-chasing or oversized portions.
Skip if: You want ultra-casual pizza-and-pasta energy, large family-style platters, or a budget-driven Italian meal.