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Bistango at The Kimberly
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Bistango at The Kimberly
8.4
Nestled in the Kimberly Hotel lobby, this modern Italian destination has earned devotion from the gluten-free community with its dedicated allergen-free kitchen. Beyond dietary accommodations, the wood-fired flatbreads and homemade pastas deliver genuine Italian flavors in a cozy, candlelit setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Butternut Squash Ravioli, Fig and Speck Pizza, Squid Ink Lobster Ravioli
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Dedicated gluten-free kitchen preparing entire menu safely for celiac guests
Who should go: Gluten-sensitive diners and hotel guests seeking quality Italian
When to visit: Heated patio dining in mild weather or candlelit dinner
What to order: Gluten-free flatbreads, butternut squash ravioli, mascarpone cheesecake
Insider tip: The bread bar in the center serves freshly made gluten-free flatbreads with specialty toppings
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated parking. Street parking difficult in Midtown. Nearby garage options on 50th St. Subway: E/M at Lexington-53rd, 6 train at 51st St. Hotel guests have easy access from lobby
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy casual. Hotel lobby setting elevates expectations - nice jeans work but lean polished. Business attire common at lunch
Noise level: Intimate and conversation-friendly. Cozy hotel lobby setting keeps noise moderate. Outdoor patio offers quieter option in good weather
Weekend wait: 20-30 min without reservation. Brunch Sat-Sun can get busier. Reservations recommended but walk-ins welcomed
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait typically - popular with local business crowd but manageable. Reservations ensure promptness
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - many options including flatbreads, pasta dishes, salads, and vegetable-forward mains. Reviews praise the variety
Vegan options: Yes - accommodating with modifications. Grilled vegetables, salads, and pasta dishes can be prepared vegan. Staff knowledgeable about modifications
Gluten-free options: Exceptional - dedicated separate kitchen exclusively for GF orders, eliminating cross-contamination. Entire menu available GF including pasta, flatbreads, and desserts. Gold standard for celiac diners
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice. Candlelit, intimate setting with charming hotel lobby ambiance creates romance without pretension. Moderate pricing ($$ range) removes financial stress. Heated outdoor patio perfect for warmer evenings. The wood-fired bread bar adds a conversation-starter element.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, walk-ins are welcomed. The intimate size means reservations are smart for weekend dinner and Saturday/Sunday brunch, but weekday lunch typically has availability. OpenTable reservations recommended for guaranteed seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Manageable for older kids who can sit through a meal. No dedicated kids menu, but pasta and flatbreads work well for younger palates. The intimate, candlelit atmosphere is better suited for date nights and business meals than family dinners with toddlers. Best for kids 8+.
Best For
Better for: Celiac and gluten-sensitive diners seeking genuine Italian without compromise - the dedicated GF kitchen is unmatched in Midtown. Also ideal for health-conscious diners (antibiotic-free meats, sustainable seafood, seasonal produce) and those wanting an intimate hidden gem away from tourist crowds. Perfect when one person in your party has dietary restrictions but everyone wants great food
Skip if: You want a buzzy scene or large group celebration space. Also skip if you're seeking rock-bottom prices or traditional red-sauce Italian-American portions. The intimate setting doesn't suit boisterous parties or groups larger than 8
Bistango at The Kimberly
8.7
Hotel-side Italian where nearly everything can be prepared gluten free in a separate kitchen, Bistango is Midtown East’s go-to for celiac-safe pasta and flatbreads. Locals lean on it for reliably careful service, warm hospitality, and plates that feel more trattoria than hotel restaurant.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gluten-free mushroom flatbread, Sweet potato ravioli, Chocolate lava cake
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Dedicated gluten-free kitchen and menus in a polished Italian dining room.
Who should go: Celiac diners and Italian lovers seeking warm, sit-down service
When to visit: Dinner on weeknights or weekends before theater and events
What to order: Gluten-free mushroom flatbread, sweet potato ravioli, chocolate lava cake
Insider tip: Ask for a table near the bread bar to watch gluten-free flatbreads being fired.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Turtle Bay; garage parking is available within a block on 50th St and 3rd Ave (expect $25–$40 for evening hours). No valet.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but most guests lean polished due to the hotel setting.
Noise level: Moderate—steady conversation hum but easy to hear your date or group without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes without a reservation; peak times can stretch to 45 minutes.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; same-day reservations widely available.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetarian pastas, salads, and flatbreads.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 composed dishes plus customizable pasta and vegetable starters.
Gluten-free options: Excellent—nearly the entire menu can be prepared gluten free in a dedicated kitchen with strict cross-contact protocols.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—candlelit tables, warm service, and a quieter dining room make it ideal. The kitchen’s gluten-free expertise also reduces stress for diners with dietary restrictions.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, especially on weeknights. On weekends, walk-ins are seated quickly early in the evening, but prime dining hours are safest with a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Kid-tolerant rather than kid-focused. Older kids and teens who enjoy Italian fare will do fine; no dedicated kids’ menu or stroller-friendly layout.
Best For
Better for: Celiac-safe Italian comfort dishes with hotel-level service consistency—stronger gluten-free rigor than most Midtown competitors.
Skip if: You want bustling, scene-y energy or bargain pricing; opt for trendier Italian spots or casual GF cafés instead.
Bistango at The Kimberly
8.3
Inside The Kimberly Hotel, Bistango serves modern Italian with a rare fully gluten-free program in a separate kitchen, making it a safe date-night choice for diners with allergies. Warm service, balanced pastas, and flatbread pizzas keep the room buzzing without overwhelming noise.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster linguine, Lasagna Bolognese, Sausage cavatelli
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 9
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A polished Italian inside a hotel with a dedicated gluten-free kitchen and allergy-aware staff.
Who should go: Couples needing gluten-free or allergy-conscious Italian without sacrificing ambiance
When to visit: Weekend evenings 7–9pm for the liveliest, but still manageable, scene
What to order: Lobster linguine, lasagna Bolognese, sausage cavatelli
Insider tip: Mention dietary restrictions early; the kitchen can adapt many dishes safely.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking in Midtown East; expect difficulty after 6pm. Nearby paid garages on 50th–52nd Streets typically run $25–$40 for evening stays.
Dress code: Smart casual. Polished denim is acceptable, but most guests lean dressy (blazers, elevated tops, dresses).
Noise level: Moderate—lively room buzz but generally easy to hold a date-level conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation, depending on hotel guest volume.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; business diners move efficiently.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid selection—several pastas, salads, and flatbreads can be ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 dishes naturally vegan, with a few modifiable options upon request.
Gluten-free options: Excellent—nearly the entire menu can be prepared gluten-free using a dedicated GF kitchen and separate equipment.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. Warm lighting, attentive service, and a calm-but-buzzing room make it a strong first-date choice—especially if dietary needs are a factor.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weekdays and early evenings, but weekend prime hours fill quickly. Walk-ins are possible, but securing a reservation is recommended if timing is important.
Is it kid-friendly? Appropriate for older kids and teens. The ambiance is more date-night and business-dining focused, with no children-specific amenities.
Best For
Better for: Exceptional for gluten-free Italian, allergy-safe dining, and quieter date-night energy compared to trendier Midtown spots.
Skip if: You want bustling, sceney Italian; prefer outdoor seating; or need a large menu of vegan options.