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Cellini
Master Critic Review
Cellini
8.5
Since 1994, Cellini has been a Midtown East standby for old-school Italian, with stuffed pastas, occasional Lasagna Bolognese specials, and a dining room that feels tailored to bankers and long-time regulars. The kitchen leans hearty and classic rather than flashy, but execution and hospitality stay remarkably steady.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna Bolognese (frequent special), Inbustata signature stuffed pasta, Hummer ravioli
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Long-running, family-owned trattoria known for stuffed pastas and white-tablecloth warmth.
Who should go: Business diners and classic-leaning Italian traditionalists
When to visit: Weekday lunches or early evening pre-theater dinners
What to order: Lasagna Bolognese, inbustata pasta, branzino
Insider tip: Ask about off-menu or nightly pasta specials; regulars often order from the board.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Midtown East; expect metered spots to open late evenings. Several paid garages on 54th–56th St. typically run $30–$45.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jackets not required, but most guests lean polished—button-downs, dresses, and clean denim all fit in.
Noise level: Moderate. Tables can converse comfortably; business lunches are especially calm.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes without a reservation; bar seats sometimes available sooner.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though prime business hours (12–1pm) may see a brief queue.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid selection—multiple pastas and vegetable antipasti qualify, and the kitchen can adapt some dishes upon request.
Vegan options: Limited—expect simple vegetable plates or salads; pasta options are generally not vegan.
Gluten-free options: Some dishes can be prepared gluten-free, including certain proteins and salads; pasta substitutions are limited, so confirm with the server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The dining room is intimate but not stiff, and the staff’s old-school warmth helps create an easy, steady atmosphere without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, especially early or late in the evening. Peak dinner hours (6–8pm) are tighter; walking in later is more reliable. The bar is a good fallback.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for well-behaved children 8+ who can handle a traditional dining room. No dedicated kids’ menu, but the kitchen can simplify pasta dishes.
Best For
Better for: Classic Italian comfort with stable execution—especially stuffed pastas and occasional lasagna specials—in a polished, business-friendly setting.
Skip if: You want boundary-pushing Italian, a modern design-forward room, or extensive gluten-free/vegan flexibility.