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Il Gradino
$$$ · Italian

808 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10065
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ZipPicks Awards

Best Italian in Upper East Side

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Il Gradino 8.3
Upper East Side-Carnegie Hill
Vibes: Date Night Magic Luxury Dining Elite Hidden Gems Heaven Group Dining Gatherings
Il Gradino is an intimate Lexington Avenue Italian restaurant noted for polished service, tableside touches, and a menu of pastas, veal, and seafood in a classic white-tablecloth room. Guests call out generously sauced cacio e pepe, linguine with clams, and a signature veal chop, often enjoyed with a bottle from the compact wine list. It feels more like a tucked-away upscale dining room than a casual neighborhood trattoria.
Must-Try Dishes: Cacio e Pepe, Linguine alle Vongole, Veal Chop
Scores:
Value: 6.5 Service: 8.6 Consistency: 8.2 Food Quality: 8.8 Atmosphere: 8.5 Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Refined, low-key Italian dining room with tableside service and rich pastas.
Who should go: Din ers seeking upscale Italian in a quiet, intimate setting.
When to visit: Later dinners for a slower-paced, more relaxed experience.
What to order: Cacio e Pepe, Linguine alle Vongole, bone-in Veal Chop.
Insider tip: Ask about off-menu preparations; staff often accommodates custom pastas.