ZipPicks Awards
Best Italian in Upper East Side
Master Critic Review
Isle of Capri
8.5
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Isle of Capri is a long-running Italian restaurant on Third Avenue, family-owned since the 1950s and known for old-school chicken parmesan, meatballs, and southern Italian classics. The dining room feels traditional and tightly packed, with regulars returning for comforting plates and familiar staff rather than trendy decor. It’s where Upper East Siders go when they want a classic, sit-down red-sauce meal with history behind it.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Parmesan, Linguine alle Vongole, Meatballs with Marinara
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Decades-old family-run spot serving classic southern Italian comfort dishes.
Who should go: Families and regulars who love timeless red-sauce favorites.
When to visit: Early evening or weeknights to avoid peak weekend crowds.
What to order: Chicken Parmesan, Linguine alle Vongole, classic house meatballs.
Insider tip: Mention if it’s a longtime favorite; staff often remembers regulars warmly.