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Lattanzi Cucina Italiana
ZipPicks Awards
Best Italian in Hell's Kitchen-Midtown West
Best Hidden Gem Restaurants in Hell's Kitchen-Midtown West
Best Family Friendly Italian in Hell's Kitchen-Midtown West
Best Date Night Italian in Hell's Kitchen-Midtown West
Master Critic Review
Lattanzi Cucina Italiana
8.5
Family-owned since 1984, this Restaurant Row townhouse specializes in Roman Jewish-style cuisine with signature carciofi alla giudia. SNL creator Lorne Michaels hosts weekly Tuesday dinners here, cementing its status as a Theater District institution.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carciofi alla Giudia, Bucatini all'Amatriciana, Homemade Cannoli
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Rare Roman Jewish-style Italian cuisine with famous deep-fried artichokes
Who should go: Food historians, theater patrons, celebrity spotters
When to visit: Tuesday nights or pre-theater dinner
What to order: Start with carciofi alla giudia, absolutely essential
Insider tip: Ask for the garlic matzoh—a signature from the Roman Jewish tradition
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Two parking lots on the same block; Theater District garages nearby but expensive ($40-60). Most take subway to 49th St or Times Square
Dress code: Dressy casual to upscale - sport coats for men, dresses or nice slacks for women. Theater crowd dresses up; jeans uncommon
Noise level: Moderate - lively but conversation-friendly. Multi-level townhouse layout creates intimate pockets despite busy nights
Weekend wait: Reservation essential for pre-theater (4-6pm). Usually available same-week but book ahead for prime Saturday slots
Weekday lunch: Prix fixe lunch readily available; walk-ins often accommodated
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - pasta dishes, vegetable antipasti, salads. Staff knowledgeable about modifications
Vegan options: Limited - can accommodate with advance notice; not extensive options
Gluten-free options: Accommodating - fish and meat entrees work well; no dedicated GF pasta. Alert staff to allergies upfront
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice. The exposed brick townhouse, romantic lighting, and multi-level layout create intimate corners perfect for getting to know someone. Upscale enough to impress without being pretentious, and the conversation-friendly noise level helps
Can I get a table without a reservation? For lunch, walk-ins are usually fine. For dinner, especially pre-theater (4-6pm), reservations are essential. Post-theater is more relaxed - the 'after the show' crowd gets a more leisurely experience
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for well-behaved children. Staff accommodates simpler dishes like penne with butter and parmesan. The upscale ambiance suits families celebrating special occasions rather than casual weeknight dinners with toddlers
Best For
Better for: Unique Roman Jewish cuisine you won't find elsewhere, romantic townhouse atmosphere, celebrity sightings (SNL cast's Tuesday spot), civilized pre-theater dining without the rush
Skip if: You want trendy modern decor, need extensive vegan options, are on a tight budget, or prefer loud bustling energy over intimate elegance