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Lena's Italian Kitchen

551 2nd Ave #2F, New York, NY 10016
$$
Italian
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ZipPicks Awards

Best Italian in Murray Hill & Kips Bay Best Lasagna in Murray Hill & Kips Bay Best Family Friendly Italian in Murray Hill & Kips Bay

Vibe Check this spot

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

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Lena's Italian Kitchen 8.3
Kips Bay
Vibes: Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Comfort Food Classics Quick Bites Champions Family Friendly Favorites
Lena’s Italian Kitchen is a quick-service operation that punches above its weight with big, saucy platters and pastas built for delivery and takeout. It’s a staple for Kips Bay residents who want red-sauce comfort—chicken parm, vodka rigatoni, loaded salads—without a full sit-down night out.
Must-Try Dishes: Chicken Parm Platter, Pasta Alla Vodka, Pasta Fiorentina
Scores:
Value: 8.9 Service: 7.6 Consistency: 8.6 Food Quality: 8.3 Atmosphere: 6.2 Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: High-volume counter-service spot turning out hefty, delivery-friendly Italian classics.
Who should go: Hungry locals wanting big, comforting plates without formality.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners and game nights when you want easy takeout.
What to order: Chicken Parm Platter, Pasta Alla Vodka, Pasta Fiorentina.
Insider tip: Portions are large—splitting a platter with extra sides stretches value further.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered and very limited after 6pm
Dress code: Totally casual—sweats, gym clothes, and work attire all fit
Noise level: Low to moderate inside, but mostly a pickup-and-go environment
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes for pickup orders during peak times
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or under 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several pasta dishes, salads, and meatless sides
Vegan options: Limited—mostly pasta with red sauce and vegetable sides if customized
Gluten-free options: Very limited—no dedicated gluten-free pasta and cross-contamination likely
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a traditional sit-down first date—it’s better suited for grabbing food and heading elsewhere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There’s limited seating and no reservations—plan for takeout or a quick in-and-out meal.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—kids love the pasta, chicken parm, and garlic bread, though it’s more takeout-focused than dine-in.
Best For
Better for: Big portions, fast service, and classic Italian comfort at a lower price than most nearby sit-down spots
Skip if: You’re looking for ambiance, wine service, or a lingering sit-down Italian dinner experience