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Pietros - NY
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Pietros - NY
8.5
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Luxury Dining Elite
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Founded in 1932 by brothers Natale and Pietro Donini, this Italian-American steakhouse icon reopened at its new 2nd Avenue location in October 2025. The legendary coat-check lady's perfect memory and servers with 25+ year tenures define old-school NYC hospitality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Caesar Salad, Chicken Parmigiana, Porterhouse for Two
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.9
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: 93-year legacy with original recipes and multi-generational staff
Who should go: Old-school NYC diners and families celebrating traditions
When to visit: Special occasions or when craving classic Italian-American fare
What to order: Caesar salad, veal parm, chicken Pietro with peppers
Insider tip: No coat check tags needed—they remember everyone
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site parking; street parking very difficult in Midtown East. Nearby garages available on 2nd Ave. One block from Grand Central for easy subway access (4/5/6/7/S).
Dress code: Business casual - skip the sneakers and lean dressy. Old-school NYC steakhouse vibes, so collared shirts for men appreciated.
Noise level: Moderate - lively enough for energy, conversational enough for business dinners and celebrations.
Weekend wait: Reservations strongly recommended (call 212-682-9760); walk-ins possible early but expect 30-45 min wait after 7pm
Weekday lunch: Dinner only - opens 5pm Mon-Sat. Early weeknights typically seat quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but available - eggplant parm, pasta with marinara, salads, sides. Kitchen is meat-focused so options are traditional Italian-American.
Vegan options: Very limited - garden salads, marinara-based pastas upon request. Not a strong suit for this classic steakhouse.
Gluten-free options: Accommodations by request - steaks and proteins naturally GF; ask server about pasta alternatives. Not a dedicated GF kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 3rd or 4th dates when you want to impress. The old-school ambiance is romantic but formal - expect white tablecloths and career waiters, not casual vibes. Great for someone who appreciates classic NYC dining.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible early (5-6pm) on weekdays, but risky on weekends. Call ahead at 212-682-9760 - they're not on OpenTable. Friday/Saturday nights fill up with regulars.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for well-behaved kids 8+. Portions are huge and shareable. Not ideal for toddlers - it's a refined steakhouse atmosphere. Private room available for family celebrations.
Best For
Better for: NYC history buffs and anyone craving genuine old-school Italian-American steakhouse experience. Multi-generational staff with decades of tenure. Private room with AV setup for corporate events. The nostalgia factor and personalized service no trendy spot can replicate.
Skip if: You want cutting-edge cuisine, extensive vegetarian options, or a scene-y crowd. Not the spot for dry-aged Wagyu seekers or anyone wanting reservations via app. Closed Sundays.
Pietros - NY
8.4
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
A 1930s-born Midtown Italian steakhouse reborn on Second Avenue, Pietro’s mixes clubby booths, massive chicken Parm, and old-school pastas with a family-style mentality. Portions are generous enough for sharing, making it a splashy but welcoming spot for Italian-American celebrations with older kids and relatives.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shells a La Nat with béchamel and baked Parmigiano, Chicken Parmigiana sized for sharing, Lasagna with béchamel and ground meat
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: A nearly century-old Italian-American steakhouse where oversized Parm dishes and pastas anchor family celebrations.
Who should go: Families celebrating milestones who don’t mind steakhouse pricing.
When to visit: Weeknights at 5–7pm before the dining room gets packed.
What to order: Shells a La Nat, Chicken Parmigiana, Linguini with Clam Sauce.
Insider tip: Order pastas and chicken Parm family-style; one entrée can feed two or three.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 2nd Avenue is limited, especially after 5pm; nearby garages on 52nd–54th Street typically run $25–$45 for evening parking with advance booking.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine, but most diners lean polished given the old-school steakhouse setting.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively during peak dinner hours; conversation is manageable but can require raised voices for larger groups.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for groups of four or more.
Weekday lunch: Generally minimal wait; walk-ins are often seated immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection of salads, pasta dishes, and vegetable sides, though not a dedicated vegetarian menu.
Vegan options: Limited; most pastas and sauces contain dairy or egg, but a few vegetable sides can be adapted.
Gluten-free options: Several dishes, including select proteins and salads, can be made gluten-free; gluten-free pasta availability may vary, so confirm with the server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It can be, if you’re aiming for a classic, clubby, old–New York vibe. The lively dining room and large portions skew more celebratory than intimate, so it’s better for confident, conversation-heavy dates rather than a quiet first meeting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially early on weeknights. But peak dinner hours and larger parties should reserve ahead—walk-ins may face long waits or limited seating flexibility.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids and teens who enjoy Italian-American classics. No formal kids’ menu, but large portions are easy to share. Highchairs and space for strollers are limited during busy dinner service.
Best For
Better for: Oversized Italian-American comfort classics, celebratory family meals, and nostalgic steakhouse energy not often found in Midtown East.
Skip if: You want quiet dining, modern lighter Italian, or budget-friendly pricing—nearby trattorias and pasta bars offer a gentler check average and softer ambiance.