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Sartiano's
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Sartiano's
7.7
In the Mercer Hotel's former Mercer Kitchen space, nightlife impresario Scott Sartiano partnered with three-time James Beard winner Alfred Portale for upscale Italian with a scene-y edge. The caviar cannoli and lobster bucatini impress, though you're equally paying for the celeb-spotting and SubMercer downstairs lounge.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster Bucatini, Mortadella Panini, Caviar Cannoli
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: James Beard-winning chef in a scene-making SoHo hotel setting
Who should go: Scene-seekers and those wanting upscale Italian without pretense
When to visit: Lunch upstairs cafe for mortadella panini and people-watching
What to order: Lobster bucatini, mortadella panini, Sunday sauce for sharing
Insider tip: The upstairs cafe is walk-in only and perfect for solo dining
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet - street parking is competitive in SoHo, use nearby garages on Crosby or Broadway, or just cab it
Dress code: Elegant upscale - no shorts at dinner, no hats, no sportswear or flip-flops, no bachelorette sashes or crowns
Noise level: Lively to loud when packed - basement acoustics amplify the buzz, quieter in booths than near the bar
Weekend wait: Near impossible without reservation - prime slots (6-10pm) require calling ahead, Resy only shows early or late times
Weekday lunch: Upstairs cafe is walk-in friendly, rarely a wait before 1pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several pasta and vegetable options including burrata, broccolini, and veggie omelette at brunch
Vegan options: Limited - can accommodate with modifications, but the menu is cheese and butter-forward
Gluten-free options: Yes - kitchen accommodates and takes allergies seriously, though not a dedicated GF facility
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent if you're trying to impress. The dimly lit basement space with spacious leather booths sets a sophisticated mood, and celeb-spotting gives you something to talk about. Request a booth away from the bar for easier conversation - it gets loud near the action.
Can I get a table without a reservation? For dinner, unlikely unless you arrive before 6pm or after 10pm - prime slots require calling the restaurant directly. However, the bar is first-come-first-served and you can order the full menu there. The upstairs cafe is entirely walk-in and serves the same dishes.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really. The scene-y basement vibe, dress code, and late-night energy cater to adults. Brunch upstairs in the cafe is more feasible with well-behaved teens, but leave the little ones home for this one.
Best For
Better for: The full package - serious Alfred Portale cooking in a space where you might spot a Kardashian, with a members-club-adjacent energy that makes dinner feel like an event
Skip if: You want value or intimacy - portions are refined (read: small) for the price, and the scene can overwhelm the food when you're seated near the bar crowd
Sartiano's
8.6
Inside The Mercer Hotel, Scott Sartiano’s namesake Italian restaurant pairs Alfred Portale’s refined cooking with a moody, club-adjacent dining room that reads upscale but not stuffy for lunch. Weekday midday service is calmer than the nighttime scene, giving executives a polished backdrop for higher-stakes conversations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cacio e Pepe, Yellowtail Crudo, Meatballs al Forno
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Modern Italian in The Mercer with serious cooking and executive polish.
Who should go: Leaders entertaining fashion, media, or hospitality clients.
When to visit: Weekday lunch service for quieter, reservation-friendly pacing.
What to order: Cacio e pepe, yellowtail crudo, house meatballs.
Insider tip: Request a corner banquette in the main room to talk discreetly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; limited metered street parking on Mercer and Prince. Nearest reliable option is the Crosby Street Garage (pay-to-park) two blocks away.
Dress code: Smart casual with a polished edge; dark denim acceptable but most guests lean fashion-forward or business chic.
Noise level: Moderate—steady background music and hotel foot traffic, but still comfortable for business conversation at lunch.
Weekend wait: Not applicable for business lunch context, but evenings often book out; walk-ins may face 45–75 minutes.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait if reserved; walk-ins can often be seated within 10–15 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several strong options, including salads, pastas, and vegetable-forward starters.
Vegan options: Limited—kitchen can accommodate simple modifications, but only 1–2 naturally vegan dishes.
Gluten-free options: Many dishes can be prepared gluten-free; kitchen offers GF pasta on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its moody, refined room provides an upscale but approachable setting. Best for dates where conversation and presentation matter more than playful energy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often possible at weekday lunch; the host may offer bar seating or a short wait for two. Evenings are reservation-heavy—walk-ins are rarely guaranteed.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. The ambiance skews adult, with no kids’ menu and a quieter, business-focused lunch crowd. Fine for older teens; not ideal for young children.
Best For
Better for: More polished and executive-facing than nearby casual Italian spots, with elevated technique and a hotel-backed service standard ideal for client meetings.
Skip if: You want a quick, rustic, or budget-friendly Italian meal, or prefer a brighter, family-oriented atmosphere.