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Toscana 49
ZipPicks Awards
Best Italian in Midtown East
Best Lasagna in Midtown East
Best Family Friendly Italian in Midtown East
Master Critic Review
Toscana 49
8.5
Sister restaurant to Café Fiorello delivers homemade pasta made daily in-house using traditional Tuscan methods. The intimate white-tablecloth dining room and private upstairs space host devoted regulars who return for poetic recitations of daily specials.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spinach Lasagna, Spaghetti alla Chitarra e Gamberi, Pappa al Pomodoro
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Daily handmade pasta and servers who describe specials like Italian poetry
Who should go: Pasta purists and couples seeking intimate conversation
When to visit: Early evening pre-theater or leisurely weekend brunch
What to order: Fresh pasta of the day, eggplant parmigiana, Tuscan bread soup
Insider tip: Ask about off-menu requests—they'll make dishes from previous visits
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking limited in Midtown East. No valet. Nearby garages available. Excellent location - stone's throw from Grand Central (4/5/6/7/S) makes subway the easiest option.
Dress code: Smart casual - the white-tablecloth intimate setting creates an air of sophistication. One reviewer noted 'our kids feel the air of sophistication and don't dare pull their phones out.' Jeans acceptable but lean dressy.
Noise level: Variable - some reviewers praise the 'relaxing atmosphere where you can actually hear the people you are dining with,' while others note it can get lively when full. Request a quieter table when booking.
Weekend wait: Reservations strongly recommended - 'packed on a Monday night' per reviews. Book via OpenTable or call (212) 256-0190. Private upstairs space available for groups up to 50.
Weekday lunch: Easier to secure tables. Open daily 12pm-10pm. Pre-theater early dinner slots popular but manageable.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good options - eggplant parmigiana highlighted as excellent, pasta dishes with vegetable sauces, Pappa al Pomodoro (Tuscan bread soup), salads. Daily specials may include additional vegetarian preparations.
Vegan options: Limited but accommodating - vegetable-based dishes available; speak with server about modifications. Italian cuisine is dairy-heavy but kitchen shows flexibility.
Gluten-free options: Accommodations available on request - proteins and salads naturally GF. Note that daily handmade pasta is the specialty, so GF diners should discuss alternatives with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - the intimate white-tablecloth dining room with low lighting creates perfect romantic conditions. Reviewers describe it as 'feels like you are dining in a family's home' and 'low lights and romantic.' The poetic presentation of daily specials adds memorable charm without pretension.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but risky, especially evenings. One reviewer noted it was 'packed on a Monday night in the pouring rain, full of New Yorkers.' Book ahead via OpenTable for parties up to 10, or call (212) 256-0190 for larger groups. Upstairs private space accommodates up to 50.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, for well-behaved children who can appreciate fine dining. One family reviewer noted their kids 'feel the air of sophistication' - the setting encourages good behavior. Kitchen is flexible and will accommodate requests. Not ideal for toddlers or those needing kids-menu basics.
Best For
Better for: Pasta devotees who want daily handmade creations using traditional Tuscan methods. Devoted regulars return because staff remembers their preferences - one guest ordered a dish from a year ago and they 'knew what it was and happily prepared it.' Pre-theater convenience near Grand Central. Private events up to 50 in upstairs space.
Skip if: You want trendy scene-making or need strict gluten-free options (fresh pasta is the draw here). Some find it can get noisy when full. Not ideal for quick casual bites - this is a lingering, relationship-building kind of place.