Came here to have a holiday gathering with old friends and it was nice. The food was good but the service was better. Located close to Central Park between 5th and Madison. The space is small but super cute especially this time of year read more

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Really good place to find lunch. when every place else is busy this place is available. And it was good. I am Italian and the Caesar salad and the pizza was great. They had a lunch special. Excellent staff. So I give it five stars. Grazie! read more

Altesi Ristorante - Generous whiskey on the rocks. - Italian Near Me - New York, New York

Lovely experience having a late lunch here after touring the Aquavella. The pasta and wine were fantastic, perfect portions, finished with a fantastic raspberry limoncello cake. Yum read more

Everything went well dinnner amazing Service white glove 100 present they let us eat have dessert and linger though it was close to closing Time The calamari melts in your mouth The fish amazing the veal cook to your liking I would recommend S read more

A friend and I tried Altesi for the first time during restaurant week. We had a very nice weekend lunch here, both ordering a salad and a pasta for our two courses. The Caesar salad was very good, and my friend enjoyed her ravioli. The slightly annoying part is that they charged $7 each for iced teas, with no refills and no mention of the cost on the menu. So 3 iced teas between the two of us totaled $21...ouch. This restaurant is on the lower level, but they make it look pretty nice regardless. read more

Altesi Ristorante - tables and chairs in a restaurant - Italian Near Me - New York, New York

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Lovely restaurant with beautiful food and lighting![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Everyone that works there is wonderful. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Full bar, but no seating at the bar which keeps the noise level where it should be - easy to hear everyone at your table regardless of the size.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Never had a bad meal there in the many years we've been there. Our go-to for special occasions and even last minute reservations. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Outdoor sidewalk dining when weather permits and an inside garden area.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Absolutely love this place. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Great food, great service, relaxing environment.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Staff very attentive. Stopped by for an impromptu lunch; very pleasantly surprised. Highly recommended. read more

We took advantage of restaurant week to try this charming restaurant out for lunch. It's situated in a townhouse. The space is charming. The waitstaff were very attentive. The host was managing the proceedings very carefully. We were started of with crispy thin breadsticks. The iced tea was surprisingly good. We has sautéed Roman "Jewish style" artichokes that aren't exactly they way they are served in Rome, bur very good nonetheless. We both had chicken parmigiana as our main course. It was very good. In an unusual twist, it was accompanied by silky mashed potatoes. This is a very nice restaurant and I'm glad we were able to check it out as a restaurant week deal. read more

Altesi Ristorante - Roman style artichokes with pesto sauce. - Italian Near Me - New York, New York

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Lobster ravioli tasted like mushy tomato paste. Osso bucco was dry and flavorless. Tiramisu just a pile of cream mush with coco powder. Will not return. When I was asked how my meal was and I explained the above - the manager was abrasive and nasty. Save your money....this was a waste. read more

The food is great yeah [[HIGHLIGHT]]atmosphere is very nice[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] and the service is excellent. I've been there many times I like the place. read more

Needed a quick stop/break for drinks and pre dinner food. Perfect location for where we were at. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Food and drinks perfect, location perfect and the staff more than hospitable.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]I was highly impressed how clean it was.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]It's a neighborhood spot first and foremost. It adds lots of points bc of it. I felt the warmth and joy that this neighborhood shares.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I came dine in once for a while and also order take out. The food is not outstanding if you just talk about the food itself; there are many restaurants out there in the city surpass its tastes with. But I came here quite often and it's always on my list if I want a good meal. The quality is consistent and the service is great. The portion is just about the right amount, and there aren't too much carbs for an Italian restaurant. After I finished the meal from here, I just feel content and balanced, and ready for the next part of my day. read more

I came to Altesi for a lunch before going to meetings in Manhattan. I came in mid-afternoon was was immediately seated. This place is sort of a respite from the busy city vibe outside, with the wine wall (I love wine walls) and peaceful ambience. I started with the Insalata Altesi, which had lots (like a lot lot) of apple slices. They were often in big chunks. Overall, the salad was fine. I followed this with the Cacio e Pepe, which was pretty straightforward. It was particularly flavorful in the first few bites while very fresh. There was nice olive oil and hummus for the bread sticks...I don't often see bread sticks as the house bread, but it worked for me. There's also a reasonable wine menu. Servers were just right--attentive but not popping by all the time. I'd come back again. read more

Portions small and expensive. Mediocre plating. Service attentive. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Decor lovely.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]To steal a line: you can't eat atmosphere.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

[Grade: A] [Worth it ($)?: 10/10 - amazing deal for restaurant week] We had a reservation for lunch to celebrate a birthday in the family. As I'm just visiting town, I didn't really know what to expect but they said it was pretty good whenever they come. Little did I know I was about to be blown away at how amazing it truly was. I already love italian food, but I didn't know it could taste like this. As it was restaurant week, they had a special for a three-course meal. I choose the Gamberi, which honestly was the best thing I ate for me. It was incredibly creamy, the orzo and gamberi were cooked perfectly, and every bite was a little bite of heaven. It reminded me of a risotto but elevated to the max. Next, I had the tagliatelle, which was also amazing. The pasta was cooked to perfection and coated in a delicious, rich sauce. Lastly, we had a cioccolato, which was a chocolate and vanilla mousse, and it was the perfect thing to finish out incredible lunch. In general, this place absolutely crushed any expectations I had for the restaurant and any italian food I've ever eaten. Any time I eat pasta again, I'll dream of this place, so hopefully I'll be back soon to taste more of their mouthwatering food! read more

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Food was exceptional but the service beyond compare! The effort courtesy and professionalism of the staff is exceptional! Thank you for a beautiful experience for me and my family! Jim Orourke read more

It hurts me to give this rating, because the service was exceptional. We wanted to love it! Service 5 stars Ambiance 5 stars Food quality 3.5 stars (everything needed salt) Food portion / presentation 3 stars Value 2 stars As you can see in the pictures, the portions were small or the plates were too big, and that risotto was $40.... the ravioli was $30 for 6 pieces.... read more

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Went to Altesi awhile back for a work dinner. No idea how the organizer found the place or why we need to commute ~20 blocks uptown to her, but such is life. The place is on the small side (including table size) and narrow. Service was stuffy and very European (slow). It's all well and good when a restaurant takes itself seriously, but these guys going out of their way to correct my colleagues' pronunciation it's a bit much; this isn't a grammar class, and I'm saying that as an Italian. Drink list was weird so I got a Negroni instead which was good. Otherwise we stuck to wine which is where we got a butt-load of attitude from the wannabe sommelier server. We got a litany of appetizers including a burrata special, Jewish-style artichokes, fried calamari and a beet salad. Artichokes were pretty good but could've been a bit more fried. Calamari was good as was the beet salad. Burrata was pretty ho-hum. One of my rules with Italian places is that if a bone-in veal chop parmigiana/milanese is on the menu, it is at least worthy of serious consideration. I went with it here and wasn't disappointed. The meat quality was good although I prefer the cheese to be browned on a parm like this, it was still pretty damned good. For some reason, this perfectly good cut of meat came with this mixed green bean and potato abomination. It wasn't horrible, but in no way matched the dish. I ordered a side of pasta and that worked much better. We ordered dessert (tiramisu) but it was forgettable to the point that it took real effort for me to remember it; espresso was just okay. All in all could've done worse food-wise even if nothing was mind blowing. Cute place that's better for dates than a work dinner. Would come back here again if I was nearby, so long as I was in the mood for the service. read more

Excellence in every aspect (food, service and ambience). A great location. The people, the customers, the staff - everyone is always happy to be here. Mostly repeat customers and so easy to walk here. read more

We were given a gift card a couple of years before Covid hit and moved to another state. we are returning to NYC and were looking forward to using the gift card. Due to very poor record keeping the owner refuses to accept it. unfortunate for them we were going to bring another couple. they had no problem accepting the 250.00 for the gift card. not happy. read more

Ok food but very small portions Main dish pasta was served on a giant 10-11" plate with 4" area for the pasta more like a starter portion for $33 read more

Prosciutto So-- important to know I am an older female -- dining alone. I never review before at least 2 or three times at a restaurant. The manager/ owner I believe is "on his game!" He is very active in ALL aspects from greeting, seating, checking on patrons. He is an A+...... his young staff is B+. They are not as "on their game" when it comes or attention to detail with service and especially answering questions about the dishes. They were dismissive to myself amd the table beside me. I will be back, but the staff truly needs to follow the lead of their boss. I do not know him, or his name-- but his attention to detail needs to be aspired to by his staff. read more

Altesi Ristorante - Gamberi - Italian Near Me - New York, New York

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Great food and service! Walked in and asked for an outside table and we were accommodated right away. Our waiter was awesome and very helpful with our questions and order adjustments. Would definitely go back! read more

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My husband and I had a great experience at this restaurant for dinner. I'm not sure why so many of the reviews say that the service is bad because we thought the service was amazing. Everything was so quick and every time our drinks were low, the waiter or waitress came over to ask if there was anything else they could get for us. I started off with the burrata which was very good and a large portion. My husband started with the calamari and loved it. I tried a piece and it was very tender. I then got the artichoke and avocado salad and loved it. It was very refreshing and the lemon dressing had great flavor. My husband got the lasagna and loved it. The pasta was so thin which made the dish. We also got the tiramisu and it was a great ending to the meal. I would definitely recommend this restaurant. read more

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Stopped by for an aperol spritz and lemonade after a day of walking around. Relaxing tables outside, would love to come back for lunch or dinner. read more

Altesi Ristorante - Italian Near Me - New York, New York

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A most wonderful dining experience serving fantastic Italian food specialities. I enjoyed the beautiful tree lined street in my neighborhood during al fresco dining ---lasting into the late evening. Hummus and pencil thin breadsticks Preceded our waiter's arrival. The salmon carpaccio was velvety smooth draped a delicious creamy sauce. Branzino Sea Bass was beyond all expectations. I plan to make this a must do every time I am in NYC! read more

I had to attend an event nearby and was starving, had a about a half hour and found this place. If I had more time, I would have ordered three courses, as it was, I had the fettuccine with lamb. It was perfection. Handmade pasta fresh and melt in your mouth. The lamb was amazing and the mint with the creamy tomato sauce was heaven. I will return. Next time for dessert and salad too. For the life of me, I don't know why people bring children to a restaurant like this. This is not for kids. read more

Loved it here, food is great and Ahmed (not sure how to spell his name) was working so hard and didnt miss a beat. For me a huge part of the experience is the people. Service and food quality were both amazing! read more

Altesi Ristorante - Lobster ravioli special & the the fusili - Italian Near Me - New York, New York

Checked coat when we first arrived. Coat was stolen while we were eating dinner.They waited til after we laid $500.00 plus tip before letting us know. They made no effort to compensate for the loss of the coat. We felt like it was an inside job. Food was okay but surprised by the lack of caring that a customers coat was stolen in such an expensive restaurant. read more

Food was overpriced and the service was subpar. The atmosphere was not very inviting. I do not recommend this place.

Nice place for a business lunch; great location in a nice area, and very kind personnel. The food was delicious!

The place could use a 3 million dollar makeover and also hiring friendlier, less sycophantic staff The food is actually decent Mexican-cooked pseudoitalian food on the UES..although it's bland and mostly reheated instead of fresh. They fact that they don't serve fresh bread at all immediately disqualifies this place as a legitimate Italian restaurant. read more

Rude owner/manager. Overpriced. Nasty bathrooms. Never again. Tried different dishes before leaving a post because I wanted be fair. read more

The food was terrible. It was tasteless and tough. Tasted reheated....not fresh. We asked for bread and they said due to Covid they don't serve it. That so ridiculous. It's not worth going to. They have gone downhill. read more

The owners really want you to feel at home and so the restaurant is a good neighborhood place. Great outdoor seating too. I like the ceasar's salad then the halabut or salmon. read more

Went here for NYC Restaurant Week, and I had to say I definitely expected more! The gnocchi appetizer was average as was the lasagne entree. Service was great at the restaurant and the atmosphere was really nice, but my entire table was disappointed with the average restaurant week options. read more

Altesi Ristorante - Lasagne - Italian Near Me - New York, New York

Went here with my family for restaurant week and we were blown away. I have to say the items from the regular menu are a tad overpriced for what you get, but the price fixe is phenomenal. I'm not usually a fish person but this grilled sea bream was amazing. Plated well and seasoned beautifully. The service is great, and the waiters are very attentive. Hummus is served with the bread which was phenomenal. The chicken was moist and the red peppers and potatoes that came with it were also great. I would highly recommend going here for restaurant week. read more

Altesi Ristorante - Italian Near Me - New York, New York

Dined here (downtown location) to celebrate a friend's birthday and could not have been happier with every detail, from the quaint outdoor pergola seating, to the staff and of course the food! The meatballs were exceptional and the pizza was divine. The staff made our experience memorable with their attention and friendly demeanor. They went above and beyond to make sure we were enjoying ourselves. We will definitely be back and add this to our list of go-to places read more

The food was decent BUT the service was a sheer atrocity! We were here for a dinner around 8 and were mostly ignored despite the fact that the restaurant was only 35-40% full with plenty of servers. The food itself was decent : solid but nothing that stood out. Food recap: 1. Veal polpette: Edible but quite bland and the portion was literally tiny 3 bite-sized meatballs that were on the dry side. The tomato base was watery and the accompanying greens were not even dressed. Skip 2. Seared scallops over cauliflower, quinoa, and zucchini slaw: This was solid with firm, nicely seared scallops (3) over a creamy slaw. The quinoa added a nice crunchy texture. 3. Lamb shank: Not bad but definitely on the dry side and with no jus. It is served over a potato puree with maybe 3 sauteed Brussels sprouts. It was just edible. 4. Seared salmon: We asked for medium rare - the TINY piece of salmon came out very dry and well-done. The sauteed cabbage was also not fully cooked. 5. Tiramisu: The balance of cream to cake was off - there was barely a hint of coffee flavoring as the cream was overwhelming. 6. Bread: This was VERY dry and the accompanying dip was so bland that i would have literally preferred plain EVOO. Now on to the service. It was awful if not non-existent. Some major faux pas: 1. We were served sparkling instead of still water and had to flag down 3 times to rectify the error. 2. Water was NEVER refilled and we again had to flag down a server. 3. Our appetizer plates were never replaced despite asking twice. 4. Our food was served last - 3 parties that ordered well after we did received their entrees before we even had our appetizers served. 5. We had to ask for the check 3 times - and then try to get the attention of the 2 servers who literally stared at us and refused to walk over. It was honestly one of the worst service experiences I have had on the UES. Maybe they ONLY serve their regulars? That is still no excuse. Based on earlier reviews, it seems that this establishment's claim to fame is not good food BUT abysmally negligent and terrible service with a wonderful air of pompous ennui. read more

What a gem. We went for lunch with friends who were long-time fans and had an elegant leisurely meal. The salads were first rate: we split the endive and Gorgonzola while our friends split the beet. My Cacio e pepe was as good as I've ever had it (or made it) and the pastas pleased their recipients. Tiramisu and the pistachio encrusted ice cream topped things off nicely. read more