Service was phenomenal, ambiance was very pretty. The sound echoes a ton, which was rough as it was…read morea crowded Saturday night. We had the everyday gravy, pesto, potatoes (got them without prosciutto), and zucchini florets. My husband loved the everyday gravy. The pesto was good, but milder than I expected. The zucchini was similarly a little too mild. Potatoes were flavorful. I'd give this restaurant another try, based on service and ambiance alone, but I'd also like to give a few other dishes a try!

The happy hour deals are available online at the bar, and I thought the happy hour deals were…read morepretty good especially for the food! Wasn't too busy on a Thursday evening and has a very cute and cozy interior so it was perfect for catching up with a friend. The calamari was pretty standard. The breading was a little thicker than I would've liked and the chili oil aioli sauce was kind of disappointing (just tasted like mayo). I really enjoyed the soppressata, peach, and hot honey pizza if you like a bit of sweet/savory. I think they could've been more generous with the hot honey though! I had a couple bites of my friend's garganelli which was pretty tasty. The pasta was cooked al dente and the pesto had a very earthy flavor. I appreciated how we didn't feel rushed during our dinner so it was a great meal to sit and catch up with a friend.

Food/drinks: been here twice and both times were delicious!! I loved the vodka penne and lamb pasta…read moredish, I am not usually for Italian but I was impressed! Also got a pizza which was delicious Atmosphere: cute! Midday lighting in side and cramped/tiny but in a charming way. There's also plenty of outdoor seating Service: friendly! Price: as expected in NY but fun to also go for their happy hour/martini Mondays!

Solid cocktail program and delicious platings, but the poor handling of inclement weather ruined…read moreour first-time experience. We had a reservation and arrived early, coincidental with a torrential thunderstorm. The restaurant had moved everyone seated outside on the patio, indoors, so there were no tables left for those of us who had made indoor reservations. The hostess admitted (out loud!), that she didn't want to seat us at a table the manager (?) suggested, since it was a reservation for her friends?! Still, we tried our best to be understanding and flexible, and eventually ended up getting squeezed into a makeshift table (which we had to request to be wiped down since it was brought in from outside). Servers bumped into us numerous times during our meal as well. Our server thanked us for being amenable as it was a Friday night during Restaurant Week. But, my guest ordered off the regular menu (since she didn't want to contribute to food waste); her sole pasta dish ended up costing $30 (the three-course pre-fixe menu was $45). I was surprised that our drinks, at least, weren't comped for the situation we helped to solve for them!

Where to start? I really can't rave about Altamirano's enough. My friends and I came here twice…read morelast week to watch the NBA finals. Louis and company treated us to such a wonderful time on Wednesday evening that we immediately made a reservation for Saturday (the Knicks victory did not hurt). The food is phenomenal -- absolutely loved the tagliatelle ala fungi and the orchiette with sausage, though everything was amazing. Do not leave without getting the bread pudding (and I'm not a dessert person at all). The service is absolutely aces. I can't believe how wonderful everyone was to a large group of scatterbrained (and rowdy) basketball fans. Cannot recommend a game-watching spot more highly -- rather than throw elbows in a sweaty bar, enjoy some delicious wine and pasta in a lovely, comfortable space (still plenty celebratory). I'll finish by saying that a week ago, before I went to Altamirano's and met Louis, the Knicks were not NBA champions. After I went to Altamirano's and met Louis, the Knicks ARE NBA champions -- coincidence? I think not!

I went to this Italian restaurant with one of the many groups I attend dinners with. The staff was…read morefriendly, and the atmosphere was nice, with plenty of people inside along with our large group. The menu isn't the largest, but they gave a long list of specials on a separate menu. The specials don't have their price listed, which made it a bit awkward ordering, as I asked about a bunch of the main dishes, which were all apparently $50 to $60. In terms of drinks, we split a large selection of BYOB as per the group. I decided to go with an appetizer and pasta. However, in retrospect, I probably should have gotten the Branzino Alla Livornese, or another fish dish as my main dish, or skipped the appetizer entirely and ordered one of the expensive fish dishes. My appetizer was the pretty good Polpette for $14, listed as homemade meatballs, tomato sauce, and shaved parmesan cheese. This came with several small soft meatballs with a decently flavored tomato sauce. I slightly prefer other spots, which gave larger meatballs as they have more texture, but they were fine, and the number of them makes it so you can split this dish. This was good enough. My main dish, rather regrettably, was the $26.95 Tagliatelle Ai Funghi with shiitake, cremini, portobello, oysters, and marsala wine. The portion was decent, and the pasta was decently cooked, though slightly soft for my liking. There was a good amount of mushrooms, which paired well with the very typical wine sauce, but there was another major issue with said sauce. The dish contained many sprigs of charred aromatics mixed among the sauce and mushrooms, which were presumably thyme, judging by the earthy aftertaste. The charred pieces overwhelmed the delicate flavor of the sauce and the pasta, also having a very unappetizing texture. It wasn't like it was just large pieces that could be easily picked out, so I occasionally got an overly earthy and bitter bite. I would have brought this up with the waitstaff, but they were very overwhelmed, so eventually I stopped eating. This place had friendly staff, and many other dishes looked tasty. However, I didn't have the best dining experience.

Our first wedding anniversary landed in the middle of a comically glamorous New York stretch that…read morenow feels like a little time capsule from another chapter of life. We were in town for a friend's wedding at the top of Rockefeller Center, then spent the following night celebrating ourselves at Dowling's at The Carlyle. The trip also carried a real sense of homecoming: I had lived in New York for many years, my wife spent our final year there living with me in Greenwich Village while working and teaching at NYU, and the day after we returned from our honeymoon, we moved to Philadelphia. Inside The Carlyle, we permitted ourselves to go considerably grander than our usual date night, and Dowling's rewarded the decision. The sunken levels, handsome bar, enormous plants, and procession of service carts create an almost theatrical version of Upper East Side New York that still feels warm and genuinely fun. Rockefeller Center the night before and The Carlyle that evening shared a certain Columbia University quality in my mind: established, formidable, beautifully mannered, and unmistakably connected to the old institutions of the city. What I remember most vividly was our captain, who had worked at The Carlyle for decades and seemed to carry an extraordinary amount of New York institutional memory. He was an expert and a showman, but such a tasteful one: an iconic UES dandy who was funny, gracious, and entirely comfortable in his skin. Beside us, an enormously affected couple ordered gaudy quantities of caviar while conducting a running discussion about the money involved that became almost nauseating, and somehow this only made our captain's understated confidence look better. He had clearly seen every species of wealth and eccentricity pass through those doors and knew exactly how to keep the evening moving with class. Meanwhile, another side of the weekend felt unmistakably NYU. We were staying at the Arlo NoMad in a room so tiny it bordered on conceptual art, and the next morning I headed downtown to AARMY, one of my favorite truly one-of-a-kind fitness studios, for a punishing but fun studio cycling class led by the legendary Akin Akman. Shortly thereafter, I was at JFK boarding a flight to Mykonos for another wedding, giving the whole stretch a wonderfully kinetic mix of downtown energy, internationalism, and ridiculously indulgent scheduling and consumption. Looking back, Dowling's sits perfectly at the center of those few days because it gave our anniversary exactly the level of ceremony it deserved. The food was excellent, the hospitality was extraordinary, and the entire evening carried that rare New York combination of history, theater, and humor. Sometimes a grand restaurant can feel like it is asking you to admire the institution; Dowling's made us feel lucky to be there together.

Dowling's exudes sophistication paired with exceptional service. We enjoyed a lovely meal for…read morerestaurant week, starting with the scallop ceviche and the burrata. For our mains we both ordered the NY Strip Steak, which was cooked perfectly. Honestly, every dish was amazing! I really loved the table side bread service, ultimately opting for my favorite sourdough! Definitely worth a visit for a special occasion!

On Saturday, 4.18.26, with a highly recommendation, I had decided on checking out THE EAST POLE,…read morewhich I had been meaning to attend their NEW Year's 2026 Jazz Brunch, something else came up. On this particularly Saturday afternoon, the weather was cool and sunny, what was surprising to me, upon entering THE EAST POLE was white linen table settings outside of a semi-brownstone, which was new and charming, for I felt like spoiling myself, which I suggest that everyone do so, every now and then . . . I was first greeted by the charming, KLYE, who suggest a very comfortable setting for me, and introduced me to my waitress, CASSANDRA, was so gracious and attentive, but allowed me to taken on the beautiful decor, and chic people, both at the bar and main dining area. I was introduced to several other staffers, including CHEF JOE, who suggest that afterwards, I should visit the Melody's Piano Bar, too! I had a glass of Champagne, then tried, by Cassandra's recommendation their TIGER SHRIMP TOAST, being them topical NY'er, and shy wgen it comes to trying new things, I must say that the sweet thai chili sauce, herb salad with shrimps, quickly educated my tastebuds, and I was completely hooked. Secondly, I had tried the Grilled Angus Black Skirt Steak, and, immediately, I was taken back, thinking that that I was being served was a piece of meat. But, surprise was tucked way under the delicious steak, cooked to my taste . . . WELL DONE, with roasted potatoes, spinach, asparagus, and seasoned to ptefection!!! The afternoon delight was top with AFFOGATO, a mixture of vanilla bean gelato, frangelico, whipped cream, espresso. I am very proud of myself for being risky in treating myself out, and trying a few new dishes. I highly recommend checking out THE EAST POLE. Upon my return, I must request on one those lovely outdoors tables. SULE, www.nunuradio.com

It was alright. We…read morehad the Salmon Tartine, Shakshuka, Eggs Benedict and Brioche French Toast. The Salmon Tartine was good it could have used a little more flavor but it was nice and light. The Shakshuka was good as well - not the best I have ever had but not bad whatsoever. The eggs Benedict were good as well, again nothing to write home about but not bad. The Bricohe French toast was a bit of a let down as it seems like they left it on the pan too long and it came out burnt which was not very pleasing or appetizing especially as it was the person birthday who was having them. Service was all right. It could've been better. The host was accommodating, but it took a while for us to get service and all of the wait staff seemed to be just chilling by the bar chatting. Our waitress was very nice and did not detract from our experience whatsoever, but also didn't elevate it. Ambience is very nice. It's very casual and cozy and the perfect spot for an easy quick brunch. Overall, I probably will not come back with all of the other amazing brunch options in the area but if you need a quick and easy brunch that's gonna be decent I would say give The East Pole a shot.

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

Really good place to find lunch. when every place else is busy this place is available. And it was…read moregood. 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!

Jacques has become one of our favorite special-occasion restaurants on the Upper East Side…read more When we're celebrating something or simply want a memorable meal, Jacques is at the top of the list. The restaurant feels like a little piece of Paris tucked into the neighborhood, with vintage French advertisements decorating the walls, attentive service, and a menu that consistently delivers. On warm evenings, the outdoor seating is especially lovely. White tablecloths, cocktails, and excellent food create an experience that feels elevated without being stuffy. Dogs are welcome outside, and on our most recent visit there were several of us furry diners patiently supervising our humans' meals... My mom couldn't decide what to order, so she went with two appetizers. The salmon tartare was outstanding and unlike any she'd had before, with a unique flavor that may have included ginger. She also ordered the sea scallops served with Black Forbidden Rice and a Madras Curry Emulsion. The sauce was rich, unique, and absolutely delicious. Dad stayed loyal to his steak frites with au poivre sauce, which never disappoints. The cocktails were equally impressive. Mom enjoyed a seasonal special called the "Gin and Chill," while Dad ordered an Old Fashioned. There isn't a dog menu, but that didn't stop me from carefully monitoring every plate that arrived at the table in hopes of an accidental tasting opportunity. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner, a neighborhood favorite, or simply a great French meal on the Upper East Side, Jacques is well worth a visit. Dogba's verdict: Elegant outdoor dining, excellent people-watching, outstanding French food, and plenty of opportunities to politely stare at steak frites.

Love love love this place. Always on point. Always great food, amazing cheese, beautiful cocktails,…read moregreat wine list. This is what a restaurant experience should be like. Best salmon tartar, perfectly crusty baguettes. Definitely a fav!!!

Wow! What a gem of the city. My coworker recommended this beautiful bar and restaurant situated in…read morethe historic building above pj Clarke's. Yes - they do share a kitchen. We started off with a crispy tuna tarter tacos which were delectable and savory. The tacos were so unique, almost like Chinese fried crackers. Our waiter was wonderful, and amiable. My seafood pasta was perfectly seasoned and was better than some seafood restaurants! The bartender and manager both came over to introduce themselves - adding for a traditional, personal touch. Not only did we feel like values customers, but we felt at home and can't wait to return! What a special place!

Stopped by for happy hour after work with a friend and had a very pleasant experience. Despite not…read morehaving a reservation, staff was more than happy to have us and sat us down immediately. Bar service was great and very timely. I ordered a smoked old fashion and it was delicious. We also split a few oysters and they were also delicious. The place was intimate and not too loud which I always prefer and all things considered, it was a great evening. Would come back.