Its an Italian restaurant and when i first went in, it looks very comfy and it feels like it's somebody's home, very cozy. We are the only Asians there thou out of 7tables that were seated with customers. We didn't get the bread with the olive oil and butter until we ordered and Finally got to taste the squid ink pasta!!!! It was really yummy: even for me who doesn't like creamy pastas ... the squid ink pasta isn't too heavy or too creamy so I was able to enjoy it until little bit was left. My friend got fettuccine Alfredo $18.95 The squid ink pasta is called pasta nera $19.95 The Alfredo was a little too creamy for me but my friend enjoyed it a lot. Well different taste for different folks, whatever's that fits your hat. Try the squid ink!! It won't disappoint read more

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I'm visiting from LA and wanted a nice sit down Italian dinner. The restaurant was so intimate and lovely. Perfect for a date night. The service was SPECTACULAR! The food was great! The chicken was so tender and flavorful. You have to get the tiramisu for dessert and I recommend pairing it with amaretto on the rocks. The owner, Mossimo, was so incredibly nice and attentive. I can't recommend this restaurant enough. It'll definitely be a must whenever I'm in NYC. read more

Excellent italian which has home feel to it. It's tiny and looks like an old house sort of hidden on a quiet street. The restaurant has a lot of regular customers so it's always crowded. Service here is great. Food is excellent, like really upscale type of italian food and portions are generous. Chicken parm is huge and looks well breaded with plenty of cheese. I wasn't a fan of my squid ink pasta in cream sauce but that was probably my bad as I don't really like the cream sauce. The squid appetizer and chicken entree were excellent. Even the side dishes like the potatoes and vegetables were cooked to perfection and so soft. Their food is definitely above average even compared to other famous celebrity italian chef restaurants. Just wish they had lunch menu. They just have 1 menu for all day. I guess they are usually busy so they don't need to offer that. I believe they have a break time between lunch and dinner times. read more

Sam's Place - Calamari marinara - Italian Near Me - New York, New York

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Definitely old school Italian except for the fact that the restaurant staff that night I visited was all Hispanic. Hmnn it's like I never left Texas. The spacing was tight but I assume that was due to New York real estate. Ordered the stracatella soup and angel hair primavera. Prices are high but so was the portion. Enjoyed my soup. The primavera dish was both heavy on the pasta and vegetables and not heavy on the cream sauce which I liked. My coke came in a small wine glass and was never refilled nor did the waiter ask to refill it so I assume that meant no refills. My water glass on the other hand was never empty. read more

Sam's Place - straciatella soup - Italian Near Me - New York, New York

As you walked into the restaurant, you feel cozy and warm like being in your own home. The owner greeted my boss in a very welcoming and friendly manner treating everyone like family. A plate of cheese, olives and meat with a basket of bread and breadsticks with butter and olive oil. I ordered the Tortellini Alla Panna and it was very fulfilling that I took the leftover home with me to share with my mom. Definitely a great spot for delicious homemade style Italian food! read more

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Our long-time favorite, Forlini's, closed its doors but we found our new go-to...Sam's Place on 39th and Lexington. It's cozy with ambience, 10; food, 10, service, 10. The veal marsala was equal to Forlini's, which is saying something! Staff was very friendly; we were pleased we stumbled upon this new (to us) find. Strongly recommend. read more

When in New York City, eat like an Italian. And Sam's Place on 39th Street corner to Lexington Ave is just the one. Enjoy every dish they recommend and add their wines. Supremo Italiano! Bravo ! read more

Such a great spot. They treat you like a movie star. Great, great personal service. My food was excellent. Great experience. I'll be back. read more

Love it!. Hospitality unmatched, vibe is classic and homey. Food is made with love ; feels like a stomach hug

We had the most wonderful dinner at this spot. Food was excellent, the dessert was beautifully presented and tasted great. Staff super friendly and attentive. The owner came by to check on us. Would definitely go again. read more

Sam's Place - The best tiramisu I have had in the city! - Italian Near Me - New York, New York

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What a great little Italian restaurant. A little pricey but well worth it!! Very attentive staff. Fresh food like incredibly fresh. Great wine selection and you have to get the cannoli!! Lol read more

We felt welcomed the moment we stepped into the restaurant. It was such a warm and friendly place. Small and intimate. Food was delicious and big portions. The calamari in blanco sauce was addictively good. I had enough to bring home for another meal. Got to warm it up on a bed of shedded Brussel sprouts the next day! I can't wait to go back to Sam's Place. read more

Sam's Place - Broiled Veal Chop - Italian Near Me - New York, New York

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This is a quiet neighborhood spot with excellent Italian food. Very low key (not touristy), and the perfect place for a relaxed dinner. Delicious wine as well. read more

Sam's Place - Veal was delicious - Italian Near Me - New York, New York

A local Italian restaurant near the office that we frequent. Massimo, the owner is always there and a breadth of fresh air. Today we enjoyed a taste of his own gardens fresh tomatoes with our tri color salad (yummy). It's the summer and we popped in for a celebratory meal. We enjoyed a straight up vodka martini and a bottle of Pinot Noir. The Filleted Branzino and broccoli rabe was so so good. Finished the meal with a slice of lemon cake and cappuccino. read more

Sam's Place - Italian Near Me - New York, New York

Good stuff for sure!!! Sam's place (by name) makes you think diner, but rest assured, this is NOT a diner. The hearty bread that comes out and tasty main courses are top notch. I wasn't sure why the baked clams had a bit of a chemical taste, so I might suggest steering clear there. However, the chicken parm was enough to feed me and my 8-year old. The picatta was also tasty and while the place is small, the clientele were all nice enough to either leave you alone or offer friendly banter while dining (the tables are practically attached so you need to be aware of that). The waiter was great and certainly attentive, can't ask for more than that when it comes to NYC dining. read more

Last year I amused myself by eating veal Marsala at red sauce joint all throughout the boroughs. The undisputed winner is Sam's place. I've been here 6 times and each time I am blown away by the quality and consistency. Like, perfection. Sometimes dining companions stray and I get to try their meals. Nothing has ever been disappointing. Luckily eater hasn't put it on a "top 20" list. A true hidden gem. Don't miss out on this slice of old school nyc read more

Welcoming, home felt atmosphere with old school class. Food and service never disappoints.

The food here is delicious!! This is a traditional Italian restaurant, small and cozy and the service makes you feel as though you're not actually in Midtown. Definitely recommend their pastas, salads and wines! On week days around 5 when they open they are typically slow and it's easy to grab a table, later in the evening they get a bit of a rush, but well worth it! read more

Sam's Place - Penne bolognese - Italian Near Me - New York, New York

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We ate dinner here 3 weeks ago. From the greeting, to the seating, to the ordering, to the meal presentation and taste; all a wonderful, palatable experience. Tutti bene e Grazie! read more

Sam's Place is an understated, authentic Northern Italian restaurant. This is not a modern restaurant seeking Michelin stars, but a restaurant that makes Italian food the way your grandmother (if you're Italian) does. Much of the staff has been there for over 20 years and all are fluent in Italian - they are truly a family. The atmosphere is small and cozy with about 12 tables on each of two floors and feels like your in a ski lodge in the Dolomites. The food is excellent. It's not the type of Italian menu that has 40+ options, but they do a few things really well and their specials are always exceptional. Their mushroom risotto special I had the other night was superb and the Branzino special I had last night was also excellent, prepared with minimal but fresh ingredients- again, simple but perfect, just like how true Northern Italians cook. Worth ordering some grappa after dinner as well as tiramisu, and which is some of the best tiramisu I've had in NYC. read more

I went there for lunch. The place looks like a cosy house which is nice. Service and the host especially were rude. The food was mediocre and the prices were kind of too high for what you get. Not coming back. read more

A regular haunt by my workplace. A more intimate setting compared to the relatively pedestrian feel of Fagiolini's across the street. Sam, a friendly 50ish Polish guy, is conspicuous by his absence lately. The pastas are mainstream but a cut or two above the average Murray Hill restaurant's. The service is friendly. And the selection of wines surprisingly decent. The low ceilings of the first and second floors make Sam's a charming, quaint little place that contrasts with the blah atmosphere of the block or two surrounding it. Now if only the non-Italian waiters would shed their fake Italian accents :) read more

"Old school Italian where you feel like family" Sono Italiano....Yes, I am going to say I know a thing or two about Italian restaurants. My grandmother used to make "gravy" on the stove for hours. No bs sauce or stuff made with cream. Or too much cheese. I was warmly greeted at the door by a very amiable host, a guy you got the sense didn't try to hard to be friendly, but rather it came naturally. He immediately recognized I was on a date and as such seated us at an appropriate table. I had the porcini mushroom sauce with penne which is not my typical dish, but was very tasty. Balanced, good consistency of the sauce and the pasta was not overcooked. I really like the excellent service throughout the meal. One con is that the wine list is not top notch. You will have some difficulty here if wine is your prime motivation. This is certainly in an area of the city where I don't usually find myself (intentionally). While I would not travel across boroughs for this place, but if I was in the neighborhood I would stop in. My godfather would be proud. read more

Sam's Place in my mind feels like dying and going straight to Purgatory. It is neither good nor bad but very consistent in their delivery of mediocre Italian inspired eats. What they serve isn't cheap either. The restaurant offers just the right mix or comfort with discomfort. So pray-tell why go? Perhaps I like that Max welcomes me as though he knows who I am or that the head waiter is clueless? Both have been there well over the eight years that I've been going to SP. There's typically a good selection of specials and a wholehearted push by staff for patrons to order the fish dish du jour; ton this visit it was all about the lemon sole and it looked fabulous. I'm partial to the friend chicken with the salad a top and for the likes of me I can't remember what it is called. I also forget to order my dish sans dressing since I prefer to dress it up with lemon juice and EVOO instead of balsamic vinegar. C'est la vie... Seltzer water for one I ask the alouf head waiter. An opened large bottle of Pellegrino is promptly brought to my table. But I didn't order this? OK I'll take it back; you cheap bastard I'm sure he thought in his mind. Three sets of eyes belonging to my guests are now staring at me. The moment of truth is upon me. Do I send it back or bite the bullit? "Three additional glasses for my guests" I softly demanded. "Right away senor" said my snarly Latin waiter as he victoriously whisked away. Perhaps its the cozy second floor mezzanine that make vertically challenged folks--like yours truly--feel tall? Not much arm or leg room and despite were your you'll be seated you will be able to hear conversation from the table across the room. Diners are SP nonchalantly look around at every diner at every other table around them in the dimly lit rooms and then they quickly look away. Its a great out of the way rendezvous place for scheduled meetings with prospective new employers when cheating on the current boss. Another way to describe Sam's Place is my mind is how Howard Roarke responded to the antagonist in Ayn Rand's classic novel The Fountainhead when Ellsworth M. Toohey asked: "Mr. Roark, we're alone here. Why don't you tell me what you think of me? In any words you wish. No one will hear us." Roark responds: "But I don't think of you." To connect the dots for those I lost four paragraphs ago: George why don't you tell us what you think of Sam's Place? But I don't think about Sam's Place. read more

Visiting from California, we took a 40 minute subway trip from a neighborhood with several nice restaurants to Sam's, which was recommended by a friend. We arrived at 9:05, their website and their front door say open until 10pm. We were told they were closed and refused entry. There were several customers still there. It is 9:28 as I write this. This was the only negative experience we've had in NYC. read more

I find it unusual that the standard Italian entrees are accompanied by a side of vegetables rather than pasta. Typically this is a low carb option. That having been said, the food and service is very good. Go here if you are in the area and crave an "old school" Italian meal. read more

Sam's Place - Italian Near Me - New York, New York

stopped by on a Monday night around 9pm. the restaurant was quaint and quiet, only one other table!! some people may not like this, but for my gf and I, it's heaven! She thought that no music playing was a little weird, I personally liked it, I can actually have a conversation! so 2 thumbs up for ambiance! we had a glass of Chardonnay and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, both $12, pretty good pour!! we had the Linguini with white Clam sauce ($19.95) on the recommendation of our waiter Arian, it was a great dish! the clams were fresh and not chewy! good amount of garlic and the pasta was al dente! we also had the Branzino fish special ($34.90, yikes!), they de-boned it and served with a lemon butter sauce that was fantastic. it came with Asparagus and carrots, both had good flavor and NOT overdone! perhaps next time, we can check out the upstairs. I didn't mind the downstairs, it was quiet and our waiter gave us good amount of attention without being on top of us. yelp has a pricepoint of $$, but as you can see by my receipt, I think it's a bit pricey, maybe $$$...So beware! I would go back and try some of the other dishes. For a neighborhood resto, this is a good place! I also think that this is a good first date place. ENJOY! read more

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We went here on our first night in town. The food is good, the atmosphere is wonderful, and the prices are quite reasonable. You'll get great service, quite good but not memorable food, and will leave knowing that New Yorkers can be warm, welcoming, and not completely consumed with extracting $ from your wallet. (Well, this doesn't describe all New Yorkers, of course :) You will go home happier than you arrived. read more

This is a super cute old school Italian restaurant. We live close by and passed by it a number of times before finally deciding to grab a bite. The clientele is definitely swings to the older side. There are some families but mostly folks well over 50. It is tiny and squished so probably not good for groups. We ordered the pasta near, squid ink linguini with cream and sauteed mushrooms, and veal piedmontese sauteed with artichoke, procuitto, wine, and topped with mozzarella. And we ended our night with spumoni for dessert. Everything was solid. It definitely isn't one of those family Italian restaurants with huge portions, but it was enough to feed me for dinner (but not enough for takeout). The food does slight on the salty and creamy side of things. Overall, very a-ok experience with an a-ok bill. read more

My husband and I came here to celebrate my dear friend's birthday. Her mother introduced this place to us. It wasn't a mistake coming here, it turned out to be one of our favorites. Perfect size portion and the interior is quite intimate, very good for loving couples and married couples; definitely not for divorced couples. We'll go back. We heard about the owner that he's extremely friendly but didn't see any friendly owner at the time. However, we enjoyed the time celebrating my friend's birthday. The place is small and cozy, quiet and peaceful, beautiful and wonderful . I ordered a sea bass plate from the special menu. Hubby ordered veal forestiere. My friend ordered cheese ravioli in pesto sauce. Wow! I can't believe it's not butter but it's better! Everything that was served was superb! Sam's superb place. Grazie! read more

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I have to agree with the positive reviews of this family owned midtown Italian restaurant. The owner Max and his son run this place as a friendly local neighborhood Italian restaurant. Max was raised in Italy and has captured the essence of good old world Italian basic dishes. We had a delicious veal dish with salad on top. Garlic and oil linguini pasta cooked perfectly aldente. I also had a generous arugula salad with goat cheese and pecans and balsamic dressing. It's a cozy little place where you can relax after a work day and not be rushed to leave. read more

What a Gem. Great food, nice bottle of wine and excellent service. My go to restaurant every time I am in the city.

We were in town for a convention and this place was around the block from the hotel we were staying at. We were seated promptly and greeted very nicely upon walking in. I was definitely in the mood for real food and real flavors and this was a hit. We both loved it. I would've passed by this place had it not been for Yelp, and I am so glad it was listed. I'd gladly go back. Very very good. read more

This is indeed a neighborhood spot that sticks - strictly - to the classics. If you're looking for tried and true recipes made well, this is your place. Don't expect innovation here, and you'll be just fine. The restaurant also could not feel farther away from Grand Central, located merely a few blocks north of Sam's Place. It looks to be located on the ground floor of an actual house, which is likely because it was almost certainly an actual house at some point. You really do not notice much street noise at all. You might expect a place like this on a random residential street on the UES. In Murray Hill, though? Not so much. We came late on a Friday night, and there was one large group of drunk/chatty ladies and a few other couples. The place was otherwise empty, although that sounds more depressing than it actually was (the dining room is not that big). In the mood for something spicy, I ordered the chicken arabiata. It wasn't the most moist chicken I've ever had, and with the first few bites I was not a huge fan, but the tomato sauce, which had a kinda slow-burn spicy kick to it along with fresh peppers, garlic, and mushrooms, grew on me. It was salty, too, but *good* salty. Several weeks later I can still conjure up the taste of the sauce in my mind, which says something, I think. My boyfriend ordered one of the many specials of the day: the salmon in mustard sauce. I had a few bites and... wow. It was cooked perfectly, and the mustard sauce was wonderfully creamy. Really, really good dish. The complimentary bread we received was crusty and tasty and served with butter, but the olive oil was disappointing. The drink game here seems to be a little weak. Bf had a Peroni, one of the very few bottles of beer available, which at $9.00 was wildly overpriced. I had an $11 glass of Montepulciano that tasted a little brash. I don't know anything about the wine itself, because the menu didn't list wines by the glass at all; I had to ask for a glass instead. Overall, I'd say Sam's Place is maybe not your next destination restaurant, but that's okay. That's not its purpose. It's nice to have some neighborhood spots, especially in MH, where it is easy to feel overwhelmed given the proximity to the hustle of midtown and other establishments in the area that sometimes give off an impersonal vibe. Fred Rogers would be proud. 3.5 stars rounded up. read more

This is a top-notch, cozy, traditional Italian restaurant. Nothing exotic, haven't recognized any celebrities, if that's what you're after. The owner, Massimo, is a charming, knowledgeable and friendly host. They don't rush you, and the food is excellent. I go there once a week, I live in the neighborhood. My favorites are: tre colori salad, angel hair pasta primavera, chicken arabata (a little spicey), linguine frutti di mare, and string beans with garlic. I lust for their desserts, but my diet forbids it. I like the wine, but I'm not a connoisseur. The portions are generous, not inexpensive, but the prices are fair; I've paid much more for this quality of food, ambiance and service. Lively, but not crazy-loud. Check it out. Paul Leavin read more

On a recent arrival to NYC, my wife, 15 yr old son and I were tired, hungry and in a panic because it was 2pm. We really needed to sit down, relax and enjoy a good meal. With our original plan long gone because of travel delays, a quick check on Yelp found Sam's Place close by, nicely reviewed and open to 3pm for lunch. Nice. After a 5 minute walk, we were seated in a cozy small restaurant, the likes we have not seen since Italy. The staff was quick and efficient. Two wines and a coke. Delicious bread and olive oil. I ordered a special, seafood risotto, my wife the pasta primavera, and my son the ravioli. The risotto was fantastic, the ravioli were great. The only complaint my wife had was there were a ton of green beans in her pasta. The seafood risotto was loaded with shrimp, clams, mussels and squid. It was delicious. The owner, Massimo I believe was his name, was charming and gracious and we chatted for quite a while. He's had his business for over 30 years......that says a lot! We will return. read more

Sam's Place - The seafood risotto special I had for lunch. Really nice. - Italian Near Me - New York, New York

I was notably irritated when asked if I wanted a drink within 2 seconds of sitting down. I hadn't seen a menu or water. My date was way late, I was hungry, and I felt attacked. I settled down and eventually got a neat bourbon, just as my (very) late date arrived. When the owner came over and made a joke about punishing my partner, he won us over. We decided to let him order whatever he thought was best as he told us the story of him and Kim Basinger. First: Hunk of quality bread, so-so breadsticks, and high-grade olive oil. And then, a complimentary plate of salami, Reggiano, and Pimento olives; lovely gesture from Sam himself, who knew I was a a serious cheese lady. Next: My buddy asked for some sort of heavenly fried cheese with god and sex and love mixed right into it, which the chef agreed to make. 6 pieces arrived hot and stringy 15 minutes later. And it was damn. Good. Mains: Sam wanted me to try the Veil Piedmontese, knowing it'd compliment my cheese passion. I loved that the cuts were very tender and just a bit crispy. The sauce was also wonderfully acidic and a wee boozey, just all toooo too salty. $21 is a great price for the dish, as the serving is two simple, thin, and tender pieces of veal. My date loved his Chicken Piccata. I just wish one of us could've tried a pasta dish. Last: My date got a double espresso and I sipped on a standard grappa. We'd occupied the table for 2 hours, and they clearly wanted us out (though the place was not at all full). Sam's seemed to me a very honest representation of upscale native Italian. There was no music, the menu was simple (though very expandable), and the tables were set for conversation. I found the service sort of overbearing and a little too eager, though the owner was respectful. My date I left feeling as though we'd tried something special. And for an insanely decent price! read more

food was delicious, service was very good. the staff was so accommodating. it is really a cozy nice restaurant, feels like you're in someone's home. read more

Nice dinner sitting outside with my friend, had a few glasses of wine. Ordered a Chicken Parm, its was good and was full after the meal. Service was really good, quick and on point. Had a espresso and lemon cake for dessert. I'd definitely go back and recommend the restaurant! read more

Sam's place is a small, quaint, romantic easy-to-miss restaurant in New York's Murray Hill area that I am glad we did not miss. The restaurant has old-time ambience, excellent Italian food and terrific service. We rolled up thirty minutes prior to closing and were greeted with a happy waiter, named Arian, and owner who appeared really happy that we came in. Minutes later, the owner named Massimo, came over, undoubtedly because he realized that we were newcomers to Sam's Place, and spoke to us for about five minutes. We immediately noticed that nobody left Sam's Place without saying bye to Massimo and I know why; Massimo is a proud immigrant from Serbia who appreciates the opportunities he has taken advantage of in America. Massimo is a real character and if you are lucky he will come over to say hello. They don't make business owners like Massimo anymore. He is a proud, funny interesting owner. Massimo is just a major dude. The food was absolutely delicious. The ample bread was great and I tool some to my hotel when we left. I wanted penne with sausage that was not on the menu but Arian simply said "order whatever you want we will make it for you, no problem." It was delicious. "Baby" had linguini and clams and loved them. By the way, the food is reasonably priced. Sam's place was a terrific late-night romantic dinner experience and I will definitely return when I come home to New York. read more

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