The food here is outstanding and so is the service. The only thing keeping this from five stars are the prices. Now for the in-depth review. Came here this past Saturday night with my wife. The free grissini (homemade Italian thin breadsticks) in a few different flavors are incredible. They also bring you gratis, homemade bruschetta, and the tomato on that tasted like it was picked from the vine that morning. If that wasn't enough they also bring you fresh Italian bread and olive oil. To drink, I had two glasses of red wine - can't recall the name (similar to a chianti) and my wife had a glass of rose. Both were good choices. For appetizers, my wife had the arugula salad with tomatoes, tuna, carrots, corn, lemon dressing - she thought this was fresh and tasty. I had the rice balls bolognese special, which were incredible - stuffed with a fresh bolognese meat sauce and fresh mozzarella. These were served on a bed of homemade parmesan crisps and a small salad with a vinaigrette. For the main event, my wife had the spaghettini al limone (homemade lemon sauce), which was delicious - they also brought over freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano to sprinkle on top. I had the veal bolognese, which was basically a veal parmigiana with prosciutto on top, which was covered in fresh mozzarella. The veal cutlet was a nice size and was excellent. I also got the bucatini amatriciana. The bucatini was al dente and cooked perfectly, and the sauce was great with large chunks of pancetta. What I loved, which was very authentic, was they brough over for my pasta dish, freshly grated pecorino romano cheese as that's the cheese they use in Rome for this dish. Everything at this place is authentic Roman cooking. To close out the meal, they brought over fresh grappo and powdered sugar cookies, and we also order a fresh homemade fig and ricotta cake that came with a side of homemade cannoli gelato, and we also got a tiramisu. My only gripe is the prices are a touch high - my veal dish was $49 and didn't come with any pasta side, just a side of escarole, which I will add was excellent. If you're truly looking for an authentic Roman Italian food experience, venture to the Upper East Side and check out this hidden gem on 81st street and second avenue. read more

Came here with husband and a friend for dinner on friend's recommendation - we were incredibly impressed by Giovanni's almost theater-like presentation of the specials menu, which was certainly at least the length of the regular menu if not longer. Friend had the mushroom lasagna, I had the fusili with sweet italian sausage and broccoli rabe, husband had the chicken parmiggiano. All were incredibly excellent - the lasagna, my friend and I agreed, was rich, flavorful, smoothed, perfectly delicious! The fusili dish was INCREDIBLE. The other reviewers' notes that Sandro's is no different that cuisine one would readily procure in Italy is spot on. Only true Italian cuisine has the unique ability to produce such a delicate, richly flavored, perfectly balanced, fulfilling pasta dish from such humble and few ingredients! The chicken parmiggiano I did not taste, but my husband said it was really good. Everything we ordered was from the specials menu. The atmosphere is cozy - and it definitely is a locals' spot, which makes it even better! Nothing too pretentious though, just intimate and encouraging of good conversation and a good time. Now that we've discovered this incredible gem so close by, we will be back often! If the food continues at the standard it was on our first go, this will certainly be my favorite Italian place in the city. read more

Been wanting to go to Sandro's for a long time now. Why have I waited so long ? Everything was outstanding including the service , the quality of my Veal chop was amazing cooked to perfection medium rare , just perfect. Lemon Pasta wow, so rich but soo good. People were so nice and with nice classy yet casual vibe. Definitely going back! read more

LOVED SANDRO'S!!! Intimate, comfortable restaurant with great Italian food. The service was excellent and they really made us feel welcome during our first visit here. We started with the Pan seared cuttle fish with artichokes, which was delicious, as was the Crisply fried artichokes. I loved the Bucatini Amatriciana and the Sauteed veal with lemon as well. All around great meal at Sandro's. I'll be back! read more

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I was able to check out Sandro's on Sunday night with some friends. My two friends were incredibly high on this place and it more or less delivered on the food front. While my one friends claims it is the best Italian in the city, I would definitely not go that far. The pasta dishes that were prepared were good and not overly expensive. The ambiance is similar to other smaller Italian restaurants you'll find in the city: intimate, moderately loud because you're packed in, and darkish. The waiter was jovial and the banter was fun. Overall I thought it was a decent Italian restaurant. I already know of three others in the city I like more and I've only lived here three months (just saying). The crowd in there was really upper east sidey...turtlenecks, blazers, etc. I am pretty sure I never want to be like the people who were sitting around us. We did some damage ($140 pp), but $80 of that was booze. You could probably drink much more moderately and get out of there at $75/head. Biggest disappointment...didn't get to meet Sandro. read more

A friend of ours in NY recommended this place to us they said look for the yellow awning, we thought it was chinese, but you step down the steps, ring the bell, they let you in, take your coat, seat you, and instantly bring out the drink menu...I LIKE THAT. I am vegetarian, so i just wanted plain fettucini alfredo, and they said they didnt have it but he talked to the chef and the chef was able to make it for me- talk about noodle melting in your mouth because they are HOME MADE, best fettucini i have ever had and Im italian! haha, my fiancé had another dish with noodle greens and sausage it was amazing that night and because of the large portions we took it back to the hotel and he had it for breakfast the following day and he said that it was just as good if not better ! haha I definitely recommend this place if you like a good atmosphere, dim lights, quiet enough for conversation but loud enough that not everyone hears it. everyone is friendly, and we will definitely be back!!!! read more

Sandro's - Italian Near Me - New York, New York

A first time last night at Sandro's. Five star right from the start with perfect martinis at the bar followed by a fabulous dinner. Cacio e Pepe was devine. Scaloppini al Limone superb! Great wines by the glass. Staff was friendly and entertaining! Never missed a beat. Ended our meal with Lemoncello (and Grappa gratis) and delicious cookies. Can't say enough! Love this restaurant! Now in my top 5 city go-to spots! Don't miss it! read more

grade A service. Excellent food. They treated us like we were kings and queens. Upper East must.

However, you don't come here for ambiance you come for Sandros delicious creations. It's such a long verbal list, you end up forgetting the options after a while. The lemon pasta and the cornish hen are my favorite go-to dishes at this spot. Little bit pricey for italian food. Will visit again. read more

My wife and I have been to Sandro's a couple times since moving to the neighborhood last year. It's certainly not the cheapest Italian food around, but we've enjoyed all of our meals here. The first time we went, we were the youngest in the restaurant by at least 40 years; last time, we were much closer to the average age. The thing that jumps out is the list of specials. The waiter recited more specials than there were dishes on the actual menu. And, in our experience, the specials are the way to go...typically better than the regular menu items. They did get confused and brought us veal bolognese instead of veal milanese, but it was pretty awesome, so no complaints! Definitely a good neighborhood spot. read more

The thing to remember about this place is they have more stuff off the menu. Found that out as we overheard a waiter going through their specials at another table. Well done our Italian waiter. The pastas are great but wonder if the specials are even better! read more

Exquisite UES Italian with Roman specials. Great pasta, branzino is first class, as is the service. Ask for a martini to start, they make them well! read more

Dinner with Shep Gordon after Supermensch Book Signing event. The most amazing food and even more amazing hospitality I've ever had. This family run restaurant didn't know who we were but saw we were hungry and up for chefs recommendations and we got a feast. Perfectly cooked pastas, best veal I've ever had in my life, amazing appetizers, and the house red shouldn't be missed! I will be back for sure. read more

Sandro's - Chef/owner is the nicest, most hospitable Restauranteur I've ever met. When you come in just ask him to decide and you won't be sorry - Italian Near Me - New York, New York

I can't even begin to explain how great our meal was here. Due to Covid-19, there are only a few tables available to enjoy eating indoors, so make sure you book one of these spots! Everything from the lentil soup (free) to the Veal was spectacular. The tiramisu was the best dessert I've ever had. I can't recommend this place enough. read more

A superlative experience. Excellent food, extremely authentic, and a wonderful ambiance and wait staff. I will go back soon. Would recommend to anyone read more

Amazing, sophisticated Italian home cooking! Every dish was absolutely outstanding and service was very attentive and friendly. Great selection of specials and excellent wine list. Highly recommend and can't wait to come back! read more

I just read another review and there was magic in the kitchen tonight . Where do I begin? This is a restaurant where I've been many times. I've followed Sandro for years. The dinner was out of this world.i had the chicken special, my friends had pork special and the other the octopus appetizer. Truffles are in season so there were quite a few truffle dishes. They mention the price and they are still expensive but delicious. The chicken was so tender it melts in your mouth. Other things we've had which were all delicious were tomato onion salad( yes it can be delicious) burrata ( good) mushroom salad with truffles excellent. The server was incredibly wonderful. A total professional who knew that menu and the number of specials described beautifully. Service excellent, deserts very good. There was no music and the place was packed so it was somewhat noisy but with joy and laughter. Sandro was there overseeing everything and he still comes in everyday for preparation. And that's why he gets this kind of review. This is his love and it shows. Delicious read more

Sandro's you are absolutely magnificent, I had a spectacular experience here yesterday. Overall environment here is so great. Best tasting Veal Milanese, every single thing was incredible. The service was also great and every one was kind. Sandro's - I would not hesitate to come back here. read more

Ordered take out from here a few weeks ago (Gnocchi pomodoro). The food was adequate, but the portion was small for the price (even considering NY prices). Was still hungry after finishing it; probably wouldn't order from here again read more

We love the pasta at Sandro's and think it is some of the best in a sea of upper east side Italian joints. This is a neighborhood gem and we are glad we found it shortly before the pandemic. They have never once failed us when it comes to quick, accurate and high quality delivery. The prices are a tad high and the dessert menu items could be a little better. I also really wish they would use more sustainable take out containers. read more

We really enjoyed Sandro's. A somewhat small but comfortable restaurant. The menu is a little sparse but the dishes are time tested. You will also hear about numerous specials, plenty to choose from. I ordered the seared beef over broccoli rabe which was very good. Pasta dishes ordered at our table were also excellent. Service is friendly and attentive, a little pricey but worth the money. read more

This is a cute neighborhood Italian restaurant with really great food. The meal starts with homemade complimentary bread sticks and lentil soup. We ordered the Fried Ricotta and the Burrata and both were delicious. I ordered the Pennette Francescana which was vodka sauce and it was also very good. Sandros exceeded my expectations and I will definitely be back. It was a little pricey but the food was fresh, good quality, and the portions were large. At the end of the meal you get complimentary grappa which was a nice touch. The service was great and everyone working there made it feel like a special evening. read more

Our favorite Italian restaurant in the city!! With a family from Italy that owns Italian supermarkets - we know what good Italian is and Sandro makes THE BEST in Manhattan! The lemon pasta is a must have and don't forget the fried artichokes! Always a perfect meal! read more

Very nice cozy Italian restaurant. Feels like Italian mama hosts you. Edwin, out waiter was super super nice, the food was simple and delicious and the owner greet everyone with a warm smile. read more

Excellent food, attentive service, and good ambiance. One of my NY favorites!

Excellent food and friendly service. The bucatini amatriciana was the best I've had outside Italy. The fried artichokes were perfectly fried. read more

When Sandro is not there the food is not good. I'm very upset, we went there for a spacial dinner and everything was off. Sandro is a talented chef, great host and really nice guy. However, based on my experience, if he's not there then don't go. The place goes from 1 star to a 4 or 5 based on his being in the place. I don't mean to hurt anyone, I'm just being honest. read more

I don't understand the negative reviews. I have been coming here for a long time. The food is authentic Roman and very, very good. The attractive clientele varies from Italian chic to upscale neighborhood. There are lovely give aways with each course. The plates are beautifully composed. The pastas are excellent as are most of the other dishes. Service is attentive and sometimes overwhelmed. It can get noisy when the place is full. If you order knowingly and ask the price of the specials, which are many, the price is reasonable. Sandro gets four stars because it's a trattoria and not haute cuisine. read more

Old school Italian food (and an older clientele to match). Giant portions, bold tastes and lots of "personality" from the wait staff (and Sandro himself, if you're lucky enough to see him). The food isn't exactly my style - maybe my parent's style. It's what I imagine Italian food was suppose to be like 30 years ago. But still, everything was good, if not that subtle. Portions are huge, so I would suggest sharing. read more

Great personalized caring service by a polite efficient staff who anticipated all needs. We walked out after 3+ hours and telling Sandro PLEASE no more food but it kept arriving one dish better then the other. The only down side is the restaurant has a gallery footprint on just one floor of a brownstone so space is limited and only about 10 tables for guests and if memory serves me 3 friendly servers, hostess and coctail server. This inmate neighborhood Italian restaurant featuring Roman cuisine was was well worth the hour train ride and long walk for a GREAT food and service, and is a short walk from the museum prior to a good meal.. read more

Went with my husband and we really love this place. Had a truffled beef carpaccio, the bucatini, and the crispy Cornish hen. The bread, breadsticks, and entrees were all amazing. You don't see bucatini served at that many places but it's excellent. It's like a thick spaghetti with a pinhole through the center which allows the pasta to soak up the sauce and give it more flavor. Like someone else mentioned, they will have a ton of specials (and your server will have them all memorized.) The service was fantastic and I love that it's a family-run business. I can't wait to try the spaghetti al limone - that's a celeb fave. read more

The chef is great. Bartender was nice. Food was excellent. I know lots have complained about the health inspection. But it seemed on point. Ate there twice. Both times it was a great experience. read more

This is the gem of the upper east side for Italian eaters. I came here tonight with my husband, the waiter (true Italian) was fantastic. He was so pleasant and went over 40, yes 40 specials and throughly explained them. I ordered the octopus and fried artichoke which was great! They brought out two small cups of soup. We ordered two pasta dishes and the chief walked around speaking to the tables. It was the sweetest thing I've seen in NYC restaurant culture. He saw me eating the fried artichoke with my fork and said, "in Rome you use your fingers" I will absolutely be back! read more

Unfortunately the noise level was soooo high by obnoxious children seated so nearly cramped tables that we couldn't even hear the specials of the day. Unfortunately, this is a very small restaurant catering to very loud families..... read more

After eating here about ten times I've learned that its a 50 / 50 shot. Half the time the food is good .... If Sandro is not there, it makes no sense to go. I love the people but when Sandro is not in the kitchen, it's worth the time or money. read more

I have been at this restaurant several times, and the food is great. The best bucatini matriciana and artichokes i have ever had! the atmosphere it's typical of a roman trattoria, very confortable. Can't wait to come back!! read more

Food was good! however, had to walk to the bar to get another drink and I asked for a refill on my water twice. Also, the kitchen caught on fire and the dining room was full of smoke. I was told it was safe however the smoke was overwhelming so I left. Sandro the big chef is nice. read more

This restaurant is over-hyped and over-priced. Let me start by saying my bf lived in Rome is very accustomed to Italian and Roman cooking. The classic Roman dishes here are not up to par. We ordered the Artichokes (burned to a crisp and bitter flavor!) 2 pasta dishes (both extremely salty) and the veal limone (too much lemon and salt) The service was OK and the restaurant though small and cozy, was very noisy and difficult to have a conversation. read more

THIS PLACE SUCKS, NEVER GO HERE, ESPECIALLY IF YOU PLAN IT FOR A SPECIAL OCCASION. I heard amazing things about Sandro's, but when I went on Saturday night nothing could have prepared me for such a meal. Our reservation was at 9:30 pm. We were seated at 10:15, weren't given menus until 10:30 and then after we ordered at 10:45, we got a surprise at 11:00 that the kitchen has decided to close. Who does that? What honorable restaurant that gets a 25 in Zagat, decides to close their kitchen when a table of 6 has already ordered their meal?? Disgusting. No apologies, no nothing...the owner (also the chef) refused to make more food. I hope Sandro's is ashamed of himself and of their restaurant. Will NEVER EVER go back and I hope no one that reads this will. HORRIBLE! DISTGUSTING! SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THEMSELVES! read more

If there were two sets of ratings, one for food, the other for service, Sandro's would receive a 4 for the pasta alone, and a dismal 1 star for service. I was excited to check out this local place after hearing great reviews to rival another local italian place, Nica, in the UES. However, apart from the pasta special (the pasta was fresh and al dente), the wine was so-so (we ordered a cab and chard), and the supposedly "fabulous" baby eels appetizer was regrettable and forgettable - and I'd say the same about Sandro's. The regrettable and unfortunate experience at Sandro's really centers around a supercilious waiter/maitre'd (short, slight, mid 30's, dark shaggy hair) and a controversial order of baby eels. But the story really kicks off with this waiter number 1, who continuously hurried us to order our food. We'd made reservations and had a sizable party, yet he was intent on us trying to finish our meal within an hour. Then as we were deciding on appetizers, another kindly waiter number 2 suggested the baby eels special, which we decided to try. For our party, we only wanted two orders yet waiter number 1 told us "for your party, you need AT LEAST three". We initially ordered at his recommendation, but quickly realized we did not want three orders of a dish we were trying out and within a minute asked for only 2 orders. At which, waiter number 1 perfunctorily and haughtily said as he rushed by our table, "we can not do that. the order has gone in." Waiter number 2 then told us not to worry about it and the order would be taken off, yet we still ended up with 3 orders of the baby eel. The waiters did nothing about even attempting to take off the 3rd order and this dish sat at our table until the rest of our dinner arrived. Haughty waiter number 1 even coolly and self righteously told us, "well, it won't be taken off your bill. we'll just take it off his" meaning our waiter who told us not to worry about the 3rd eel. The second issue of the evening occurred when we received our bill. We had a party of 7, ordered multiple bottles of wine, appetizers, entrees, desserts and cappucino's - which were delicious, btw. So clearly, we were not trying to skimp or cut corners on our bill. Yet this matter of the extra 3rd order of baby eels, for us, was really about service and principal. If the customer doesn't want it and asked within a reasonable time frame to please take the order off - shouldn't the restaurant oblige? In any case, lo and behold, the 3rd order was still on our bill and to make matters worse, each was priced at $28. When we'd asked the price of the eels at the beginning, they had told us $18 - which is still pricey compared to the pricing of other appetizers and entrees on the menu, but still OK. We asked other servers what the price was for the eels, and no one really seemed to know. We were quoted $22, then $18 and finally they came back to us that it was indeed priced at $28. Needless to say, this was the most interesting restaurant experience I've had in NYC and I'll likely never order baby eels again. I'd say that without waiter number 1, our entire experience may have been better and I may actually even put in a formal complaint for this man to be removed if this is his normal modus operandi - without him, I would have rated Sandro's much higher even with our controversial eels. I may give Sandro's another chance to see if perhaps our experience was a fluke - but most likely I'll stick to Nica as my favorite local italian. read more