Amarena
$$$ • Italian Book a table: 7:00 PM 7:15 PM 7:30 PM MoreAbout Amarena
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Amarena Reviews
81 ratings
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Last minute dinner turned out to be exceptional. If you like Martini’s and don’t mind venturing out of the classic style, try the Perfetta. If you want to try a take on the last word-with a taste of basil, try the Gazzetino. Shout out Francisco the bartender as well, he knows his stuff. House bread to start was an impressive surprise. The dishes are prepared with fresh ingredients, and executed well. The pizza “Sopressata Picante” is a definite must try:...read full review
The atmosphere in this beautiful restaurant is fantastic - it’s super cozy, upscale and very uplifting. Everything is very pleasing to the eye. The service was great. The food wasn’t delicious which was very surprising to me because I don’t know how it is possible for pasta or panna cotta not to taste good. Nevertheless, it is a pleasant spot for a date or a cozy chat with a loved one.
Amarena is a gorgeous and delicious Italian restaurant that is tucked away under a staircase. As one of 82nd best kept secrets, the food is amazing and the restaurant feels extremely modern and upscale inside. The chef is not scared to take risks and they pay off, with immensely flavorful food that uses high quality ingredients. Highly recommend coming here and trying both the octopus and the duck, as they were both phenomenal.
Hours
| Monday | 12 - 10PM |
| Tuesday | 12 - 10PM |
| Wednesday | 12 - 10PM |
| Thursday | 12 - 10PM |
| Friday | 12 - 10PM |
| Saturday | 12 - 10PM |
| Sunday | 12 - 10PM |
Amarena is a charming Italian restaurant located on the Upper East Side, known for its warm atmosphere and exceptional food. The restaurant features a beautifully remodeled townhouse setting that enhances the dining experience. Guests have praised the bucatini con polpette for its great taste and the panna cotta with ice cream as an excellent dessert choice. The spicy vodka pasta has been highlighted as the best in NYC, praised for its balanced heat and silky sauce. The marinated steak is also a standout, cooked to perfection with rich seasoning.
Amarena offers an enticing happy hour with amazing specials, including red wine and squash blossoms, which are both affordable and delicious. While some reviews noted that serving sizes can be small, the thoughtful side dishes and desserts, like the Lemon Olive Oil Cake and Chocolate Cake, make for worthy complements to the meal. The service is consistently described as attentive and friendly, contributing to a lovely dining experience. Despite a few mixed experiences reported since opening, many still consider Amarena a hidden gem and a must-visit for outstanding Italian cuisine.