Brasserie 8 1/2

We probably should have know that it would be a price-fix menu. The food and service were good, but really not something I think I would recommend. The price a quite high for what we received. Not likely to return.

Over the years we have kept coming back for more at one of the finest restaurants in New York city, Cucina 8 1/2. The restaurant is extraordinary in so many ways. The ambience and design of Cucina is so elegant and beautifully appointed with a stunning staircase that signals to all diners that their descent down to the dining area was going to be a very special, indeed. The food is delicious with its Mediterranean favorites and imaginative creations that are delivered to tables by a dedicated staff seeking to provide an inviting and warm welcome to all. You get the feeling that they will truly attend to every diner's individual needs and make any occasion a happy one from start to finish... from brilliant cocktails to perfect desserts. A remarkable restaurant to which we have been bringing our friends to celebrate big moments or casual lunches. Each time and each situation was a better experience than the last. And so it is with so much sadness we were told yesterday that the restaurant was closing in a few days. New Years Eve. We were devastated when the restaurant manager, Liz Dugan, told us of the doors were shutting. One of the most compelling reasons we ate at Cucina was because Liz made us feel truly excited about the dining experience we were about to have. At the bottom of the staircase, she always greeted us with a brilliant smile and kind words. She seemed so interested in what we were doing since last we came and the curiosity that she expressed seemed utterly genuine. She would intrigue us with experimental cocktails of the day, provide recommendations for items on the menu and make each dish sound fantastic. She was masterly not only with customers but with running the ship... seating diners , checking on tables, navigating the front and back of the house, sorting things with the chef, and chit chatting along the way that made everyone feel a part of the Cucina 81/2 family. Liz is singular in so many ways. When she spoke of the restaurant closing she indic

What a lovely surprise! On a quiet, rainy Saturday, we discovered this gem with delicious food and a superbly attentive staff. Order the focaccia, you don't be disappointed!

Service was horrible. Our entrees came before our drinks and they rushed us out of there in 30 minutes when they have plenty of open tables.

Went on Christmas Eve with my family of 4. Very friendly and great team of workers that served us. Even the server gave us extra plates of pasta and side dishes that weren't on the menu that day. Perfect ambiance. Would highly recommend.

This was the first restaurant we've been to for a special occasion that actually treated our occasion special. We came here to celebrate our anniversary and they did several touches to commemorate the occasion. The food was good, but the chicken parm, Cesar salad, and apple crusted dessert were my favorite of the things we tried. This spot is a must if you want to celebrate a special occasion.

This was a lovely place to duck into to for a break from the weekend Christmas crowds. Our service was outstanding. Really appreciated the personal attention from the staff. Loved the gnudi and meatball appetizers!

It was a beautifully relaxing atmosphere. Elizabeth was top notch as the hostess and the rest of the staff was excellent - professional, personable, attentive and no rushing. We went for a birthday lunch on a Saturday, party of two. They made the celebration very special - above and beyond. The food and drinks were exceptional. We will return and have already recommended to friends and family. We are picky and this is a special place all around.

BEST CHOICE EVER. We celebrated our friends bachelorette night here for dinner and it was the best experience ever! The custom detail to celebrate our girl, the amazing staff and the delicious food made it the perfect start to our night! The food portions were perfect for us, the instrumental/live music & beautiful location made us feel regal! They had great cocktails AND mocktail options for our girls who don't drink. 10/10 all around! Will come back in a heart beat next time we're in NY

We had an absolutely amazing dinner experience. Liz and her team were beyond incredible, professional, kind and simply wonderful. Everyone made our dinner and elevated experience. The food as always was absolutely delicious, fresh and plated well. In celebrating my grandmas 73rd birthday, the Cucina team did so many things to help make her feel special- a birthday she will always remember. Thank you! 10/10 recommend Cucina to any and everyone.

The best restaurant experience I've ever had! Loved everything about this restaurant and the service was amazing, huge shout outs to Liz she was the best, Rebeca she was amazing, and Naomi was phenomenal! I would definitely come again, I highly recommend it!

It's a beautiful restaurant despite being totally underground. The service for dinner was excellent. They still prepare the Caesar salad at the table! Our dinners were both delicious. In addition to the Caesar salad, we enjoyed the branzino and beef carpaccio. For dessert we shared the apple tart. What makes this a special place in this time of loud restaurant atmospheres, is that it is quiet. I recommend it as a destination when you want to enjoy a relaxing conversation. We were not at all rushed.

The octopus app was delicious as was the branzino and the pasta vongole. We shared the chocolate gelato and a berry crostata, and the waiter brought over on the house the orange almond cake, and anothr dessert that I can't remember. Gavi de Gavi wine was delicious

Cucina 8 1/2 is truly my first choice restaurant It is the most comfortable, spacious and elegant room in NYC The food excellent The service impeccable I always bring clients here for business meetings over lunch or dinner The bar area includes seats the bar and lounge area which is available afternoon and evening

Went here to celebrate something special and the staff truly made it a special night for us! Delicious food as well. We got the cacio e pepe zucchini chips, table side Caesar salad, chicken parm with sides of pasta, one with a red sauce and the other with a lemon - so good! I would recommend this place to anyone in the area.