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.
Jan
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
Margaret
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.
Julia
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.
Jessica
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.
gabby smith
amazing hospitality! it was our anniversary and they gave us champagne with refills and a shot at the bar! the zucchini chips were our favorite
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Zucchini Chips
JET AIR TRAVEL
Vegetarian options: Pasta pizza
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Spaghetti Al Limone
Melissa Woofter
I was there for my birthday. They made the booth look so elegant and chic. Waiters were fantastic and resturaunt very nice. Food and drinks were great. Highly recommend if you are a SATC fan
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Manish Rajguru
Went for a group event. They did a nice job, the food was delicious, and the service was good.
Vegetarian options: Check with the server as they can prepare some dishes vegetarian that are otherwise not.
Dietary restrictions: They can accommodate, but not sure about nuts.
Parking: On 57th street, nearly impossible to find a spot close enough.
Kid-friendliness: Can work for kids with an early seating.
Wheelchair accessibility: It's below grade, I believe they have elevators, but call ahead to make sure.
You hear stories about restaurant staff catering your experience to your surrounding life events, but they really do it well at Cucina 8 1/2. I was in NYC for the first time on a work trip and once they found that out, I was receiving suggestions on places to go, monuments to explore & general guidance on how the city works. Ending off the meal I was greeted by the general manager, who gave me a dive into their relationships with their vendors, and even sent me back to the midwest with some of their special Martini glasses.
The food was phenomenal and the service was outstanding. It was a wonderful dining experience and I will be returning.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jada Knight
Really enjoyed getting into character for a dinner at a well known establishment as this. The food was really pleasant to enjoy as well as the drinks. Service was not up to part as expected but the decor and vibe within the establishment made up for it. Definitely would recommend for anyone who enjoys a nice night out with good food. See the video on Instagram @jadaexploresall to see my experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Orange Olive Oil Cake, Linguine with Clams
Rachel
Celebrating a birthday is always a special occasion here! The personalized menu & birthday cake are such a special touch! All of the staff make you feel welcomed, important and valued. The side table chicken Cesar salad is one of our favorite and never gets old!
Johary Cruz
My friends brought me in for my birthday and I can honestly say the staff, good, and service were amazing will be coming again.
Ask for George he makes amazing drinks
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tracy Forzaglia
Gave this place another chance after seeing it on an episode of Sex and the City. Very nice bartender, light tasty zucchini chips, good drinks.
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
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.
amazing hospitality! it was our anniversary and they gave us champagne with refills and a shot at the bar! the zucchini chips were our favorite
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Zucchini Chips
Vegetarian options: Pasta pizza
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Spaghetti Al Limone
I was there for my birthday. They made the booth look so elegant and chic. Waiters were fantastic and resturaunt very nice. Food and drinks were great. Highly recommend if you are a SATC fan
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Went for a group event. They did a nice job, the food was delicious, and the service was good.
Vegetarian options: Check with the server as they can prepare some dishes vegetarian that are otherwise not.
Dietary restrictions: They can accommodate, but not sure about nuts.
Parking: On 57th street, nearly impossible to find a spot close enough.
Kid-friendliness: Can work for kids with an early seating.
Wheelchair accessibility: It's below grade, I believe they have elevators, but call ahead to make sure.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Best place would come again! Excellent management
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
You hear stories about restaurant staff catering your experience to your surrounding life events, but they really do it well at Cucina 8 1/2. I was in NYC for the first time on a work trip and once they found that out, I was receiving suggestions on places to go, monuments to explore & general guidance on how the city works. Ending off the meal I was greeted by the general manager, who gave me a dive into their relationships with their vendors, and even sent me back to the midwest with some of their special Martini glasses.
The food was phenomenal and the service was outstanding. It was a wonderful dining experience and I will be returning.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Really enjoyed getting into character for a dinner at a well known establishment as this. The food was really pleasant to enjoy as well as the drinks. Service was not up to part as expected but the decor and vibe within the establishment made up for it. Definitely would recommend for anyone who enjoys a nice night out with good food. See the video on Instagram @jadaexploresall to see my experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Orange Olive Oil Cake, Linguine with Clams
Celebrating a birthday is always a special occasion here! The personalized menu & birthday cake are such a special touch! All of the staff make you feel welcomed, important and valued. The side table chicken Cesar salad is one of our favorite and never gets old!
My friends brought me in for my birthday and I can honestly say the staff, good, and service were amazing will be coming again.
Ask for George he makes amazing drinks
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Gave this place another chance after seeing it on an episode of Sex and the City. Very nice bartender, light tasty zucchini chips, good drinks.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Zucchini Chips
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