Food was solid. Table side Cesar salad was nice in concept but disappointing in delivery. Service in general was less than stellar. Just barely adequate with a lot of gesturing and work to get attention. Food was tasty.
Sundayman
Nice quiet beautiful spot. Ordered a Manhattan but did not expect it to be $24. Amish chicken was delicious but the $69 bone in steak was tasteless for whatever reason. All in all a nice place for a good overall meal
I had a fabulous experience while dining with a friend on a Tuesday evening. It was lively yet elegant and we were greeted so kindly even after putting in a last minute reservation. Liz was a wonderful host, and each dish we ordered was plated so beautifully and tasted even better - you can't go wrong with any of the pasta dishes. I'm also still dreaming of the focaccia. Highly recommend Cucina 8 1/2, will be back very soon!
maryQ
New favorite! We had a great dinner here before going to an evening performance. Our reservation was early, so we may have experienced more quiet than at peak times. The portions were larger than I had expected given that the menus is organized in typical Italian courses. A salad and an entree filled us up. The fish was perfectly cooked, and everything was beautifully presented. My only critique is that I wish the wine lust were more Italian. Nonetheless I had a perfect French rosè.
Rose
My husband and I celebrated our anniversary here last night and everything was spectacular. The cocktails we ordered were some of the BEST we've tried in the city, our server was delightful and their house made pasta did not disappoint. The Cavetelli was especially delicious. The staff even set up candles and rose petals at our table to really make the night feel special. We will be returning soon! 10/10.
Gianna V.
My experience at Cucina was great! I was served a toasted marshmallow cocktail which was roasted right in front of me. I enjoyed the live music as well as the scenery. By the end of my time spent I was offered a dessert on the house. Which a huge slice of chocolate cake to leave me satisfied.
Cucina made the evening special by printing my fiancé his own menu to celebrate his birthday! They also brought out a dessert with candles! The service was amazing, and the chicken parm was outstanding!
William
With out a doubt this one of the top rests is restaurants on the upper west side. We love everything about it, always a perfect evening. The entire staff bends over backwards to make you feel welcome. The food is excellent. Liz is absolutely the best. As usual cannot wait to return.
julieta pino
Had the best dining fun time! Atmosphere is delightful, and food and cocktails are so finely crafted ?They have live beautiful music on Thursday.Staff is so kind and attentive. Definitely one of my favorite restaurant experience in NYC ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Spaghetti Al Limone
newplaces2eat
Excellent food, service and atmosphere. The zucchini chips were very tasty and were finished quickly. Two of us had the cavatelli with roasted lamb for the main course and it was delicious. The chocolate nutella cake was the best dessert I have ever had! We will definitely return and highly recommend.
Amazing place ! I had a great time and Liz the manager went above and beyond to make my birthday a special day. They brought me flowers, candles and free desert. Love every moment! Thank you
BrianA
We had a lovely visit with very special guests and I know that they were impressed. As always the food and the service was amazing. Our guests will definitely return with or without us. We can't wait to return as well!
GretaAM
What a perfect setting to celebrate our anniversary. The service was perfect- everyone was so gracious and discreet. The food is amazing- creative and delicious- with the perfect wine pairing. We love the privacy of the round booths and overall ambiance.
Joan M.
Amazing food. Proud bartender is excellent at what he does, manager highly respectful. Wonderful Valentine's night dinner. We are looking forward to coming back for live music. Feel like Majesty coming down the grand staircase!
Juan H.
Great place, great servers and great food and cocktails! I'm here every Thursday evening! Great ambience and live music!
Food was solid. Table side Cesar salad was nice in concept but disappointing in delivery. Service in general was less than stellar. Just barely adequate with a lot of gesturing and work to get attention. Food was tasty.
Nice quiet beautiful spot. Ordered a Manhattan but did not expect it to be $24. Amish chicken was delicious but the $69 bone in steak was tasteless for whatever reason. All in all a nice place for a good overall meal
I had a fabulous experience while dining with a friend on a Tuesday evening. It was lively yet elegant and we were greeted so kindly even after putting in a last minute reservation. Liz was a wonderful host, and each dish we ordered was plated so beautifully and tasted even better - you can't go wrong with any of the pasta dishes. I'm also still dreaming of the focaccia. Highly recommend Cucina 8 1/2, will be back very soon!
New favorite! We had a great dinner here before going to an evening performance. Our reservation was early, so we may have experienced more quiet than at peak times. The portions were larger than I had expected given that the menus is organized in typical Italian courses. A salad and an entree filled us up. The fish was perfectly cooked, and everything was beautifully presented. My only critique is that I wish the wine lust were more Italian. Nonetheless I had a perfect French rosè.
My husband and I celebrated our anniversary here last night and everything was spectacular. The cocktails we ordered were some of the BEST we've tried in the city, our server was delightful and their house made pasta did not disappoint. The Cavetelli was especially delicious. The staff even set up candles and rose petals at our table to really make the night feel special. We will be returning soon! 10/10.
My experience at Cucina was great! I was served a toasted marshmallow cocktail which was roasted right in front of me. I enjoyed the live music as well as the scenery. By the end of my time spent I was offered a dessert on the house. Which a huge slice of chocolate cake to leave me satisfied.
Cucina made the evening special by printing my fiancé his own menu to celebrate his birthday! They also brought out a dessert with candles! The service was amazing, and the chicken parm was outstanding!
With out a doubt this one of the top rests is restaurants on the upper west side. We love everything about it, always a perfect evening. The entire staff bends over backwards to make you feel welcome. The food is excellent. Liz is absolutely the best. As usual cannot wait to return.
Had the best dining fun time! Atmosphere is delightful, and food and cocktails are so finely crafted ?They have live beautiful music on Thursday.Staff is so kind and attentive. Definitely one of my favorite restaurant experience in NYC ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Spaghetti Al Limone
Excellent food, service and atmosphere. The zucchini chips were very tasty and were finished quickly. Two of us had the cavatelli with roasted lamb for the main course and it was delicious. The chocolate nutella cake was the best dessert I have ever had! We will definitely return and highly recommend.
Restaurantji Recommends
Amazing place ! I had a great time and Liz the manager went above and beyond to make my birthday a special day. They brought me flowers, candles and free desert. Love every moment! Thank you
We had a lovely visit with very special guests and I know that they were impressed. As always the food and the service was amazing. Our guests will definitely return with or without us. We can't wait to return as well!
What a perfect setting to celebrate our anniversary. The service was perfect- everyone was so gracious and discreet. The food is amazing- creative and delicious- with the perfect wine pairing. We love the privacy of the round booths and overall ambiance.
Amazing food. Proud bartender is excellent at what he does, manager highly respectful. Wonderful Valentine's night dinner. We are looking forward to coming back for live music. Feel like Majesty coming down the grand staircase!
Great place, great servers and great food and cocktails! I'm here every Thursday evening! Great ambience and live music!