First of all, the food is delicious. I will not deny that. However, when the waiter offered us Parmesan cheese, olives and meats, he should have also said it was $66! For four people, one piece of meat, two olives and cheese. $66!! Then, after ordering, he asked if we wanted an appetizer of zucchini florets- almost demanding we get them- we said sure! They were $57! One small florets for each person! They really need to be more transparent about these “special offerings!” We NEVER oils have ordered the meat and cheese or the florets for those prices. Very unfair. Especially when we don’t over $500 for four people.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 5
Service: 3
Clay X
Scalinatella is one of those rare spots in NYC that still feels like old-school Italian luxury — dimly lit, intimate, and effortlessly charming. The moment you walk down those stairs, you're transported to a different era: white-jacketed servers, a menu recited from memory, and that warm, lived-in elegance that only decades of history can bring.
The food is consistently phenomenal — rich pastas, perfectly cooked seafood, and traditional dishes that feel like a warm hug from Nonna. No gimmicks, just classic Italian done right.
What makes it extra special? The people-watching. On more than one occasion, I’ve seen celebrities dining quietly in the corner, which adds to the whole experience. It’s discreet, exclusive, and yet somehow still feels like a neighborhood secret
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Alex Zak
5 stars isn’t enough. They deserve 10. The best Italian food in the city. Amazing all around. Gnocchi is out of this world.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Diane Capezza
One of my favorite Italian Restaurants in Manhattan, impeccable quality food, outstanding service and warm, homey atmosphere. A must go to restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Stella T
If you want a great meal & you don’t care how much you spend, this is the place to go. They will literally make you anything you want. Unassuming corner sign, restaurant in the basement. Quintessential NYC experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lauren Jones
I don’t say this lightly: this is hands down the best Italian restaurant in New York City. After dining here, every other meal—no matter how well-reviewed or hyped—feels like a shadow in comparison. I tell everyone about the food, the service and the experience. The fish (doesn’t matter what kind) is always going to be incredible, but even something as simple as eggplant parmigiana. Oh my gosh. Are you kidding me?! When they say “we’ll make anything you want” they literally will make anything you want that’s not on the menu and ruin that dish from every other dining experience ever again. A must go-to restaurant!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
G P
Food was all very good, they bring you zucchini & seafood salad to start N/C, we got this pasta medley and tartar dishes, everything was delicious, and service great too btw, definitely recommend this place!! 😊
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Marco Palacci
Owner was rude for . His restaurant is on the down. Don’t go Garbage there is a lot of better things in New York .he needs a attitude check .. your restaurants, failing. Trash
First of all, the food is delicious. I will not deny that. However, when the waiter offered us Parmesan cheese, olives and meats, he should have also said it was $66! For four people, one piece of meat, two olives and cheese. $66!! Then, after ordering, he asked if we wanted an appetizer of zucchini florets- almost demanding we get them- we said sure! They were $57! One small florets for each person! They really need to be more transparent about these “special offerings!” We NEVER oils have ordered the meat and cheese or the florets for those prices. Very unfair. Especially when we don’t over $500 for four people.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 5
Service: 3
Scalinatella is one of those rare spots in NYC that still feels like old-school Italian luxury — dimly lit, intimate, and effortlessly charming. The moment you walk down those stairs, you're transported to a different era: white-jacketed servers, a menu recited from memory, and that warm, lived-in elegance that only decades of history can bring.
The food is consistently phenomenal — rich pastas, perfectly cooked seafood, and traditional dishes that feel like a warm hug from Nonna. No gimmicks, just classic Italian done right.
What makes it extra special? The people-watching. On more than one occasion, I’ve seen celebrities dining quietly in the corner, which adds to the whole experience. It’s discreet, exclusive, and yet somehow still feels like a neighborhood secret
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
5 stars isn’t enough. They deserve 10. The best Italian food in the city. Amazing all around. Gnocchi is out of this world.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
One of my favorite Italian Restaurants in Manhattan, impeccable quality food, outstanding service and warm, homey atmosphere. A must go to restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
If you want a great meal & you don’t care how much you spend, this is the place to go. They will literally make you anything you want. Unassuming corner sign, restaurant in the basement. Quintessential NYC experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I don’t say this lightly: this is hands down the best Italian restaurant in New York City. After dining here, every other meal—no matter how well-reviewed or hyped—feels like a shadow in comparison. I tell everyone about the food, the service and the experience. The fish (doesn’t matter what kind) is always going to be incredible, but even something as simple as eggplant parmigiana. Oh my gosh. Are you kidding me?! When they say “we’ll make anything you want” they literally will make anything you want that’s not on the menu and ruin that dish from every other dining experience ever again. A must go-to restaurant!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food was all very good, they bring you zucchini & seafood salad to start N/C, we got this pasta medley and tartar dishes, everything was delicious, and service great too btw, definitely recommend this place!! 😊
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Owner was rude for . His restaurant is on the down. Don’t go Garbage there is a lot of better things in New York .he needs a attitude check .. your restaurants, failing. Trash
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 3
Amazing food and service!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great dinner!
John is the best :-)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Great night. We had a party of 6 and at times we had 6 waiting on us. A must experience. Food, drinks, and service were outstanding.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent place, very cozy underground Italian restaurant. Great food and amazing service. Will keep coming back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best Italian restaurant🥰
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best Italian in NYC!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Servers are trying to scam tourists by not bringing out menus and then confronting about the tip they get
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 1
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