Story & Atmosphere
Welcome to Piccola Cucina Uptown, a charming Italian eatery that captures the essence of Italy with every dish. Nestled in the heart of the city, this restaurant has quickly become a favorite amongst locals and visitors alike, known for its authentic flavors and warm, inviting atmosphere.
The moment you step inside, you are greeted by the friendly Italian hostess, setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. Each element of Piccola Cucina Uptown has been curated with care, from the hand-crafted dishes to the genuine hospitality that makes you feel right at home.
Patrons rave about the food, consistently describing it as "outstanding" and "full of flavor." The green tagliatelle with wild boar ragu has been highlighted as a standout dish, boasting a richness and authenticity that transports you to the hills of Italy. The Caesar salad is noted for its freshness, while the acclaimed cacio e pepe is prepared tableside, ensuring a theatrical dining experience that diners adore. The lasagna, generously layered with ground meat, sauce, and cheese, is another crowd-pleaser, offering a comforting taste of homecooked Italian fare.
Complementing the exquisite menu is the remarkable complimentary bread, described as chewy and flavorful. The thin and crispy focaccia adds a delightful touch to each meal. For dessert, guests can indulge in the tiramisu, prepared right in front of you, making it not just a treat but an experience to savor.
If you're looking for an authentic Italian meal, Piccola Cucina Uptown offers a vibrant atmosphere filled with the sounds of convivial conversation and delicious cooking. The intimate setting can get quite busy, so reservations are highly recommended to ensure you don’t miss out on this culinary gem. With friendly service and quality ingredients, it’s no wonder that many return for repeated visits, often bringing friends to share this hidden treasure.
In sum, Piccola Cucina Uptown is more than just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of Italian cuisine that promises to delight your palate and warm your heart. Experience the magic for yourself, and you may just find your new favorite dining spot in the city.
“ This place is the real deal. The Italian hostess greets you warmly, setting the tone for an experience that feels authentically Italian. The food is outstanding. I ordered the green tagliatelle with wild boar ragu and it was phenomenal. Honestly as good, if not better, than pasta I’ve had in Italy. The Caesar salad was also excellent, very fresh tasting and delicious. They start you off with bread and dips at the beginning of the meal, which is a thoughtful touch. I’m not a cannoli guy but I actually liked these. They’re great. Service here is some of the best I’ve experienced in New York, incredibly friendly, welcoming, and accommodating. Really nice ambience inside too. If you’re looking for a true Italian restaurant that delivers on both food and atmosphere, this is the place. I’d absolutely come back. ”
“ Absolutely loved this Italian restaurant! The food is top quality – fresh, authentic, and full of flavor. The staff is incredibly friendly and welcoming, which makes the whole experience even better. They also offer a great lunch menu for just 19.90, which is a fantastic deal. Highly recommend! ”
“ Really good Italian cuisine. This is as authentic as I've gotten. Recommend making a reservation. The times that I've been here I've gotten in by chance. A little bit of chaos since there's a lot of people on a semi small area. The cacio e pepe is made in front of you with fresh pepper added on top. The lasagna is a big portion with plenty of ground meat, sauce and cheese. I love the dishes they use to serve the food on. The the 3 sides that are served with the bread are delicious even though I don't know what they are. ”
“ The complimentary bread was absolutely amazing! Fresh, chewy, and full of flavor. Pizza liked bread, they called it focaccia, but it was actually the thin and crispy kind. The cheese on the pizza was quite salty and they used a generous amount of it, so I had to drink lots of water to balance it out. For dessert, I tried the tiramisu — freshly made right in front of us, and it was pretty good! All in all, the service here was incredibly nice. Such a pleasant dining experience! ”
“ Hands down the best Italian restaurant in the city. The food here is incredibly authentic—easily comparable to what I had during my trip to Rome. Every time I visit, I’m genuinely impressed. I started with the octopus Caprese, which was fresh, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. But the real star is the pasta. It’s simply outstanding—chewy, perfectly cooked, and full of rich, comforting flavor. Honestly, it’s the kind of pasta that makes you stop mid-bite just to appreciate how good it is. Whenever I eat here, I leave feeling genuinely happy and grateful that a place like this exists in the city. Highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates authentic Italian cuisine. ”