We've been coming here for more than 10 years. We've tried so many other Italian restaurants in this neighborhood and elsewhere. 83 1/2 still has the best food by far (5 stars). Tonight we had baked clams (excellent) with Panko breadcrumbs as an appetizer, followed by spaghetti and meatballs and fettuccine primavera as our main course. Delicious. The menu selection is hugely. Off the menu, if you ask, they have chicken Parmesan with penne (as well as the fore-mentioned fettuccine primavera). Just ask. There's also a very good selection of wines by the glass, by the bottle, and premium cocktails. We also love their cannolis and Tiramisu for dessert. Quiet and pleasant ambiance and very good wait service (4+ stars). Try it. read more

83 1/2 - Fettuccine primavera - Italian Near Me - New York, New York

This is a great little neighborhood restaurant. The food is delicious. My friend and I each ordered a watermelon salad, with a drizzle of balsamic, fresh basil, and feta. It was so fresh and pretty, I felt like it was something Martha Stewart would make if I were to be invited to her house for dinner. We got the eggplant parmigiana balls with melted burrata cheese. They paired perfectly with the toasted bread they brought to the table. Next we had Shrimp Scampi over linguine. The shrimps were fantastic, the butter wine sauce was rich and deep in flavor, and the linguine was fresh pasta, which made very happy!!! Great dish. We skipped dessert and ended the meal with some mint tea. I highly recommend this neighborhood gem! read more

Food was excellent. Waiter rude as hell. People don't give a shit these days. I was embarrassed I brought my mom there.

We stopped by 83 1/2 and sat outside and it was such a delightful restaurant! Tucked on 83rd street and away from the avenue with outdoor seating. It was so pleasant! We ordered the fried calamari and hands down one of the best calamari I've had! It was not overly breaded like other fried calamari I've had, it was a light. And the pomodoro sauce was delicious! Then we shared the veal parm with a side of pasta and broccoli rabe. Knocking off a star because the pasta was not homemade! It was dried pasta. However overall hubby loved the veal parm! And he said it's one of the best in the neighborhood. And service was great too! Will go back for sure. read more

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It was the mommy's birthday, so we decided to have a lovely dinner. We both love Italian food. We were tired, and planned to order delivery. But there was an annoying $12 "service fee" in addition to the delivery fee, making an expensive dinner even more expensive. So we said the hell with them and went out. We were on our way somewhere else when we stopped by here. We wanted to dit outside, but unfortunately a group of noisy people with a large, hairy, non-hypoallergenic dog snatched two tables. We declined to sit near this party (I am allergic to most but not all dogs) and were seated inside. Service was gracious and friendly. The food was WONDERFUL! My mother loved her veal piccata. The salad was delicious. And whatever I had was incredible. And with wine, it was still about $30 LESS than the delivery place without wine. A wonderful find :) read more

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I came here with a party of 5. We had a reservation and were seated right away. This is a small place with a single server and chef. The service was good and the food was standard for an Italian restaurant. I got the orecchiette special and the fried calamari as the appetizer. Decent portions and server was very friendly. read more

83 1/2 - Orecchiette Special - Italian Near Me - New York, New York

I came here with a friend tonight, and after reading great reviews, had high hopes. We were greeted by a gentleman in a sweatshirt, who appeared to be the owner. They sat us at a table, which was closely sandwiched between two others, practically elbow to elbow. That was the last interaction we had with a staff member for fifteen minutes. We finally had to ask the owner to place an order. We received our appetizer which was well prepared. However, no service to be found still. No one checked in, and had dirty plates on the table until our entrees arrived. Once they arrived, we had to ask for refills on beverages - they didn't even seem bothered to ask. Entrees were okay, but nothing to write home about. Again, no one came to check on us after receiving our food. We had to ask one more time for to-go boxes and the check. The only time we got prompt service was when we paid. This was our first time here, and most definitely will be our last. read more

My husband and i have been customers here for the 25 years or so that it's been down the street from us and have had many delicious meals. I will never be eating here again. Saturday evening 4 of us had an early reservation... after sitting down and ordering drinks we were pressed repeatedly by our server to order because 'it's a busy night'. we were not taking overly long. nor was the food up to previous standards. my brussels sprouts were not the usual and tasted odd; arancini was gummy and sticky and without much taste... pastas were so-so... all in all it was not a relaxing and tasty evening as we have had in the past. read more

Basic food & ambiance. Server was polite. However , the man that brought us our order was a vile homophobe. My children felt uncomfortable after some of his comments. It's so disappointing feeling like my family is an aberration... read more

83 1/2 - Shocked and appalled kids.... - Italian Near Me - New York, New York

Absolutely superb! This is the second time we have eaten there. It has been consistently good. Unfortunately some of my favorites are only specials. Their beet salad with arugula and oranges and hazelnuts and cheese is so good that though I had it last night I ordered it in tonight! The veal chop parmigiana is molto bene. Service is excellent. I wish they would be open for lunch as well as dinner read more

I just wanted to add that we went back to 83 1/2 on NYE and it was a fantastic experience. The staff is so fun and friendly and the food is consistent and delicious. It was crowded and had a great atmosphere. It was a perfect way to end the year. Thank you to the staff for making our night special! read more

When you move to a new place, I recommend that you go grocery shopping immediately. If you don't, you end up just going out constantly and spending a s**t load of money. That is what happened when we moved. We had no food in the house for dinner so we kept going out. And I swear, between going out more because we have everything around us and restaurant week, and buying the occasional salad for lunch, I must've gained like 10 pounds (insert eye-roll emoji). Anyways, there are 3 Italian restaurants right on our block, this place being one of them. We did try the other one, too, and that review will be released shortly. Back to 83 1/2, the restaurant is a bit smaller but the food was amazing. I got the papperdelle with duck ragu and A got the trofie pasta, which was the trofie style pasta with short rib. That dish was really, really, good. I should've gotten that one. The duck ragu was really good too, don't get me wrong, but A's was super good. His short rib was tender and it was falling apart on his fork. My duck ragu was cooked well and there was a good amount of duck in the sauce. The price is also reasonable, not too expensive. It's a place that you can go to more frequently than some of the other restaurants in the area. Service was good too. The waiter introduced himself and since it wasn't too busy yet, we got a better pick of the table. It started to get busy as time went on (we did get there really early). And since I almost never go to Italian restaurant without getting dessert, we got dessert, which was the chocolate cake. It said lava cake on the menu but it's more of an actual chocolate cake. But it was very good, soft, moist, and the chocolate was rich but not too sweet. This is a place I would return to, not only because it's right across the street but also because the prices are reasonable and the food is awesome! read more

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We are regulars at this restaurant. We live in the neighborhood and it is our go to place. We have enjoyed the food and service very much for many years. We have been two times in the last two weeks and our regular server Jose has not been there. I inquired and was told he no longer works the weekends because they are not busy. The service was absolutely horrible. The two staff members were arrogant and inattentive. We were not checked on at all and had to flag the waiter down anytime something was needed. What a disappointment. I hope the owner works to resolve this issue. We will take our business elsewhere. read more

Linguine al Frutti di Mare homemade linguine, calamari, clams, mussels and shrimp The seafood was fresh and delicately prepared, and the calamari highlighted the simply seasoned pasta. Tablecloth dining with attentive wait staff serving quality Italian food in a cozy, candlelit space. read more

83 1/2 - Complimentary bread w/olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette - Italian Near Me - New York, New York

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After4 years, I would like to update my review of this awesome neighborhood Italian restaurant. The staff are amazing. David and Jose treat you like family. I had a nice conversation with Vincenzo once. They have a great outdoor COVID set up. Eating dinner outdoors on a side street can make you forget that you're in Manhattan. Last night, we were started off with some very good focaccia. We split an order of fried artichoke hearts, which were perfect. We have been through most of the appetizers at this point and they're uniformly excellent. Our favorites include the Brussel sprouts and the salumi. We had chicken Milanese and shrimp scampi. The staff split our entrees in the kitchen, which is really helpful. 83 1/2 serves a definitive veal parmigiana. Their trofi with short rib ragu is excellent. All of their pastas are strong. We lingered over cappuccino, enjoying the mild weather. We were not rushed. 83 1/2 is one of our go to places. Great food, great dining experience. You won't be disappointed! read more

Absolutely fantastic! Definitely a neighborhood gem. The service is great, the food is great. The pasta is SO fresh! One of the best meals we've had in the neighborhood. The weather was very nice and we were promptly seated outside, the inside looks cozy and perfect for the colder months ahead. Can't wait to come back! read more

We enjoyed a very lovely dinner last night. Feeling like we were dining in Italy, almost as if we had found a local gem on a side street.Charming in an old world way. My husband enjoyed his amatraciana, my four cheese tortellini was delicious.The spumoni was the perfect finish to a lovely meal. We are planning our next visit to sit outside, and try some other dishes. read more

The food was delicious! Their vodka sauce is so tasty and rich. Also, enjoyed the steak, brussel sprouts, and dessert, all excellent. Service was warm and friendly. Great spot for a date or family dinner. read more

Great food, the chef will make even something that is not on the menu. Everything here is delicious. Never disappointed. Generous portions, friendly and courteous service. Cozy setting. read more

This spot has a great outdoor dining setup. I've been wanting to try this restaurant for a while now and so glad I did! The staff was extremely friendly and the service was great. We started with the Baked Clams followed by the Pappardelle Al Ragu D'anatra and Fiocchi 4 Formaggi. The Baked Clams were absolutely delicious, the breadcrumbs and seasoning were perfect. The fresh pappardelle was fantastic. I highly recommend checking out this restaurant! read more

83 1/2 - Fiocchi 4 Formaggi and Pappardelle Al ragu d'anatra - Italian Near Me - New York, New York

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Came here with a group for dinner to celebrate our friend's milestone. We were very excited to try it because of the great reviews. Ultimately, we did not have a good experience. Drinks: we ordered a bottle of the Barda Pinot Noir on the menu from the Patagonia region, and they brought out a completely different type of Pinot noir from Oregon instead. It was a good wine upon tasting so we stuck with it, but that kind of inconsistency with the menu shouldn't happen. Food: Completely underwhelmed, which was unfortunate. We got calamari and polenta for appetizers. The calamari was truly horrible. Tasted like frozen store bought calamari (which i think it was), was extremely rubbery and tough. You could tell right when it was brought out that it was not going to be good. Polenta was not great either. For the entrees, we got various pasta dishes and the branzino, all of which were extremely average/not good. Service: Service was fine, nothing to write home about. Seemed like they were trying to do their best in there but just came up so short. read more

I wanted to reply to the owners response to my review about my terrible experience. I would never ever go to your restaurant if it was the only place in the entire city. Your staff is rude and the overall attitude is arrogance. And I was not the only customer who was treated poorly that night. I hope others heed the warning and steer clear. This business does not deserve your money. read more

We had to wait for a table but service so great that our parry of 4 given wine as a courtesy while waiting. Apps amazing- mussels and meatballs to share. The mains were awesome. Dessert was great (tartufo). Quiet neighborhood restaurant. The servers are beyond professional. Great service Will return! Recommend make your reservation . read more

Do yourself a favor and come here for dinner ASAP. The best Italian food I've had in the city to date, seriously. The owner, Vincenzo, is the best. He and his team make you feel like family. After a few glasses of wine, you'll be convinced you're in Italy dining with la familia. MUST try: the eggplant parmigiana, polipo and the veal chop parmigiana. If you like lasagna, theirs will knock your socks off! The eggplant is a family recipe from Sicily- unreal delicious! read more

83 1/2 - Polipo, eggplant parmigiana ... - Italian Near Me - New York, New York

I ordered delivery from here and enjoyed most of the dishes. -Burrata wrapped with prosciutto: this was a great dish with so much flavor from the balsamic. I just wish that the prosciutto was cut a little thinner. -salad with tomatoes and lemon dressing: this salad was very basic for the price and I was expecting more Parmesan rather than just a small slice on top. I probably wouldn't order this again. -polenta with truffle oil and mushrooms: I really wanted to like this dish, but the polenta was very bland. I added some truffle salt at home and this made the dish much better. -fettuccine bolognese: very good sauce with lots of meat and the pasta tasted so fresh. My husband loved this dish. The only thing that was strange was that there was no bread that came with the delivery, which I'm used to seeing from most Italian restaurants. I would order again overall. read more

I've been coming here for a couple years now- my favorite Italian place on the UES. Not even a question. Was so excited they opened back up for take out. I never had take out from them before, and I was absolutely blown away. Just as good as dining in. Can't wait to get take-out again, and reallllly can't wait to go back in person. read more

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On February 25 we had a beautiful Baby Shower for my daughter. All expectations that we asked for or simply suggested came to fruition. The restaurant looked great. All the tables were arranged carefully and set well. We were allowed to get in early to finish our decorations and received help from the staff. Jose was particularly helpful when guests arrived and while lunch was served. The food on our special menu was delicious and several if not all of the participants said so. Bravo to a fabulous day at Restaurant 83 1/2. If you haven't eaten there yet, try it. You won't be disappointed! read more

Great food, but the one time we went there they didn't have enough staff. The outdoor server was also serving inside and he looked overwhelmed. The kitchen also was taking longer than normal apparently. We will try again since the food was good. Plus I loved their coffee came in a huge mug :) read more

83 1/2 - Zucchini crusted white fish - Italian Near Me - New York, New York

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Beautiful cosy restaurant in UES. Service was super and food was very delicious. Highly recommend: Grilled octopus- simply the best combo of octopus and veggies, I simply wanted to eat it endlessly and skip my entree:) Linguine Frutti Di Mare- another dish that gets more delicious with every bite you take. I asked for spicy sauce and it worked well with sea food. The Portion is big so I recommend skipping appetizer if you plan on this entree. I did not get a chance to try their dessert but next time- definitely worth going back. read more

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The food is fine but not really worth the price and the staff do not provide the level of service one would expect in a white table cloth "fine dining" environment. It was a Wednesday evening and completely empty between 5 and 8 - we were the only table there for the first few hours. Seems they have a later, local crowd. Perhaps the standard on the UES is lower than downtown but this place was recommended to me and I was surprised about the recommendation after eating there myself. My seafood was completely over cooked and made ordering a dish with lobster sort of pointless, as I couldn't enjoy it. The sauce was fairly flavorless as well. read more

Yummy food. Small kitchen, it's crazy how they make all the food from it. They have a whole menu of specials as well. The Paccheri with vodka sauce was my favorite and the artichoke appetizer was amazing! It is a bit tight in the restaurant but it adds to the vibes. But if you like spacious, this may not be for you. read more

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Nice little Italian place. Good food. Good wine. Good service. If you are looking for good food like Elios without the incredibly high prices with less noise x not feeling like a sardine, this is a great alternative read more

83 1/2 is one of my favorite restaurants in the city and definitely my favorite spot on the UES. The paccheri alla vodka is phenomenal and one of my favorite pasta dishes ever. I also love the veal parm. I don't normally like veal, but I dream about this dish. For appetizers, I'd highly recommend the eggplant parm - it melts in your mouth. The restaurant is relatively small, so I'd recommend making a reservation. Don't skip this place. read more

83 1/2 - Veal parm and paccheri alla vodka. Incredible! - Italian Near Me - New York, New York

Very very good pasta place. My favorites were the brussel sprouts and mushroom tortelloni. Superb. I like the 1 piece cheese concept vs cheese shreds. The duck pappardelle was also good, with many chunks of duck, but the pasta could have been a bit more al dente. Burrata was fine, no where as good as Rezdora's. Caesar salad was average, but in house sauce is good. Chilean sea bass was a bit too soft for me but good flavor. Overall, would solidly recommend. read more

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Nice Italian restaurant with good food and a cozy ambiance. Ambiance. Inviting, warm atmosphere. Nice restaurant for a date. Service. Servers were attentive, and food arrived in a reasonable time. Food. - Octopus salad was great. - My frutti di mare with calamari, clams, mussels, clams and shrimp was good but not my favorite. This is a goto dish for me, and while the wine sauce was good, the clams and scallops were not as large as I like. I also prefer less chewy calamari and more of the other seafoods - First time here I tried stuffed artichoke which was nice. Light tasty stuffing enjoyed off the leaves of the artichoke. Overall a nice restaurant great for a date. read more

Great Italian food, check, Great Service, check, Nice Decor, check... Been to 83 1/2 several times..Consistently great. Food always tasty and fresh. Actually, delicious. Perhaps grandma is in the kitchen with her old world recipes slaving over the hot stove. Definitely a nice romantic spot to bring that special someone. Quiet enough to hold a good conversation, not overly dark but light enough to see the eyes reflecting your smile and a sense of warmness that you would get from sitting in front of a glowing fireplace on cold snowy winter night. Finally service.....Yes, there were other people in the restaurant but the service made us feel like we were the only ones there. Prompt, attentive, but not pushy. 1 block from the Q making it terrifically convenient, so there is no need to schlep to Mulberry Street and fight the insanity. A must go. read more

Great food at great prices. I've never had a bad meal here. It's our go to place for a homemade low key dinner

This place was fantastic. Sat outside with my mom we got mussels and pasta. I didn't have any but the drinks looked really good, I would probably go back with friends and get the sangria. Pasta was delicious and the wait staff were fun and sweet. read more

83 1/2 - I got the mushroom special and my mom got the seafood pasta. - Italian Near Me - New York, New York

Tried this place out the other day in search of another gem on the UES and had really mixed feelings about it. We showed up for a late dinner, probably around 8 pm, and the place was EMPTY. Completely empty. It made for a rather uncomfortable dining experience. We were greeted and told we could choose to sit wherever we wanted. My boyfriend suggested a four-top booth in the corner, and half jokingly I quipped about how we shouldn't take up a four-top when we're only two people. The host (waiter? Unsure) stepped in and offered to make the booth a two-top. I mean, come on- the place is empty...I've worked in restaurants before and while not a huge deal, he should have told us it was no problem for us to occupy that booth. My standards for service are high, though, having dined in some of the nicest restaurants in the city, but I believe it's the component that separates the good from the great. We were brought out menus. My boyfriend ordered a glass of chianti and I think I ordered the cabernet sauvignon if I remember correctly. Our waiter came back out and told me they didn't have the wine I ordered (it was probably one of 5 reds by the glass, shouldn't be that hard to keep in stock). So I settled for a glass of chianti as well which was a lovely, light red. Now, the bread. It was served with olive oil and balsamic, and the balsamic was some of the most piss poor (excuse my language) I've ever had before in my life. It tasted like $2/bottle balsamic, to be honest. My boyfriend and I split the charcuterie and cheese board as an appetizer, which was fine- the prosciutto was nice. There were two different types of parm though as far as I can tell, which were mixed together in one pile. This restaurant saves itself with the pasta. I got the Trofie Al Ragu Di Manzo, which was pasta with braised short ribs and pomodoro. My boyfriend got the pappardelle with duck ragu. Both were absolutely delicious and generous portion sizes, and really the only reason I gave this place even three stars. The service for the rest of the night was rather inattentive and slow. Total bill came to roughly $80 pre-tip. I don't believe the pretentiousness of this place matched the quality, unfortunately. TL;DR: Pasta was GREAT, everything else was pretty inexcusably bad. Would maybe order a pasta entree take out, but do not plan on coming back. read more

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The Food was very good. If you go on a hot day, there is minimal AC (VERY MINIMAL). The staff is sweating, you are sweating. It is just a mess. read more