Adriano's Italian

Wow! I always test a new Italian place with the classic Cacio e Pepe. It is truly amazingly good. Easily the best I have had outside of Italy. This is a new small place with just a few tables and minimal decor. They have focaccia for quick grab and go and they have wine. Chef Adriano came out to the counter asking for feedback. I am sure they will do well with this kind of quality and friendly reception. I really should have taken a tiramisu it looked soo good. Watch out for an update to this post as I know I am going back.

Fantastic Italian spot serving authentic plates.

+2

There are many Italian restaurants in this neighborhood but only one has Alex as a server. The food at da Adriano is excellent - think grandma’s home style cooking in an elevated, cozy environment. However, it’s Alex who truly elevates the entire dining experience. This man is a natural at service and hospitality. He’s friendly, attentive, and genuinely kind. You don’t feel any pressure from him, and small talk between dishes flows naturally. As long as Alex is there, we’ll keep coming back.

The most authentic and delicious italian place in NYC. You can find breakfast, lunch and dinner. I have tried all three and I can say everything is impeccable! The focaccia is delicious, very very tasty; you can tell that the ingredients used are high quality and that everything is daily made (I added a picture of my favorite one - Focaccia San Daniele). Great option for lunch at the restaurant but also to get on the go. The pasta they prepare is absolutely authentic, so so good and cooked on point! I loved the Home made Rigatoni with tuna (shown in picture) and I highly recomend it as well as the rest of the menu. You can also find excellent, very meticulously cooked meat dishes, I have tried the Roast Beef with Roasted Carrots (picture) and I was blown away! The place is super clean, looks warm, cozy and very elegant and the staff is so welcoming. The service is flawless, and it makes the difference along with the authenticity and high quality of the dishes!

Great addition to the area. Food was fresh and authentic, service was attentive and friendly. We were especially blown away by their quinoa lentil salad that tasted as good as it looked!

Da Adriano — savor Italy, enjoy life Heading out of my condo, strolling down 1st Avenue, traversing through a big criss-cross, and you’ll find the tiny, timid, almost rusty-look Italian restaurant — Da Adriano, camouflaging with its neighbors — some aged, brownish, rarely-visited stores — part of the reason that my mom and I haven’t sniffed it out for more than 10 years being crazy foodies! (Shame). Quite ironically, how non-descript and “Spartan” Da Adriano appears to us, a thousands more times that the dishes are crashing my taste buds, making us desperate to come back as if the aroma still lingers in our mouth! Honestly, I’m not a big fan of Italian food and Da Adriano is the FIRST authentic Italian restaurant that I’ve ever been to, and it completely overturns my stereotypes of Italian cuisine as only pizza and pasta. On the shingle, “CAFFÉ” “FOCACERRIA” and “BOTTEGA” rest peacefully with the super-stylish italic title “Da Adriano” (that signatural vibe literally steals my heart!), give that little space a bit more coziness and romance, and maybe some unique hometown memories for the Italians here in Big Apple. This is not a place where you could order a full table of lavish Michellein dishes to regale your friends or colleagues, but rather, it would always be the first and only option popping out of your mind when you are just off from work or study, and want to sit down and relax, put away your thoughts, savor and taste some not-so-fancy but satisfying enough meals. As simple as a plate of spinach, feta cheese and spaghetti, or a bowl of macaroni with black olives and mushrooms. Or a chunk of lasagna, my favorite. Pasta is absolutely a major highlight. Not only does its variety dazzles me, homemade also adds an extra flavor. I can savor the tenderness yet chewiness of spaghetti, the smoothness and “fast-melting” of pappardelle, the doughiness and richness of gnocchi, the firmness yet sponginess of macaroni, but most unparalleled of all: lasagna. Lack of any word to describe, lasagna perfectly illustrates the highest realm of detectable flavor: the sizzling slow-cooked ragù with fresh tomato sauce drizzle from the top, concealing the warmness and richness of the inside — alternating layers of flaky pasta sheets, buttery bechamel sauce, zesty ground beef, and melted mozzarella. You probably don’t know what’s the best thing in the world, but I do. It’s when the steam, combined with mild fragrance, cracks out the lasagna and wafts through my nose; it’s when all those alluring colors glisten together, some layer over others — scallion-green, tomato-red, meat-brown, flour-yellow and cream-white… It’s when the fork cuts right through the middle, and scoups up a complete set of layers and seasonings, and all that goes into my mouth… Yum! I feel like the entire world has frozen for that moment… The tomato juice, the beef confetti, the buttermilk jelly melted together with the soft tagliatelle, along with the parmigiana reggiana sprinkles on top, caramelized my tongue, soothened my mind and took me to another kingdom that I have yet to discover. All I recall was the exceptional look, smell and taste of that lasagna. Healing. Tiny but delicate, that’s all I need: it revives my senses that were fallen asleep long long ago, it brings up those brief moments of joy and tranquility that were once part of my life, it simply punches me in the face and reminds me of the importance of smelling the rose. It’s not just the food itself that enchants me, more beyond, it’s the instant vibration, the connection and the resonation with the food that instills meaning back to my soul. I feel fulfilled when I eat something I truly enjoy (not for any other purposes), how amazing.

Da Adriano is Da-liscious!!!! Thank you for a great meal. The Bolognese is so flavorful. Our first meal this visit and we were totally delighted.

My second time at De Adriano. What an experience, from great personal service with the waiter from Tuscany to incredible food, we had a blast! I can’t wait to bring all my friends here

If you love diners, you'll loooove this place. Decent prices, great service...and classic. The hood is lucky to have this establishment.

+1

I stumbled upon this cozy dining spot a while back after a doctor appointment in the area. Since then, I’ve been back for lunch and dinner. The food was fantastic each time. The service is always friendly and top notch. You can really see how the owners take great care in their food and customers. My favorite dishes included the lasagna and the lentil salad. The wine was also excellent. Although I do not live in the area, I will be back.

I will never not recommend this restaurant! One of my favorite Italian restaurants in NYC. The staff is so accommodating, the food is DELICIOUS and the vibe is great. We sat outside this time and the atmosphere was perfect.

Amazing spot, service was incredible and we had a wonderful dinner. The gnocchi and lasagna were incredible! Will definitely be back

This classy little Italian restaurant is in my neighborhood one block from me. The owner, Adriano, is charming and the food, wine and decor are great. I am a vegan and Adriano knows what vegan means and which foods I can eat. This is my new favorite restaurant.

One of the best kept secrets in the UES. Hands down one of the best Italian spots in the city. The focaccia and pastas are to die for. The gnocchi and many pasta sauces are gluten free, which my girlfriend very much enjoyed

Absolutely outstanding Italian spot! Beautiful cozy vibe, exceptional service, and truly authentic flavors. Every dish tastes fresh and homemade. A small restaurant with big quality — definitely a must-visit!

I can't stop telling people how much I enjoy eating here. The taste quality shines through. The complete staff handles special requests well. The meals taste wonderful, servers work efficiently, and staff members treat you well. Wonderful food, prompt service, and incredibly nice workers!

We were lost in the neighborhood and I’m glad we found this place. Cozy and elegant. We had a tiramisu and a couple of drinks. Super cute, and the service was amazing. Can’t wait to go back and have some dinner ♥️♥️♥️

+3

Exceptional experience, from the moment we arrived up until our departure. On our evening, in this cozy, intimate space, the guests were served by the masterful chef, a delightful waiter, and a sweet server. All three worked seamlessly together to create a wonderful dining experience. We had the cacio e pepe and bolognese, both were incredibly delicious and the portions were perfect after having split a caprese salad. The wine list is sufficient for complimenting your meal, but if you’re looking for something in particular be sure to check out their menu options on their website. We have dined at Michelin star restaurants in NY, Paris, and Italy - in da Adriano you can see that the chef has taken pieces of a well designed restaurant and implemented them in this gem. Chef Adriano, you have created a delightful experience for diners who appreciate intimate dining & excellent food, congratulations! We will certainly return the next time we visit NYC.

We enjoyed a Saturday lunch at “Da Adriano”. Such a great Italian spot! Everything is homemade and fresh. Loved the meatballs and the tuna tartare—absolutely delicious. The tiramisu was very light and tasty. Great service. Highly recommended!

Really fantastic restaurant. Everything is incredible. After the first time I went (for dinner), I had to return for brunch barely 12 hours later. It's that good. Truly a step (or multiple steps) above any Italian I've had in Manhattan in recent memory. Can't wait for my next visit!

Came here for the first time with my mother for brunch. Atmosphere, service and food were exceptional. Our host, Mario was attentive, friendly, and provided class A service. We will be back!!!

The place is cozy ☺️, the food is very good and tastes fresh, the service was incredible and patient, they recommended the best options for us, and they didn't disappoint with the dessert either, which was delicious and well-presented (tiramisu)🤩. We will definitely be back soon🍝🙌

excellent place. small, make reservations in advance. pancakes are tremendous, and so is prosciutto with mozzarella. mozzarella is so good, it is almost burrata. very recommended.

A perfect lunch spot on the Upper East side. Everything we ate was off the charts! Presentation, quality of food, preparation and taste were outstanding. A must go place.

Super cozy place! Amazing italian food made by chefs who know what they are doing. Had the classic spaghetti pasta!

I absolutely LOVE this place! Adriano has the most delicious dishes here! Honestly, this feels like a darling restaurant in Italy! I always feel at home. The bread, the pairing of the wine with the appetizers and the entree’s! I will continue patronizing this fantastic place because they are consistent, generous and are absolutely in the right business! Mangia!!!

This tiny spot on the Upper West Side has great authentic italian food and wines, recommend reservations, they have outside seating in warmer months, not for large groups, nice and intimate. Adriano is an excellent host for my going away dinner.

Really cute Italian Restaurant/Cafe on the UES. I’ve been here for both lunch and dinner and each time it’s quite lively. The focaccia is a must try and the pastas are also quite good. Always love the ambiance and it has a cozy, bustling feel.

Very last minute plan with my husband! We’re traveling from California, and we would normally get a drip coffee to go from this restaurant in the morning. We knew the atmosphere was very cozy inside, so we decided to give it a try for dinner. It was amazing!! we ordered the lasagna and the tuna salad. Both were fresh and tasty. Shout out to our kind and sweet server Maggie! She encouraged us one morning to try their menu, and we were lucky to have her waiting on our table tonight. Happy to have found this gem around the block!

I’m usually not a fan of Aperol Spritz, but the one here completely changed my mind. Perfectly balanced, refreshing, and honestly one of the best I’ve had. The staff is also incredibly kind and welcoming, which makes the whole experience even better. Highly recommend this place!

GREAT ITALIAN CAFE RESTAURANT 🇮🇹 Randomly found this while walking in the upper east side in the morning. Glad we stopped in for brunch! Very nice quaint restaurant cafe! We had the focaccia with prosciutto and olive 🫒 pesto. Also had the salad with chicken. The overnight oats were also very healthy and delicious during the warm afternoon because the dish is served cold; refreshing and delicious. Highly recommend this place for a morning, mid-morning meal ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Alicia Linder

Exceptional experience, from the moment we arrived up until our departure. On our evening, in this cozy, intimate space, the guests were served by the masterful chef, a delightful waiter, and a sweet server. All three worked seamlessly together to create a wonderful dining experience. We had the cacio e pepe and bolognese, both were incredibly delicious and the portions were perfect after having split a caprese salad. The wine list is sufficient for complimenting your meal, but if you’re looking for something in particular be sure to check out their menu options on their website. We have dined at Michelin star restaurants in NY, Paris, and Italy - in da Adriano you can see that the chef has taken pieces of a well designed restaurant and implemented them in this gem. Chef Adriano, you have created a delightful experience for diners who appreciate intimate dining & excellent food, congratulations! We will certainly return the next time we visit NYC.

R. K.

We enjoyed a Saturday lunch at “Da Adriano”. Such a great Italian spot! Everything is homemade and fresh. Loved the meatballs and the tuna tartare—absolutely delicious. The tiramisu was very light and tasty. Great service. Highly recommended!

Hayden Hosto

Really fantastic restaurant. Everything is incredible. After the first time I went (for dinner), I had to return for brunch barely 12 hours later. It's that good. Truly a step (or multiple steps) above any Italian I've had in Manhattan in recent memory. Can't wait for my next visit!

orry michael

Came here for the first time with my mother for brunch. Atmosphere, service and food were exceptional. Our host, Mario was attentive, friendly, and provided class A service. We will be back!!!

Robin Lissak

A perfect lunch spot on the Upper East side. Everything we ate was off the charts! Presentation, quality of food, preparation and taste were outstanding. A must go place.

Frank Lugo

This tiny spot on the Upper West Side has great authentic italian food and wines, recommend reservations, they have outside seating in warmer months, not for large groups, nice and intimate. Adriano is an excellent host for my going away dinner.

Paarth Sharma

Super cozy place! Amazing italian food made by chefs who know what they are doing. Had the classic spaghetti pasta!

Soara-Joye Ross

I absolutely LOVE this place! Adriano has the most delicious dishes here! Honestly, this feels like a darling restaurant in Italy! I always feel at home. The bread, the pairing of the wine with the appetizers and the entree’s! I will continue patronizing this fantastic place because they are consistent, generous and are absolutely in the right business! Mangia!!!

Lucio Oliva

I’m usually not a fan of Aperol Spritz, but the one here completely changed my mind. Perfectly balanced, refreshing, and honestly one of the best I’ve had. The staff is also incredibly kind and welcoming, which makes the whole experience even better. Highly recommend this place!

LIEM

GREAT ITALIAN CAFE RESTAURANT 🇮🇹 Randomly found this while walking in the upper east side in the morning. Glad we stopped in for brunch! Very nice quaint restaurant cafe! We had the focaccia with prosciutto and olive 🫒 pesto. Also had the salad with chicken. The overnight oats were also very healthy and delicious during the warm afternoon because the dish is served cold; refreshing and delicious. Highly recommend this place for a morning, mid-morning meal ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Kate Mao

Really cute Italian Restaurant/Cafe on the UES. I’ve been here for both lunch and dinner and each time it’s quite lively. The focaccia is a must try and the pastas are also quite good. Always love the ambiance and it has a cozy, bustling feel.

Grettel Lemus

Very last minute plan with my husband! We’re traveling from California, and we would normally get a drip coffee to go from this restaurant in the morning. We knew the atmosphere was very cozy inside, so we decided to give it a try for dinner. It was amazing!! we ordered the lasagna and the tuna salad. Both were fresh and tasty. Shout out to our kind and sweet server Maggie! She encouraged us one morning to try their menu, and we were lucky to have her waiting on our table tonight. Happy to have found this gem around the block!

Love this little gem of an italian restaurant. First went here when they opened, and had cappuccino and biscotti with Chef Adriano. Always great to see a new local restaurant open and succeed. And with the food, which is meticulously handmade, this restaurant will be around for a very long time. The atmosphere is cozy and homey. My friend always orders the fresh lazagna and is wowed. I get different pasta dishes every time to try something new...and love each one. Fresh and delicious.

The food is excellent and always fresh. The owner is so charming and the waiters are always friendly, well dressed and unobtrusive. The place is cozy and small, But never too loud. During the day, it’s less crowded and I highly recommend the minestrone with a piece of their excellent focaccia bread. For dinner, I usually order the specials or the carbonara with a side of squash. My husband is gluten free and they can make any of their pasta dishes GF with their gluten free gnocchi and whatever sauce you want. In general, I want places like this to thrive, I wish I could come here more often. It’s neither cheap nor overpriced, but it’s a special kind of establishment and the dishes are absolutely delicious and packed with flavor. Give this place a shot :)

I recently went here in early February and it was fantastic. I live in the neighborhood and always wanted to check it out. Loved the intimate and cozy setting and authenticity. Tried a couple items on the menu and it was so fresh yet flavorful. Will be back!

Such a charming restaurant - intimate and cosy. The entire staff treats you like a friend of a friend coming announced (it was my first time). The gnocchi (made in house, fresh) was out of this world, and is gluten-free! Will definitely go back. What a great find in New York.

Laura

Such a charming restaurant - intimate and cosy. The entire staff treats you like a friend of a friend coming announced (it was my first time). The gnocchi (made in house, fresh) was out of this world, and is gluten-free! Will definitely go back. What a great find in New York.

Tyler Garman

One of the best kept secrets in the UES. Hands down one of the best Italian spots in the city. The focaccia and pastas are to die for. The gnocchi and many pasta sauces are gluten free, which my girlfriend very much enjoyed

Noah Squared

The food is excellent and always fresh. The owner is so charming and the waiters are always friendly, well dressed and unobtrusive. The place is cozy and small, But never too loud. During the day, it’s less crowded and I highly recommend the minestrone with a piece of their excellent focaccia bread. For dinner, I usually order the specials or the carbonara with a side of squash. My husband is gluten free and they can make any of their pasta dishes GF with their gluten free gnocchi and whatever sauce you want. In general, I want places like this to thrive, I wish I could come here more often. It’s neither cheap nor overpriced, but it’s a special kind of establishment and the dishes are absolutely delicious and packed with flavor. Give this place a shot :)

Andi Sinanaj

Absolutely outstanding Italian spot! Beautiful cozy vibe, exceptional service, and truly authentic flavors. Every dish tastes fresh and homemade. A small restaurant with big quality — definitely a must-visit!

Joan Pelzer

Love this little gem of an italian restaurant. First went here when they opened, and had cappuccino and biscotti with Chef Adriano. Always great to see a new local restaurant open and succeed. And with the food, which is meticulously handmade, this restaurant will be around for a very long time. The atmosphere is cozy and homey. My friend always orders the fresh lazagna and is wowed. I get different pasta dishes every time to try something new...and love each one. Fresh and delicious.

Ana Butler

I can't stop telling people how much I enjoy eating here. The taste quality shines through. The complete staff handles special requests well. The meals taste wonderful, servers work efficiently, and staff members treat you well. Wonderful food, prompt service, and incredibly nice workers!

The food was delicious. The room is a bit small and crowded, and it gets very loud (at least at the time when we were there in the evening). Despite the reservation, we had to wait longer than we hoped for another table to free up before being seated and the service was a slightly chaotic.

A really homey and cozy neighborhood Italian spot that I’ll definitely return to. The servers and owner/chef are a lovely bunch as well. The cooking leans towards more casual and everything was very solid. The slow roasted NY strip was the highlight for me!

They have indoor and outdoor seating. It’s cozy and warm inside, limited tables. The staff is nice, the manager or owner was kind enough to bring us blankets when we got chilly while eating and watching the marathon runners today. The bolognese was yummy, and my friend and her mom enjoyed the focaccia sandwich and chicken caprese salad.

Emily Fligel

They have indoor and outdoor seating. It’s cozy and warm inside, limited tables. The staff is nice, the manager or owner was kind enough to bring us blankets when we got chilly while eating and watching the marathon runners today. The bolognese was yummy, and my friend and her mom enjoyed the focaccia sandwich and chicken caprese salad.

I pass by this place everyday and decided to give it a try for brunch since it looked adorable and had great reviews. Perhaps brunch isn’t their thing and I should’ve went for dinner but it was really not that great and it took 45 minutes for just 2 omelettes to arrive. So strange! Our waiter was also not the warmest or attentive to let us know the status of our food. There was only one or two other tables filled so wasn’t a busy time or anything. The middle table we were sitting at was also uneven and we almost knocked our drinks over a few times before asking for them to put something under to stop it from wobbling. (Also if you are someone who eats ketchup with your eggs or potatoes—they don’t have any, FYI!)

Brooke Waller

I pass by this place everyday and decided to give it a try for brunch since it looked adorable and had great reviews. Perhaps brunch isn’t their thing and I should’ve went for dinner but it was really not that great and it took 45 minutes for just 2 omelettes to arrive. So strange! Our waiter was also not the warmest or attentive to let us know the status of our food. There was only one or two other tables filled so wasn’t a busy time or anything. The middle table we were sitting at was also uneven and we almost knocked our drinks over a few times before asking for them to put something under to stop it from wobbling. (Also if you are someone who eats ketchup with your eggs or potatoes—they don’t have any, FYI!)

I got the caprese salad and a Diet Coke and it came out to $32 and the caprese salad size was absolutely tiny and the salad was not very flavorful at all - missing the quality olive oil and salt, and so lacking in the amount of tomatoes and basil! This was after I ripped up the focaccia and added it in to bulk up this depressingly small salad.