Antonucci Cafe is a very charming Italian restaurant. It’s small in size, but it feels incredibly cozy, with many paintings decorating the walls and creating a warm, intimate atmosphere. I visited during the daytime, and it was wonderfully quiet and pleasant. The burrata salad was absolutely outstanding. I had never tried that particular combination of ingredients with marinated tomatoes before, and it turned out to be a perfect match for the burrata. The branzino was also beautifully prepared, though the portion was a bit large for one person. I usually eat pasta without onions, and the only way they could offer that option was by preparing it with olive oil. Still, the fettuccine was cooked excellently and came with plenty of mushrooms, so I can definitely recommend it as well. One thing that disappointed me was that not all desserts are available during the day - some can only be ordered in the evening. So if you’re coming specifically for certain desserts you’ve seen in photos, their availability depends on the time of your visit. Other than that, it’s a very sweet, family-style restaurant, and I’d be happy to stop by again for lunch.
Overview
Nestled in the heart of the Upper East Side, Antonucci Cafe offers a delightful escape for those looking to indulge in a cozy, vibrant atmosphere. Located at 170 E 81st St, New York, NY 10028, the cafe is an ideal spot for both casual dining and special occasions. Whether you're in the mood for a rich cup of coffee or a fulfilling meal, Antonucci Cafe provides a blend of great taste and unmatched charm.
The menu at Antonucci Cafe features a curated selection of Mediterranean-inspired dishes, each crafted with fresh, local ingredients. It's a place where flavors come alive, making every bite an experience. You’ll find classic favorites like perfectly grilled paninis, rich pasta dishes, and flavorful salads, as well as more adventurous options like their signature seafood risotto. The cafe also offers a fantastic selection of wines, all handpicked to complement their dishes.
The ambiance at Antonucci Cafe is one of the key elements that set it apart from other cafes in the area. The interior features warm lighting and rustic charm, creating a relaxed yet elegant vibe. Whether you're meeting friends for a casual coffee or enjoying a romantic dinner, the environment feels welcoming. The staff at Antonucci Cafe go above and beyond to make you feel at home, with their attentive service and knowledge of the menu.
A standout feature of Antonucci Cafe is their commitment to high-quality ingredients. The kitchen takes pride in sourcing fresh, seasonal produce and meats, ensuring that every dish is prepared with the utmost care and attention to detail. This commitment to quality is reflected in the flavor profiles of their meals, which are both comforting and innovative.
Regular customers rave about the consistency and quality of the food. One common highlight in reviews is the cafe’s homemade desserts, particularly the tiramisu and the selection of house-made pastries. These treats perfectly round off the dining experience, offering a sweet finish to any meal. Whether you're enjoying a quiet moment with a cappuccino or celebrating with a larger group, Antonucci Cafe's desserts never fail to impress.
For those who love to indulge in seasonal specials, Antonucci Cafe regularly changes its menu to reflect the freshest ingredients available. These rotating dishes offer something new each time you visit, giving customers an exciting reason to return.
Another reason people keep coming back is the welcoming atmosphere. The staff is known for being friendly and knowledgeable, always happy to make recommendations or accommodate special requests. It’s clear that they care about delivering a memorable experience to every guest.
If you're in the mood for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, Antonucci Cafe caters to both. The cafe also offers takeout options, making it easy to enjoy their delicious meals from the comfort of your home. With its central location and cozy ambiance, it’s no surprise that Antonucci Cafe is a local favorite, frequently popping up in conversations among Upper East Side residents looking for a great place to eat.
When it comes to location, 170 E 81st St, New York, NY 10028, is not only convenient but also surrounded by many of the city's charming neighborhoods. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Antonucci Cafe is an excellent spot to enjoy some quiet time or a fun gathering with friends.
Good to know
Service options
âś“ Outdoor seating âś“ Delivery âś“ Takeaway âś“ Dine-inHighlights
âś“ Great cocktails âś“ Great coffee âś“ Great dessert âś“ Great wine list âś“ Serves local specialtyPopular for
âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Solo diningAccessibility
âś“ Wheelchair-accessible entrance âś“ Wheelchair-accessible seating âś“ Wheelchair-accessible car parkOfferings
âś“ Alcohol âś“ Beer âś“ Cocktails âś“ Coffee âś“ Comfort food âś“ Small plates âś“ Spirits âś“ WineDining options
âś“ Brunch âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Dessert âś“ Seating âś“ Table serviceAmenities
âś“ Bar on site âś“ ToiletAtmosphere
âś“ Cosy âś“ Romantic âś“ Trendy âś“ UpmarketCrowd
âś“ Groups âś“ TouristsPlanning
âś“ Dinner reservations recommended âś“ Accepts reservationsPayments
âś“ Credit cards âś“ Debit cards âś“ NFC mobile payments âś“ Credit cardsPhotos
Location
Reviews
I solo dined outdoors in early December without a reservation. I was seated quickly and the heaters kept me warm, the staff was attentive and kind, the atmosphere was warm and cozy. I’m from CT and I love a good authentic Italian restaurant. The chicken meatballs are a fantastic meal all on their own, imagine giant Italian wedding soup meatballs with curried rice pilaf. The curry wasn’t over powering and it was delightful. The handmade pasta in the fettuccini was perfectly executed. The flavors were light and full of soul. I had 2 glasses of wine and ended the night with peppermint tea. All together my total was a little over $100. I could’ve easily been full on a $45 bill. I’m currently residing down south where I don’t get the luxury of good Italian cuisine like I did back home so I splurged a little. For a fine dining Italian experience it was well worth it. I will return.
Great service and atmosphere. Food portions are not big - perfect size for 1 person. Gluten free friendly pasta!! Loved it.
Service and kindness of people working here is top! Food is done to a high level, which might be why their portion sizes can sometimes be very small (quality not quantity). My only criticism is that I’m not sure gelato and sorbet can be served in quarter scoops based on quality. 3 scoops of each of these were less than one scoop in most places. But still a great way to celebrate a birthday and we really like going here!
A bit small and noisy, but the service and food are great—so if you’re just looking for some delicious food every once in a while, the noise is easy to overlook.
Delicious local spot, seemed authentic, the sage tortelli and saffron rice cake with mushrooms were perfect for an early dinner. The white tablecloths, red leather booths, and considerate service completed our relaxing meal. Great marinara.
We had the loveliest summer evening at this restaurant. Blue loved it because he could observe the world passing by from his “balcony” and I loved it because they serve amazing homemade gluten free fettuccine! The clams pasta was amazing and the gavi white wine was the right choice to go with it.