Antonucci Cafe

- 170 E 81st St, New York, NY 10028

Welcome to Antonucci Cafe, a charming and enduring Italian restaurant that has become a true staple of the Upper East Side. Located at 170 E 81st St, this establishment is far more than just a place to eat; it is an experience that transports you to a cozy, old-school Italian setting. The atmosphere is consistently described as a perfect blend of cozy, romantic, and upscale, making it an ideal destination for a special evening or a celebratory dinner. The restaurant has a rich history, with its founder, Francesco Antonucci, being a renowned Venetian-born chef with a long and storied career in the New York City dining scene. His expertise and passion for classic Venetian and Italian cooking are evident in every dish, creating a dining experience that is both authentic and elevated.

Antonucci Cafe is celebrated for its warm and intimate ambiance. The interior, with its soft lighting and art-adorned walls, creates a welcoming space that feels both elegant and personal. It's a place where locals are regulars and new visitors are made to feel right at home. The restaurant is particularly popular for dinner, drawing a discerning crowd that appreciates its high-quality food, exceptional service, and inviting atmosphere. It’s also a great spot for solo dining, where you can comfortably enjoy a top-tier meal without a hint of fuss. Antonucci Cafe stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic Italian cuisine done right, offering a dining experience that is both timeless and memorable for New Yorkers seeking a touch of tradition and elegance.

Antonucci Cafe's location at 170 E 81st St, New York, NY 10028, places it in a prime and highly accessible part of the Upper East Side. The restaurant is situated just off Third Avenue, in a bustling residential and commercial area. This makes it an easy and convenient destination for those living in the neighborhood, as well as for visitors exploring nearby cultural institutions. The street is a pleasant walk, and the restaurant's presence adds to the charming, neighborhood feel of the block.

The accessibility of Antonucci Cafe is a major advantage. It is well-served by New York City's public transportation system, making it easy to reach from almost anywhere in Manhattan. The 6 subway line has a station at 77th Street and at 86th Street, both of which are a short, walkable distance from the restaurant. For those using the Second Avenue subway, the Q train's 86th Street station also provides a convenient route. Additionally, a number of bus lines run along Third Avenue, further simplifying travel to and from the restaurant. The wheelchair-accessible entrance and seating also ensure that the restaurant is welcoming to all patrons. This ease of access, combined with its welcoming atmosphere, makes Antonucci Cafe an excellent choice for a planned dinner reservation or a spontaneous date night.

Antonucci Cafe offers a comprehensive range of services designed to provide a flexible and high-quality dining experience.

• Outdoor Seating: For those who enjoy dining al fresco, the restaurant offers outdoor seating, allowing you to savor your meal while enjoying the lively atmosphere of the Upper East Side.
• Delivery and Takeout: The restaurant provides both delivery and takeout options, perfect for when you want to enjoy their delicious Italian food in the comfort of your own home. This convenience makes it a great choice for a relaxed evening in.
• Dine-in: The primary service is the full dine-in experience, complete with table service. This is where the cozy, romantic, and upscale atmosphere truly shines, making it an ideal setting for a special occasion or a classic dinner.
• Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner: Antonucci Cafe serves a full menu for brunch, lunch, and dinner, ensuring that you can enjoy their high-quality food at any time of day.
• Reservations: Reservations are accepted and highly recommended, especially for dinner, to ensure you can get a table in this popular spot.

These varied service options demonstrate the restaurant's commitment to accommodating the diverse needs and preferences of its customers.

Antonucci Cafe stands out with several key features and highlights that contribute to its celebrated reputation.

• Great Cocktails, Wine List, and Beer: The restaurant is well-known for its impressive beverage program. The wine list is extensive and features selections that perfectly complement the Italian cuisine. Additionally, the cocktail and beer offerings are highly praised, with many customers noting the excellent quality of the drinks.
• Exceptional Desserts: The dessert menu is a highlight, with options like tiramisu, panna cotta, and a flourless chocolate cake that receive high praise. Many guests consider the dessert a perfect end to their meal.
• Classic Italian and Comfort Food: The menu is centered on classic Italian dishes, providing a sense of comfort and authenticity. The offerings, including various pasta, meat, and fish entrees, are known for their high quality, even if some portion sizes are noted as being smaller.
• Cozy, Romantic, and Upscale Atmosphere: The ambiance is a major draw. The intimate and elegant setting makes it a great choice for a date night or a quiet dinner, while still being welcoming enough for groups.
• Bar Onsite: The presence of a bar on-site makes Antonucci Cafe a great place to stop for a drink or to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail.
• Accepts Reservations: The ability to make reservations, particularly for dinner, is a great feature that allows for seamless and planned dining experiences, which is a major convenience in a busy city like New York.

These features, combined with the restaurant's welcoming nature, make Antonucci Cafe a truly special place to dine.

For reservations, inquiries, or more information, you can use the following contact details.

Address: 170 E 81st St, New York, NY 10028

Phone: (212) 570-5100

Mobile Phone: +1 212-570-5100

It is always a good idea to call ahead to make a reservation, especially for dinner, to ensure a table is available.

In a city with countless Italian restaurants, Antonucci Cafe is worth choosing for several compelling reasons. The most notable is the combination of its elegant yet cozy atmosphere with its high-quality, authentic Italian food. The dining experience feels special without being overly formal, making it perfect for a variety of occasions, from a romantic date night to a celebratory dinner with friends. The fact that the restaurant is known for its "great cocktails," "great wine list," and "great dessert" means that every part of your meal, from start to finish, is given a high level of care and attention.

While some customers have noted that the portion sizes can be on the smaller side, this is often a trade-off for the exceptional quality and high level of execution that the kitchen provides. The focus is on quality over quantity, and for many New Yorkers, this is a sign of a truly serious and worthwhile restaurant. The seamless service options, from dine-in to delivery, further add to its appeal, as does its highly convenient Upper East Side location. Antonucci Cafe stands out as a genuine neighborhood treasure that delivers an authentic and elevated Italian dining experience. Its reputation for kindness, top-notch service, and a welcoming atmosphere makes it a place that locals love and newcomers quickly come to appreciate.

Antonucci Cafe

170 E 81st St, New York, NY 10028, USA