Arco Cafe

- 886 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025

For New Yorkers seeking an Italian culinary experience that goes beyond the standard, the journey must lead to the Upper West Side and the distinguished **Arco Cafe**. This cherished neighborhood fixture, located on Amsterdam Avenue, stands out not merely as an Italian restaurant, but as a dedicated purveyor of authentic Sardinian cuisine—a unique and celebrated regional specialty rarely found in the city. Since its founding, Arco Cafe has committed to bringing the healthy, vibrant, and rustic flavors of the Mediterranean island of Sardinia to Manhattan, establishing itself as a true local "GOAT" (Greatest of All Time) dining destination.

The moment you step inside, you are welcomed into an atmosphere that is both **Casual** and immediately **Cozy**, with a **Trendy** yet warm design sensibility. Patrons frequently describe the dining room as a "calm, cozy, warm, and beautiful" sensory experience. It's the kind of place that instantly makes you feel at home, serving as a haven from the city’s pace. This inviting ambiance is matched by the restaurant’s core values: Arco Cafe proudly identifies as **Woman-Owned**, adding another layer to its community-focused mission. It's a place where **Family-friendly** groups, seasoned local diners, and visitors alike come together for a truly memorable meal.

What truly sets Arco Cafe apart is its unwavering commitment to authenticity and freshness. This is evident in their specialty: **Housemade Pasta**. Every day, the kitchen crafts a variety of traditional pasta shapes from scratch, including hard-to-find Sardinian specialties like *Malloreddus* and *Fregula*. This dedication to the craft ensures a superior, satisfying texture in every dish, a highlight noted even by the most critical reviewers. Moreover, for those who love to cook, Arco Cafe offers the remarkable service of purchasing their **Fresh Pasta /Lb** to take home, allowing you to replicate the authentic taste of Sardinia in your own kitchen.

The menu is a rich tapestry of Sardinian and pan-Italian favorites designed to cater to a diverse modern palate. While it offers comforting classics like the hearty **Tagliatelle Al Ragu'** ($25.33) and **Chicken Parmigiana (Special)** ($30.71), it excels in providing options for everyone. The restaurant makes a point of having excellent **Healthy options**, **Organic dishes**, and a wide selection of **Vegan options** and **Vegetarian options**. This conscious approach ensures that whether you're craving a rich **Comfort food** dish or a lighter, health-focused meal, you will find a perfect choice. This focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients is part of the Sardinian tradition, renowned worldwide for health and longevity.

The impressive array of **Focaccia** is another major highlight, with selections ranging from the simple **Focaccia Plain** ($15.79) to the richly topped **Focaccia Divina** ($25.33), featuring mozzarella, burrata, mortadella, and pistachio. The availability of **Small Plates** and delicious appetizers such as the crispy **Carciofi Fritti** ($16.85) and the classic **Polpette** ($16.85) make it an excellent spot for sharing and trying a variety of flavors. And, as noted by local patrons, the experience is often enhanced by the **Fast service** and what many consider to be **Great dessert**.

Beyond the food, Arco Cafe understands the New York desire for convenience and hospitality. They offer flexible **Dining options** for **Brunch**, **Lunch**, and **Dinner**, including **Table service** and comfortable **Seating** both indoors and via **Outdoor Seating**. The establishment embraces modern service methods, offering **Curbside pickup**, standard **Delivery**, and **No-contact delivery**, ensuring that the exquisite flavors of Sardinia are never more than a call or click away.

**Arco Cafe** is a convenient and easily accessible jewel located in the heart of the Upper West Side's Manhattan Valley neighborhood.

**Address:** 886 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025

Situated at the corner of Amsterdam Avenue, near West 103rd Street, the restaurant is perfectly positioned for locals and **Tourists** exploring the upper reaches of Central Park and surrounding attractions.

• **Subway Access:** The most convenient transit is the **1 train** at the **103rd Street Station**, which is just a short, easily walkable distance from the café's address.
• **Accessibility:** The restaurant offers a **Wheelchair accessible entrance** and **Wheelchair accessible seating**, ensuring a comfortable dining experience for all guests.
• **Parking:** While being in Manhattan, the location offers the neighborhood convenience of both **Free street parking** and **Paid street parking** options nearby.
• **Outdoor Dining:** The availability of **Outdoor seating** allows patrons to enjoy their authentic Italian meal while taking in the lively atmosphere of Amsterdam Avenue.
• **Pet-Friendly:** **Dogs allowed outside** makes it a perfect stop during a day out with your furry companion.

Arco Cafe provides a comprehensive range of dining and convenience services tailored for the demanding New York market:

• **Full-Service Dining:** Available for **Brunch**, **Lunch**, and **Dinner**, with full **Table service** and dedicated **Seating**.
• **Reservations:** **Accepts reservations**, and given its popularity, **Dinner reservations recommended** to secure your spot.
• **Takeout and Delivery:** Offers **Takeout**, **Curbside pickup**, **Delivery**, and **No-contact delivery** for maximum convenience.
• **Extensive Bar Offerings:** A full selection of **Alcohol**, **Beer**, **Wine**, **Cocktails**, and **Hard liquor** is available from the **Bar onsite**.
• **Happy Hour Specials:** Features dedicated **Happy hour drinks** and **Happy hour food** to relax and unwind after a long day.
• **Catering Services:** Provides specialized **Catering** for events and large **Groups**, bringing Sardinian flavor to any gathering.
• **Family Amenities:** The restaurant is **Good for kids** and provides **High chairs** and a dedicated **Kids' menu**.
• **Modern Payments:** Accepts all major **Credit cards**, **Debit cards**, and **NFC mobile payments**.
• **Additional Amenities:** Features a **Gender-neutral restroom** and complimentary **Wi-Fi**.

What truly makes Arco Cafe a standout among countless Italian restaurants in NYC are these distinct qualities:

• **Authentic Sardinian Cuisine:** A rare and celebrated focus on the specific culinary traditions of Sardinia, Italy, known for fresh seafood, hearty inland dishes, and unique pasta shapes like *Malloreddus*.
• **Housemade Pasta Expertise:** Dedication to making all pasta in-house daily, ensuring exceptional texture and quality, with the option to purchase **Fresh Pasta /Lb** to take home.
• **Woman-Owned and Locally Focused:** Proudly **Woman-Owned**, contributing to the diversity of the local business landscape and fostering a welcoming, neighborhood-centric environment.
• **Dietary Inclusivity:** The menu is exceptionally accommodating, featuring a wide array of **Vegan options**, **Vegetarian options**, **Healthy options**, and **Organic dishes**.
• **Fast Service and Great Desserts:** Highly praised in customer feedback for quick, attentive service and a delicious **Dessert** menu, including traditional items like **Tiramisú** ($13.26) and Sardinian *Sebada*.
• **Signature Sardinian Flatbread:** Serving unique sides like **Pane Carasau (Sardinian Flatbread)** and the toasted version, **Pane Guttiau**, offering an authentic taste of the island's shepherd heritage.

Connecting with Arco Cafe for reservations, takeout, or general inquiries is simple. The restaurant is located in the heart of the Upper West Side and looks forward to your call.

**Address:** 886 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025

**Phone:** (646) 781-9080

*Arco Cafe is generally open seven days a week for lunch and dinner service, with delivery and pickup available until approximately 9:30 PM. We strongly recommend checking the restaurant's website or calling ahead, especially for weekend dinner service, as reservations are encouraged.*

For a first-timer at Arco Cafe, the menu offers numerous tempting routes, but to fully appreciate the unique Sardinian heritage, a few choices stand above the rest.

**The Pasta Experience: Malloreddus Con Salsiccia or a Build-Your-Own**

Since the pasta is made fresh daily, it’s essential to choose a homemade dish. The **Malloreddus Con Salsiccia** ($24.27) is a must-try. Malloreddus is a grooved Sardinian semolina pasta (often called Sardinian gnocchi) that perfectly captures the hearty, rustic flavor of the island when tossed with a rich sausage ragù. Alternatively, the **Build Your Own Pasta** ($18.91) option allows you to pair one of their eight fresh pasta types (like *Pappardelle* or *Ricotta Cavatelli*) with any of the housemade sauces, such as the flavorful **Mixed Meat Ragu'** ($15.37), offering complete customization.

**The Appetizer Duo: Carciofi Fritti and Pane Guttiau**

Begin your meal with the crispy and tender **Carciofi Fritti** (Fried Artichoke Hearts, $16.85). Then, order the **Pane Guttiau** ($6.89), the toasted Sardinian flatbread. It’s an authentic, savory snack—thin, rigid, and delicious, perfect for pairing with their small plates or enjoying on its own.

**A Lighter, Yet Satisfying Choice: The Fresh Focaccia**

For a lighter lunch or a shareable starter, skip the traditional pizza and go for the Focaccia. The **Focaccia Della Nonna** ($25.33), topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella, provolone, meatballs, and pecorino, is a magnificent, comforting choice that showcases the kitchen's delicious homemade meatballs. The **Focaccia Regina** ($20.03) offers a simpler, vibrant taste with fresh tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil.

**Don't Skip Dessert: Tiramisú or the Sardinian Special**

The restaurant is known for its **Great dessert**, making it a non-negotiable end to the meal. The classic **Tiramisú** ($13.26) is always a reliable choice, but for a unique, authentic Sardinian flavor, try the **Sebada (Special)** ($13.26), a traditional Sardinian fried pastry filled with fresh cheese and drizzled with honey, which offers a memorable, regional conclusion to your UWS dining experience.

Arco Cafe

886 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025, USA