Lena's Italian Kitchen Introduce
In the heart of Manhattan, finding an Italian restaurant that feels both authentic and welcoming can be a delightful discovery. Lena's Italian Kitchen is just such a place. This casual and cozy spot brings the warmth of Italian comfort food to the bustling streets of New York, providing a perfect escape for a satisfying meal. Unlike some of the city's more formal or trend-focused eateries, Lena's focuses on what truly matters: serving up delicious, classic Italian dishes with a generous dose of heart. It's the kind of place that feels like a family kitchen, where the food is always a highlight and the portions are always just right. The "fast service" that customers often mention is a testament to the restaurant's commitment to efficiency and customer satisfaction, making it a great option for a quick and flavorful meal, especially during a busy workday or a relaxed weekend.
The culinary philosophy at Lena's Italian Kitchen is centered on tradition and flavor. The menu is a love letter to classic Italian fare, featuring everything from hearty pasta dishes to comforting entrees and savory appetizers. The kitchen prides itself on delivering "incredibly tasty and great portion sizes," as one satisfied customer noted. Whether you're in the mood for a classic Pasta Carbonara or a flavorful Chicken Parm Platter, you can expect a meal that is both filling and deeply satisfying. This dedication to quality and generosity has made Lena's a popular choice for New Yorkers looking for a reliable, no-frills, and delicious Italian meal. It’s a spot that effortlessly combines the charm of a neighborhood eatery with the quality and speed required to thrive in the city.
Location and Accessibility
Lena's Italian Kitchen is located at 551 2nd Ave # 2F, New York, NY 10016. Situated in Midtown East, the restaurant's address places it in a convenient and well-trafficked area. Its proximity to several major office buildings and residential areas makes it a go-to spot for locals on their lunch break or looking for a casual dinner. The location is easily accessible by public transportation, with several bus stops and subway stations within walking distance. For those who drive, paid street parking is available, though it's important to note that street parking in Manhattan can be competitive.
The restaurant's wheelchair-accessible entrance ensures that it is a welcoming space for all diners. This commitment to accessibility, combined with its central location, makes Lena's a practical and appealing choice for a wide range of customers. Whether you're meeting friends for a casual dinner or grabbing a solo lunch, the restaurant's location on 2nd Avenue provides an easy and hassle-free destination.
Services Offered
Delivery and Takeout: As a popular delivery restaurant, Lena's offers convenient delivery and takeout services. This is a significant highlight, with customers praising the "prompt service" for orders placed through platforms like Uber Eats. This makes it an ideal option for enjoying a high-quality Italian meal from the comfort of your own home or office.
Dine-in: For those who want to experience the cozy and casual atmosphere, dine-in service is available. It's a great option for a relaxed lunch or dinner with a friend or for solo dining.
Catering: While details are limited, the "Dining options" mention catering, which suggests that Lena's can provide their delicious Italian comfort food for events, parties, or corporate gatherings.
Comfort Food: The menu is entirely focused on providing comforting, familiar Italian dishes that are sure to satisfy. This is a core service, and the quality of the food is a primary reason for the restaurant's popularity.
Vegetarian Options: Lena's offers a variety of vegetarian-friendly dishes, from the Eggplant Parm Platter to a range of pasta dishes that can be made without meat. This inclusivity makes it a great choice for all diets.
Lunch and Dinner: The restaurant serves a comprehensive menu for both lunch and dinner, making it a flexible option for a meal at any time of day.
Features and Highlights
Fresh and Generous Portions: A recurring theme in customer reviews is the quality and size of the portions. The side orders are noted to be "great portion sizes," and the food is described as "incredibly tasty." This value for money is a major highlight.
Classic Italian Menu: The menu features all the Italian classics you would expect and love. From homemade meatballs and calamari to a wide array of pasta options like Pasta Alla Vodka and Pasta Bolognese, the selection is both comprehensive and comforting. The "Chicken Parm Platter" and "Eggplant Parm Platter" are also standout entrees.
Fast and Reliable Service: One of the key highlights, mentioned by customers, is the fast service. While one customer noted a wait for a pickup order, the overall impression is one of efficiency, especially for delivery, which is a major plus in New York.
Freshly Made Sides: The sides are a highlight in themselves. A customer noted that even the simple bread rolls were "so fresh and filling" and a key part of the meal, demonstrating the care and attention to detail that goes into every aspect of the food.
Casual and Unpretentious Atmosphere: The "casual" atmosphere makes Lena's a comfortable and accessible spot. It's not a place for a stuffy, formal dinner, but rather a place to relax and enjoy a good meal without any fuss or pressure.
Solo Dining Friendly: The restaurant is a great spot for those dining alone. Its casual and welcoming environment makes it a comfortable place to enjoy a solo meal without feeling out of place.
Contact Information
For more information, to place an order, or to make a reservation, you can contact Lena's Italian Kitchen:
Address: 551 2nd Ave # 2F, New York, NY 10016
Phone: (646) 846-5362
Mobile Phone: +1 646-846-5362
What is Worth Choosing
For a first-time visitor, a great way to experience Lena's Italian Kitchen is to try one of their classic pasta dishes. The **Pasta Alla Vodka** is a timeless choice, known for its creamy and flavorful sauce. The **Pasta Bolognese** is another excellent option for those who enjoy a rich, meaty sauce. If you're a fan of appetizers, the **Lena's Homemade Meatballs** are a must-try, offering a taste of their authentic, home-style cooking.
For a more substantial meal, the **Chicken Parm Platter** or the **Eggplant Parm Platter** are fantastic choices, providing a full and satisfying entree. For a quick lunch, the **Chicken Parm Hero** or **Meatball Parm Hero** are great portable versions of their classic platters. As one customer mentioned, even the side orders, like the **Side Pasta Vodka** or **Side Pasta Bolognese**, are so generously portioned and delicious that they can feel like a main course. The added bonus of fresh bread rolls is a delightful touch that enhances the entire meal. Lena's Italian Kitchen is worth choosing for its authentic flavors, satisfying portions, and a reliable, no-fuss approach to great Italian food.
Lena's Italian Kitchen Food & drink
Soups
- Stracciatella Soup $11.00
Traditional Italian egg drop soup with spinach.
- Pasta E Fagioli $11.00
Ditalini pasta and cannellini beans served in crushed plum tomato and roasted garlic broth.
- Tortellini En Brodo $11.00
Cheese tortellini pasta served in chicken broth
Large Salads
- Large Pecan Salad $17.00
Mixed greens, honey roasted pecans, gorgonzola crumbles & balsamic vinaigrette
- Large Caesar Salad $15.75
Romaine lettuce, garlic croutons, parmesan shavings & dijon caesar dressing
- Large Mediterranean Salad $17.00
Romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, pepperoncini, kalamata olives, chickpeas, onions, feta cheese & red wine vinaigrette
- Large Market Salad $17.00
Mixed greens, dried cranberries, candied walnuts, onions, goat cheese & balsamic vinaigrette
- Large Garden Salad $15.75
Iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, onions, red peppers, olive, cucumbers, mozzarella & Italian dressing
Appetizers
- Fried Mozzarella $16.00
Homemade pan-fried fresh mozzarella wedges, served with marinara sauce
- Calamari Fritti $20.25
Served with marinara sauce. Serves 2.
- Calamari Arrabbiata $22.75
Fried calamari tossed with flame roasted peppers in a spicy Arrabbiata plum tomato sauce. Serves 2
- Lena's Homemade Meatballs $14.00
Right outta the sauce, topped with fresh ricotta
- Garlic Bread $9.75
Topped with melted mozzarella.
Beverages
- Sprite $2.75
The cold, refreshing flavors of lemon and lime, perfectly blended.
- Poland Spring $2.25
- San Pelligrino $3.00
- Snapple $2.75
- Diet Coke $2.75
A crisp, refreshing taste you know and love with zero calories.
- Coke $2.75
The cold, refreshing, sparkling classic that America loves.
Pastas
- Pasta Broccoli $27.00
Fresh broccoli florest sauteed in garlic and oil.
- Pasta Carbonara $29.25
Imported pancetta, onions sauteed in a classic creamy parmesan cheese sauce.
- Pasta Marinara $22.50
Garlic and herb plum tomato sauce.
- Pasta Al Forno $25.00
Our version of the classic baked ziti.
- Pasta Fiorentina $30.00
Baked chicken,spinach and mozzrella sauteed in creamy pink sauce.
- Pasta And Meatballs $26.50
Meatballs and traditional Italian tomato sauce.
- Pasta Shrimp Oreganate $30.50
Shrimp and spinach sauteed in garlic and white wine scampi sauce, topped with toasted breadcrumbs.
- Pasta Shrimp Marinara $30.50
Shrimp sauteed in garlic and herb plum tomato sauce.
- Pasta Alfredo $27.25
Classic creamy parmesan cheese sauce.
- Pasta Alla Vodka $27.00
Imported prosciutto sauteed in creamy vodka sauce.
- Pasta Garlic & Oil $22.50
Sauteed Garlic and extra virgin olive oil.
- Pasta Bolognese $27.25
Southern Italian ground veal meat sauce, topped with fresh ricotta.
Entrees
- Meatball Parm Platter $20.50
Homemade meatballs, topped with tomato sauce and melted mozzarella.
- Chicken Semi-Freddo $26.25
Grilled or fried chicken cutlets topped with mixed greens, red onion, shaved parmesan & cherry tomato salad
- Chicken Parm Platter $21.50
Fried chicken cutlets, topped with tomato sauce and melted mozzarella.
- Eggplant Parm Platter $20.50
Egg battered eggplant, topped with tomato sauce and melted mozzarella.
- Chicken Marsala $26.25
Chicken scallopine simmered in mushroom and Marsala wine brown sauce.
- Grilled Salmon $29.50
Grilled Norwegian salmon served over sauteed broccoli rabe and tuscan white beans.
- Chicken Francese $26.25
Egg battered chicken scallopine sauteed in white wine, lemon and butter sauce.
- Chicken Alla Vodka $22.75
fried chicken cutlets, topped with vodka sauce, diced prosciutto & melted mozzarella.
- Chicken Paillard $26.25
Grilled chicken topped with choice of sauteed spinach, broccoli or broccoli rabe.
Small Salads
- Small Pecan Salad $12.25
Mixed greens, honey roasted pecans, gorgonzola crumbles & balsamic vinaigrette
- Small Mediterranean Salad $12.25
Romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, pepperoncini, kalamata olives, chickpeas, onions, feta cheese & red wine vinaigrette
- Small Market Salad $12.25
Mixed greens, dried cranberries, candied walnuts, onions, goat cheese & balsamic vinaigrette
- Small Garden Salad $11.25
Iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, onions, red peppers, olive, cucumbers, mozzarella & Italian dressing
- Small Caesar Salad $11.25
Romaine lettuce, garlic croutons, parmesan shavings & dijon Caesar salad
Heros
- Chicken Parm Hero $16.75
- Meatball Parm Hero $15.50
- Chicken Alla Vodka Hero $17.75
Fried chicken cutlets, topped with vodka sauce,diced prosciutto & melted mozzarella
- Chicken Club Hero $15.50
Grilled or fried chicken cutlets, lettuce, tomatoes & italian dressing
- Eggplant Parm Hero $15.50
Side Pasta
- Side Pasta Bolognese $14.75
Southern Italian ground veal meat sauce.
- Side Pasta Garlic & Oil $13.75
Sauteed garlic and extra virgin olive oil.
- Side Pasta Vodka $14.75
Imported prosciutto sauteed in a creamy vodka sauce.
- Side Pasta Pomodoro $13.75
Traditional Italian tomato sauce.
- Side Pasta Marinara $13.75
Garlic and herb plum tomato sauce.
- Side Pasta Alfredo $14.75
Classic creamy parmesan cheese sauce.
Desserts
- Tiramisu $7.00
Sponge cake soaked in espresso, topped with mascarpone and coffee creams, dusted with cocoa powder.
Vegetables
- Side Of Spinach $10.25
Sauteed in garlic and oil.
- Side Of Broccoli Rabe $10.25
Sauteed in garlic and oil.
- Side Of Broccoli $10.25
Sauteed in garlic and oil.
Lena's Italian Kitchen Details
Service options
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Offerings
- Comfort food
- Vegetarian options
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Table service
Atmosphere
- Casual
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Parking
- Paid street parking
Lena's Italian Kitchen Photos










Lena's Italian Kitchen Location
Lena's Italian Kitchen
551 2nd Ave # 2F, New York, NY 10016, USA
Lena's Italian Kitchen Reviews
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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Wow! Placed order through uber eats. Very prompt service for lunchtime on Sunday. Incredibly tasty and great portion sizes. These were two side orders.I got the vodka sauce and the bolognese sides. They even threw in two rolls! The rolls might’ve been the best part - so fresh and filling. I will be ordering from here again.
March 02 · R. Jacob GilbertI’m 50/50 on my experience. The food was solid and I look forward to trying more dishes. But, I had a bad experience. I came in person to order a pick up order. I like to try to order directly with the restaurant so they don’t have to pay any unnecessary fees. I was quoted 10 minutes but they said likely even less. So I came back in 10 minutes. I waited in the lobby for another 20 minutes, even though I was only quoted
July 23 · Pat ZI ordered takeout from here and it was excellent! The food was delicious and the portions are huge. I thought the vodka sauce was done very nicely, not too thick or oily, and had green onion for some crunch. Also, not sure if it was the restaurant, but the food came super quickly, which was awesome. Overall, I recommend ordering out from here and I hope this helps!
June 20 · Matt DanielNot worth the price at all for the quality of food. Ordered pasta vodka with Extra Sauce and it not only came with way less sauce than desired, the sauce was too oily and had more veggies than sauce or meat.They also threw a small loaf of bread in the bag which I would’ve appreciated if it was packaged better. No aluminum foil or anything on it, it was just open in the bag next to the container of pasta.
May 05 · radNot sure who is cooking up the food but the food is absolutely amazing. My go to for take out Italian. The portions are generous, flavors are great and service is fast. Broccoli rabe is always on my order and their Mediterranean salad!Owner is also great and texted me to check how my meal was. Call them directly don’t use the apps to order!
January 09 · Vikas
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