San Babila NYC Introduce
New York City's cafe scene is as diverse as its population, but every so often, a place emerges that offers a truly unique and transportive experience. San Babila NYC, a chic and casual Italian cafe on the Upper East Side, is one such place. Named after a famous square in Milan, the cafe brings a slice of Italian urbanity to the heart of New York. It's not just a spot for a quick caffeine fix; it’s a full-fledged dining destination that captures the vibrant and sophisticated spirit of Italian cafe culture. The moment you step inside, you are welcomed into an atmosphere that feels both distinctly European and comfortably New York. With its focus on great coffee, delicious food, and a lively ambiance, San Babila NYC has quickly become a local favorite for those seeking a break from the ordinary. Whether you're a neighborhood resident grabbing your morning espresso or a visitor looking for a delicious meal, the cafe provides a warm and inviting space that feels like a genuine escape from the city's hustle and bustle. The blend of a cozy cafe and a high-quality restaurant sets it apart, offering a versatility that caters to all occasions, from a solo breakfast to a celebratory dinner with friends.
The culinary philosophy at San Babila NYC is centered on authentic Italian flavors with a modern twist. The menu, while concise, is carefully curated to offer a memorable experience. Patrons have raved about dishes that evoke a true sense of place, such as the Risotto a la Milanese, a classic that is done with skill and precision. The offerings go beyond typical cafe fare, including a selection of signature cocktails and an impressive wine list featuring Italian varietals that perfectly complement the food. The attention to detail in the food and beverage program is what truly makes this cafe stand out. One review praises the "incredible" food and the "downtown" vibe, noting that it's "not your typical white tablecloth Italian spot you find up here." This speaks to the cafe's ability to offer a sophisticated yet relaxed dining experience. The friendly and knowledgeable staff are a key part of the experience, offering honest recommendations and ensuring that every guest feels welcome and well-cared for. From a quick bite to a full-course meal, every item on the menu is crafted with care, inviting diners to savor each moment. This dedication to quality and service is the reason why many locals are hoping it won't become "too popular to pop into for a last minute dinner decision."
San Babila NYC is conveniently located at 1355 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10021, USA. Its position on the bustling 2nd Avenue makes it a highly visible and accessible spot in the Upper East Side. The neighborhood is well-served by public transportation, with several bus routes and subway stations within walking distance, making it easy to reach from any part of Manhattan. The cafe's entrance is street-level, and the overall design is welcoming and easy to navigate. The presence of outdoor seating provides a charming setting to enjoy a coffee or a meal, adding to the European feel of the cafe. For those with pets, the policy of allowing dogs inside and outside is a major plus, making it a truly pet-friendly destination that encourages a leisurely and community-oriented atmosphere. This thoughtful approach to accessibility and guest comfort ensures that San Babila NYC is a welcoming space for all, from casual solo diners to small groups enjoying a meal together. The location, with its vibrant surroundings, contributes to the overall energy and appeal of the cafe, making it a perfect spot to people-watch and soak in the city life.
San Babila NYC offers a variety of services designed to provide a comfortable and convenient experience for its customers. These options cater to different dining preferences, whether you prefer to enjoy a meal on-site or take your food and coffee to go. The flexibility in their service model reflects a deep understanding of the New York lifestyle, offering quick and high-quality options for every need. The availability of multiple service options ensures that the cafe is a reliable choice no matter the occasion, from a spontaneous visit to a planned outing.
- Outdoor seating: A lovely option for enjoying your meal or coffee in the fresh air, perfect for sunny days.
- Takeout: For those on the move, this service allows you to grab your order quickly and efficiently.
- Dine-in: The cafe offers comfortable seating for a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience.
San Babila NYC has a number of features and highlights that set it apart from other cafes in the area. These attributes contribute to its unique character and have helped it build a loyal customer base. From the quality of their offerings to their operational efficiency, every detail is considered to enhance the customer experience. The combination of these features creates a welcoming and sophisticated environment that keeps customers coming back for more.
- Fast service: Customers have praised the quick and efficient service, ensuring a seamless experience even during busy times.
- Great coffee: As a cafe, their coffee is a highlight, consistently receiving praise for its quality and flavor.
- Accepts reservations: This option allows for better planning, especially for dinner, ensuring you can secure a table without a long wait.
- Bar onsite: The presence of a full bar with signature cocktails, beer, and wine adds a new dimension to the cafe experience.
- Dogs allowed: A welcoming policy for pet owners, making it a truly inclusive community spot.
To get in touch with San Babila NYC for reservations or inquiries, you can use the contact information provided below. Their staff is ready to assist you with any questions and help you plan your visit. The direct phone lines make it easy to make a reservation for a special occasion or to inquire about their menu. The accessibility of their contact information reflects a commitment to customer service and a desire to build a strong community connection.
Address: 1355 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10021, USA
Phone: (646) 448-4120
Mobile Phone: +1 646-448-4120
So, what is worth choosing about San Babila NYC? The answer is a blend of its authentic Italian vibe, high-quality offerings, and a truly exceptional customer experience. While one review notes that prices can be a "bit high for the size of the portions," particularly for certain dishes, this is balanced by the overall sentiment of the cafe being a worthwhile "interesting alternative." The focus on quality over quantity is a common practice in fine dining and is part of the experience. The desserts, like the Lotus Chocolate-Caramel, have been described as "pretty good," and the cocktails and wine list add a layer of sophistication that is not typically found in a standard cafe. The friendly, well-trained staff are consistently highlighted in reviews, with one customer expressing how they were "welcomed...with the warmest greeting" and given a "perfect option" recommendation. This kind of personalized service makes every guest feel valued. The ambiance is another major draw, with a "downtown" vibe that sets it apart from other Upper East Side spots. San Babila NYC is the perfect destination for a variety of occasions, from a quick solo breakfast to a relaxed brunch or a sophisticated dinner. Its unique character, combined with a commitment to great food and service, makes it a standout choice for anyone looking for a genuine taste of Italian culture right here in New York City.
San Babila NYC Menu
Signature Cocktails
- Amaretto $16.00
- Not Your Negroni $17.00
- Estate Spritz $18.00
- Paloma $20.00
- Vesuvio Old Fashioned $19.00
- Tizzone $18.00
- Amalfi Sour $17.00
White
- Alta Mora, Etna Bianco, 2023 $17.00
- Borgo Conventi, Sauvignon Blanc, 2023 $15.00
- Feudi Di San Gregorio "Cutizzi, Greco Di Tufo, 2022 $18.00
Sparkling
- Villa Sandi, Prosecco Fresco $15.00
- Nino Franco, "Rustico", Prosecco $18.00
Red
- Cantine Povero, Barolo Priore, 2020 $22.00
- Il Poggione, Rosso Di Montalcino, 2022 $21.00
- Mazzei, "Ser Lapo" Chianti Classico Riserva, 2018 $20.00
Others
- Cacio E Tre Pepe $32.00
- Rigatoni All'aragosta $38.00
San Babila NYC Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Takeout
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great coffee
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Quick bite
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Seating
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Pets
- Dogs allowed
- Dogs allowed inside
- Dogs allowed outside
San Babila NYC Photos










San Babila NYC Location
San Babila NYC Reviews
italiandinnerpastriescacio e pepecocktailstruffle potatoburratacaesar saladrigatonifettuccine bolognese
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1At this new Italian restaurant you are treated kindly by well trained and friendly waitresses who recommend honestly diner options. From the variety of dishes, we specially liked the Risotto a la Milanese. Desserts were pretty good specifically the Lotus Chocolate-Caramel.We found the prices a bit high for the size of the portions, which in some cases were really small.An interesting alternative!
September 09 · M. H.Have been so excited to go to San Bablia after trying their coffee and pastries during their soft opening last month. I was hoping for a good local spot for dinner, and I was blown away by the food an ambiance. Truly one of the best restaurants in UES, not your typical white tablecloth Italian spot you find up here. The vibe feels downtown, the food is incredible, and my only concern is that it’ll become too popular to pop into for a last minute dinner decision.
August 19 · Joey KimmelThrilled to welcome a new Italian restaurant to the UES! Every dish we ordered was outstanding, so much so that we immediately ordered a second round of the truffle potato cacio e pepe the moment we finished the first. Other standouts were the burrata with tomatoes and figs, fettuccine bolognese, cacio e tre pepe, and rigatoni all’aragosta. Each dish was artfully plated and full of flavor. The cocktails were also fantastic!Service was excellent — very friendly and attentive. The space itself is beautifully designed and has a great vibe. Can’t wait to go back soon!
June 29 · Brittany KunkelI don’t normally review places but I had to for this restaurant. One of the best experiences I have had in NYC. Executive chef came out and made sure the food was perfect (it was). Gave us bread to soak up the sauce from the meatballs too! At the end surprised us with a cannoli dessert. Amazing experience will be sure to come back
September 12 · Connor NgIt’s very rare that you go to a new restaurant for the first time and enjoy everything you ordered with no complaints. That was my experience at San Babila! Before I get into the food, the ambience is very nice. It’s cozy yet modern, with beautiful green and gold decor and comfortable seating. Perfect for a date night, girls night out, drinks and a bite with friends, and even an intimate family dinner.Now the really good stuff! I started with an Espresso Martini which was one of the best I’ve had in a while, and then my table ordered a few starters (Burrata, Fritto Misto, & Guazzetto di Pesce) which were all phenomenal! The lobster sauce in the Guazzetto di Pesce could be bottled up and sold on shelves it’s SO.GOOD. Second round of drinks we ordered their version of the Speranza (vodka, muddled basil, mint, sweet & sour), it was refreshing and the perfect palette cleanser for more food. For entrees, my friends ordered the Rigatoni all’Aragosta (which was also seasoned to perfection, flavor out of this world), and I ordered the Filetto di Branzino (cooked perfectly, skin was pan seared nice and crispy). There was no food left on any plate. I can’t wait to go back and try more items on the menu. They offer brunch as well, so I’m looking forward to trying the brunch menu very soon! Super bonus (lol) the owners are lovely people as well, and all of the staff were very friendly and attentive.-Jerome of ArtsyBlackBoy
July 04 · ArtsyBlackBoy
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