San Pietro Introduce
New York City's dining scene is a world-class tapestry of culinary traditions, and Italian cuisine holds a special place in the hearts of New Yorkers. From cozy neighborhood trattorias to opulent fine-dining establishments, the city is home to an incredible array of options. Among these, San Pietro stands out as a restaurant that embodies a sense of history, authenticity, and upscale charm. Located in the bustling, yet elegant, Midtown East neighborhood, San Pietro has built a reputation for providing a dining experience that feels both refined and deeply personal. It's the kind of place where a meal is not just about the food, but about the entire atmosphere, from the moment you step through the door to the last sip of coffee. This article will provide an in-depth look at what makes San Pietro a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a truly classic Italian meal in New York.
The restaurant industry in New York City is a vital part of the urban economy and culture. With over 25,000 restaurants, according to data from organizations like the New York State Restaurant Association, the competition is fierce. To succeed, an establishment must offer more than just good food; it must create a unique identity and foster a loyal clientele. San Pietro has been a part of this landscape for decades, and its staying power speaks volumes about its ability to maintain high standards. While some businesses have faced criticism, as reflected in a few public reviews, it's clear that San Pietro has also cultivated a dedicated following. A review from a long-time patron highlights the restaurant's legacy and the exceptional service provided by its long-term staff, particularly a "fantastic" head waiter who is considered "the real reason why this restaurant still operates." The review notes a significant improvement in a recent visit, moving their rating up to four stars, which suggests a commitment to evolving and addressing past issues. This kind of resilience and focus on customer relationships is what separates a truly enduring establishment from a fleeting trend. The restaurant is known for its classic approach to Italian fare, inspired by Southern Italian cuisine, and for its elegant, historic, and romantic atmosphere, which attracts both tourists and a loyal local crowd.
San Pietro is located at 18 E 54th St, New York, NY 10022, a prime address in the heart of Midtown East. The location is incredibly convenient for a wide range of visitors. It's situated near major corporate headquarters, world-class shopping destinations on Fifth and Madison Avenues, and iconic landmarks like Rockefeller Center. Accessibility is a key advantage, with multiple subway stations within easy walking distance, including the E and M lines at 5th Avenue-53rd Street and the B, D, F, and M lines at 47-50 Sts-Rockefeller Center. This makes it a perfect spot for a business lunch or a special dinner before or after a show. The restaurant also provides a welcoming and inclusive environment with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom, and seating, ensuring that all guests can enjoy their experience comfortably. The area is bustling with activity but offers a sense of exclusivity and elegance that matches the restaurant's upscale atmosphere.
San Pietro offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to accommodate various dining preferences.
- Outdoor seating: For a romantic or relaxed dining experience, the outdoor seating option allows guests to enjoy the vibrant city atmosphere.
- Curbside pickup, Delivery, and Takeout: In a fast-paced city like New York, the availability of these options is crucial. They provide a convenient way for customers to enjoy San Pietro's high-quality food in the comfort of their own homes or offices.
- Dine-in: This is the core offering, allowing patrons to immerse themselves in the cozy, historic, and romantic ambiance of the restaurant.
- Catering: For special events or corporate functions, San Pietro provides catering services, bringing its celebrated cuisine to your private gathering.
- Counter service and Table service: These options provide flexibility, catering to different dining styles and speeds.
The features and highlights of San Pietro are what truly set it apart as a premier Italian restaurant.
- Exceptional beverage program: The restaurant is highlighted for its "great cocktails," "great coffee," and an impressive "great wine list," with a bar on-site. This indicates a strong commitment to a complete dining experience, where drinks are as meticulously crafted as the food.
- Culinary offerings: The menu is extensive and includes a variety of traditional Italian dishes, from fresh salads to a range of pastas, meats, and seafood. The inclusion of "small plates" and "vegetarian options" ensures there is something for everyone. The menu includes authentic dishes like 'Ravioli San Pietro' and 'Spaghettoni Con Pomodorini Del Piennolo', showcasing a focus on high-quality ingredients and classic preparation.
- Atmosphere: Described as "cozy," "historic," "romantic," "trendy," and "upscale," the atmosphere is one of the restaurant's most significant assets. The reviews mention a "step back in time" feel and being "greeted like an old family friend," which speaks to the establishment's welcoming and nostalgic charm.
- Popularity: San Pietro is a popular choice for lunch, dinner, and even solo dining, and it attracts a diverse crowd of family-friendly groups and tourists, in addition to locals.
- Planning: The fact that reservations are recommended, particularly for dinner, is a clear sign of its popularity and high demand, making it wise for guests to plan ahead.
- Convenient payments: The acceptance of credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments makes the transaction process smooth and hassle-free.
San Pietro's contact information is straightforward for guests wishing to make a reservation or inquire about services. The address is 18 E 54th St, New York, NY 10022, USA. The phone number is (212) 753-9015, and the mobile phone number is +1 212-753-9015. Having this information readily available is essential for planning a visit to this popular establishment.
So, what makes San Pietro worth choosing? While some past reviews may highlight customer service issues, it's clear that the restaurant has been able to maintain a loyal following and, in some cases, even win back customers by focusing on its strengths. The glowing review that talks about the "fantastic" long-time head waiter and the "excellent" food demonstrates that the core of the restaurant's appeal remains strong. It's a place where the food, inspired by rustic and classic Italian fare, "did not skip a beat." The atmosphere, described as taking "a step back in time," offers a unique and authentic experience that is rare to find in a city that is constantly changing. For those seeking an upscale, romantic, and cozy setting with a focus on high-quality, authentic Italian dishes, San Pietro is an excellent choice. It’s a place for a special occasion, a celebratory dinner, or simply a night out when you want to feel transported to a different era and enjoy a truly classic meal with attentive service. The "great cocktails," "great wine list," and delicious desserts further enhance the dining experience, making it a complete package for anyone looking for a memorable meal in Midtown Manhattan.
San Pietro Vibe
In Salate
- Insalata Di Spinaci, Zucca, Noci E Mozzarella $23.00
Spinach salad with pumpkin, walnuts, mozzarella evoo, and lemon juice.
- Insalata Di Carciofini Arrostiti E Marinati $24.00
Warm artichokes salad with celery, bottarga, evoo, and lemon juice.
- Insalata Di Lattuga Romana Con Pepperoni E Melanzane $23.00
Romaine lettuce, marinated peppers, eggplant, sun-dried tomatoes, pecorino cheese, vinegar, and evoo.
- Insalata Di Rinforzo Invernale $26.00
Winter greens, Italian salami with poached duck egg, evoo, lemon, and robiola cheese.
- Insalata Di Salmone Calda Agli Agrumi $28.00
Citrus marinated wild salmon lightly seared with braised radicchio and aged balsamic vinegar.
Le Carne
- Battute Di Vitello All’agro Con Spinaci $60.00
Thin veal scaloppini with lemon juice, capers, and spinach.
- Costata D’agnello Al Forno Con Cavoletti $60.00
Oven-baked rack of lamb with herbs, mixed peppercorn, brussels sprouts, and turnip.
Il Pesce
- Ippoglosso Arrosto Con Puntarelle E Ceci $60.00
Roasted Halibut with puntarelle, chicory, chickpeas, and hot peppers.
- Orata Al Forno Alla Mediterranea $60.00
Oven-baked sea bream with black olives, capers, anchovies, red and yellow cherry tomatoes, potatoes, garlic, and parsley.
- Branzino In Crosta Di Sale Marino $56.00
San Pietro’s signature dish. Branzino baked in sea salt and fresh herbs crust. Served with a warm salad of savory cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflowers, with evoo and lemon juice.
Risotti
- Riso Venere Con Polpo, Seppie E Pomodoro Giallo $46.00
Black rice risotto with octopus, cattle fish, and yellow cherry tomato.
- Risotto Con Radicchio Fagioli E Taleggio $38.00
Risotto with radicchio, beans and taleggio cheese.
- Risotto Al Giallo Con Zucca E Salsiccia $38.00
Risotto with saffron, pumpkin, and Italian sausage
La Pasta
- Ravioli San Pietro $39.00
Ravioli filled with buffalo mozzarella and porcini mushrooms, San Marzano tomato sauce, and basil.
- Spaghettoni Con Pomodorini Del Piennolo $38.00
The classic Salerno style spaghettoni with Neapolitan hills cherry tomatoes and basil.
- Tagliolini Cacio E Pepe Dei 7 Re Di Roma $38.00
Homemade tagliolini pasta with pecorino cheese, black pepper, golden onion, smoked pork cheek, and egg yolk.
- Fidanzati Con Ragu Di Vitello E Parmegiano $39.00
Intertwined shaped pasta with veal ragu and parmigiano cheese.
- Bavette Al Peperoncino Con Pomodorino Giallo Del Piennolo Del Golfo Di Salerno $46.00
Spicy linguini with clams, mussels, shrimp, parsley, garlic, and breadcrumbs.
- Pasta Mista Della Nonna Con Fagioli $38.00
Mixed shaped pasta, beans, and smoked pork cheek in garlic and evoo.
- Paccheri Della Domenica $39.00
A traditional Sunday dinner. Rigatoni with sausage, lamb, beef, tomato ragu topped with dry sheep milk ricotta cheese.
Le Zuppe
- Zuppa Di Cappuccio Porcini E Guanciale Di Maiale $24.00
Winter soup with cabbage porcini mushrooms, pork cheek, laurel, and wild fennel.
- Zuppa Di Pomodoro Giallo Con Vegetali Invernali $24.00
Vegetarian. Yellow tomato soup with winter vegetables
- Zuppa Di Legumi E Spinaci $24.00
Winter soup with legumes and spinach.
Il Pollo
- Suprema Di Pollo In Crosta Di Parmigiano $48.00
Chicken breast seared in parmigiano cheese with artichokes and lemon juice.
- Pollo Presidenziale $48.00
Presidential chicken- Roasted white and dark meat with sausage, rape, and spicy cherry peppers
- Pollo Capri 2020-2021 $48.00
Capri style chicken breast, baked with sundried tomatoes, olive, basil, and primo sale cheese.
Contorni
- Cavolfiori Tre Colori Al Pomodoro E Pecorino $22.00
Braised three-color cauliflower with tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and pecorino cheese.
- Patate Arrosto Al Rosmarino E Pepe Nero $20.00
Roasted potatoes with rosmary and black pepper
- Spinaci Al Forno Con Parmigiano E Robiola $22.00
Oven-baked spinach with parmesan and robiola cheese.
- Broccoli Di Rape Con Aglio, Evoo And Pepperoncino $22.00
Broccoli rabe with garlic, evoo, and hot chili pepper.
Antipasti
- Frittura Di Calamari E Carciofin $32.00
Pan fried calamari and artichokes.
- Ostriche In Bella Vista $42.00
A dozen oysters on the half shell with salmon caviar.
- Polpette Di Pollo Con Salsa Di Peperoni $32.00
Chicken breast meatballs with sweet pepper sauce.
- Filetto Di Manzo Al Crudo $46.00
Filet mignon carpaccio with mushrooms, baby kale, shavings of parmigiano cheese, evoo, and lemon.
- Polpo Arrosto Con Patate Bollite $36.00
Roasted octopus with poached potatoes, capers, black olives, garlic and anchovies’ juice, and bottarga.
- Tortino Di Carciofi E Porri Con Pecorino $28.00
Oven-baked strained artichokes and leeks with pecorino, sautéed cherry tomatoes, and cauliflower; capers, spicy anchovies and olives.
- Quaglie Del Cacciatore $45.00
Roasted jumbo quail stuffed with prosciutto, spinach, and mozzarella, with braised figs and white truffle sauce.
- Salsiccia Dolce E Picante Con Salsa Di Pomodorini E Cipolla Rossa $32.00
Homemade sweet and spicy Italian sausage with yellow and red cherry tomatoes and sweet red onions.
San Pietro Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Curbside pickup
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Historic
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
San Pietro Photos










San Pietro Location
San Pietro Reviews
priceswineappetizerfishwalkingdollarsvealbottle of watercheckart
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Update... So we returned after the incident from about five years ago below. The owner wasn't there today, but the long-time head waiter, who is fantastic, and the real reason why this restaurant still operates took great care of us today. The food was excellent as well. I'm going to move my rating up from one star to four stars based on this recent visit...I have been going to San Pietro for years and have recommended it many times to friends and colleagues, but from my previous experience, it will be the last time that I ever visit the place. I had taken a client out to lunch who happens to be over 90 years old and hard of hearing. He inadvertently ordered the wrong main course and asked for it to be changed. The owner ran to our table, yelled, and threw a fit over the request. In all of my years entertaining, I had never seen anything so unprofessional, especially from a place supposedly this high-end.It was horrifying, to say the least, and I could tell that the waiter (who is great, btw) was incredibly embarrassed. As I was leaving the restaurant I walked over to the owner and let him know that I didn't appreciate his treatment of my elderly client and his response to me was "this is my house, get out". With an attitude and treatment of customers like that, it won't be his house much longer. Needless to say, I won't be recommending or returning to San Pietro ever again.
March 19 · A RTake a step back in time! The service here is what truly separates the spot from other restaurants! You are greeted like an old family friend and given the specials by your uncle! It was great! The food was inspired by rustic classic Italian fare and did not skip a beat!
July 04 · J JarmanWe had a reservation at 7 pm - get to the restaurant at 6:55 and we got in trouble by the waiter for not calling ahead. The whole meal was chaotic from start to finish. They didn’t refill waters (beware they charge $10 for 1 bottle of water and didn’t even offer tap water as an option).The food was just ok. We didn’t even get 1 of the dishes we ordered. The portions are very small and some dishes were salty.The worst part of the meal was when we got our check. Suddenly, our bill had different dishes than what we ordered and we were charged $235 dollars initially. We only got 1 salad, 1 entree pasta, and a small serving of eggplant Parmesan (pictured here) which was the special. We told our waiter about the wrong charges on the bill and he seemed irritated and took the check back. He brought it back with a few dollars knocked off. However the bill was still wrong. The head waiter then comes over and tells us that the eggplant Parmesan was usually $60(!!!) and he gave us a special price and he ended up charging $48 for it. He then up charged the price of all of the dishes we ordered by a few dollars. There’s only a few menus to go around for the whole restaurant so I couldn’t even reference it to double check the prices.Overall, we paid $134 (so $100 less than what they initially charged us). Between the mediocre food, poor service, and highly inflated prices - we were highly disappointed and would not go back.
December 10 · Ji-In MinEveryone is so cute in here and the food is sooo good. The mature waiter recommended us really good pasta and the tiramisu was delicious. Love it!
November 30 · Luna YuManolo made us feel like we were family for my mom’s bday. The food was clearly high quality ingredients and fresh pasta was amazing. Will definitely be back!
August 09 · allison skopec
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