Scalinatella

201 E 61st St, New York, NY 10065, United States
$$$ Italian restaurant
(444 Reviews)
Price Range $100+

Welcome to Scalinatella, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of New York City at 201 E 61st St. If you're in search of an authentic Italian dining experience that transcends ordinary meals, you've found your destination. This Italian restaurant brings you not just a meal, but an enchanting journey through Italy's rich culinary landscape.

From the moment you step down into Scalinatella, the dimly lit ambiance envelops you, inviting you to relax and indulge. The decor hints at old-world charm with its intimate setting and attentive white-jacketed servers, reminiscent of a bygone era where dining is more than just a necessity—it's a cherished experience.

Scalinatella is celebrated for its truly remarkable cuisine. Customers rave about the menu, which seamlessly marries tradition with modernity. For seafood lovers, the Dover Sole perfectly reflects the simple elegance of Italian cooking, and no visit is complete without trying the Eggplant Parmigiana, which has garnered effusive praise for its profound flavor and nuanced cooking. An array of well-loved dishes includes rich pastas and decadent lamb chops that leave nothing but smiles behind.

The complimentary small appetizers, such as the fresh seafood and zucchini salad, tantalize your taste buds and set the stage for what’s to come. Each bite thereafter is an orchestration of harmony and flavor, a sentiment echoed by satisfied diners. Lauren Jones, a delighted patron, shares, “After dining here, every other meal…feels like a shadow in comparison.” Such heartfelt testimonials encapsulate what Scalinatella is all about: creating unforgettable moments through exquisite food and attentive service.

While the restaurant's charm and quality are undeniable, some guests, like Sinclair Lim, have noted room for improvement in service dynamics. However, with Gian and his dedicated team raising the bar for gastronomic standards, it's clear that the overall experience at Scalinatella is one that you won't want to miss.

In a city flooded with dining options, Scalinatella stands out as a beacon for those who appreciate the artistry of Italian cuisine. With a commitment to quality and a passion for creating memorable experiences, this restaurant deserves its place on your list of must-try destinations in New York City. Treat yourself and experience a dining adventure that will have you coming back for more!

Accessibility
No wheelchair-accessible car park
No wheelchair-accessible entrance
Service options
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Has great wine list
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Serves spirits
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Cosy
Romantic
Trendy
Upmarket
Crowd
Good for groups
Planning
Reservations required
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Usually has a wait
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

12:00 AM - 2:30 PM

,

5:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Tuesday

12:00 AM - 2:30 PM

,

5:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Wednesday

12:00 AM - 2:30 PM

,

5:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Thursday

12:00 AM - 2:30 PM

,

5:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Friday

12:00 AM - 2:30 PM

,

5:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Saturday

12:00 AM - 2:30 PM

,

5:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Sunday

5:00 AM - 10:00 PM

444 Reviews
Lauren Jones

16 Sep 2025

I don’t say this lightly: this is hands down the best Italian restaurant in New York City. After dining here, every other meal—no matter how well-reviewed or hyped—feels like a shadow in comparison. I tell everyone about the food, the service and the experience. The fish (doesn’t matter what kind) is always going to be incredible, but even something as simple as eggplant parmigiana. Oh my gosh. Are you kidding me?! When they say “we’ll make anything you want” they literally will make anything you want that’s not on the menu and ruin that dish from every other dining experience ever again. A must go-to restaurant!

eunah k

12 Sep 2025

Food was good. Bolognese was little bit salty. But still good. size and grounded meat sauce are generous. Also they offer complimentary small appetizers. I liked Dover sole. Since Dover sole is my favorite fish, I have been tried Dover sole at many restaurants in NYC. The way it’a cooked is simple since I ordered plain one. It was great. It’s more difficult to cook delicious food with simple cooking method or no sauce .because there is no way to fake it. In this respect, Dover sole was great! And I expected to be higher price since many reviews complain about over price. Well.. price was fine ,compared to other restaurants in NYC. At least here , taste is good. There are countless restaurants in nyc pasta is $ 40 , but tastes terrible. And white truffles are fancy ingredients itself. Not surprising charge $100. (I did not order, i saw from the menu). And dover sole was $98. And .. dover sole is commonly over $80 ,easily go up over $ 100 anywhere in nyc . Issue is the service. They are friendly. However The way of manner is not refined . Too rush , no apologies for interrupting our conversation . Extremely obsessed with taking dirty plate away. I think they believe taking plates away is the most important role as a server. Service did not match for price. But again, food is good!

Lish 2X

31 Jul 2025

Love that they had sole and it was fairly priced. The blue Crab Appetizer was delicious, as was the eggplant parm and my friend had the lamb chops leaving nothing behind. oh and the pasta appetizer we had with truffles was soooo delicious. We ate a lot and left nothing behind.

Clay X

18 Jul 2025

Scalinatella is one of those rare spots in NYC that still feels like old-school Italian luxury — dimly lit, intimate, and effortlessly charming. The moment you walk down those stairs, you're transported to a different era: white-jacketed servers, a menu recited from memory, and that warm, lived-in elegance that only decades of history can bring. The food is consistently phenomenal — rich pastas, perfectly cooked seafood, and traditional dishes that feel like a warm hug from Nonna. No gimmicks, just classic Italian done right. What makes it extra special? The people-watching. On more than one occasion, I’ve seen celebrities dining quietly in the corner, which adds to the whole experience. It’s discreet, exclusive, and yet somehow still feels like a neighborhood secret

G P

21 Jun 2025

Food was all very good, they bring you zucchini & seafood salad to start N/C, we got this pasta medley and tartar dishes, everything was delicious, and service great too btw, definitely recommend this place!!

Louis Schornstein

03 Jun 2025

Where do I start? Gian and his team have set a new level for gastronomic standards! The experience we enjoyed is beyond that of spots that have been in existence for decades! The atmosphere is warm and inviting! The food quality and presentation is first class! The service makes you feel like you are part of the family! You will not be disappointed! Treat yourself to an experience of a lifetime! God Bless Blue & Gold!! God Bless America!!

Sinclair Lim

30 May 2025

All of food is way too good that I had to over rate more than what we experienced. BUT, I must say that verbal menu must be written with each price. All most $200 for fish over $100 for pasta are TOO MUCH. Also the system of waiters must be improved. He was asking what drinks to order 4 times to me while my friend is in a restroom. No rulls at all!

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