Seemor
UlivoA-Worth Trying
4 W 28th St, New York, NY 10001
· Italian restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (797 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Handmade pasta and warm Italian hospitality in NoMad; lively room, strong cocktails, fair-to-good value for the area, with occasional service-policy missteps and noise.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Ulivo delivers exceptional food quality anchored by handmade pastas and pristine seafood, supported by attentive, warm service that elevates the experience. The tight table spacing and ambient noise during peak hours prevent grade A territory, though reliable execution and good value for NoMad positioning make this a competitive neighborhood destination for pasta lovers.
Restaurant Summary
Ulivo feels like a slice of NoMad that bustles without bluster: a warm room, bar chatter, and servers with lilting accents who guide you through the pasta board. One diner summed it up: "We were welcomed, paced well, and the food arrived hot." Expect a lively dining room, a cozy modern look, and staff that leans genuinely hospitable. The kitchen cooks with a classic hand rather than flashy tricks—handmade noodles, pristine clams, and simple sauces tuned for balance. Think linguine alle vongole, carbonara with real guanciale, and a pistachio-basil pesto that tastes bright, not heavy. It reads like elevated trattoria fare, built on good ingredients and a measured touch more than chef theatrics. Families do fine here. Kids can land on pizzas, spaghetti pomodoro, or ravioli, and portions are shareable. There is no explicit kids menu, but straightforward choices abound; just know the room can get quite loud at peak and tables may feel cozy for bigger families.
At a Glance
- Handmade pasta with consistent praise for vongole and carbonara
- Warm, attentive Italian-leaning service with helpful recommendations
- Good value for NoMad given portion sizes and quality
- Noise and tight tables during peak hours
- Reports of automatic 20% gratuity and inconsistent complaint handling
What Sets It Apart
- house_made_pasta_daily
- Italian_staff_hospitality
- balanced_wine_and_cocktail_program
What People Love
- Handmade noodles that taste freshly rolled
- Seafood dishes cooked just right
- Cocktails and aperitivo done properly
- Staff that feels welcoming without fuss
Points of Concern
- Room can be loud and tables feel tight during peak hours
- A repeat guest reported automatic 20% gratuity; clarify policies before paying
- Complaint handling varies; some fixes minimal (e.g., lemons for fishy pasta)
- Group prix fixe experience reported as poor value; confirm portions and payment rules in advance
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$58-78 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For vegetarians: Spaghetti pomodoro ($25) or mafaldine pistachio pesto ($30) with a Rughetta salad ($15).
- Seafood lovers: Linguine alle vongole ($30) and branzino ($50) make a balanced duo.
- Sharing start: Zucchine fritte ($16) and calamari fritti ($25) cover crisp and tender.
Perfect For
- Date night over pasta and wine
- Business dinner near Madison Square Park
- Family meal with shareable Italian classics
- Solo bar bite and a spritz off-peak
Location Insights
Area: Lively NoMad corridor near Madison Square Park; after-work drinks, date nights, and hotel traffic blend with locals.
Safety: Well-traveled, well-lit blocks with steady evening foot traffic; typical Midtown safety profile.
Nearby: Near Madison Square Park, boutique hotels, offices, and Broadway transit; walkable to Flatiron and Koreatown.
NoMadNoMad (North of Madison Square Park) is a trendy neighborhood with a vibrant dining scene featuring upscale restaurants, casual eateries, and boutique hotels. The area blends historic architecture with modern developments, attracting a diverse crowd seeking both business and leisure experiences.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–23:00
Tuesday12:00–23:00
Wednesday12:00–23:00
Thursday12:00–23:00
Friday12:00–00:00
Saturday12:00–00:00
Sunday12:00–23:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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