Seemor

Canto Upper West SideB+Worth Trying

Name: Canto Upper West Side
Address: 2014 Broadway, New York, NY 10023, New York, United States
Rating: 4.7

2014 Broadway, New York, NY 10023 · Italian restaurant · 4.7/5 Google (778 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating

Lively Italian spot with standout carbonara and a viral frozen espresso martini, solid food, uneven service, and moderate pricing; great energy, but service consistency and crowding can frustrate.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

Canto Upper West Side delivers solid neighborhood Italian dining anchored by strong food quality—particularly excellent carbonara, lasagna, and steak—with attractive design and convenient location. However, inconsistent execution and polarized service prevent a higher grade; diners encounter either genuinely welcoming staff or rushed table turns, and kitchen output varies from exceptional to bland. The frozen espresso martini and reasonable value make it worth visiting, but reliability concerns keep it from competing with the area's premier dining destinations.

Restaurant Summary

The room feels warm and bustling, with a pretty mural, arch details, and a packed bar fueling the neighborhood vibe. Guests rave that the frozen espresso martini is a small but mighty treat, and more than one diner called service genuinely welcoming. Others hit rough patches—being rushed for table turns or waiting on drinks—so the experience hinges on timing and server rhythm. On the plate, it is elevated traditional Italian: rich carbonara crowned with an egg yolk, sturdy lasagna, and a Tuscan-style skirt steak with potatoes and arugula. Portions lean New York generous, so pasta plus a secondi is a feast. When the kitchen is on, the pastas sing; on off nights, a few found dishes bland or lukewarm. The value lands well for the neighborhood, especially with satisfying pastas in the mid-twenties. Families should fare fine thanks to kid-friendly staples like spaghetti with meatballs, carbonara, burger, and simple sides. Despite one complaint about attitude toward a child, most feedback points to accommodating staff and flexible pacing. Noise can be lively, so earlier seatings may suit younger diners best.

At a Glance

Viral frozen espresso martini lives up to hype
Carbonara, lasagna, and steak draw repeat visits
Service inconsistency from warm to rushed or inattentive
Loud room and tight tables at peak times
Good value for UWS given quality and portions

What Sets It Apart

frozen_espresso_martini
classic_italian_pasta_focus
attractive_bar_and_mural

What People Love

That frozen espresso martini treat
Rich, satisfying carbonara
Attentive service from named servers like Devon and Mateo
Cozy, lively atmosphere with a stylish bar

Points of Concern

Service can feel rushed with strict seating windows
Occasional bland or lukewarm pasta reported
Loud environment and tight table spacing at peak
Allergy handling mixed; one gluten cross-contact incident reported

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$55-72 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

For vegetarians, try Parmigiana di Melanzane or Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe
Seafood lovers should consider Linguine Vongole or Frutti di Mare pappardelle
Dessert fans: Ricotta Cheesecake or Chocolate Soufflé

Perfect For

Pre-Lincoln Center dinner with a good cocktail
Date night with classic Italian comfort
Casual catch-ups at the bar
Group birthdays that do not need hushed vibes

Location Insights

Area: Busy Upper West Side corridor near Lincoln Center; draws pre-theater crowds and neighborhood diners.

Safety: Generally safe, high foot traffic and lighting typical of Broadway on UWS.

Nearby: Near Lincoln Center, shops, apartments, and other Italian spots; convenient for pre- and post-show dining.

Lincoln SquareLincoln Square is a lively sub-area of the Upper West Side, anchored by the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. The dining scene here ranges from upscale restaurants to casual cafes, catering to theatergoers, local residents, and tourists. The atmosphere is sophisticated yet welcoming, with a focus on arts and culture.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday16:00–00:00 Tuesday16:00–00:00 Wednesday16:00–00:00 Thursday16:00–00:00 Friday12:00–00:00 Saturday11:00–00:00 Sunday11:00–00:00

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating

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