Seemor
Lena's Italian KitchenBWorth Trying
551 2nd Ave # 2F, New York, NY 10016
· Italian restaurant, Delivery Restaurant, Restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (355 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout
Reliable, takeout-forward Italian-American with hearty portions, standout sauces and tiramisu; occasional service hiccups and delivery inconsistencies to note.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Lena's Italian Kitchen delivers solid neighborhood Italian-American comfort with strong food quality anchored by generous portions and well-executed sauces that travel well for delivery. Consistency challenges—occasional watery pasta, quoting discrepancies, and service variability—prevent a higher grade, though deep customer loyalty and repeat business confirm reliable core appeal. Best suited for convenient takeout rather than destination dining.
Restaurant Summary
The vibe here is straightforward and convenient—a counter-driven spot that churns out hefty trays of red-sauce comfort for office runs and weeknights. Reviewers talk about “leftovers for days” and sauces that beg for bread-mopping, though a few note quoting issues at pickup. Most orders land hot and generous; a minority report watery pasta or brusque counter exchanges. Cooking leans classic Italian-American: chicken parm, rigatoni in pink sauce, and penne vodka with a savory prosciutto-onion kick. It is comfort-first cooking more than culinary theater, with consistent love for meatballs, parm heroes, and the dependable tiramisu. If you want inventive plating, look elsewhere; if you want a saucy, satisfying bowl that survives delivery well, this is your move. For families, it is kid-friendly by menu: spaghetti marinara, chicken parm, garlic bread, fried mozzarella, and simple pastas are easy wins. There is no formal kids menu, but portions are shareable and prices sit midrange for NYC. Seating is limited, so plan on takeout or delivery for the smoothest family experience.
At a Glance
- Hearty portions and sauces travel well for delivery
- Crowd favorites include rigatoni Fiorentina, chicken parm, tiramisu
- Pickup wait times can exceed quoted estimates
- Occasional delivery mix-ups or watery/oily pasta reports
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- portion_heft_with_rolls
- rigatoni_fiorentina_devotees
- delivery_consistency_in_midtown
What People Love
- Feeling of a neighborhood staple
- Sauces that make the rolls disappear fast
- Big, satisfying parm heroes and pasta bakes
- Tiramisu that hits the comfort sweet spot
Points of Concern
- Pickup quotes sometimes inaccurate; expect extra 10-20 minutes at rush
- A few orders arrived watery or oily; quality varies occasionally
- Customer service can feel brusque; limited remedies when apps involved
- Review patterns show signs of mild marketing-style summaries but no strong manipulation indicators
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$34-$46 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Vegetarians: Spaghetti Marinara ($16.75), Tortellini Alfredo ($18.00), Fried Mozzarella ($11.50)
- Vegan-leaning: Penne Broccoli ($19.50), vegetable sides
- Value combo: Side pasta ($10-$11) plus meatballs ($11.50) and tiramisu ($5.50)
Perfect For
- A reliable weeknight takeout pasta fix
- Office lunches near Kips Bay hospitals
- Low-fuss Italian dinner at home
- Sharing portions with leftovers
Location Insights
Area: Residential-meets-institutional Kips Bay, near hospitals and apartments; practical, weekday foot traffic.
Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked; occasional complaints about noise from ventilation overnight.
Nearby: Close to NYU Langone hospitals, offices, and residential towers; strong delivery demand.
Murray HillMurray Hill offers a vibrant dining scene with a variety of casual eateries, bars, and mid-range restaurants catering primarily to young professionals and office workers. The neighborhood has a lively yet approachable atmosphere, balancing residential calm with weekday business energy.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–21:00
Tuesday11:00–21:00
Wednesday11:00–21:00
Thursday11:00–21:00
Friday11:00–21:00
Saturday
Sunday11:00–21:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout
View full analysis on Seemor →