Seemor
Lincoln RistoranteA-Worth Trying
142 W 65th St, New York, NY 10023
· Italian restaurant, Fine dining restaurant, Restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (518 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Elegant, contemporary Italian next to Lincoln Center with refined dishes, stellar setting, and generally attentive service, though inconsistency and occasional pacing or saltiness issues can impact pre-show plans.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Lincoln Ristorante earns its A- grade through exceptional food quality—refined pastas, pristine crudo, and polished desserts—paired with a stunning glass-walled setting overlooking Lincoln Center's plaza. However, inconsistent execution on saltiness and pacing, particularly during pre-show service windows, prevents grade A territory. It's a strong choice for special occasions and arts-going evenings, though reliability concerns temper the experience.
Restaurant Summary
Set within Lincoln Center, the room feels modern and luminous with soaring glass that frames the plaza and reflecting pool. Guests praise the polish: "Service felt thoughtful and unhurried," while others note pre-show rush can turn seamless into hurried. Expect an arts-going crowd and special-occasion ambiance. The cooking leans contemporary Italian: refined crudo, deft pastas, and premium ingredients like truffles and prime beef. Dishes feel precise and seasonal rather than flashy; when the kitchen is on, plates sing with balance. A few reviews cite oversalted items or slow pacing, but many find the experience worth the splurge for quality and setting. Families do fine here. There is no formal kids menu, but the team can prepare simple butter-and-cheese pasta, and approachable options like roast chicken and rigatoni help. Portions skew elegant over hearty, so younger diners who like plain flavors will appreciate simplified pastas and shared starters.
At a Glance
- Stunning glass-walled dining room with Lincoln Center views
- Refined pastas, seafood, and desserts earn frequent praise
- Pre-show pacing can slip; several reports of delays
- Occasional oversalted dishes and rushed clearing
- Private events may cancel reservations on short notice
What Sets It Apart
- floor_to_ceiling_Lincoln_Center_views
- pre_show_timing_coordination
- premium_truffle_program
What People Love
- The dramatic, light-filled dining room
- Polished service that coordinates with curtain times
- Luxurious truffle and seafood preparations
- Balanced desserts and thoughtful presentation
Points of Concern
- Service pacing can falter near curtain; a few parties left without entrees
- Some reports of oversalted dishes affecting enjoyment
- Reservation cancellations for private events frustrate repeat guests
- Pricing is genuinely expensive ($42+ mains) which may surprise casual diners
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$95-135 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair a light crudo with a richer pasta to balance courses
- Choose one premium truffle dish per table to share given richness
- If sensitive to salt, request lighter seasoning when ordering
Perfect For
- Pre-show dinner before opera or ballet
- Elegant date night with plaza views
- Business dinners where setting matters
- Celebrating milestones with refined Italian cuisine
Location Insights
Area: Cultural hub anchored by Lincoln Center; upscale arts-going crowd and special-occasion dinners.
Safety: Generally very safe, well-lit, with steady foot traffic before and after performances.
Nearby: Steps from Metropolitan Opera, ballet, and concert halls; close to Columbus Ave dining and Upper West Side.
Upper West SideThe Upper West Side offers a diverse dining scene ranging from casual eateries to upscale restaurants, catering to a community that values both tradition and contemporary culture. The area is known for its safe, family-friendly atmosphere and accessibility to cultural institutions like Lincoln Center, attracting a mix of locals and visitors seeking quality dining experiences.
Lincoln SquareLincoln Square, centered around Lincoln Center, is a cultural hub with a refined dining environment featuring upscale restaurants and cafes that cater to theatergoers and affluent locals. The area blends artistic vibrancy with residential calm, making it a sought-after micro-neighborhood within the Upper West Side.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday16:00–21:00
Wednesday16:00–21:00
Thursday16:00–21:00
Friday16:00–21:00
Saturday16:00–21:00
Sunday
Available: Reservations, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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