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Luna RossaA-Worth Trying

Name: Luna Rossa
Address: 347 E 85th St, New York, NY 10028, New York, United States
Rating: 4.6

347 E 85th St, New York, NY 10028 · Italian restaurant, Dessert restaurant, Delivery Restaurant · 4.6/5 Google (209 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating

Cozy Upper East Side Italian with warmly attentive service and reliably tasty pastas; pricing skews high for the neighborhood but regulars swear by the hospitality.

Why it gets an A- for overall quality

Luna Rossa earns its A- grade through exceptional service warmth and attentiveness paired with solid food quality in classic Italian preparations. Consistent execution and strong repeat-customer loyalty reinforce reliable dining, though the intimate but tight setting and neighborhood positioning prevent the distinctive appeal needed for grade A. A trusted neighborhood gem that delivers on hospitality and honest cooking.

Restaurant Summary

A snug Upper East Side room where the greeting feels warm and personal, Luna Rossa draws regulars who swear it is their weekly ritual. Service is described as attentive and kind without fuss, the sort that quietly splits plates and checks in at the right moments. One diner summed it up: "They welcomed us like regulars and anticipated what we needed." The setting is cozy and charming, lively but usually conversation-friendly. The cooking leans classic Italian with thoughtful touches: al dente pastas, bright sauces, and seafood done right. Favorites include linguine with clams, eggplant parmigiana, salmon, and a fig-accented gnocchi that regulars love. This is not theatrical cuisine; it is produce-driven comfort with some elegant notes, backed by a small but capable wine list. Pricing runs high for a neighborhood spot, but most diners feel the hospitality and execution justify it. Families do fine here, especially earlier in the evening. The menu offers kid-friendly options like plain pastas and chicken, plus simple sides (fries, spinach). There is no explicit kids menu, but staff are happy to accommodate tweaks. Adventurous options exist, yet picky eaters can stay within familiar territory.

At a Glance

Cozy neighborhood vibe with regulars and welcoming staff
Consistently good pastas and seafood with balanced flavors
Service is warm, attentive, and flexible about requests
Pricing is on the higher side for the setting
A few older delivery/phone complaints outside dine-in experience

What Sets It Apart

warm_regulars_culture
cozy_neighborhood_atmosphere
attentive_long-tenured_staff

What People Love

Feeling like part of the neighborhood family
Perfectly cooked al dente pasta
Servers who anticipate needs
Cozy, charming room that encourages lingering
Reliable seafood options

Points of Concern

Pricing can surprise first-timers (pastas around $27-29, mains $30-36)
Space is small; can feel a bit loud or tight at peak times
Older delivery and phone issues noted; dine-in experiences are stronger
Wine felt slightly overpriced to some guests

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$63-82 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Start with Melanzane alla Parmigiana or Tuna Carpaccio for contrast of comfort vs. freshness
Share one pasta and one secondi to balance richness and cost
If you want mild flavors, choose Tagliatelle Bolognese or Trofie al Pesto (no nuts listed)

Perfect For

Weeknight date with comforting Italian classics
Small birthday celebration with friendly service
Solo or duo pasta craving near 2nd Ave
Out-of-town visitors seeking a low-key UES gem

Location Insights

Area: Quiet residential Upper East Side block with local regulars and date-night traffic; intimate, neighborhood vibe.

Safety: Generally safe, well-lit streets with steady foot traffic common for UES evenings.

Nearby: Near 2nd Ave corridor dining, close to Yorkville apartments, casual bars, and crosstown bus lines.

YorkvilleYorkville offers a quieter, more residential dining scene compared to the busier parts of the Upper East Side, with a variety of casual eateries, neighborhood bistros, and some upscale dining options. The area is known for its safe, community-oriented atmosphere and accessibility to parks and local shops.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday15:00–22:30 Tuesday15:00–22:30 Wednesday15:00–22:30 Thursday15:00–22:30 Friday15:00–22:30 Saturday15:00–22:30 Sunday12:00–21:00

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating

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