Seemor
Serano's ItalianA-Worth Trying
132 W 31st St, New York, NY 10001
· Italian restaurant, Gluten-free restaurant
· 4.9/5 Google (173 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Gluten-free focused Italian spot near Penn Station with standout pastas, Detroit-style square pizzas, and warm service; great for celiacs and pre-MSG meals, but pizzas divide opinions and prices can climb.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Serano's Italian delivers solid A-grade performance through strong food quality anchored by excellent pasta and fried starters, paired with warm, attentive service. However, inconsistent pizza execution and moderate authenticity concerns prevent grade A territory. The convenient Midtown location and exceptional gluten-free protocols make it a reliable neighborhood choice, particularly for celiacs seeking careful kitchen practices.
Restaurant Summary
A few blocks from Penn Station, the room feels warm and bustling without the Midtown frenzy. Servers are frequently called out by name and the tone is welcoming, with diners noting, "they really took care of us" as plates of fried mozzarella and square pies land quickly. However, there are moderate authenticity concerns given templated owner replies and enthusiastic clusters. The cooking leans elevated Italian-American with house-made pasta and a punchy Calabrian thread—think vodka rigatoni and a Detroit-style square pie that divides some palates. It is classic comfort with polish rather than culinary theater; fried starters and rich sauces earn raves, while pizza texture varies. For celiacs, the kitchen is unusually careful and clearly flagged, a major draw. Families do fine here: staff handled a stroller and there are kid-amenable choices like cheese pizza, spaghetti marinara, and simple salads. Portions can skew modest on some pastas, but panini are big. If your crew prefers plain, note the square pizza style and occasional heat; otherwise, the menu has plenty for picky eaters.
At a Glance
- Exceptional gluten-free execution across pasta, pizza, and desserts
- Warm, attentive service with quick pre-event timing
- Pizza consistency varies; some found crust and flavor lacking
- Midtown pricing with occasional small pasta portions
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- extensive_gluten_free_menu
- detroit_style_square_pizza
- steps_from_penn_station
What People Love
- House-made pasta with rich sauces
- Celiac-safe diligence and GF fryer
- Crispy fried mozzarella and zucchini
- Convenient location near trains and events
- Friendly servers who guide choices
Points of Concern
- Pizza can be inconsistent in texture and flavor based on several reports
- Some diners felt portions small for price; one carbonara too salty
- One serious allegation of discriminatory seating (isolated but notable)
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (templated responses, staff name repetition) which may not reflect typical experience
- Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters if avoiding square pies and chili heat
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$45-60 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Lean into pastas and fried starters for consistency
- Choose square pies if you enjoy crispy edges and richer sauces
- Celiacs: ask for GF flags and confirm GF fryer on fried items
Perfect For
- Pre-MSG or Penn Station meal with celiac diners
- Casual date night with comfort-food cravings
- Solo traveler grabbing quality Italian near transit
- Small groups seeking cozy, attentive service
Location Insights
Area: Busy Midtown South block serving commuters, office workers, and event-goers; casual, fast-moving, practical.
Safety: Well-trafficked commercial area; generally safe with constant foot traffic and lighting.
Nearby: Steps from Penn Station and MSG; hotels, offices, and casual dining nearby drive pre-event crowds.
KoreatownKoreatown is a vibrant dining destination famous for its concentration of Korean restaurants, karaoke bars, and late-night eateries. The area has a lively, energetic atmosphere with a mix of casual and upscale dining options, attracting both locals and visitors looking for authentic Korean cuisine and fusion dishes.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–21:30
Tuesday11:30–21:30
Wednesday11:30–21:30
Thursday11:30–21:30
Friday11:30–22:00
Saturday11:30–22:00
Sunday11:30–21:30
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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