Avena

I rarely post about restaurants but this one is ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Where art, design and food merge. My kind of place! Deliciously artful. Peaceful interior. Swiss chard "cappuccino" was a surprise gift, prosciutto/fig/burrata, pesto vegetarian lasagna, white/milk/dark chocolate mousse. Little sweet bites. Excellent service by Alfonso. Thank you Chef Roberto Deiaco! ✨

I experienced the best food and heartwarming service in Avena. I went to Avena two years ago for Christmas with my friend. We spent a year in the US as exchange students, and New York was our last destination on that long journey. Because of that, we were both not financially comfortable. We couldn't afford a full-course meal, so we decided to share small plates. It must be obvious to the worker that we couldn't tip them well. But no matter how little we ordered, the servers were extremely nice and treated us the same as other customers. Also, the chef divided all the dishes into two plates, even though we didn't ask. We were so touched by your service, and it was heartwarming. I am a picky eater, yet I finished all my plates. The way the food was cooked was flawless. I don't even have to mention texture, and the temperature was perfect. If there's any customer reading this, you should order mille-feuille for sure. Never skip the dessert from here. Thank you so much to Avena for making Christmas unforgettable in New York.

Absolutely my favorite restaurant in NYC. I show at NYFW each season and always bring my family, friends, and clients here. It is ALWAYS a win for everyone. Food is beyond decadent, atmosphere is so incredibly calm and just feels like you’ve stepped outside of time and space for a moment of relaxed elegance, and service is beyond top-notch. Cannot speak higher of any establishment. Avena is heavenly! Do not hesitate to go!

This Italian spot is incredible! Great for a group and/or special occasion. We went for a birthday luncheon, and the entire group loved their meal. We enjoyed the truffle risotto and many pastas. We also enjoyed a squash soup that was sent from the kitchen. Several in the group were vegetarian, and nobody was disappointed with their meal. The outdoor dining setup was nice, and the location on 66th St was quiet for NYC standards. We loved every bite! Definitely recommend saving room for dessert as well.

We stumbled across this restaurant looking only to have a mid afternoon coffee and pastry but after seeing the menu along w the staff sharing their daily specials, we knew we had to have a “light snack” — fritto di mare, king crab risotto, complimentary soup and pastry bites were all bursting with incredible flavors; crab cakes have the best flavor award amongst the fritto di mare👏🏻 The service was also very memorable, as our waiter saw my husband had a couple bites of risotto left and topped off just a sip of wine to complete his meal. Thank you so much for a wonderful dining experience:)

Best puntarella salad in town.. Seared foie gras, excellent. Very good wine list, we think this place never, never is wrong whatever you order. Always brings you a complementary little taste from kitchen, all pastas are really good, impeccable service and environment, so calm and minimalist decor but very elegant. Outstanding place.

Exquisite from start to finish. Best Italian food I’ve had out of Italy paired with great service. And the prettiest spinach salad I’ve ever seen.

Simply put. - the perfect culinary art. This restaurant stands out on its own. The food is prepared with love and attention to detail. The service is personal but allows for privacy. This is a chef-owned establishment. Typically in these situations the owner-chef is most likely an overseer/administrator in the kitchen. Here. At AVENA UES, I can tell the chef’s hands are personally and directly involved in the preparation of the food. The truffles are overflowing in the truffle designated dishes which is great to see. The truffles are actual shavings and have a dominant presence in the dish. This alone was something even the most distinguished restaurants miss the mark on. My only regret is the chef does not have time to tour the restaurant and meet his guests. With that said, the Maitre de maison is excellent and fills in just perfectly with his warmth, charm and attentiveness from the moment we walked in to the end. Do not miss this place!

Stopped in to get a quick bite and this ended up being one of our best dining experiences in New York so far. The lunch fare was spot on, the presentation was some of the finest we have seen, and the host and wait staff were always present to service us like royalty. Everything about this place satisfied and we can't figure out why they are not better rated. Trust us folks, you'll love it!

This used to be my favorite restaurant. I went again recently, and the quail egg ravioli is a single large ravioli, which is not as good as the small delicate raviolis with quail eggs. I personally am not a big fan of change. I like to know that my meals will be consistent, and I'm allergic to shellfish. I usually do not eat the dishes I'm allergic to, but now I suppose I will start doing that until the ravioli is not a large single one.

Great food and service! Every dish we tried was perfectly prepared, but I must highlight the vegetable soup in particular. The flavors were rich and well-balanced. Eggplant rolls were also delicious as an appetizer. I need to say that Alfredo was taking care of us so well. Definitely, We will go back soon!

We went here for dinner on Tuesday evening - the food was incredible and our waiter was outstanding - easily one of the best Italian restaurants in NYC

Expect very friendly staff, beautifully presented dishes and an impressive wine selection. The Nals Margreid Angra Pinot Noir $96 compliments most dishes. Avena offers a very elevated and contemporary interpretation of Italian cuisine in a cozy and intimate setting that is suitable for business dinners, a date night, or an evening with friends and family. Skip the desserts altogether and stick to the first and second courses.

Great spot for adult company and conversation. Food was amazing and the service Yoo notch. The porcini pasta special with black truffles was something I will dream about for years to come. We live close by and will be back. Not cheap but great atmosphere.

This is our favorite restaurant, staff very friendly, food was excellent. I had filet mignon, my husband had veal, all so tender. Small restaurant but decorated so nicely. It was an amazing birthday celebration dinner with our friends

The server with long false lashes came to take our order never mentioned the prices of their specials not on the menu; can you believe that this Risotto cost over $210? Tastes awful not even worth $21! Are they out of their mind? Think they're Michelin ranked? The second after we paid, long false lash server came to urge me to move to the bar because there were people waiting for this table! I'm 38 weeks pregnant and the bar area is tiny (the restaurant alone is tiny) can you imagine someone with huge belly to sit at bar? Well this is their hospitality! So mad that I just stepped out! Avoid!

We were a party of 2 on Saturday at 6:00 PM Only 2 other tables were occupied the entire time we were there, and both tables were occupied by guests who were obviously repeat diners and well known to the staff. The long and short of it: the soup appetizer was bland and needed salt. The "special" zucchini appetizer was so salty it was almost inedible. Likewise the halibut main course, which came with a "sauce" so over reduced it looked like mush. Veal Milanese was also too salty, too thick, unevenly cooked. The only delicious course was the pastry for dessert, which I doubt was made in house. All this for only $400.00!! Do not go unless you intend to become a regular patron; then and only then, you might have a decent meal. And the hostess really needs nicer false lashes, just sayin'................

One of the best meals I've ever had - sublime ! Truffle ravioli with the Chenin Blanc

We visit New York a couple times a year and Avena is a priority every time. Incredible food, service, and ambiance!!

Lunch today was fabulous. Two of us ate indoors and sat and talked for 2 hours. We each ate the same thing. White asparagus with a poached egg and a side order of nova scotia. SPECTACULAR. I don't normally go out for lunch. This was wonderful. A month ago we were taken here for dinner for the first time. Also wonderful. BRAVO

A totally superb experience with incredible food and fantastic service. I do not usually write rave views, but the chef (and owner) is amazing The place is simply great!!!

Not my first time and will not be my last. A culinary experience like no other. Just go and experience a night of culinary glamor in your mouth.

One of my favorite Italian restaurant in Manhattan. Incredible pasta, with gluten free option, and seafood as well

Exquisite presentation, equally impressive preparation and service exemplary - can't wait to return!

Tasteless carpaccio. The duck two ways was served warm and tasted like duck. The pasta was spot on with melt-in-your-mouth lobster. The truffle was either imitation or had been sitting around for too long. Quite humorous for a dish that costs $60. The desserts were nice, but our coffees--that we had requested be served with dessert rather than before, so we could enjoy them hot with the dessert--arrived cold. Service was inattentive. I'm assuming this was because we didn't order alcohol as the one other table sat outside ordered plenty and received the kind of service you'd expect from a restaurant that employees waiters. Go here to drink. Go somewhere else to eat.

The meals here are really good! We got mostly specials on the menu. My friend and I also enjoyed our wine and the bartender also made a cocktail for my friend based on her tastes and she loved it. I think the only downside I had was some rude customers sitting next to us. We were seated outside with my dog in a crate (she's a service dog in training) and they kept insulting us very loudly. But the staff was so nice and food good. I'm peeved the rude customers dampened the experience a bit.

They get really busy during the weekend and I had called Saturday morning to make a reservation for my 6th year anniversary for outdoor (but underneath tent) seating. Someone told me they would call me back to let me know if they can accommodate. We wanted outdoor seating because we wanted to bring our 8lb Maltipoo on this special night. Someone called me back within 30 minutes and told me they can make that happen! I was overjoyed.... We were seated immediately and Peter (the manager) even brought a bowl of water for our dog! Our waitress (tall, blonde, and extremely kind) was very attentive! She also helped us select our dinner. When I say that the service here is UNPARALLELED, I truly mean it. They even wrote happy anniversary on our dessert plate. The food.... OMG!! I'm already dreaming about the food there. I absolutely CANNOT be more obsessed with this gem! I texted maybe 15 people about this restaurant WHILE I was eating. This was absolutely the BEST dining experience I've EVER had! And they went out of their way to make me, scott, and noodles (my dog) feel so special!! Thank you sooooo much to our amazing waitress and to Peter for such an incredible night! We will definitely be back!

The gentleman who welcomed us was very courteous and kind. First of all we asked if we could go in with children and sir answered us; yes of course!!. Immediately we entered, there was a lady two meters from our table. The atmosphere was too quiet, instrumental music at a moderate volume, excellent for my taste. We were four people, my wife, our two daughters and I. The man who received us at the door puts the menus on us, and we ordered a bottle of water and 2 cappuccinos, the girls of 4 and 5 years old start playing and talking to each other in a high tone, anyway we asked him to lower their voice so as not to disturb. We are served coffees. The lady sitting next to us complained to a waitress or host about the noise that the girls made. He looked at us strangely! The camera or host approached us to tell us that the person who sat us had been wrong because they do not accept children, which we found surprising, rude, impolite, discriminatory, humiliating. Obviously the lady was not just anyone, the waitress or host was nervous, sweaty, insistent for us to leave as soon as possible. My wife answered him; no problem, can she bring us the bill? We paid, we couldn't finish the coffee because the Mrs. at the table didn't stop looking at us and the host or waitress didn't leave the table until we left with the intention of hurrying. I have been working in a restaurant for more than 10 years, at the moment I am an assistant to the general manager of a restaurant. I have never seen a similar situation in all this time. I assumed the best of attitudes to avoid a major mishap, especially thinking that the kind and courteous gentleman did not go to lose his job. It was racist, because we are Latinos and the blonde lady, white and with blue eyes. Maybe she was the owner. What a shame that this kind of thing happens, I hope they take it into account, this situation is not repeated. In such a case that it is repeated, I wish you the worst.

Elegant, serene dining room. Food simply beautiful (first, we eat with our eyes) and delicious, you can taste fresh and each flavor component shines. What a treat. Excellent wine recommendations by capable female sommelier, Angeline, and without being un-PC, she's a pretty French blonde, The captain Alphonse led courteous team. Expensive but worth it.

Oh my goodness, what an extraordinary meal. The restaurant is gorgeous, simple and quite serene. The hostess and waitstaff were prompt, cordial and extremely accommodating. The cocktails raised ones eyebrows and were wonderful [although if one consumed more than one, a nap might be required] The food was outstanding. This restaurant is worth a return visit.

The food isn't really the point at a restaurant like this. This is a place to see-and-be-seen by others to prove to each-other that you are rich & can afford the astronomical prices and, as such, reinforce the mutual understanding that you are part of the global elite. But if food matters to you just know that the kitchen here is pumping out absolute trash. I started with what was billed as a shaved artichoke and parm salad but was served a mushy lump of overripe avocado with some indigestibly thick slices of artichoke (someone should lend the kitchen a mandolin). No detectible acid at all. The salad was followed by a greasy mess that was meant to be spaghetti bolognese but was more akin to the "spag boll" you find in suburban England cafeterias (or so I would imagine). Limp over-cooked pasta covered in tepid and tasteless ground beef. Totally under seasoned and they didn't even offer the relief of any cheese. The wine list was small, uninspired and over priced. The ~ 350 dollar bottle I ordered was opened and decanted out of my view which is... just not how it's done (it was fine though). Service was dear and the outdoor set-up was charming. Again, this is not a place to go to eat. It's a place to prove to yourself that you are part of the inner sanctum. On that level it's "meh" at best but serves its purpose for those with better taste in plastic surgery and five-figure handbags than in food

We had the opportunity of dining at Avena on 66th on Christmas Eve 2020- such an incredible experience! The food was exquisite- you could actually feel the love from the chef in every dish! The wine, from northern Italy which was recommended was simply special. The service...oh, the service was simply nothing short of 5 star, complete attentiveness and incredibly genuine and warm care. Angie was our server and was an amazingly gentle, warm and sweet soul. I wish I would have gotten the other 2 gentlemen's name that worked alongside her on 12/24/2020 as they too were equally as warm and hospitable remaining attentive to our needs. I'm visiting from LA but this is my NY restaurant when I'm in town! We felt like family by the end of the night. Thank you for such an enchanting evening.

The food is not terrible but it is very expensive and it isn't worth the price. My biggest problems were : first the duck was so rare and half of it was totally raw. Second, the restaurant was full of windex smell for the whole time when I was there. That really bothered me because I felt like eating in the bathroom.

You're looking for a delicious meal, in an elegant setting, managed by discreet professionals. Avena on 66th is your place. Go! Go! Go! On a warm spring or summer evening, the outdoor tables will transport you to Paris, Rome, Venice or NYC. Shut your eyes, open your tastebuds, take someone you love, you will be transported. Or settle inside in the simple, elegant, and comfortable dining room that is a canvass for the talented chef whose understanding of the importance fresh ingredients and flavors is as good and sophisticated as can be found in Manhattan. This is intimate fine dining. Order everything. Don't. But you can't go wrong with anyone on the menu. But go light so you can taste from multiple sections, take advantage of the seasonality and the specials, along with a selection of wine from the fine and focused wine menu. Skip the cocktails. Go with the wine. Splurge on a couple bottles. Enjoy yourself - good conversation, a quiet restaurant where you feel like a million bucks, and eat as if the chef has known you and your tastes for years. The staff is A plus. Can't say enough good things. Just go. Just go.

Really excited this restaurant has come back to the UES. Seating both indoors and outdoors, both had a good vibe with attentive staff. No cocktail list but full bar, wine by the glass / bottle on the pricier side. As for food they start you out with bread and generally a welcome soup from the chef, ours was a tomato gazpacho with Burrata. After that the three of us chose to get more than we needed because so many of the appetizers were tempting! The staff did a good job of pacing the appetizers so that as each was finished they gave us the next given our desire to share. Entrées were delicious -- we all got the egg yolk ravioli with truffles but I'm sure eventually we will get something else! Overall highly recommend this spot for a date or dinner with parents.

Great food, great service, great atmosphere. Always an enjoyable meal at Avena UES. During COVID, it's wonderful to enjoy a meal both outside and inside at Avena. Try the Downtown location as well. Both are wonderful and Chef Roberto will welcome you when he's there. Looking forward to my next meal at Avena.

My wife and I had an amazing meal with friends at Avena. Their staff made us feel very cared for with a tucked away outdoor table and provided space heaters/heat lamps to keep us cozy while being safe. We were so impressed with each dish -- I have to give a special shoutout to the raviolis. I ordered the chef's special ravioli, with duck confit and black truffles. I said it then and I'll say it now, it's an immediate contender as the best pasta dish I've ever had. You must try it. Thank you, Avena. We will be back soon.

We had a party of 5 for dinner, the ambiance is good, but the food was just fair. My wife had morells and pasta which she said was not edible. I don't remember what I had, but the wine list seemed to have only several less than $100. The first bottle was a red Italian that was served really cold, It evidently is stoted with the whites. Isuggested to the lady that it was too cold and could not be tasted, she got angry and said she was a certified sommelier and that is how it should be served. Don't know where she got her training, but if I ordered a $300-$500 bottle and it was served ice cold I would have been really upset. She should have known better, then to argue about it shows no understanding of customer relations. cannot recommend much about the restaurant

My husband and I had a wonderful experience at Avena tonight! The staff at this restaurant made us feel at home. They are professional, friendly and thoughtful. I am glad to welcome this restaurant into the neighborhood. The bread basket is the first taste of what's to come at a restaurant. Although an afterthought at some restaurants, it did not disappoint here. It was incredibly fresh and delicious. We started with the scallops topped with truffle. These were perfectly prepared and left us wanting more. My favorite pasta dish of the night was the bolognese. The fresh pasta was light and flavorful. We cleaned out plates and cannot wait to return!

Loved their previous location in the same area and it used to be my favorite Italian in the city! Recently went to dinner at this new location. Sad the crab gnocchi is no longer on the menu. The pros: food is amazing, service is great, wine list is extensive. The cons: limited food menu, outdoor seating is super cramped, pretty pricey. Overall, I would go back again, but it's no longer at the top of my list. If you do go, the pannacotta is amazing!

Truly the worst meal I've ever had in NYC... it was our anniversary, so we thought this would be a nice spot to try. The meal was horrendous. We paid $440 for an appetizer and two entrees because they didn't disclose the price of a pasta special that was $180. I've had better tasting food at 1/16 of the price. Run the other way. There's a reason why there were only three people in the restaurant at 7PM on a Wednesday. A total scam.

I'd give it 6 stars if I could. Food was excellent. I had Mezzelune with Foie Gras & Duck Confit & Sage-Butter Sauce as my main course and it was exquisite. The crackers and breadsticks they brought to the table were exceptionally crisp and the bread very fresh. They also gave me an "amuse-bouche" of gazpacho which was superb. After I looked at the dessert menu and ordered expresso, the waitress noticed I still was sipping my wine and said she wouldn't bring the expresso until I was done. Unusually observant. One of the most pleasant and delicious meals I have enjoyed in a long time. Highly recommend!

Sat outside during Covid with several electric heaters and a heat torch lamp next to us which kept us warm. The setup was very cozy and romantic, the service was fantastic, and the food was delicious! Shared the prosciutto app and two pastas which had so much flavor!

I was dining outdoor with my friend and when I wanted to use a restroom one of the waitresses didn't let me because she thought I am not a customer, she judged me by my appearance( I was wearing leggings and crop top that evening) She just simply lied straight to my face( with that fake sweet smile)that restroom was out of the order. Such a nasty experience of fakeness and prejudging, sad it happened in such a nice restaurant. Restaurant has to put more effort to educate their staff.

I've never interacted with someone so rude as the blonde lady at the front of the house. This woman will lose business for the restaurant.

The food (especially the raviolis) is insanely good. The staff is very polite and accommodating. Not cheap but you get what you pay for.

I confess an addiction. This ravioli with truffle is ethereal! A gem of a restaurant, perfect service, brilliant wine offering, gorgeous decor... indoor and out. All food, from breads to amuse-bouche to complimentary dessert plate... spectacular. A reminder of why NYC is unmatched. See you soon, Avena and I will have friends in tow for lunch!

One word defines Avena UES: great. It's beautiful and everyone who works here seems like they are very proud of it. Every item that we have purchased was incredibly fresh and yummy. Staff are really lovely and service is very quick. Overall, would definitely come back.

Amazing food, people, and atmosphere. Every dish was fantastic. Luca was an especially great waiter. The first restaurant that I will return to next time I am in the city.

I can't say enough about this elegant upper east side restaurant. Our luncheon table ordered a lobster salad, zucchini flowers with quail egg, spinach and pear salad, and cannelloni. The meal started with an amuse bouche of gazpacho. Each dish was not only splendidly flavorful, but each was presented artfully. The wait staff was attentive but not intrusive. We will make sure to return to Avena on our next trip to Manhattan.

Absolutely incredible! The staff is great and the food is just amazing. Highly recommend.

I am a nurse so I have high COVID hygiene standards and Avena's set up in combination with the best northern Italian food gave us the best date night ever. We ate in their adorable HEATED outside patio. There was a roof so we didn't get rained on, but plenty of ventilation spots for safety. The patio has stunning plants and Christmas lights that add to the ambiance. Now to the amazing out of this world food. My husband had the bolognese and I had the vegetable lasagnetta. The lasagnetta was beautiful and crazy delicious with each piece created individually. The bolognese was home made even the pasta. Oh and the gazpacho and fresh oysters were so so so fresh. We can't wait to come back and try more! There were so so many specials too!

My new favorite UES spot!!!! GREAT outdoor dining situation with heaters and ventilation; and the food is beyond delicious. Service is great. I come here for everything - everything from big celebrations to casual lunches.

Al Fresco Glory. We had a wonderful meal here on a blissful summer night. The restaurant is new but there were no hiccups for us. Great quiet side street and excellent preparation of the food. Will definitively recommend to family and friends.

Amazing experience. The service, food, ambience were all 5 stars. Every dish was delicious and presented beautifully.

It's an amazing place. Impeccable service, food ambiance and presentation. Absolutely thrilled to have tried with family and 3 kids. One of the best Italian in the city and this comes from a jaded New Yorker who lives in west village for last 20 years :) so excited to find hidden gems in the city.

Ate there only once for lunch so far and it was delicious. Had the Portuguese Octopus and the Branzino. My honey had the salad and the a pasta that were also very good. Nice, clean decor. Pretty annoying music but find me a restaurant that does not play annoying music...

I had an excellent meal here and great service. Seafood was all cooked perfectly and pasta's were top notch. Very high quality meal. Going to be returning on a regular basis.