Cucina Italian tavern

wow wow wow! such an amazing evening at Cucina. the food, service, and vibes were top tier 💖 I’ll definitely be back. The chicken parm was amazing!! Thank you for the super lovely evening.

Great food, good vibes, good music and the service is honestly what stood out the most. Everyone was really attentive and kind and I loved my experience here! definitely will be back. also, Kitchen is open late. I was able to get dinner at 10:45 PM on a Sunday night.

So it was a rocky start for us in the beginning but everything was quickly resolved. Me n my lady came inside to eat, the host asked if we wanted this table by the door we respectfully declined due to my lady being a anemic(get cold fast). We was offered another seating then was told we would have to move (which we already knew cause why are we sitting at a 6 person seating table when it's just us 2 lol) anyway moving forward we got told to move again but on some communal dining (where people share the table they eat at with other guests) experience. Guess they saw the discomfort in our faces yeaa.. we wasn't comfortable at all. Even close to leaving actually but then I believe the owner or manager came out, he told us he don't want us playing musical chairs lol and that we can sit elsewhere ( 2 seater table ) with more space and everything worked out. We never caught his name but we appreciate your costumer service. After all that was settled we ordered well my lady ordered pizza fries and meatballs to go and we ordered 4 island punches aka Rum Punches everything was good. The second round was even stronger just how we like it 😌😉 (and no nutmeg garnish was added second go round) I myself ordered the Tavern Buffalo wings bee stringer pizza everything was tasty only complaint I could possibly even say is that I thought they would've been more spicer they weren't really hot as I expected them to be. But overall great experience first time here and we will definitely be coming back prices are fair.. not too expensive not too cheap either lol but w service w food w drinks (well the island punch) and w Jovannie hope I spelled the server name correctly he was amazing as well 🤝🏾 Reviewer @tyehoudini

Try the FroSe ! Great taste! Devon was our service and he was professional, hospitable, and patient. It was my first time and I had questions! Calamri??? MUST TRY. Wings? GET THEM!!!! I was also very fond of the chicken parm.

Cucina Italian Tavern in Harlem on Lennox is so cute! The food is delicious and the service was excellent. The atmosphere was just right for Sunday. 🥰😍🍎

The food was amazing I bought the sausage pizza and since it did not have any red sauce it did not give me indigestion I am feeling wonderful. The appetizer that I received was okay it was the mozzarella sticks it tasted fresh however it also tasted as if it was heated up in the microwave. Other than that the service was impeccable and the pizza was amazing!

While the food is really good, the service, ambiance, and lack of transparency in pricing holds this back. We ordered a bunch of food: eggplant parm, cheese pizza, prosciutto and fig pizza, wings, and chicken parm. All the food was super tasty. The pizza is excellent and mostly just cheese and bread. The eggplant parm is crispy and the ricotta on top adds a great texture. The issues were first that atmosphere is ok. Being outside, the restaurant had nothing preventing people on the street interrupting you or reaching for your food. And staff don’t assist in any way when this happens. The next issue is that service is lacking. We never got a refill on water and were completely done with our water after 10 minutes. Last, the restaurant is not transparent and fraudulently gives you menus with wrong pricing. For example, the cheese pizza we got clearly stated $17 on the menu they provided us (as seen in the photo) but was instead charged as $19 on our bill at the end. The food is good, but these prices are expensive for what you get. And the fraudulent pricing changes make it a poor experience.

Really great food, affordable, and amazing service. The portions are huge - two of us split an appetizer, entree, dessert, and drinks, and we left very full. The host and server were so nice, and the owner was around saying hi to everyone. Will absolutely be back!

I'm back again, for the calamari!!! soo good!!! Love how it's lightly fried! I also live the grilled chicken! Often I just get it on the side! Super juicy and flavorful!!! I appreciate they have Hot Tea, because I don't always want to drink! So I can still spend time at the bar, with a tea and socialize! The staff is great! The hostess is accommodating to where I feel comfortable sitting! Food comes out fast, so there's always a table about to open up if you ever had to wait! The server with the beard was attentive and so patient with my friend! He helped him order and wasn't in a rush about it! Honestly, service in Harlem is often lacking! But not HERE!! It's cozy inside! Even if you are close to the table next to you? It still feels like you aren't! Cucina is easily my Harlem Go To, even if I was there two nights in row, you can find a different menu item to eat or share and not be sick of coming!!!

While the food is really good, the service, ambiance, and lack of transparency in pricing holds this back. We ordered a bunch of food: eggplant parm, cheese pizza, prosciutto and fig pizza, wings, and chicken parm. All the food was super tasty. The pizza is excellent and mostly just cheese and bread. The eggplant parm is crispy and the ricotta on top adds a great texture. The issues were first that atmosphere is ok. Being outside, the restaurant had nothing preventing people on the street interrupting you or reaching for your food. And staff don't assist in any way when this happens. The next issue is that service is lacking. We never got a refill on water and were completely done with our water after 10 minutes. Last, the restaurant is not transparent and fraudulently gives you menus with wrong pricing. For example, the cheese pizza we got clearly stated $17 on the menu they provided us (as seen in the photo) but was instead charged as $19 on our bill at the end. The food is good, but these prices are expensive for what you get. And the fraudulent pricing changes make it a poor experience.

The restaurant had a great environment- Ambiance was very calm with great music. The service was wonderful- people were super friendly. The Sandwich was okay. I would give it a 6.5 or 7 out of 10 . Personally, I wasn't a fan of the amount of pesto. All in all great place. Will return.

The most authentic presentation of garlic bread and very delicious chicken Parmesan the drink list was also very creative also they serve the best pizza. The service was very friendly servers and the bartender was very creative with the drink selections he allowed you to have it made to your taste and they gave nothing but service with a smile constantly coming back to the table to fill your glass bringing extra napkins. The decor was very comfy the tables were setup very nice and colorful, the music was played so you can have a conversation

$9 Martini Mondays!!! Happy Holidays Harlem! My daughter was visiting and Cucina is always the go-to spot! Expresso martinis are delicious!

Customer service is excellent. Happy hour menu drinks and food are worth coming for! Great ambiance! It can get pretty crowded though which makes going to the bathroom and back to your table pretty tricky.

This place was cute. Quick little happyhour with the coworker. Drinks were ok. They offered no vegan options so I just had fries. Place was clean & our waiter did great. I would return for sure.

LOVE finding new neighborhood spots. Especially happy hour spots. I came in at the beginning of happy hour while lunch was ending. The bartender Max is so welcoming and friendly, he even gave me the option to order lunch but I knew I wanted to sample the happy hour menu and sample I did. Drinks are crafted in front of you and after speaking with the bar manager (his name escapes me but he is also great!) They make their own lime juice and others, truly makes a difference! I had the Spicy Diablo (mezcal), Side Piece (vodka) and the Negroni I think it's called Enzoni. All were 10/10 and all $10 on happy hour! Food - Usually if a place has good happy hour drinks, the happy hour food isn't great. THIS food is great and I only had two of the happy hour appetizers. The fried mozzarella (3 pieces, my picture shows only 2) should really be called fried hot pockets. They are thique and taste good. I also got the buffalo wings, I loveeee the homemade ranch. It's a different flavor but love the fresh ingredients. Fresh is definitely a recurring theme here. So, I love me a Cantina happy hour (next door, same owners actually) but the vibe is different here. Definitely more chill but still warm and lively - music was good too.

Completely disappointed with a place where I used to bring family and friend to try their cuisine. Sometimes I can't just go to the restaurant and enjoy the full experience so I'll do Uber Eats from them. Today I was just sad to see one of the best places in East Harlem water down their food. I ordered their Chicken Parm of course Uber Eats pricing is 34 dollars with fees and all.... And what I got was a small container, not tasteful not full filling, or even a dish to say it's worth that amount. I'm very sad to say that this is my last time ever ordering from here. And save yourselves the money!!!!

Great spot to get a tasty Italian dish like spaghetti and meatballs. Courteous service and it's also kid friendly.

Fantastic happy hour specials and drinks! Great service too. Also good vegan/vegetarian options which is just fabulous. Great for big groups or even watching a game at the bar.

Cucina Italian Tavern is a great addition to Harlem and I'm glad that they're one of the new restaurants in the area. They have a solid HH with strong drinks and good apps as well. The chicken wings were crispy and the sauce was perfect. I also got the meatballs which were cooked really well. The bartenders were also super nice without being overbearing. All in all, I'm glad this is a part of Harlem & hope that they're here to stay for many years to come.

Love having an Italian spot in central Harlem! Ambiance is a mix of refined and casual. Pizza is 100% worth your time, and the happy hour spritzes are sublime. Loved it, can't wait to come back.

Another gem in Harlem and the best part is that they have a happy hour 3-7pm M-F , the service is great and the food is amazing! There's also plenty of seating and a bar you can grab a seat at. Love the tavern style vibe . Came in on a Monday around 5pm they place wasn't busy which was nice , i was seated and immediately greeted by my waiter. Opted for a happy hour glass of wine which was very good, red wine to be exact haha. Also got the fried mozzarella with marinara sauce which was on the happy hour menu as well. The drink and app came out quickly and i enjoyed the crunchiness of the fried mozzarella and of course the gooey mozzarella on the inside , it was a perfect balance. For dinner i opted or the Rigatoni vodka with vodka sauce, pulled burrata & breadcrumbs, let me just say this dish was incredible i would probably compare it to carbone's vodka sauce it was that good ! And the burrata on top was just out of this world. I very much enjoyed my dinner here and cant wait to come back and try a few other items , definitely on my go to list and should be on yours too!

We had a wonderful meal great service fun pizza was good and and the pasta marinara was wonderful and the shrimp dish was yummy. I suggest you don't order the broccolini It was tough. You couldn't cut it with a knife.

The food was good, I had the shrimp scampi pasta which was good and not too heavy. The service was great. I sat at the bar and my bartender was awesome! I had a spicy Diablo to go with my dinner.

Visited for the first time yesterday. I had a wonderful dining experience. Service was great. I felt very welcomed upon arrival. Food was tasty. I had shrimp scampi with pasta. Enjoyed the happy hr special that was going on for appetizers and drinks. Ambiance was great. Good music playing in the background and nice cozy tables. The place was small but I was still able to enjoy privacy with my group at our table. I will be back soon.

Just opened. Really cute place. Small plates and great drinks. I had a island punch.

Hello. Do not order takeout before 6pm. I love their wings but those wings will be yesterday's refried wings before 6pm. The service is great but just don't do delivery.

I mean, I loved the old Italian spot (not to be named) but so happy Cucina entered this scene. They completely renovated the space and made a huge bar. The scene is grown and sexy. The food is a 10/10. Huge fan and official regular. Just what the neighborhood needed

I had been holding off on reviewing Cucina until a 2nd visit, because I wanted to give the place some time to get established in the neighborhood before I came in with my (sometimes harsh and unforgiving) take. My first visit was pleasant, but it was soon after opening, and service was a bit clumsy and awkward - but that's to be expected. The food was fantastic. I went here for a second time tonight, and let me tell you, neighbors - it's great! The pizzas are diverse in flavor profile and have all been really delicious (including tonight's eloté special!) and the appetizers have been very good as well (I've had the chicken wings and the eggplant chips so far). I haven't ventured much past the pizza as a main, but I do look forward to trying the pastas and the smashburger next time. Any Italian place trying to set up shop in the much-beloved Babbalucci location is going to be subject to intense criticism, and so far, I think Cucina is holding its own. Babbalucci became a neighborhood hangout that felt like home, and I haven't found anything like it since. Harlem Ale House was a close second, but both establishments have been closed for some time now. I have reserved the 5th star for a couple of things that could stand some improvement - the bar seating doesn't feel as cozy as it was previously - not sure why (and I wish I could give constructive criticism here), but the bar just doesn't feel welcoming. Secondly, the cocktails are not very exciting, a bit too sweet overall, and slightly too weak. The happy hour menu requires you to reference the main menu to understand what the special cocktails actually are, and one of the cocktails is not described in either menu, so I had to ask what it was. However, kudos for paper menus and not the dreaded QR code treatment! None of these are shortcomings that can't be overcome, and I think that this restaurant is doing an amazing job entering a crowded market on Lenox Ave!

The bartender who served us was great. She convinced us on two different upsell items and we tipped her 35% even though we waited fifteen minutes before anyone said "hello." Someone named Levant held court with most of the staff, watched TV, and demanded our bartender do everything. It was clear that she was doing everything while he actually slowed everyone and everything. It was an embarrassment and if I go by there and see Levant again, I doubt I'll go back.

The service and food is A1! The best part is Happy Hour from 3-7 PM the first time I came here it was a whim but this is the second time. Mike is great and so social with his customers. The food I can't express words you have to come for yourself. OMG these mozzarella sticks I can just have these with this Hugo drink and I'm good! The vibe of the place is so chill! Shout out the Max and Ted so cool and Adam is and excellent server. I will be back with friends or just of if I need a drink! Come check them out best Italian spot in Harlem!

I brought my daughter to NYC for a mother daughter trip, I have been multiple times but a 1st with her. I was chasing the old Harlem warmth and charm and this place has it all. Great atmosphere, great food, great music, delicious drinks and service unmatched. Definitely my new favorite spot to visit and will definitely be back the next trip. 10 out of 10 Highly recommend!!

The newest hidden GEM in Harlem! I take my reviews seriously, so I had to come twice to make sure and wow was I amazed both times. If you're looking for delicious and I mean like, eyes open staring at your eating partner and nodding while saying MMMHMMMM good- this is the place to go. I tried both their brunch and dinner menus and neither dissapoint. And the staff are some of the kindest and most attentive people ever. I forgot I was in New York for a second. Good service is something I will never take for granted. Ask for Fedy! And the place is super cute with great music like c'mon! Anyways back to the food - the cheesey garlic bread will leave you dreaming of it, the chicken parm is cheesey and that marinara has the perfect amount of garlic, and paired with some rigatoni vodka, I left stuffed and happy. And did I mention they have a boozy brunch option! I normally throw mimosas back without thinking, but their food and the quality of their Bellini had me taking my time and just savoring every moment. Some of the fluffiest pancakes and juicy yet perfectly crispy chicken, and the oxtail with polenta had my partner scraping the plate. Aka long story short - TRY THIS PLACE. Trust me with food this good, and prices this affordable - this spot is about to blow up. Chefs kiss, just wow

Great food and service! I loved the pizza, but everything was great! Also had great margaritas!

I'm very close, and our neighborhood has been in desperate need of this restaurant for a while - and we have it now! Pizza is fabulous; chicken parm KILLS, shrimp scampi is as light as a feather; spaghetti and meatballs are boom-tastic, and the desserts are spot-on! Stop wondering why the restaurant is popular and GO!

Great food and friendly service! This is a great addition to the neighborhood! Will definitely be back.

Ordered takeout, and the food arrived promptly. Pizzas are deep dish style and serve about 2 as a main course. Alla vodka was delicious, bee sting pretty good. Freese salad was very good. Would recommend.

This is one of my new favorite places. My friend and I came here and we loved it. The food, the people who work here, the ambiance - all perfect!! We went for dinner and tried a couple of the pasta dishes and the meatballs. Oh my gosh - so delicious! I absolutely can't wait to go back to try more of the dishes.

I think what struck me first was the warmth of the place. And then the music!! R&B and 70's Soul, at a volume loud enough to enjoy, but quiet enough to hear your dinner companions. I was pleasantly surprised at how good the prices were. The host, who was very engaging said that although the prices were reasonable, the quality of the food was top notch. He wasn't lying! Me and my two buddies shared a salad, chicken wings, shrimp scampi, spaghetti and meatballs, 2 glasses of wine and one delectable pizza. Dinner only cost the three of us $45.00 each with tip!! I cannot wait to go again. You should too!!

First time here sat at the bar & Mia was amazing loved her vibe, had the chicken parm lunch special very good and lots of food plus some strong French 75's 10/10

That cheesy bread is to die for. Service and staff are amazing. Shoutout bartender Raul and please do go on Fridays. There seem to be some regulars that aren't shy on buying drinks for newcomers and taking group shots. Was told not to look into one's eyes because he's the player but looking into his eyes got me and my friend drinks and shots. Overall, an amazing place and we will definitely be going back.

Cucina Italian Tavern is our new go-to spot. Since it's opened we've eaten at Cucina almost weekly. It's comforting and welcoming and delicious. Everything we've ordered we've loved and we have eaten half the menu at least. The service is maybe the best thing about this place though-- shoutout to the fantastic server, Max who always takes such great care of us and who we look forward to seeing each time we visit. Martini Mondays. Mozzarella sticks. Max. It's great! Run down walk! 10/10.

Since trying Cucina about a month ago we have been back several times, each time more and more satiated by the fresh and comforting food, exceptionally warm and generous service (we're talking about you Max!), and amazing prices. This restaurant is reliably delicious, comforting, fun, and affordable. It's my new go-to spot. Honestly 10/10.