da Umberto

Plainly said, there is not a better restaurant in Manhattan. Food and service are outstanding in a well appointed space. An abundance of choices, you will not go wrong. Great wine selection and scrumptious deserts.

Spent a valentine’s night here. The atmosphere was so good and perfect for a date night, however the food was just okay(maybe it’s because the valentine and everything was in a rush) veggies were too salty, and other dishes were just okay, not something you would immediately say “so good”. At least it’s not prefixed and the price was reasonable. Overall recommend it for couples who want a romantic date.

We have wanted to try da Umberto for a while now, but don't go downtown much. Tonight was our lucky night as the place we visited earlier was right across the street from da Umberto, so we finally gave this establishment a try and thoroughly enjoyed our experience. The food was solid, and the service was amazing. This is a great place to have a special occasion, Italian meal.

Wow! Was brought here by friends and had an incredible dinner. From the wine choices to the specials, everything was on point. The antipasti appetizer of roasted vegetables and shrimp scampi was delicious, paired with a glass of Gavi di Gavi. The rigatoni was al dente with a savory ragu and enjoyed with a glass of Super Tuscan. The chocolate mousse cake was a great ending to the meal with a glass of Amaro Amarino. Recommended.

I’ll caveat this review that I had reservations at 2:45 and they close at 3 pm so the situation is not ideal but that’s no excuse for execution at this fine establishment. I started off with asking for their house white wine. Can’t recall the ambit it was crisp and refreshing, perfect for a lunch meal. Although at $18/glass, you might think twice. The octopus dish had one flavor:burnt. I didn’t taste anything else. That was a bummer. The spaghetti with clams was out of this world deliciousness it saved the entire experience. Perfectly executed. It may very well be the best spaghetti dish I’ve ever had. The bucatini was also perfectly cooked. Overall, solid but felt rushed and uneasy, partly because of me but also with the staff running around the restaurant. It’s not a cheap venue so my expectation will be high. Will return as I think this is a one off and the restaurant probably deserves a 5*.

Great food, good vibes. Service by our waitress Deyhann was 10/10. Would definitely recommend.

AMAZING food AMAZING service!! Luis read us the specials and recommended dishes as well as worked with the chef to make sure all of my food was gluten free (i have celiac disease). He took great care of us all night. Almost every dish was able to be made gluten free. I was told the chef even hand-makes gluten free pasta. The ambiance was very nice, our water glasses were always kept full, and our table was refreshed in between courses. Thank you for a wonderful birthday here, da Umberto's!!

Good, but I was expecting more. To be honest, Da Umberto captures the feel of an oldschool Italian American restaurant of the eighties. I found myself recalling Little Italy with the smells and surroundings--even down to the waiters, who would add nonsensical commentary about the wines on the table. Unfortunatly, this is now more of what you'd expect as a tourist, and if it's what you crave, you can probably still find it in Little Italy. The food also mirrored the standards you'd expect at Mott st. Vitello Tonnato was good , not great. Roasted Brussels were good, far from great, and grilled Pork Chop was cooked medium-well--a total shame, and again, something you'd expect from an establishment in the eighties. I wanted to love (even expected to love) Da Umberto, but was ultimately let down.

Well tonight was a disappointment for this flagship of Piedmontese cuisine of Italy. It is usually a go to for me while in nyc and tonight was a disappointment. What started as hopeful dinner started with a fairly made aperol spritz which was poorly distributed aperol in the mixture. Selection of appetizers ranged from delicious eggplant capponata over fired smelly calamari roasted beets and overdone artichokes and flowers of some sort The entree was by far one of the worst preparation fo risotto with veal ragu which reflected in my past as a child like chef boyardee spagehttios The mixture looked like the childhood fake vomit I once bought as a child and was truly tasteless and poorly constructed Service was as usual attentive and provided superlative service friendly and amiable I am overwhelmed by disappointment tonight Shake it up friends since you were one of my go to in nyc

Had an incredible dinner here and left feeling super full and content. Upon entering, there is a coat check which is nice. The restaurant is pretty spacious and dimly lit for dinner, making it very cozy. I ordered a glass of Montepulciano and it was delicious. I also shared the calamari, an arugula salad special, and the chocolate mousse with my table. For myself, I ordered the bucatini in a carbonara sauce, which was one of the best carbonara dishes I have ever had, even surpassing one I had at a famous restaurant in Siena. The service, as other reviewers have said, was incredible. I am very impressed at how they can memorize such a long list of specials! I would absolutely recommend this restaurant for dinner with friends or date night.

I came here after a long work event and it was amazinggg. I could not have asked for a better meal after a long day. The service was Michelin quality, the food was outstanding, and the atmosphere was incredibly calming and enjoyable. My coworker and I joked that we were on a date due to the romantic and high quality atmosphere, but you could come here for any event and be very satisfied with your experience. I will be back the second I get a chance!

Had dinner here as a party of four on a Friday night and were seated promptly according to our reservation time. The host even gave us a choice of tables, between a table tucked into a nook by the front window and one in the center of the restaurant. We chose the center table, although in retrospect the restaurant is quite noisy, and table near the window might be better for conversation. In general though, we did not mind the buzzy ambience- the space has a lively, upscale energy. Our waiter was great, clearly a seasoned professional and someone who takes great pride in providing good service. Aside from the extensive printed menu there are a large number of specials -almost to the point that it is overwhelming- which he read very clearly to us. Almost everything sounded good and it was hard to choose. He suggested an assortment of appetizers for the table, which was ultimately the right choice. We all got to have just a taste of maybe six or so things, the highlights of which, for me, were the shrimp and the squash blossoms. For the main course I had a cavatelli with corn which was quite nice. (If eating here as just a couple next time, we would definitely get a pasta and a meat or fish dish and share.) The wines available by the glass were also very good. We lingered at the table for a while, as old friends catching up tend to do, and were not rushed to leave by the staff. Overall I would say the food at Da Umberto is solid, not remarkable- but what really sets it apart is the staff and the level of service they provide. I get the feeling that there are many people in the neighborhood who frequent this place, and I can easily see why.

One of the best Italian restaurants in Manhattan. Been here many times over the last 35+ years. So glad the specials are not all pricy, though they very much lean in that direction. Service is friendly and staff is welcoming. This restaurant is a sure hit with friends.

What a sh*t show: I have been served spoiled food, meat that is so overcooked you can't get a sledgehammer through it, vegetables with so much hot pepper you need a fire extinguisher.. and when the manager asks how everything was - he then proceeds to walk away while you are attempting to answer his question. This place is resting on its laurels big-time. There are so many high quality restaurants in this city... with excellent, fresh food and great service. Don't be fooled into eating here. You throw your $$$ away. I wish I could leave no stars, but that is not an option.

This was one of the best dining experiences I have ever had. The food was amazing and the service was fantastic. One of the best meals I have had in a long time. Just wow.

Had a large group for a celebratory birthday dinner for our son. Service was attentive and helpful. We decided on family style appetizers (they make the selections - easy and delicious). We added two caesar salads for the table. Then we chose our individual main dishes. Good choice because it really made it seem like a festive, shared event. Of the 11 guests, some ordered chicken Parmesan, bucatini carbonara, eggplant Parmesan, and chicken Scarpelli. Good wine too, followed by nice selection of desserts from heavy to light (cheesecake to sorbet). My rating : I'll go back.

I lived in Manhattan for 7 years and have been visiting for 20 years prior. This place is so special to me, I lived around the corner. Once a month I would treat myself to some wine and an entree at the bar. Nearly 15 years after leaving I walk in and everyone remembers me. The food is phenomenal, atmosphere is elegant and service is A#1. This is a TRUE NYC ITALIAN experience. I can't wait to go back, hope you enjoy.

Food was on point. I have never been this rushed or pushed at a fine dining experience. Before you took close to the last bite or drink they grabbed the plate. There were empty tables on a Wednesday night at 6pm. Poor service and experience.

I was actually looking for the Mediterranean restaurant next door and stumbled upon da Umberto and I am so glad I did. The decor is simple but welcoming and they have a really great wine selection and menu. I visited on a Sunday evening and opted to sit at the bar. I was greeted with a warm welcome and smile by one of the servers who answered all of my questions and helped me select an amazing white wine to pair with my entree. Abby was amazing!! She was kind and extremely helpful. I mentioned to her that I recently got braces and she explained each menu item and recommended the softest chicken meal , which happened to be the daily special. The chicken was flavorful and really tender, they used a balsamic glaze and fresh herbs. Initially I didn't think I would finish it because it was so much but I guess I was hungry lol because I left no crumbs. I learned from Abby that the restaurant has been around for over 20 years and is a local favorite. I'll definitely visit again.

I stopped by da Umberto because I was famished and needed fuel before thrift-shopping by the nearby HousingWorks. I'm glad I grabbed food; this meal was excellent. I like the ambiance of the restaurant, it's very classic and reminds me off Sex and the City NYC and not the "trendy" things with neon lights that we see now. I ordered the Cavatelli (charred corn, guanciale, and parmigiana) and the Cavoletti (Brussel sprouts and pancetta); I liked that there were two pasta size options when ordering - sometimes you don't want too much food! the small portion of the Cavatelli was filling enough for me, and I was FAMISHED after physically running for 1.5 hours! I also liked the Brussel sprouts, but I wished there was more pancetta... I'm a sucker for pork. I would definitely stop by there again!

I'll caveat this review that I had reservations at 2:45 and they close at 3 pm so the situation is not ideal but that's no excuse for execution at this fine establishment. I started off with asking for their house white wine. Can't recall the ambit it was crisp and refreshing, perfect for a lunch meal. Although at $18/glass, you might think twice. The octopus dish had one flavor:burnt. I didn't taste anything else. That was a bummer. The spaghetti with clams was out of this world deliciousness it saved the entire experience. Perfectly executed. It may very well be the best spaghetti dish I've ever had. The bucatini was also perfectly cooked. Overall, solid but felt rushed and uneasy, partly because of me but also with the staff running around the restaurant. It's not a cheap venue so my expectation will be high. Will return as I think this is a one off and the restaurant probably deserves a 5*.

Great spot been here for lunch during the week many times. Very pretty inside, and service is always quick and attentive. My 'go to' is always the beef carpaccio to start (its awesome), then usually the rigatoni with sausage ragu. The rigatoni is in a creamy sort of meat sauce which is just perfect. Pasta cooked l al dente as well. They always have interesting specials, and would highly recommended the veal Marsala if they have on the menu. While a bit pricey, I highly recommended trying this spot out.

While da Umberto's ambiance is pleasant, the food is mediocre and the service brusque. The clientele is upscale, mature and stylish. Beautiful people dressed elegantly. A nice mix of cool folk young and old having fun...and talking loudly...so loudly that this cramped space feels a bit oppressive...a cacophony that makes meaningful discussion difficult. The table and bar seating are both uncomfortably tight. While waiting at the bar for my party to arrive, I asked the bartender to translate an item on the Italian-language Specials menu. He told me to wait until I was seated at my table when the waiter would explain the specials. Once at the table, we were rushed by the staff. My ultra-thin chicken was dry and overcooked. ..and not hot upon arrival. Several wait staff, while polite and efficient, rushed us to pay our check and leave so the table could be reseated. Three of us dropped over $700 on two appetizers, three drinks and a bottle of half-decent $85 wine. My wife is Italian and her daily home cooking blows away da Umberto's fare. While not an entirely bad experience based on the upbeat atmosphere, I wouldn't recommend this restaurant considering the very high cost for marginal cuisine and the blatant rush from the staff.

Not what is used to be!!! A total rip off! The food was absolutely nothing special! Osso Bucco had no flavor & small portion. Veal piccata was tough and not edible. The worst part , we ordered the pasta special with truffles shaved on top. Mind you , the waiter did not warn us of the ridiculous price !! $190 for a bowl of spaghetti with a some truffles on top!!! Are you kidding me?! Truffles are my favorite I order them at every chance I get. NEVER have I been charged such a crazy absurd price ! And it wasn't even great! It was a dry bowl of pasta. So upsetting! Never again!!

Food is classic, old school Italian. Very good, but also pretty basic. Doesn't necessarily stand out among the other Italian joints in the city. Be careful with the specials - our waiter sold us on a pasta tasting for our large group - it was 3 very small portions of pasta and ended up costing $60 each! I enjoyed my meal but probably won't go back.

da Umberto is as old school Italian as you can find in New York. Its Bucatini Carbonara has been featured on "The Best Thing I Ever Ate." There is almost no Italian-American classic that you won't find on their menu and all done extremely well. Nothing fancy or creative, just basic and good. Be sure to finish the meal with their legendary cheesecake.

Fabulous restaurant. We live in Flatiron and love all our usual restaurants but wanted to try something different (so we went all the way to Chelsea). Incredible food, spectacular service, and a great vibe. Can't wait to go back.

Restaurant is small and uninteresting. Had dinner here. Ordered appetizers which were very small in size and not very good. Ordered entrees of veal saltimbocca which was dry, extremely salty, and tough. Pasta dish was bland and not noteworthy as well as small portion size. Desserts were nothing special. Big prices small portioned mediocre food. No thanks-I'll pass - one and done- won't be back.

We all celebrated my friends birthday here last week on a Tuesday night and both the food and service was excellent. Perfect choice for a Birthday. I have to tell you--You don't see such competent professional waiters as the one we had very often. I really don't know how he remembers all the specials and details without notes or asking anyone. And he also knows how to handle the airing of a bottle of wine. I had the Salmon and it was very good. Someone gave me a taste of the homemade Pasta with Red Sauce and it was the best. I honestly can't remember the sides or appetizers passed around at this point, but they were all great. I don't think you are going to have a problem with the food here. What I do remember was that it was a perfect Birthday celebration for my friend and that is why I gave them 5 stars. Place was packed on a Tuesday night. Summer dress was business casual, no ties or jackets required.

Went on a Wednesday night. Maybe the chef was off. Food was not well prepared. Special Cornish hen was so overcooked it was leathery. Veal and lamb pricey and definitely not worth it. Won't go again on Wednesday if we do go at all. Wait staff not helpful.

Convivial Italian spot with super accomodating service that falls somewhere between old school and new school. A longtime hotspot with two rooms and mostly four top tables that are separate like old school type joints. This staff will literally move tables for you or hang up your coat or store your umbrella. It's like that. It's a great date spot and despite some reviews these guys know how to run a restauarant- they've been here a long time. Food: Spicy olives Crusty bread Antipasti Salmone in mustard sauce Chicken with sweet sausage Tiramisu Food here tastes good and feels authentically Italian, the vegetable antipasti is great to share and they always have a good Cornish hen and my salmon was generous and haricot vert perfectly cooked. If you want to eat well and be treated well, not like some spots this is the spot!

This is an excellent restaurant and Ive gone here several times in the past (40?) years. The food overall is superb. Unfortunately the service last Thursday evening was not great. The place was full but it seemed that they might have been understaffed. The staff was working busily and all but we got menus and then waited way too long for the waiter to take our order for appetizer and meal. We also misread/misheard the offerings of wine and ended up buying a $150 bottle (on top of a $30 glass) of an Italian wine when we thought it was significantly less. I had the "pleasure" of picking up the tab for the five of us - and I dont drink wine. Lucky me... The other "issue" is that it's a rather noisy restaurant. The table we sat at was small so we could hear each other - except for dad who is hearing impaired and this particular scenario is extremely challenging for him. He smiled a lot but much was lost on him. I felt kind of bad about it as I picked this restaurant. Granted- he used to go here a lot long ago as well so I thought it would be a nice place to return to. In summary; great food (pricey as f*#*ing hell), lapses in service, dont order ANY wine, and dont show up semi-deaf.

Cute restaurant in a good location. The service staff was fun, and legitimately Italian. The food was average. We were part of a large party, so perhaps that was the issue. My appetizer was ok. The truffle was good. The main course Branzino was okay.the sautéed vegetables were delicious. The dessert was the best, loved the tiramisu. I probably wouldn't return considering all the options.

IT IS WORTH TO TRY Food is good & well presented. Portions are not big, but they are decent. Prices are compatible with other good restaurants. The environment is good too. Very clean, specially the bathroom.

Absolutely delicious food with amazing service and friendly servers. We had the chicken parmesan, the truffle ravioli, Cornish hen, and cacio e pepe ravioli. The drinks are also delicious. We ordered margaritas and they were made to perfection. They also have outdoor seating with heat lamps in the winter so you can dine outdoors if it's cold outside. I will keep coming back!!

I held a surprise 60th birthday party for my wife on a Saturday night in early February. The reservation process for 11 people was easy compared to other restaurants. The setting was great, food outstanding and the service was sublime. Highly recommended.

(this review has nothing to do with the restaurant but moreso for the kindness of the business owner's actions) Thanks for helping Sarah Dietchy from her bike accident! She got into a bike accident and the owner of da Umberto not only helped to get sarah back to her apartment by transporting her bicycle in the back of her SUV but also dropped her off into her room and made sure she was ok. If i'm ever in New York, i will stop by here!

Outstanding food and the service was spectacular. I'm big on service and these people out did themselves. Treated me and my gf like royalty.

I would give it a 0 rating if I could. The food was subpar. The service was FUNKY to say the least. The best part of the dinner was the hair found in the Veal Parmesan. The waiter actually went around and tried to find the culprit in the kitchen and claimed everyone in the kitchen doesn't have hair. The tiramisu was good but it was NOT tiramisu. It was straight mascarpone cream. Overall, not worth the hype or the reviews.

Had a fantastic meal with a large group of friends. From start to finish we were well looked after. The staff was extremely knowledgable and kind. We started by sharing a few appetizers which were very well done. The selection of cured meats with parmigiano was tasty and the fried calamari paired with artichokes was amazing. The pasta dishes were outstanding and full of flavor and well balanced. I had the salmon as a main corse and loved how it was paired with a mustard cream. Make sure you leave room for dessert because the tiramisu and panna cotta must be tried!

Sometimes you visit a special place. This is one of those. I went with a big group. We got a bunch of appetizers to share but they also created a little plate for each of us with other appetizers. My main course was the swordfish and we shared three desserts Every single thing I ate was five star. The flavors were amazing. Everything was cooked to perfection. I have a new favorite place in the city

Came here for a first date dinner and honestly the BEST Italian food I have had in NYC so far. The salads, the fish, the wine selection, the pasta, the polenta WOW!! Service was attentive, a bit uptight but no complaints. Ambiance was romantic and elegant I will definitely be back!

Very good service, ambience, rigatoni, fish, Burrata, etc. Great spot for when family is visiting

Delicious food, quick service in an authentic, old-fashioned Italian environment. Highly recommend!

OMG. Amazing food, and fair prices. We are def coming back. Bronzino, shrimp and veal were perfect. 2nd time returning and had to write another review. Food is incredible here, and service is great. One of my fav Italian places in NYC!!

My wife & I are in Chelsea from Chicago to visit my daughter and we Yelp da Umberto - it came highly rated. Entire experience from check in to the dessert was amazing/ so really enjoyable. Mater de took care of us (we wanted outside - none available - but he popped up a 3 top for us on the sidewalk). Enzo our waiter was awesome, super friendly, knowledgeable about the menu and the area attractions (being from out of town). Food is authentic and had so much flavor! Cocktails were made perfectly as well. Call ahead for best results Definitely go here again!!!

I cannot believe I have lived in and near NYC my whole life and hadn't experienced da Umberto until a few weeks ago! A friend came in from out of town, and we sought out a place we hadn't tried before, and thanks to Yelp, da Umberto fit the bill (thanks, Yelpers!). This place is clearly a classic -- and classy -- old school New York restaurant. The servers we had were Italian, and knew the food and wine menu extremely well. I was surprised by the reviewers who felt the staff were overbearing; I found their checking in to be a hallmark of great service. I had a side as my appetizer -- brussels sprouts, and I ate them all. Delicious! For my main course, I had the pennette with melanzane and cacio. Fresh, simple, yet extremely flavorful. The folks I was with both loved their dishes. If you are a drinker, ask their advice -- I am a bourbon drinker, and they had a brand I hadn't tried before that is now my favorite. In addition, we had a wonderful Sangiovese with our meal that was spectacular. My only regret was we didn't have room for dessert -- and I unfortunately had to rush to grab a train, otherwise, I would've stayed as long as they would have let us just chatting in the beautiful atmosphere. But I definitely plan to return!

Solid hidden Italian option in Chelsea with spacious, classy seating and attentive service. The food itself is a solid 3 but the ambiance is worth an extra star. We had the rigatoni with sausage ragu and the veal polpette appetizer. Both were good but the veal polpette stood out more with a savory yet light broth (4 in a dish) which was superb. The rigatoni was good with a flavorful sausage ragu accented with fresh peas although some pieces of the pasta did stick together - overall, flavorful and solid. The staff here are very attentive and the seating is comfortable and spacious with a dim lighting and low noise level. We did feel slightly rushed, though, despite the fact that the space was maybe 25-30% capacity. No complaints other than that. Overall, a solid option for Italian in Chelsea and quite close to Union Square.

as an Italian myself I have to say I am typically VERY weary of any restaurant claiming that identity until I try it myself and this place hits every note. delicious food, lovely space and warm service. highly suggest the spaghetti with clams. AMAZING wine list!

Wonderful dining experience. Not pretentious. Delicious food and service . Everyone attentive and professional. Manager checking on everything to make sure everyone satisfied . I was there for my birthday and will be going back.

Place was fantastic. Pasta was incredible. Server was great. Dessert was amazing. Tomato and Burrata insane. However, my fault but we went at 2:30. They couldn't wait to clear our plates after a bit. Felt rushed

I've been eating here since the late Umberto himself stood by the door. He is remembered fondly for his understanding of Itaian cuisine in the eatery that he established. This genuine and solid Italian restaurant is maintained by those that came after and it's truly a pleasure to eat in this authentic and consistent Italian spot. Clearly there is no shortage of New Yorkers who are well aware that you will always get a sensational meal at da Umberto If last night was any guide. I'll be back soon.

Third Visit. I can no longer bestow 5 stars. Even my current 4 star rating is generous. Last night we were a party of 5 and arrived early. 6:30 PM. Seated promptly. But a succession of small things marred the experience. * Why piped in music (with lyrics) when the venue is loud to begin with? * Why should I have to turn on my cell phone flashlight to read the menu? * Our corner table was not properly air-conditioned and everyone needed to shed a layer of clothing. * When the specials list is very extensive, why isn't it printed? By the time the waiter got to item #10 we had forgotten items 2-5. * The waiter did not know the price of any of the specials. When the Dover sole is $57 he should be prepared to warn the patrons. * I was given a second glass of wine which I did not order. However, I accepted it. Our waiter was very new and not properly trained. He was sweet and trying hard but out of his depth. There were 5 of us. Only 4 dinners were prepared by the kitchen. The manager, apologized and send out a free substitute. But this should not happen. To the restaurant's credit they compensated by giving us a free dessert platter with eight samples. Despite the free entree and deserts the bill (with tax & tip) still came to $100 a person. I no longer have a great desire to return.

I really enjoyed my birthday dinner. The service and food were excellent. I had a salmon dinner with the most perfect potatoes and tiramisu for dessert and yes there is outdoor seating.

Tonight I went to da Umberto for a nice outdoor meal. The food tasted great and the service was great... but THE RATS were unexpected! They were crawling right next to me and my partner in middle of our meal!! GROSS. We jumped out of our seats and told management immediately, asking for our food to be wrapped and the check. We couldn't finish our meal, sitting next to THE RATS!! But, THE RATS weren't the worst part, it was how management handled the situation. We got a "it's New York. There's RATS". We didn't get an apology or here's what we can do for you. We got an arrogant, inconsiderate manager that didn't try at all to make it right. I told the manager I'll never go back. He didn't care. For those reading this, there are many other better Italian restaurants in the area. Suggest taking your business there. The food will be better, the management will care more about their customers and you won't need to share your dinner experience with THE RATS!!

The food is simple but soo delicious. It's some of the best Italian food in the city. The salmon was cooked perfectly. The truffle ravioli were soo good. Definitely recommend!

We were the first to arrive at our reservation, greeted wonderfully by the maitre D and seated at a lovely corner table. First off, the waiter was very dismissive. We ordered mainly from the specials Appetizer: Arugula salad - BLAND no dressing at all Veal meatballs - 8/10 Ravioli - Not even edible.. only 5 small pieces, doughy and had brown sugar on the top which offset the whole dish terribly Veal Marsala and chicken that the rest of my guests ordered was great. And the tiramisu was good. PS. We also wanted to order extra appetizers such as the prosciutto or eggplant parm, and our waiter said it was too much! He had no business to take those requested appetizers off. Overall disappointing.