Simpatico

Simpatico proved to be an exceptional venture from the moment Jesse welcomed us to his restaurant. The establishment is open yet maintains a comforting and warm atmosphere. The seats are comfortable and the tables are welcoming. Our waiter, Grant was kind, patient, and helpful with all aspects of food and drink. Barbara, the bartender, created phenomenal martinis and limoncello cocktails. The food was exceptional. The golden beets were fresh with hearty flavor on a bed of rich balsamic vinegar that had the smoky essence of a reduction sauce. Perfectly cooked salmon and its crispy skin rested on cannellini beans and kale. The flavors were strong and extremely satisfying. For dessert, the tiramisu was remarkable. Fresh, creamy, and drenched in espresso, it capped off the meal in grand fashion. Many thanks to Jesse, Grant, and Barbara for their hospitality and care. The goal is to return as soon as possible!

Great dinner last night at Simpatico in Allentown! They have a nice wine list with unique options and a variety of entrees and appetizers but we chose to focus on the house made scratch pastas. They have full and half sizes so it is easy to try a variety of different pastas. We went with the carbonara , fettuccine and clams, and the short rib with red sauce. All delicious and fairly priced. We will be back!

Simpatico has officially become our new favorite date night spot! We knew it was going to be a great night because right away, we found a parking spot across the street. Tonight was a beautiful summer night, so we decided to sit outside on the patio. There was no wait for our table, which was an added bonus! We are Italian food fanatics, and everything we ate blew us away. We started with two appetizers, the “mozzarella en carrozza” and “mushroom arancini.” While both were delicious, our personal favorite was the mushroom arancini! I ordered the fusilli primavera as my entree, and my boyfriend ordered the short rib pappardelle. Both of us completely cleaned our plates! Oh, and of course, we both added burrata to our meals because, well, duh! For dessert, we both ordered the dark chocolate gelato, which was to die for. It is served with a sprig of mint, which really took it to the next level. My boyfriend and I were extremely impressed with the elegant ambiance, friendly staff, fair prices, and—arguably most importantly—incredible food! On a personal note, I was THRILLED to find out that half portions are offered on the menu! I was able to have a drink, sample two appetizers, and enjoy my meal which is super rare for me at most restaurants due to the enormous portion sizes. People, please help spread the word about Simpatico, and go give them a try so you can see how great they are for yourselves!

Simpatico - 4/5 Stars Just visited Simpatico during their soft opening, and I'm genuinely excited about what this place will become! Owner Jesse (co-owner of the beloved Pennsylvania Rye) has created something special here - an Italian-inspired restaurant with New Orleans flair that showcases his exceptional beverage expertise. The Highlights: The space itself is impressive - over 300 seats thoughtfully sectioned into different areas so it never feels like a cafeteria. The square bar area is particularly striking, with outside seating and completely open doors that connect to the Arts Walk area. I can imagine this being absolutely beautiful in the evenings with that indoor-outdoor flow. The cocktail program is absolutely outstanding. The Jungle Bird was a revelation - ingredients you'd never think to combine creating perfect harmony with smooth rum and pineapple. The Affumigato (Campari, lime, bitters, agave, reposado) was so delicious I had to exercise serious self-control not to order three more. Jesse's sommelier background really shines through the entire drink menu. The food showed real promise. The focaccia with olives, tomatoes, and roasted shallots was excellent with perfectly baked bread demonstrating solid pastry skills. The mushroom arancini was even better than Shelby's version (high praise from me!). The Margherita pizza with fresh mozzarella was extremely flavorful - a bit different from traditional Italian style but in a way most Americans will actually prefer. Areas for Growth: Being a soft opening, there are some kinks to work out. The polenta cake bruschetta needed more seasoning and umami depth. The gnocchi was slightly doughy despite good searing. The pappardelle with short rib lacked flavor, and the chicken piccata's roux was grainy rather than smooth. My main concern is portion sizes - we ordered entree-sized pasta dishes that honestly wouldn't satisfy anyone as a standalone entree. The prices are fair for the market, but the quantity needs to increase to match the value proposition. The Team: The service was fantastic. Assistant GM Yolanda clearly knows her stuff, GM Clint stopped by multiple times seeking feedback (showing they truly want to improve), and server Raul was a absolute highlight - knowledgeable about every menu item and passionate about the experience. Bottom Line: This is a restaurant I'm genuinely rooting for. The bones are excellent - great cocktails, solid food foundation, caring staff, and beautiful contemporary decor with Italian charm. Once they dial in the seasoning and portion sizes over the next few weeks, this could easily become a 5-star destination. I'll definitely be back soon to try the linguine clam sauce and see their continued evolution. For cocktail lovers and foodies willing to support a promising new spot while they hit their stride, Simpatico is absolutely worth visiting now. This area needs restaurants like this to thrive, and I believe they will.

Incredible food, Incredible Service!! Absolutely perfect for a pre-event meal! We had the chicken picata and fusili primavera, and they both were incredible! If you're in the area, you have to try Simpatico! Right on the ArtsWalk!

Had a reservation for Black Friday. The restaurant was almost completely empty during what I expected to be their dinner rush, which I found odd. They were out of shrimp scampi and another item my friend ordered. They were also out of Peroni, which to me was strange as an Italian restaurant. The menu is rather small, so it made it difficult for our party to substitute our choices. Service was great and the food was tasty. Just very thrown off that they were out of so many items on their menu.

The changed the menu but didn't update their website. The dish we went for was no longer available. The bartender doesn't know how to make drinks. Our waitress had to remake our drinks (very good). Our 1st calamari over cooked. The owner noticed it. 2nd calamari the breading was soggy. Husband dish which was fettuccine Alfredo with shrimp was plain NO favor and my lasagna had a burnt and bitter taste. The owner was on spot, walking around the tables. Our waitress was pleasant and professional. For what we got 2 entrees (no salads etc), 1 appetizer, and 2 drinks, the cost of our meal was overpriced. I can go to Carrabba's or Olive Garden get the same thing for less price and enjoy it I'm sorry, unfortunately we will not be returning due to the food nor will I recommend.

Not crowded. Somewhat of a wait for food to be brought out but food is excellent. Good wine selection, not too noisy. Great downtown restaurant! Can park on the street right outside restaurant most of the time

Simpatico proved to be an exceptional venture from the moment Jesse welcomed us to his restaurant. The establishment is open yet maintains a comforting and warm atmosphere. The seats are comfortable and the tables are welcoming. Our waiter, Grant was kind, patient, and helpful with all aspects of food and drink. Barbara, the bartender, created phenomenal martinis and limoncello cocktails. The food was exceptional. The golden beets were fresh with hearty flavor on a bed of rich balsamic vinegar that had the smoky essence of a reduction sauce. Perfectly cooked salmon and its crispy skin rested on cannellini beans and kale. The flavors were strong and extremely satisfying. For dessert, the tiramisu was remarkable. Fresh, creamy, and drenched in espresso, it capped off the meal in grand fashion. Many thanks to Jesse, Grant, and Barbara for their hospitality and care. The goal is to return as soon as possible!

1. Fresh pasta made daily 2. Truly elevated pizza 3. Best calamari I've had in the Valley 4. Not pretentious, but confidently ambitious 5. Great service

Simpatico - 4/5 Stars Just visited Simpatico during their soft opening, and I'm genuinely excited about what this place will become! Owner Jesse (co-owner of the beloved Pennsylvania Rye Company) has created something special here - an Italian-inspired restaurant with a little New Orleans flair that showcases his exceptional beverage expertise. The Highlights: The space itself is impressive - over 300 seats thoughtfully sectioned into different areas so it never feels like a cafeteria. The square bar area is particularly striking, with outside seating and completely open doors that connect to the Arts Walk area. I can imagine this being absolutely beautiful in the evenings with that indoor-outdoor flow. The cocktail program is absolutely outstanding. The Jungle Bird was a revelation - ingredients you'd never think to combine creating perfect harmony with smooth rum and pineapple. The Affumigato (Campari, lime, bitters, agave, reposado) was so delicious I had to exercise serious self-control not to order three more. Jesse's sommelier background really shines through the entire drink menu. The food showed real promise. The focaccia with olives, tomatoes, and roasted shallots was excellent with perfectly baked bread demonstrating solid pastry skills. The mushroom arancini was even better than Shelby's version (high praise from me!). The Margherita pizza with fresh mozzarella was extremely flavorful - a bit different from traditional Italian style but in a way most Americans will actually prefer. Areas for Growth: Being a soft opening, there are some kinks to work out as they continue to train their kitchen staff. The polenta cake bruschetta needed more seasoning and umami depth. The gnocchi was slightly doughy despite good searing. The pappardelle with short rib lacked flavor, and the chicken piccata's roux was grainy rather than smooth. My main concern is portion sizes - we ordered entree-sized pasta dishes that honestly wouldn't satisfy anyone as a standalone entree. The prices are fair for the market, but the quantity needs to increase to match the value proposition. The Team: The service was fantastic. Assistant GM Yolanda clearly knows her stuff, GM Clint stopped by multiple times seeking feedback (showing they truly want to improve), and server Raul was a absolute highlight - knowledgeable about every menu item and passionate about the experience. I love the vibe they bring- they truly love what they do. Bottom Line: This is a restaurant I'm genuinely rooting for. The bones are excellent - great cocktails, solid food foundation, caring staff, and contemporary decor with Italian charm. Once they dial in the seasoning and portion sizes over the next few weeks, this could easily become a 5-star destination. I'll definitely be back soon to try the linguine in clam sauce and see their continued evolution. For cocktail lovers and foodies willing to support a promising new spot while they hit their stride, Simpatico is absolutely worth visiting now. This Arts Walk area needs restaurants like this to thrive, and I believe they will.

Went to PPL center for event Made reservations for dinner before event The food was very good but the service (server Raul) was sporadic at best We had to ask for bread & water & for used plates to be removed from the table also the entrees came out one at a time there were 4 of us... very disconcerting for the rest of us at the table

Overall great food and ambience. Their menu fits us more than the previous restaurant that was at this location. Loved the fresh pasta and arachini. The seasonal vegetables with the fusilli was bitter which was the only fault to us. Otherwise the rest of the meal was great. My favorite was actually my custom mocktail. It was a mix of pineapple, cranberry, and lemonade. It wasn't too sweet which was perfect.

Drinks are great food is tasty. Could use a bit more salt. Bar and outdoor space is cool. Finally a nice restaurant that's not a sports bar!

This is without a doubt, the best Italian restaurant that I believe I've been to. I ordered chicken parmesan and it was really amazing. The breading on the chicken was crunchy and tasty, their house salad I could not stop eating it. I don't know what the dressing was, but it was very good .Everything was fresh. The pasta is made in house. You can't get any fresher than that and the service is extremely friendly and the atmosphere is absolutely beautiful. There is a section of the restaurant opened up to the street where there is acoustical music being played very relaxing and enjoyable place. Too bad I'm working from out of town and I can't come to visit this place more often. I highly recommend this restaurant.

We absolutely loved it! New find for our in town visits. Calamari was great and loved the polenta as well! Drinks were yummy and the staff were friendly. Fun vibe and atmosphere as well! Can't wait to go back!

Newly opened and amazing - def recommend checking out! Our bartender, Barb, was incredible. Gave us great recommendations and made us native New Yorkers feel extra welcome in Allentown! To start we got the Polenta Bruschetta, Mushroom Arancini, and the Raddichio Salad w/ Goat Cheese and Pancetta; and for entrees we got the Short Rib Farfalle and Mushroom Gnocchi! Flexible portion sizes make it perfect for either a quick bite or a long stay. With the great ambiance of this place, I would have wanted to stay all day. Everything from top to bottom was insane and you'd be dumb to miss out on this hot new spot.

Simpatico is going to be a food hit in Allentown!!! My daughter and granddaughter joined me for dinner last night around 5.30 for dinner. We started with the burrata with heirloom tomatoes and fresh cucumbers. We shared the papperdelle pasta with short ribs and the margherita pizza. Our meal was delicious. Our server, Grant was so friendly and accommodating to my 2.5 year old granddaughter. She loved her pasta and vanilla gelato. The tiramasu was one of the best I ever tasted. It was perfect!! Yay Jessie and crew. I'm so excited for this restaurant.

Pappardelle rib was greasy, overly salty, and the spices were terrible. Service was slow, asked for Parmesan and never got it. On top of that, completely overpriced for what you get. Very disappointing for this location.

Great visit to Simpatico last night! The house made pastas were awesome and can be ordered in half sizes so you can try a few. They also have an extensive cocktail and wine list and delicious pizza and apps if you want something simpler. They have outside seating on the arts walk, easy parking, and private dining room for events.

Can't wait to go again! Fantastic food! Jersey /Brooklyn Italian food in the Lehigh valley !

My two daughters and I celebrated my older daughter's birthday here. Barbara, our waitress was super! The food choices are very different than the cocktails were excellent. I would definitely go back.

Don't waste your time or money eating here. Serve and food was horrible. Ordered the linguine with clam sauce and got fettuccine Alfredo with a few clams on the side. Will not be recommending this place to anyone​​​

1st time there and know it's rather new, so this is completely constructive criticism and not meant to not recommend a visit. First - the place flat out has potential - no question. Very nice inside....very "airy" with an outdoor patio area...very nice! If you're doing dinner before an event at the PPL Center....you really can't be in a better location. Our waitress was very sweet, but seemed rather new at her job. There were several mistakes - our appetizer never came until after the main course was served and all but consumed. She missed several drink re-fill requests. When I asked for a spoon for my coffee, she gave me the spoon grasping the spoon and not the handle. The meal kind of dragged on longer than anticipated trying to make a 7pm show @ PPL....I had to cancel the desert order even though we had been there for 1.5 hours. The food was "ok", but arrived like it was sitting under the lamp a bit too long. All of our meals were kind of like that.....they need to tighten this up. I ordered the Chicken Parm....the spaghetti was rather overcooked....not al dente. The chicken was too thick (my personal pickiness) and lacked sauce on the top. The sauce was a tad too acidic also. The octopus appetizer was quite tasty, but was a little "tough"....minor complaint though. Another person in our party ordered the Chicken Piccata over polenta and it was served in a "bowl" rather than a plate....pretty difficult to eat a dish like that in a bowl. We had a party of 6....two of us (tied to the dishes referenced) are extensive travelers and have eaten at countless restaurants and have pretty strong opinions when it comes to restaurants/dishes. I'd give this place a little time to settle in, but absolutely will give it another shot....their sister restaurant PA Rye Co has really good food, so I'm sure they'll get this figured out.

I've literally never left a review for a restaurant before but I was surprisingly impressed with this place -- incredibly fresh in house made pasta, the best pistachio gelato I've ever had & delicious cocktails rooting for this place to do well, definitely worth the visit!! Service was great!

Awesome atmosphere and food was so good!! Definitely coming back!! And the waiter was so nice.

Food was great! The arancini were an amazing appetizer and the pasta tasted fresh and delicious. Great service as well