Al Vaporetto

- 168 E 81st St, New York, NY 10028

In a city overflowing with Italian restaurants, finding one that feels both authentically Italian and welcomingly local can be a real treat. Al Vaporetto, located on the Upper East Side, is just such a place. This charming eatery provides a genuine taste of Italy in a cozy and trendy setting. It’s a place that perfectly balances a high-quality dining experience with a casual, relaxed atmosphere, making it ideal for a variety of occasions. What truly sets Al Vaporetto apart is its dedication to providing delicious food at prices that are more accessible than many other establishments in the city. The menu is a delightful journey through classic Italian cuisine, from flavorful appetizers to hearty main courses and great desserts. Reviewers consistently praise the food for being "delicious" and the service for being "fast," which is a perfect combination for a casual dinner. The restaurant's ambiance is intimate and warm, making it a great spot for groups looking to enjoy a meal together. It's the kind of place you discover and immediately want to share with friends. Beyond the food, Al Vaporetto is also known for its impressive wine list, which is a significant highlight, especially for wine lovers. The overall experience feels like a hidden gem, where you can get everything you need for a fantastic evening without the high-end price tag. It’s a testament to the fact that great food and a wonderful atmosphere don’t have to come with an exorbitant cost, and Al Vaporetto delivers on this promise beautifully.

Al Vaporetto is situated in a prime location on the Upper East Side, making it a convenient destination for a delicious Italian meal. The address is 168 E 81st St, New York, NY 10028, USA. This location places it in a beautiful and bustling residential neighborhood, easily accessible for both locals and those visiting from other parts of the city. Public transportation is readily available, with the 4, 5, and 6 subway lines at 86th Street and Lexington Avenue being a very short walk away. This makes it a great spot for a pre-theater dinner or a meal after a day of exploring Central Park or the nearby museums. As a traditional sit-down restaurant, Al Vaporetto focuses on the dine-in experience. While information on specific accessibility features is not provided, the location is generally considered to be in a well-trafficked, accessible area of the city. The restaurant's cozy atmosphere suggests a focus on providing an intimate and comfortable dining space. The centralized location on the Upper East Side ensures that it is a popular spot for groups and solo diners alike, drawing a steady crowd looking for a great dinner spot. Its neighborhood presence allows it to feel like a cherished local secret while still being easily reachable for a wider audience.

Al Vaporetto's services are primarily focused on providing a high-quality, sit-down dining experience. The restaurant's offerings are designed to create a comfortable and enjoyable meal from start to finish. The services include:

• Dine-in: This is the main service offered, with a full menu and table service.
• Table Service: The staff provides fast and attentive service, ensuring a smooth dining experience.
• Bar On-site: A full bar is available, offering a great selection of beer, cocktails, hard liquor, and an excellent wine list.
• Reservations: The restaurant "accepts reservations" and recommends "dinner reservations," which is a key service for groups and those who want to ensure they get a table without a long wait, especially during busy hours.

The dining options are straightforward and are focused on a full dinner experience:

• Lunch and Dinner: Popular times for the restaurant, catering to both midday and evening cravings.
• Dessert: A selection of great desserts is available to finish your meal.

The service model is designed to be efficient and comfortable, emphasizing the fast turnaround time praised by customers. The restaurant's highlights, such as the fast service and the great wine list, are integral to its service offerings. By focusing on a quality dine-in experience, Al Vaporetto has created a welcoming space that prioritizes the comfort and satisfaction of its guests. The recommendation for reservations shows an understanding of its popularity and a desire to provide the best possible experience for its patrons.

Al Vaporetto is a standout on the Upper East Side due to several key features and highlights that contribute to its charm and appeal. These are the elements that keep customers coming back and make it a highly recommended spot:

• Fast Service: A significant highlight, with one review noting that it’s "everything you need for a casual dinner." This efficiency is a major draw for New Yorkers.
• Great Dessert: The dessert menu is highly praised, providing a perfect ending to a delicious meal.
• Great Wine List: A key feature for wine enthusiasts, with a diverse selection that is noted for being "fine" and affordable.
• Cozy and Trendy Atmosphere: The ambiance is a perfect blend of comfortable and stylish, making it a great spot for a relaxing evening.
• Affordable Prices: The restaurant is known for being more affordable than other places in the area, with a glass of wine and entrees priced competitively.
• Delicious Food: Customers rave about the food, with specific praise for the clams oreganata, octopus appetizers, and various main courses.
• Accepts Reservations: This is a crucial highlight for planning, ensuring a smooth and stress-free dining experience.

These features, particularly the combination of great food, an excellent wine list, and affordability, make Al Vaporetto a compelling choice. It offers a high-quality experience without the premium price tag, which is a rare find in this part of the city. The cozy atmosphere and fast service further enhance its appeal, creating a welcoming environment that feels like a true neighborhood gem. The focus on quality and value has earned it a loyal following and a reputation as a must-visit spot for a great Italian meal.

For more information or to make a reservation at Al Vaporetto, you can use the following contact details. The restaurant is located at 168 E 81st St, New York, NY 10028, USA. You can reach them by phone at (212) 570-5100 or on their mobile phone at +1 212-570-5100. The restaurant accepts major credit cards and debit cards for payment, providing a convenient way to settle your bill. Dinner reservations are recommended, especially for groups, to ensure a seamless dining experience without a wait. The clear and simple contact information makes it easy for patrons to get in touch and plan their visit. The fact that the restaurant recommends reservations signals its popularity and commitment to providing the best possible service, ensuring that customers can enjoy their time without any stress or uncertainty.

With a menu that offers a variety of classic Italian dishes, it's helpful to know what is particularly worth choosing at Al Vaporetto. Based on customer reviews, several dishes stand out. The appetizers are a great place to start, with the clams oreganata and the octopus being specifically mentioned as "excellent." For a main course, the risotto and spaghetti are noted for their deliciousness and value, with one review highlighting a risotto price of 13 euros and spaghetti at 12 euros, which are incredibly competitive prices for a New York City restaurant. While the menu details are not fully provided, the reviews point to a high-quality experience with the main courses. The "wine in glass is fine" and the "great wine list" are significant highlights for drink selections. The dessert menu is also a must-try, as it's mentioned as a key highlight. Overall, when visiting Al Vaporetto, it is worth choosing the classic dishes and a glass of wine, trusting that the quality will be excellent for the price. The focus on providing great food and a fast, enjoyable experience means that whatever you choose, you are likely to have a memorable and satisfying meal. The overall charm and genuine quality of the food make it a place worth returning to, as one reviewer noted.

Al Vaporetto

168 E 81st St, New York, NY 10028, USA