Amarena Introduce
Welcome to Amarena, a charming Italian restaurant nestled in the heart of New York's vibrant Upper East Side. If you're searching for an authentic culinary journey to Italy without leaving the city, Amarena offers a delightful escape. This beloved spot is known for its commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients and classic Italian recipes. It's the kind of place that transports you with every bite, making it a perfect destination for both a casual lunch and a special dinner. From homemade pasta to delectable pizzas, Amarena provides a taste of Italy right here in New York.
The name Amarena, which refers to the small, dark sour cherry often used in Italian desserts and liqueurs, hints at the restaurant's dedication to genuine Italian flavors. This ethos is evident in every dish, from the savory antipasti to the rich and satisfying main courses. Whether you're a local looking for your new favorite spot or a visitor hoping for an unforgettable dining experience, Amarena promises a meal that is both comforting and extraordinary.
Amarena’s menu is a carefully curated selection of Italian classics, updated with a modern touch. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, designed to make every guest feel at home. It’s a place where you can relax, enjoy a great glass of wine, and savor the simple pleasures of well-made food. The staff is friendly and attentive, dedicated to providing a memorable experience from the moment you walk in. For those who appreciate the finer things in life—like fresh bread, perfectly cooked pasta, and a welcoming environment—Amarena is a must-visit.
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Amarena is conveniently located at
151 E 82nd St, New York, NY 10028, USA. This prime location places it in a bustling, yet cozy part of the Upper East Side, easily accessible for residents and visitors alike. The neighborhood is known for its beautiful brownstones and lively atmosphere, making a walk to the restaurant a pleasant experience in itself. Public transportation options are abundant, with several subway lines and bus routes within a short walking distance. The restaurant's position on E 82nd St, just off of Lexington Avenue, makes it a convenient stop whether you're coming from work, shopping, or exploring the area's many cultural attractions.
For those with mobility concerns, Amarena offers a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that all guests can enjoy their dining experience without hassle. The street-level entrance provides a smooth transition from the sidewalk directly into the restaurant's inviting space. This commitment to accessibility reflects the restaurant's welcoming nature, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable and accommodated.
The central location also means you're never far from other New York City highlights, making Amarena a great choice for a meal before a show, after a museum visit, or as the centerpiece of an evening out. The convenience of its location is a major plus, allowing for easy planning and a stress-free journey to and from the restaurant.
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Amarena is more than just a place to eat; it's a full-service dining destination with a wide array of options to suit every need and occasion. Here's a look at the services and offerings you can expect:
Dine-In: Enjoy a full-service, sit-down meal in a cozy and trendy setting. The atmosphere is perfect for a relaxed dinner or a lively lunch with friends and family.
Takeout and Delivery: For those nights when you want to enjoy Amarena’s delicious food at home, the restaurant offers convenient takeout and delivery services. You can get everything from their popular pizzas to their signature pasta dishes brought right to your door.
No-Contact Delivery: In an effort to prioritize customer safety and convenience, Amarena also provides no-contact delivery, ensuring a seamless and secure experience.
Curbside Pickup: Prefer to grab your order on the go? The curbside pickup option makes it easy to get your food without having to leave your car.
Reservations: Dinner reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak hours. The restaurant accepts reservations, making it easy to plan your visit and secure a table. This is a great feature for those looking to celebrate a special occasion or simply ensure they have a spot at their preferred time.
Varied Menu: The menu features a wide range of options, including appetizers (Antipasti), pizzas (Pizze), pasta (Pasta), main courses (Secondi), and desserts (Dolci). They also offer brunch on weekends, with a menu featuring items like Avocado Toast, Eggs Benedict, and Pancakes.
Beverage Options: Amarena is well-regarded for its extensive beverage list, which includes a great wine list, a selection of beers, and well-crafted cocktails and hard liquor. They also offer a variety of coffees and teas.
Kids' Menu: The restaurant is family-friendly, offering a dedicated kids' menu with options like Kids Butter Pasta and Kids Chicken Parm, ensuring even the youngest diners are well taken care of.
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What makes Amarena stand out from other Italian restaurants in New York? The highlights and overall experience are what truly set it apart. Here are some of the key features that make this restaurant special:
Great Cocktails and Wine List: The beverage program at Amarena is a major draw. With a curated list of wines that perfectly complement the food and a selection of creative cocktails, it's a great place to start your evening. The inclusion of unique non-alcoholic options, such as mocktails, also highlights their attention to all guests' preferences.
Exceptional Desserts: Don't skip the dessert! The dessert menu, or "Dolci," is a definite highlight. From the Amarena Cake and Tiramisu Sundae to the Panna Cotta and various Gelato and Sorbetto flavors, the sweet offerings are the perfect end to your meal.
Cozy and Trendy Atmosphere: The ambiance at Amarena is both cozy and trendy, striking a perfect balance between comfort and style. The décor is modern yet warm, creating a welcoming environment that is ideal for a romantic dinner or a celebratory meal with friends.
Popular with Locals and Tourists: Amarena has earned a reputation as a popular spot for both local New Yorkers and tourists. It's a testament to the quality of the food and service that it appeals to a diverse crowd. The restaurant is popular for lunch, dinner, and even for solo dining, showing its versatility.
High-Quality Ingredients: Reviews from patrons often praise the freshness and quality of the ingredients. The focus on fresh food and delicate flavors ensures a superior dining experience. The house bread, for example, is often singled out as a highlight, while pastas are described as "mouth melting," reflecting the restaurant’s dedication to classic, well-executed dishes.
Friendly and Professional Staff: The service is consistently noted as a positive aspect of the dining experience. The employees are described as "very nice," contributing to the overall pleasant and professional atmosphere. This high level of service ensures that every visit feels special.
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For reservations, questions, or to place an order, you can contact Amarena directly using the information below:
Address: 151 E 82nd St, New York, NY 10028, USA
Phone: (212) 933-0992
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In a city filled with countless dining options, Amarena stands out as a genuine choice for those seeking a true Italian experience. What sets it apart is its unwavering commitment to authenticity and quality. The menu, while offering traditional dishes, does so with a precision and a freshness that is hard to find. The "mouth melting" pastas and the "perfect" house bread are not just marketing slogans; they are consistent observations from diners who appreciate the restaurant's attention to detail.
Moreover, Amarena’s atmosphere is designed to be a retreat from the fast pace of New York City. It is a place where you can sit down and truly savor your meal, whether you're enjoying a plate of delicate Carbonara Anatra or a simple yet perfect Margherita Pizza. The combination of a cozy, trendy environment and high-quality, delicious food creates a dining experience that feels both luxurious and approachable.
The glowing reviews about the food’s freshness and flavor, and the praise for the helpful and friendly staff, paint a picture of a restaurant that truly cares about its patrons. The a la carte menu offers a delightful journey through Italy's culinary landscape, from the rich and savory Every Day Sunday Gravy to the light and flavorful Halibut. Even for the most discerning palates, Amarena offers something to satisfy. Whether it's for a solo meal, a romantic date, or a family outing, Amarena provides a consistently excellent experience that makes it a top choice for Italian cuisine in New York.
The availability of services like takeout and delivery further enhances its appeal, allowing you to enjoy the same great food from the comfort of your home. With a wide range of menu options, from comfort food to small plates, and a bar onsite with great cocktails and a superb wine list, Amarena has something for everyone. It's a place that welcomes you in and leaves you with the feeling that you've just had a truly special meal.
Amarena represents the best of what a neighborhood restaurant can be: a place with a distinct personality, a focus on quality, and a genuine passion for food. This is a place where every visit feels like a step into a beloved Italian home, and for that, it is truly worth choosing.
Amarena Food & drink
SUPPLI
- Fiori Di Zucca $19.50
Zucchini blossoms filled with gorgonzola dolce, Calabrian chili honey
- Arancini $24.50
Pumpkin risotto, Parmigiano, Camp Ossetra Caviar
ANTIPASTI
- Insalata Verde $22.50
Butterhead lettuce, asparagus, peas, cacio e pepe dressing, ricotta salata, crispy prosciutto
- Insalata Verde Chicken $37.50
Butterhead lettuce, asparagus, peas, cacio e pepe dressing, ricotta salata, crispy prosciutto with grilled chicken
- Insalata Verde Salmon $42.50
Butterhead lettuce, asparagus, peas, cacio e pepe dressing, ricotta salata, crispy prosciutto with salmon
- Carciofi Alla Giudea $28.50
Baby crispy artichokes, Calabrian chili-meyer lemon aioli
- Burrata $37.50
Confit cherry tomatoes, Camp Ossetra Caviar, toasted ciabatta
- Tonno Crudo $29.50
Yellowfin tuna, lemon oil, Italian fennel, tear drop peppers
- Vongole Al Forno $29.50
Baked Clams, salsa verde, lardo, breadcrumbs
- Insalata Di Rucola E Carciofi $24.50
Arugula, baby artichokes, hearts of palm, avocado, Parmigiano, Manadori balsamic
- Polipo $30.50
Octopus, black eyed peas, soppresata, parsley-garlic butter
PIZZE
- Carbonara Pizza $27.50
Guanciale, pecorino, ricotta, egg, Parmigiano
- Margherita Pizza $22.50
Tomato-Mozzarella,basil
- Prosciutto Pizza $29.50
Burrata, Parmigiano, pecorino, arugula, hazelnut vinaigrette
- Soppressata Picante Pizza $27.50
Peaches, Calabrian chili honey
- Tartufata Pizza $37.50
Truffle burrata, pecorino toscano, Parmigiano, fresh black truffles
PASTA
- Carbonara Anatra $32.50
Bucatini, duck guanciale, duck egg, pecorino
- Campanelle Alla Vodka $31.50
Creamy tomato vodka sauce, spicy Calabrian chili
- Campanelle Alla Vodka Lobster $47.50
- Garganelli $30.50
Peas, asparagus, burrata, basil pesto, pine nuts
- Cavatelli Al Granchio $32.50
Crab, lemon, fresno chiles, garlic-parsley butter
- Every Day Sunday Gravy $37.50
Pappardelle, Brunello-coffee braised beef cheeks, slow cooked tomato sugo, Parmigiano
- Bucatini Di Polpo $32.50
Arrabiata, calabrian chiles, octopus, sopressata piccante, breadcrumbs
- Agnolotti $31.50
Wild mushroom, Parmigiano, ricotta, sage brown butter
SECONDI
- Vitelo Alla Milanese $74.50
Veal chop milanese, Italian chopped salad, cherry tomatoes, tear drop peppers, fennel, avocado, arugula, Parmigiano
- Pollo Alla Parmigiana $39.50
Chicken Parmesan, confit heirloom tomatoes, fresh buffalo mozzarella
- Halibut $47.50
Sunchoke puree, castelvatrano olive-salsa verde
- Branzino $51.50
Whole boneless branzino, spring pea-mascarpone puree, broccolini, caper aioli
- Brasado Di Manzo $42.50
Brunello braised beef short ribs,almond vinaigrette, local carrots, gorgonzola dolce polenta
CONTORNI
- Polpette $22.50
Meatballs, tomato Sunday gravy sauce
- Broccolini $17.50
- Patate $17.50
Smashed gold marble potatoes, gremolata, compound butter, crispy prosciutto
- Carotine $17.50
Glazed baby carrots, Calabrian chili butter, gorgonzola dolce, Sicilian almond
KIDS MENU
- Kids Butter Pasta $22.50
- Kids Pasta Pomodoro $22.50
- Kids Chicken Parm Cheese Only $28.50
- Kids Chicken Parm W Pomodoro $28.50
SUPPLI
- Fiori Di Zucca $17.00
Zucchini blossoms filled with gorgonzola dolce, Calabrian chili honey
- Arancini $22.00
Pumpkin risotto, Parmigiano, Camp Ossetra Caviar
ANTIPASTI
- Insalata Verde $20.00
Butterhead lettuce, asparagus, peas, cacio e pepe dressing, ricotta salata, crispy prosciutto
- Insalata Verde Chicken $35.00
Butterhead lettuce, asparagus, peas, cacio e pepe dressing, ricotta salata, crispy prosciutto with grilled chicken
- Insalata Verde Salmon $40.00
Butterhead lettuce, asparagus, peas, cacio e pepe dressing, ricotta salata, crispy prosciutto with salmon
- Tonno Crudo $27.00
Yellowfin tuna, lemon oil, Italian fennel, tear drop peppers
- Carciofi Alla Giudea $26.00
Baby crispy artichokes, Calabrian chili-meyer lemon aioli
- Insalata Di Rucola E Carciofi $22.00
Arugula, baby artichokes, hearts of palm, avocado, Parmigiano, Manadori balsamic
- Vongole Al Forno $27.00
Baked Clams, salsa verde, lardo, breadcrumbs
- Burrata $35.00
Confit cherry tomatoes, Camp Ossetra Caviar, toasted ciabatta
PIZZE
- Margherita Pizza $20.00
Tomato-Mozzarella,basil
- Tartufata Pizza $35.00
Truffle burrata, pecorino toscano, Parmigiano, fresh black truffles
- Soppressata Picante Pizza $25.00
Peaches, Calabrian chili honey
- Prosciutto Pizza $27.00
Burrata, Parmigiano, pecorino, arugula, hazelnut vinaigrette
- Carbonara Pizza $25.00
Guanciale, pecorino, ricotta, egg, Parmigiano
Panino & Brunch
- Avocado Toast $29.50
Toasted sourdough, avocado, poached egg, shredded kale salad, Parmigiano
- Frittata $27.50
- Eggs Benedict $29.50
- Prosciutto E Arugula Panino $30.50
Mozzarella, Aceto balsamico manadori, pepperoncini
- Burger $29.50
Prime ground beef, provolone, caramelized cipollini onions, mushrooms, patate Toscano
- Pancakes $24.50
PASTA
- Carbonara Anatra $30.00
Bucatini, duck guanciale, duck egg, pecorino
- Campanelle Alla Vodka $29.00
Creamy tomato vodka sauce, spicy Calabrian chili
- Campanelle Alla Vodka Lobster $45.00
- Cavatelli Al Granchio $30.00
Crab, lemon, fresno chiles, garlic-parsley butter
- Every Day Sunday Gravy $35.00
Pappardelle, Brunello-coffee braised beef cheeks, slow cooked tomato sugo, Parmigiano
- Garganelli $29.00
Spinach pasta, peas, asparagus, burrata, basil pesto, pine nuts
- Agnolotti $29.00
Wild mushroom, Parmigiano, ricotta, sage brown butter
- Bucatini Di Polpo $32.50
Arrabiata sauce, calabrian chiles, octopus, soppresata piccante, breadcrumbs
SECONDI
- Pollo Alla Parmigiana $37.00
Chicken Parmesan, confit heirloom tomatoes, fresh buffalo mozzarella
- Halibut $45.00
Sunchoke puree, castelvatrano olive-salsa verde
- Salmon $40.00
- Prime NY Strip 12oz $65.00
CONTORNI
- Polpette $20.00
Meatballs, tomato Sunday gravy sauce
- Broccolini $15.00
- Patate $15.00
Smashed gold marble potatoes, gremolata, compound butter, crispy prosciutto
- Carotine $15.00
Glazed baby carrots, Calabrian chili butter, gorgonzola dolce, Sicilian almond
Dolci
- Amarena Cake $20.50
Amarena cherry layered cake, coconut meringue
- Cioccolato Cake $19.50
Layered chocolate cake, mascarpone crema
- Torta Al Limone $19.50
Meyer Lemon olive oil-pistachio cake, limoncello frosting
- Tiramisu Sundae $20.50
Espresso-lady finger ice cream, mascarpone crema, chocolate sauce
- Panna Cotta $17.50
Buttermilk panna cotta, yuzu-macerated strawberries, raspberry sorbet
- Frutti Di Bosco $17.50
Mixed berries, whipped mascarpone crema
Sorbetto
- Meyer Lemon-Limoncello Sorbetto $9.50
- Raspberry-Yuzu Sorbetto $9.50
- Blackberry Sorbetto $9.50
Gelato
- Menta Gelato $9.50
- Cioccolato Gelato $9.50
- Amarena Gelato $9.50
- Vanilla Gelato $9.50
Caffèe
- Regular Coffee $8.50
- Decaf Coffee $8.50
- Espresso $10.00
- Capuccino $10.50
- Caffé Latte $10.50
- Macchiato $10.50
Tè
- Chamomile $10.50
- English Breakfast $10.50
- Green $10.50
- Earl Grey $10.50
- Fresh Mint Tea $6.50
SUPPLI
- Fiori Di Zucca $17.00
Zucchini blossoms filled with gorgonzola dolce, Calabrian chili honey
- Arancini $22.00
Pumpkin risotto, Parmigiano, Camp Ossetra Caviar
ANTIPASTI
- Insalata Verde $20.00
Butterhead lettuce, asparagus, peas, cacio e pepe dressing, ricotta salata, crispy prosciutto
- Insalata Verde Chicken $35.00
Butterhead lettuce, asparagus, peas, cacio e pepe dressing, ricotta salata, crispy prosciutto with grilled chicken
- Insalata Verde Salmon $40.00
Butterhead lettuce, asparagus, peas, cacio e pepe dressing, ricotta salata, crispy prosciutto with salmon
- Tonno Crudo $27.00
Yellowfin tuna, lemon oil, Italian fennel, tear drop peppers
- Carciofi Alla Giudea $26.00
Baby crispy artichokes, Calabrian chili-meyer lemon aioli
- Insalata Di Rucola E Carciofi $22.00
Arugula, baby artichokes, hearts of palm, avocado, Parmigiano, Manadori balsamic
- Vongole Al Forno $27.00
Baked Clams, salsa verde, lardo, breadcrumbs
- Burrata $35.00
Confit cherry tomatoes, Camp Ossetra Caviar, toasted ciabatta
PIZZE
- Margherita Pizza $20.00
Tomato-Mozzarella,basil
- Tartufata Pizza $35.00
Truffle burrata, pecorino toscano, Parmigiano, fresh black truffles
- Soppressata Picante Pizza $25.00
Peaches, Calabrian chili honey
- Prosciutto Pizza $27.00
Burrata, Parmigiano, pecorino, arugula, hazelnut vinaigrette
- Carbonara Pizza $25.00
Guanciale, pecorino, ricotta, egg, Parmigiano
Panino
- Avocado Toast $27.00
Toasted sourdough, avocado, poached egg, shredded kale salad, Parmigiano
- Prosciutto E Arugula Panino $28.00
Mozzarella, Aceto balsamico manadori, pepperoncini
- Burger $27.00
Prime ground beef, provolone, caramelized cipollini onions, mushrooms, patate Toscano
SECONDI
- Pollo Alla Parmigiana $37.00
Chicken Parmesan, confit heirloom tomatoes, fresh buffalo mozzarella
- Halibut $45.00
Sunchoke puree, castelvatrano olive-salsa verde
- Salmon $40.00
- Prime NY Strip 12oz $65.00
PASTA
- Carbonara Anatra $30.00
Bucatini, duck guanciale, duck egg, pecorino
- Campanelle Alla Vodka $29.00
Creamy tomato vodka sauce, spicy Calabrian chili
- Campanelle Alla Vodka Lobster $45.00
- Cavatelli Al Granchio $30.00
Crab, lemon, fresno chiles, garlic-parsley butter
- Every Day Sunday Gravy $35.00
Pappardelle, Brunello-coffee braised beef cheeks, slow cooked tomato sugo, Parmigiano
- Garganelli $29.00
Spinach pasta, peas, asparagus, burrata, basil pesto, pine nuts
- Agnolotti $29.00
Wild mushroom, Parmigiano, ricotta, sage brown butter
- Bucatini Di Polpo $30.00
CONTORNI
- Polpette $20.00
Meatballs, tomato Sunday gravy sauce
- Broccolini $15.00
- Patate $15.00
Smashed gold marble potatoes, gremolata, compound butter, crispy prosciutto
- Carotine $15.00
Glazed baby carrots, Calabrian chili butter, gorgonzola dolce, Sicilian almond
- Patate Toscano $15.00
Amarena Details
Service options
- Curbside pickup
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great cocktails
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Hard liquor
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Tourists
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Amarena Photos










Amarena Location
Amarena Reviews
pricesdecorfood and serviceolive oilthe menubirthdaybarsaltyappetizerscampanelle
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Don't come too hungry, portions are normal , not American. The food is SO fresh, so tasty & so delicate. The house bread is PERFECT. Pastas are mouth melting. Very nice employees
May 30 · jocelyn hermanFood was good but the experience felt stressful. They sat a very loud group next to me even though it was a slow night with plenty of open tables. It’s the kind of loud behavior that gives Americans a bad reputation in Europe. The bread table with olive oil dip was excellent, and the mocktail selection was surprisingly strong. Burrata desperately needed salt. Cavatelli al Granchio was bright and perfectly al dente, but the Campanelle alla Vodka was disappointingly overcooked and mushy. Desserts — panna cotta and olive oil cake — were standard meh.
April 27 · Marie UI loved Amarena! Everything was great from the food, drinks, decor, service. The Amarena spritz was so good (and I'm not an Aperol fan). The vintage yet modern upscale decor was lovely. Upstairs and downstairs, but good to have a reservation.
April 02 · Joanie AHad a wonderful time with friends yesterday! Every single dish was absolutely phenomenal, from bread basket to pasta to desserts, we loved all of them, and the service was prompt and attentive. But $90 for a small plate of white truffle pasta and $45 for another small plate of lobster pasta? Probably not so worth it.
November 24 · Venus ZhangI’ve written many reviews for many restaurants across New York City, from the trendiest downtown spots to the tucked-away neighborhood staples. But Amarena? I’ve been keeping this one in my pocket. A hidden gem I’ve selfishly guarded for one simple reason: I didn’t want to spill the beans.Because once the word gets out, this cozy little slice of Italy on the Upper East Side won’t stay secret for long.Yes, the food is outstanding. Yes, the ambience is charming and warm. But the real secret weapon of Amarena is Miguel.Miguel isn’t just a server. He’s the soul of the place. A true hospitality magician who somehow reads your mind before you even sit down. Every visit feels like he’s been expecting you. He anticipates what you need, and somehow makes the food taste even better and not just because it’s delicious, but because he ensures it’s made exactly the way you like it.Once, for a dear friend’s birthday, he made the impossible happen!!!! A plate of french fries. Not on the menu. Never has been. But he knew it was her favorite, and he made it happen because that’s what Miguel does. He cares.I’ve been to Amarena with groups of six, eight, even more. We’ve gone when Miguel wasn’t there. And without fail, the night ends with someone at the table whispering, “Where’s Miguel?” Because somehow, the spark is missing.So here’s the deal: if you’re going to Amarena (and you should), do yourself a favor. Call ahead. Make sure Miguel is working. He’s not just a server, he’s an experience. The food is a masterpiece thanks to the chef, who creates incredible dishes night after night. But Miguel? He’s the bridge between the kitchen and your table. Without him, something gets lost in translation.Amarena is a dream. Miguel makes it unforgettable.
May 06 · Glenda Cortez
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