Arco Cafe Introduce
In a city full of exceptional dining, Arco Cafe stands out as a true local treasure. This charming Italian restaurant on Amsterdam Avenue offers a unique culinary experience rooted in the rich traditions of Sardinia, a beautiful island in the Mediterranean. As a women-owned business, Arco Cafe prides itself on providing a welcoming, cozy, and authentic atmosphere that feels like a home away from home. The restaurant’s commitment to quality is evident in every dish, from their famous homemade pasta to their freshly baked focaccia. It's not just a meal; it's a sensory journey that transports you to the sun-drenched coastlines of Italy, right in the heart of New York City.
For many New Yorkers, Arco Cafe has become a go-to spot for both a casual lunch and a cozy dinner. The atmosphere is described by patrons as "calm, cozy, warm, and beautiful," creating a relaxing backdrop for any meal. The food is often called "absolutely fabulous," with a focus on fresh, healthy ingredients and a menu that is friendly to various dietary needs, including vegan and vegetarian options. While some reviews may mention minor inconsistencies, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many customers returning time and again for the high quality of the food and the unmatched service. This dedication to authentic flavors and genuine hospitality is what makes Arco Cafe a beloved part of the Upper West Side community and a must-try for anyone seeking a true taste of Italy.
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Arco Cafe is perfectly situated at 886 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025, USA, placing it in a prime location in the vibrant Upper West Side. This central address makes it easily accessible for local residents, students, and tourists exploring the neighborhood. The restaurant’s presence on Amsterdam Avenue, a key street, ensures it is simple to find and a natural stop for a meal. For those driving, the area offers both free street parking and paid street parking, providing options for convenience.
The restaurant is committed to providing an inclusive dining experience for all. It features a wheelchair accessible entrance and wheelchair accessible seating, ensuring that everyone can comfortably enjoy the atmosphere and the food. Additionally, the presence of a gender-neutral restroom and amenities like Wi-Fi further contribute to a modern and accommodating environment. The ability to dine outdoors with outdoor seating and bring your furry friend, as dogs are allowed outside, adds to the welcoming and laid-back vibe. This thoughtful approach to accessibility and comfort is a key part of what makes Arco Cafe a welcoming and stress-free destination.
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The menu at Arco Cafe is a carefully curated selection of Italian and Sardinian specialties, with a strong emphasis on homemade quality and fresh ingredients. The restaurant offers a wide range of options to cater to different tastes and occasions. Here is a comprehensive look at their offerings:
- Homemade Pasta: This is a major highlight of the menu, with a variety of pasta types made fresh daily. Dishes include the flavorful Malloreddus Con Salsiccia, Gnocchi Alla Montanara, and the seafood-rich Busa Ai Frutti Di Mare. You can even create your own with the Build Your Own Pasta option. They also sell fresh pasta by the pound to take home.
- Fresh Focaccia: Another standout, the focaccia is baked fresh and comes in several delicious variations, from the simple Focaccia Plain to the hearty Focaccia Della Nonna with meatballs. The Build Your Own Focaccia option allows for complete customization.
- Appetizers and Salads: A great start to any meal with options like Fritto Misto (fried calamari and zucchini), classic Polpette (meatballs), and a light Caprese salad. Salads like Rucolina and Kale provide fresh and healthy choices.
- Main Course: The main course menu offers classic Italian entrées such as Salmone, Paillard Di Pollo, and the popular Branzino. They also feature specials like Cotoletta Di Pollo and Chicken Parmigiana.
- Desserts: A meal isn’t complete without dessert. Indulge in traditional Italian favorites like Tiramisú, Tortino Al Cioccolato (chocolate lava cake), or the unique Sardinian specialty Sebada.
- Beverages and Wine: The restaurant offers a selection of Beer, Cocktails, and Hard liquor, in addition to a carefully selected Wine list. Non-alcoholic options include a variety of soft drinks and juices.
- Catering: Arco Cafe also provides Catering services, bringing their authentic flavors to your next event or gathering.
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Arco Cafe’s success is built on a number of key features that enhance the dining experience and solidify its reputation in the local community. These highlights demonstrate the restaurant's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Here are some of the most notable features:
- Service Options: The restaurant offers a full range of services to accommodate all diners. You can enjoy Outdoor seating, Dine-in, Takeout, Delivery, and No-contact delivery, providing maximum flexibility.
- Highlights: Patrons consistently praise the Fast service, which is a major benefit in a busy city. Other highlights include the "Great dessert" and the fact that the restaurant "Serves local specialty," referring to its unique Sardinian cuisine.
- Popularity: Arco Cafe is a popular choice for Lunch and Dinner, as well as for Solo dining. The restaurant's popularity with "Tourists" and "Groups" also attests to its broad appeal.
- Offerings: The menu features a variety of appealing options, from rich Comfort food and Small plates to Healthy options and Organic dishes. They also offer a full bar with Happy hour drinks and food, as well as a selection of Vegan options and Vegetarian options.
- Atmosphere and Amenities: The atmosphere is a perfect blend of Casual, Cozy, and Trendy, making it a comfortable spot for any occasion. Amenities include a Bar onsite, a Restroom, and free Wi-Fi.
- Crowd: The restaurant is Family-friendly and provides a Kids' menu and High chairs. It's an ideal spot for groups and families.
- Planning and Payments: Reservations are recommended for dinner, and the restaurant accepts reservations, making it easy to plan ahead. They also accept a variety of payment methods, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
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Whether you're looking to make a reservation or place an order, you can easily connect with Arco Cafe using the contact details below. This information is vital for local SEO and ensuring a seamless customer experience.
Address: 886 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025, USA
Phone: (646) 781-9080
Mobile Phone: +1 646-781-9080
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When you choose to dine at Arco Cafe, you are choosing an authentic and delightful meal that goes beyond the typical Italian-American fare. The restaurant’s commitment to Sardinian cuisine is its most compelling feature. The homemade pasta, in particular, is a highlight, with one customer stating that the "house-made pasta had a nice texture" and another claiming it was a key reason they love the place. The Focaccia is also a must-try, with one reviewer suggesting, "seriously don't sleep on the focaccia!" The "lunch special goes down REAL nice," offering a great value for a delicious and filling meal. Patrons also rave about the meatballs, which are a signature item. For dessert, the unique Sardinian pastry Sebada is a special treat that can’t be missed.
Despite a few isolated reports of minor food issues, the consistent praise for the service and the overall quality of the food speaks volumes. The "GOAT of local neighborhood restaurants," as one reviewer called it, offers fair prices and an experience that is both a treat for the senses and a comforting ritual. The ability to take home fresh pasta and sauces to cook yourself is an added bonus that reinforces the restaurant's dedication to quality and tradition. In a city where dining can be overwhelming, Arco Cafe offers a reliable, cozy, and high-quality meal that is worth returning for again and again.
Arco Cafe Food & drink
Homemade Pasta
- Malloreddus Con Salsiccia $22.90
Malloreddus tossed in a hearty sausage ragù.
- Gnocchi Alla Montanara $22.90
Gnocchi with pancetta and sautéed mushrooms in a rich cream sauce.
- Tagliatelle Al Ragu' $23.90
Tagliatelle with slow-cooked beef ragù in a hearty tomato-based sauce.
- Cavatelli Rapini E Salsiccia $22.90
Cavatelli with sausage and broccoli rabe in a garlic and olive oil sauce.
- Busa Ai Frutti Di Mare $24.90
Busa with mussels, shrimp, and calamari in a light, spicy tomato sauce.
- Bigoli Uova E Pancetta $22.90
Bigoli with pancetta, egg yolk, and a blend of Parmesan and Pecorino cheese.
- Pappardelle Ai Funghi Porcini $24.90
Pappardelle with porcini mushrooms, finished in a light cream sauce.
- Riccioli Con Pistacchio $23.90
Riccioli tossed with pistachio pesto and sweet cherry tomatoes.
- Fregula Mari E Monti $23.90
Fregula with shrimp, mushrooms, and salmon in a spicy garlic and olive oil sauce.
- Malloreddus Pepe Pecorino (Special) $23.90
Malloreddus with fresh black pepper and pecorino cheese sauce
- Build Your Own Pasta $16.90
Fresh Focaccia
- Focaccia Plain $14.90
- Focaccia Rossa $16.90
Tomato sauce, oregano, garlic and olive oil
- Focaccia Della Nonna $23.90
Tomato sauce, mozzarella, provolone, meatballs, pecorino.
- Focaccia Regina $18.90
Fresh tomato sauce, mozzarella, basil.
- Focaccia Deliziosa $21.90
Tomato sauce, spicy sausage, mushrooms, onions, smoked mozzarella
- Focaccia Primavera $20.90
Tomato sauce, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, olives, onions, mushrooms, goat cheese, arugula.
- Focaccia Divina $23.90
Tomato sauce, mozzarella, burrata, mortadella, pistachio.
- Focaccia Italiana (Special) $21.90
Burrata, red peppers, arugula, oregano
- Build Your Own Focaccia $16.90
Appetizers
- Fritto Misto $18.90
Lightly fried calamari and zucchini.
- Cozze $18.90
Mussels simmered in a spicy fresh tomato sauce.
- Polpette $15.90
House-made beef meatballs in a hearty tomato sauce.
- Carciofi Fritti $15.90
Crispy fried artichoke hearts.
- Caprese $15.90
Fresh mozzarella, vine-ripened tomato slices, oregano, and basil, drizzled with extra virgin basil-infused olive oil.
- Minestrone $12.90
Hearty vegetable soup with Sardinian fregula.
Salads
- Mediterranea $16.90
Mixed greens with olives, cucumbers, red onions, cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, and Gorgonzola, tossed in olive oil dressing.
- Kale $16.90
Green kale with raisins, sliced almonds, and cherry tomatoes, tossed in a lemon dressing.
- Rucolina $15.90
Wild arugula with cucumbers, chickpeas, carrots, and cherry tomatoes, tossed in a lemon dressing.
Main Course
- Salmone $28.90
Seared salmon fillet with sautéed kale, mashed potatoes, and red beet jus.
- Paillard Di Pollo $24.90
Grilled chicken breast paillard served with mashed potatoes, arugula, and cherry tomato salad.
- Cotoletta Di Pollo(Special) $26.09
Breaded chicken breast served with French fries and arugula and cherry tomato salad.
- Chicken Parmigiana (Special) $28.03
Fried chicken cutlet topped with tomato sauce & melted mozzarella cheese served fresh pasta
- Branzino $29.90
Branzino fillet with sautéed broccoli rabe and mashed potatoes.
Sides
- Focaccia Bread (1pc) $1.90
- Fried Polenta $8.00
- Shoestring Fries $7.00
- Wilted Kale $9.00
- Side Of Pasta $11.50
- Mashed Potatoes $9.00
- Sautéed Spinach $8.00
- Broccoli Rabe $10.00
- Pane Carasau (Sardinian Flatbread) $3.50
- Pane Guttiau (Toasted Sardinian Flatbread) $6.50
Desserts
- Sebada (Special) $12.51
fried pastry dough filled with pecorino cheese and lemon, topped with honey and powdered sugar
- Tiramisú $12.51
Layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream.
- Tortino Al Cioccolato $12.51
Warm chocolate lava cake, dusted with powdered sugar.
- Torta All'Olio Di Oliva $11.54
Olive oil cake with whipped cream, dusted with powdered sugar.
Beverages
- Sparkling Water $7.00
- Aranciata San Pellegrino $3.50
- Limonata San Pellegrino $3.50
- Coke $3.00
- Diet Coke $3.00
- Sprite $3.00
- Ginger Ale $3.00
- Apple Juice $3.50
Fresh Pasta /lb
- Malloreddus $9.50
Organic durum wheat flour, water, salt. (1lb) Cooking time: 4/5 min
- Pappardelle $9.50
Organic durum wheat flour, eggs, water, salt. (1lb) Cooking time: 6 min
- Ricotta Cavatelli $9.50
Organic durum wheat flour, ricotta cheese, eggs, water, salt. (1lb) Cooking time: 5/6 min
- Tagliatelle $9.50
Organic durum wheat flour, eggs, water, salt. (1lb) Cooking time: 6 min
- Busa $9.50
Organic durum wheat flour, water, salt. (1lb) Cooking time: 4/5 min
- Riccioli $9.50
Organic durum wheat flour, eggs, water, salt. (1lb) Cooking time: 3 min
- Fregula $9.50
Organic durum wheat flour, water, salt. (1lb) Cooking time: 4/5 min
- Bigoli $9.50
Organic durum wheat flour, water, salt. (1lb) Cooking time: 9 min
Housemade Sauces
- Tomato Sauce $9.50
fresh tomato, basil
- Campidanese Sauce $12.50
pork sausage, fresh tomato, saffron
- Beef Ragu’ $12.50
Beef, tomato, onions, carrots, celery, bay leaves, salt, extra virgin olive oil.
- Mixed Meat Ragu' $14.50
Beef, pork, tomato, onions, carrots, celery, bay leaves, salt, extra virgin olive oil.
- Cream Sauce $12.50
heavy cream, parmesan and pecorino cheese
- Pink Sauce $10.50
tomato, heavy cream 40%, onions, salt, extra virgin olive oil.
Cheese
- Grana Padano (Parmesan) $0.50
2oz serving
- Fiore Sardo (Pecorino) $0.80
2oz serving
Arco Cafe Details
From the business
- Identifies as women-owned
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Curbside pickup
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great dessert
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Organic dishes
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Arco Cafe Photos










Arco Cafe Location
Arco Cafe Reviews
gnocchisardinianfocacciahomefresh pastamusselscacio e pepesupperappetizercarbonara
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1This place is the GOAT of local neighborhood restaurants. Not only is the food absolutely fabulous, the prices are fair, and the service is unmatched. The lunch special goes down REAL nice and is NOT to be missed. The dining room itself is an amazing sensory experience - calm, cozy, warm, and beautiful. 100/10 had to sleep for 24 hrs after my meal.
January 10 · John JuicesReally great service. Focaccia was great as well. Unfortunately, the vegetables didn’t taste super fresh, the mussels were overcooked, and there were hairs in our food. However, the food was pretty good, and the house-made pasta had a nice texture.
May 28 · Rachel MichelsonThis food is hands down 20/10! The customer service was wonderful & they’re super welcoming and friendly. Their Insalata Di Gamberi was perfect! I don’t rave about salads but the shrimp was very flavorful and all the ingredients are FRESH! Their pastas are house made and you can purchase as well. I got the busa pasta with the assorted seafood 20/10! Dessert was tiramisu which is so rich and fresh! Everything is fresh and delicious a REAL GEM I highly recommend & will definitely be back. Franchesca & Juan are great with wonderful energy!
March 21 · Sadie Monica📌 @arcocafenyc - Sardinian Italian Restaurant•Service - 10/10 super friendly and attentive.•Atmosphere super cute intimate setting.•What we drank:🥃 Italian Sin - Aperol, bourbon, prosecco, orange slice.🍷Mirto Royale - Mirto (Sardinian traditional liquor) and Prosecco.•What we ate:🥬 Kale Salad - Green Kale, raisins, sliced almonds, cherry tomatoes, lemon dressing.😋 Caeciofi Fritti - Fried artichoke hearts.🍕 Focaccia Sarda - Tomato sauce, mozzarella, Fiore Sardo cheese, dry sausage, pecorino.🍄🟫 Gnocchi alla Montanara - Gnocchi with pancetta and mushrooms in cream sauce.♥️ Ravioli de Patete e Menta - Homemade ravioli filled with potatoes, fresh mint and Fiore Sardo cheese.•Desserts:🍯🧀 Sebada - Fried pastry dough filled with pecorino cheese and lemon, topped with honey and powdered sugar.☕️ Tiramisú - Espresso and mascarpone.•Final thoughts 💭We can not wait to go back! Every single bite we took was busting with flavor, authenticity, creativity and we could not stop! We left weighing in an extra 10 lbs and it was completely worth it 😂 - not only do they make their pasta FRESH in house, you can buy it to go, and make some fresh delicious pasta at home. 10/10 recommended @arcocafenyc 🫶🏻
October 22 · Tubby Foodies4.5 stars rounded up. Cute, small cafe with fresh, home made pasta. I went for the lunch special $21 (12:30-5pm) which included an appetizer and main. The complementary focaccia was very good; olive oil and balsamic vinegar was offered as accompaniment. The mussels were on the small side; the accompanying tomato sauce was flavorful but a bit salty. The Fritto Misto was good, the batter was light. The shoestring zucchini was too thin and thus, overcooked; it would be better if they were cut thicker or in disks so that they would be al dente. The malloreddos was good with a fair amount of sausage. The gnocchi was light and the dish was surprisingly light even though it had a cream sauce. Fresh grated parm cheese and ground pepper was offered. This place is a good option if you can take advantage of the lunch special.5/2024 we went to celebrate a Columbia graduation for lunch. We had an order of Fregula (salmon, shrimp n mushrooms with fregula pasta) and 4 lunch specials. Tried the new on the menu fried artichoke hearts and they are very good. Also had the vodka sauce, carbonara and cacio e pepe. We shared the dishes family style and waitress was very accommodating with all the extra plates. A 5 star experience!
May 14 · Linda M
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