Celeste: Authentic Italian Dining on the Upper West Side

Celeste Introduce

In the bustling heart of New York City, where countless restaurants vie for attention, finding a spot that offers a truly authentic and homey dining experience can be a rare treat. Tucked away on the Upper West Side,

Celeste

is exactly that—a cherished Italian restaurant that has earned a loyal following for its genuine Neapolitan cuisine and warm, inviting atmosphere. This is not a place for flashy gimmicks; it is a place for honest, delicious food that transports you straight to Italy.

Celeste is renowned for its commitment to tradition, from the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients to the time-honored cooking methods. The menu is a tribute to classic Italian flavors, featuring everything from wood-fired pizzas with a perfect, crispy crust to handmade pasta that is prepared daily. It’s the kind of place where every dish tells a story, reflecting the passion and expertise of the kitchen staff.

The ambiance at Celeste is a significant part of its charm. It strikes a balance between casual and romantic, making it a perfect spot for a variety of occasions. Whether you're enjoying a quiet dinner for two, a lively family reunion, or a solo meal, the cozy and friendly atmosphere makes everyone feel right at home. It’s a place where conversations flow as easily as the wine, and where the focus is on good company and great food.

For anyone in New York searching for a taste of authentic Italy, Celeste is a must-visit. Its dedication to quality, combined with a welcoming environment and flavorful dishes, solidifies its reputation as a true gem on the Upper West Side.

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Celeste is conveniently located at

502 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024, USA

, placing it in a vibrant and accessible neighborhood on the Upper West Side. This prime location makes it a simple destination for locals and visitors alike. The restaurant is easily reachable by public transportation, with several subway and bus lines serving the area, ensuring a stress-free journey.

For those who prefer to drive, there is a mix of

free and paid street parking

available in the vicinity, offering flexibility for guests. The restaurant's commitment to accessibility is evident in its amenities, which include a

wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom, and seating

. These features ensure that all patrons can navigate the space comfortably and enjoy their dining experience without any limitations. The restaurant's prominent location on Amsterdam Avenue makes it easy to find, fitting seamlessly into the lively streetscape of the neighborhood.

The Upper West Side is a dynamic area known for its beautiful brownstones, iconic landmarks, and a diverse range of cultural attractions, making Celeste a great spot to anchor an evening out. Its central location and dedication to accessibility make it a convenient and welcoming choice for everyone.

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Celeste provides a range of services designed to accommodate various dining preferences, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for every guest.

Dine-in: Experience the cozy and authentic atmosphere of the restaurant with attentive table service. Reservations are accepted and highly recommended, as the restaurant is known to have a wait, especially during peak hours.
Outdoor Seating: Enjoy your meal al fresco with the option for outdoor seating, perfect for a pleasant evening or a relaxing lunch on a sunny day.
Delivery and Takeout: For those who prefer to enjoy their Italian favorites at home, Celeste offers both convenient takeout and delivery options, including no-contact delivery.
Curbside Pickup: This service adds an extra layer of convenience for guests who want to quickly grab their orders without having to get out of their car.
Table Service and Counter Service: The restaurant provides both traditional table service for a more relaxed dining experience and counter service for quicker orders, catering to different needs.

These service options highlight Celeste's commitment to flexibility and customer convenience, making it a reliable choice whether you are dining in or enjoying your meal elsewhere.

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Celeste stands out for a variety of features and highlights that make it a cherished destination for Italian food lovers. These aspects contribute to its reputation as a place that delivers on its promise of authentic, high-quality dining.

Great Wine List: The restaurant boasts an impressive wine list, featuring a diverse selection of Italian and international wines that perfectly complement the menu. The staff is knowledgeable and can help you select the ideal pairing for your meal.
Authentic Neapolitan Pizza: One of Celeste's main draws is its pizza. The dough is made fresh daily, topped with San Marzano tomatoes and extra-virgin olive oil, and cooked in a 700-degree wood-fired oven for an authentic taste that is a crowd-pleaser.
Handmade Pasta: The
Pasta Fatta in Casa
(handmade pasta) is a highlight, with options like
Ravioli di Ricotta e Spinaci
and
Gnocchi alla Sorrentina
prepared fresh every day, ensuring a tender and flavorful experience.
Serves Local Specialties: The menu often features seasonal and local specialties, ensuring that every visit offers something new and exciting while maintaining a focus on fresh, regional flavors.
Friendly and Attentive Staff: Diners consistently praise the staff for being warm, friendly, and attentive. The service is a key part of the positive experience, making guests feel like family.
Diverse Dietary Offerings: Celeste provides options for various dietary needs, including
vegan, vegetarian, and organic dishes
, as well as
healthy options
and
Halal food
, making it an inclusive choice for everyone.
Cozy and Romantic Atmosphere: The ambiance is a major highlight, described as casual, cozy, and romantic. This makes it a perfect setting for a date night, a quiet evening, or a relaxed get-together with friends or family.

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For reservations or more information, you can contact Celeste using the details below.

Address: 502 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024, USA
Phone: (212) 874-4559

It’s important to note that while credit cards are accepted, some reviews mention a preference for cash, so it’s always a good idea to have some on hand just in case. Calling ahead for reservations is highly recommended due to the restaurant's popularity, as it often has a wait for tables.

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Choosing Celeste is about more than just a meal; it’s about choosing an authentic slice of Italy in the heart of New York. What makes it truly worth it is the commitment to genuine, traditional cooking. The fresh, handmade pasta and the perfectly baked Neapolitan pizzas are a testament to this dedication. The flavors are straightforward but profound, reflecting the quality of the ingredients and the skill of the chefs.

The atmosphere of the restaurant is another compelling reason to visit. It’s a place that feels like a hidden gem—a cozy and romantic spot that manages to be both trendy and timeless. The friendly and attentive staff add to this feeling of being at home, making every guest feel welcome and cared for. This combination of delicious food and a warm environment is a rarity in a city known for its fast-paced dining scene.

For families, the restaurant is notably kid-friendly, with high chairs available and a welcoming crowd. The addition of outdoor seating and options for various dietary needs further expands its appeal. Whether you're craving a classic

La Margherita

pizza, a plate of fresh

Ravioli

, or a glass of fine Italian wine, Celeste provides a consistently high-quality experience that will make you want to return again and again. It's the perfect destination for anyone seeking genuine Italian comfort food and a dining experience that feels both special and deeply satisfying.

Celeste Menu

Specials
Free Bottle of Wine!
Free bottle of wine white or red with $100 purchase (walk-in pick up only)
Rack of Lamb $37.00
Australian rack of lamb marinated with thyme rosemary, olive oil & sea salt seared served with roasted potatoes , sauteed spinach & a homeade mustard dipping sauce.
Gnocchi al Pesto $19.00
Homeade potatoe gnocchi in a basil pesto sauce, green beans, potatoe cubes & pecorino cheese.
Tuna tartare $19.00
Fresh tuna tartare with an avocado base, marinated with tomatoe, red onions & capers in a lemon dressing.
Sauteed artichokes & shrimps $19.00
Wild caught jumbo sea shrimp sauteed with warm artichokes in a lemon dressing with rosemary & balsamic.

Le Pizze
A Fresh dough, San Marzano tomatoes and extra-virgin olive oil 10 inches in size, cooked in our wood flavored oven at 700 degrees
Gorgonzola con Bel Paese e Salame Piccante $18.00
Gorgonzola & Bel Paese cheese with spicy Italian sopressata salami (White Pizza)
La Marinara $15.00
Tomato sauce, oregano, garlic and parsley (No Cheese)
La Margherita $16.00
Tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese and basil
Napoletana $15.00
Anchovies, capers and tomato sauce (No Cheese)
Quattro Stagioni $18.00
Prosciutto di Parma, mushrooms, artichokes, fresh tomato sauce and mozzarella

I Fritti
Frying is the ultimate pleasure of Neapolitan cooking
Ricotta di Bufala Dorata e Fritta $13.00
Golden fried buffalo ricotta cheese with organic mesclin
Frittura di Verdure di Stagione $14.00
Seasonal fried fresh vegetables
Carciofi Fritti $15.00
Fried artichokes with crispy parsley
Fritto Misto di Pesce $17.00
Fresh calamari and shrimps

Gli Antipasti
Crostini con Alici Marinate $13.00
Italian white anchovies marinated in extra-virgin olive oil served over country bread toast
Mozzarella di Bufala $15.00
Buffalo mozzarella with roasted peppers
Fellata $14.00
Thin slices of Prosciutto, Capocollo, Soprassata, and Salame
Saute' di Cozze $15.00
Mussels sautéed with garlic, oil, parsley and white wine
Lasagnette di Verdure $16.00
Layers of eggplant zucchini and baked tomato with grated parmigiano and pecorino
Fegatini di Pollo con Pane Abbrustolito $15.00
Chicken livers deglazed with balsamic vinegar served over toasted bread

Le Insalate
Tonno, Pane e Cipolla $14.00
Marinated tuna, tomatoes, bread and red onion
Carciofini e Parmigiano $17.00
Thinly sliced baby artichokes under slivers of Parmesan cheese with a lemon and olive oil dressing
Spinaci, Mele e Noci $14.00
Spinach, sliced apples and crushed walnuts, with pecorino shavings and a lemon dressing Add a description about this item
Insalata Mista $10.50
Organic Mesclun, endive and radicchio with a balsamic and olive oil dressing
Insalata di Rucola con Pinoli e Scaglie di Formaggio Erborinato al Limone $15.00
Baby arugula salad with toasted pine nuts and blue cheese shavings in a lemon dressing

Pasta Fatta in Casa
Hand made pasta prepared daily
Tagliatelle con Gamberi, Verza e Pecorino $18.00
Egg noodles with shrimps, cabbage and sheep's cheese
Ravioli di Ricotta e Spinaci in Burro e Salvia $16.00
Ricotta and spinach ravioli in butter and sage
Gnocchi alla Sorrentina $14.00
Potato dumplings baked with tomato sauce and basil
Pasta alla Norma $19.00
Tagliatelle with fried eggplant ricotta salata & mozzarella cheese with tomato sauce

Pasta Secca
Artisanal pasta imported from Gragnano where only selected durum wheat is used. Pennette Bolognese, Spaghetti Pomodoro & Momo & Spaghetti alle Vongole Available With Gluten Free Pasta
Tagliatelle Bolognese $19.00
Homemade tagliatelle pasta in a meat sauce enriched with tomato
Vermicelli Alle Vongole $18.00
Thin spaghetti with steamed open baby clams, garlic and olive oil
Paccheri con Ricotta e Pomodoro $16.00
Very large ribbon pasta with ricotta and tomato sauce
Pennette Mo' Mo' $14.00
Tubular pasta with tomato sauce and diced fresh mozzarella cubes

Pesce
Salmone Croccante $24.00
Crispy roasted salmon with sauteed spinach and roasted potatoes
Filetto di Coda di Rospo in Tegame con Olive e Patate in Salsa di Pomodoro $25.00
Filet of monkfish stewed with gaeta olives and potatoes in a tomato ragout
Ippoglosso con Limone e Capperi $29.00
Halibut sautéed with lemon and capers served with spinach and roasted potatoes

Carne
Petto di Pollo Ruspante Mandorlato $22.00
Free range breaded chicken cutlet infused with crushed almonds served with a organic mixed salad
Medaglioni di Vitello al Limone $25.00
Veal medallions sautéed in lemon and capers served with spinach and roasted potatoes
Straccetti di Manzo con Parmigiano e Ruchetta $21.00
Pan seared thinly sliced steak filet served on a bed of baby arugula with parmesan shavings

Sides
Patate Arrosto $9.50
Side of roasted potato
Spinaci Saltati $9.50
Side of sauteed spinach
Verdure del Giorno Saltati $9.50
Side of sautéed daily vegetable

Dolci
Caprese $9.50
Bitter dark chocolate cake with almonds
Panna Cotta $9.50
Cream flan with strawberry sauce
Pastiera $9.50
Grain and ricotta cake with candied fruit and orange blossom water
Ricotta Cheesecake $9.50
Tiramisu $9.50
Lady finger cookies with mascarpone cream, coffee and chocolate
Torta di Mele $9.50
Warm apple cake
Tartufo al Limoncello $9.50
Lemon flavored sorbet and gelato hybrid with a limoncello liqueur infusion with a frozen sponge cake crust
Gelati del Giorno $9.50
Daily gelati flavors
Mandarin Sorbet $9.50
Imported from Italy
Affogato $9.50
Vanilla Gelato scoop drowned with an espresso shot
Grande Piatto di Frutta Fresca con Panna Montata $15.00
Large fresh fruit plate with homemade cream

Selezione di Formaggi Artigianale Italiani con Accostamenti
Hand picked rare artisanal cheeses with various compotes and honeys
Piccolo / Small $10.00
5 cheeses, 1 compote and 1 honey
Grande / Large $20.00
10 cheeses, 4 compotes and 1 honey
Grandioso / Extra Large $30.00
15 cheeses, 10 homemade compotes, gelatins, preserves, 2 or 3 honeys, a rare olive oil and fig salami slice, with cinnamon, wild strawberry, and anise infusion

Bibite / Drinks
Acqua / Water $7.00
Panna, Pellegrino 1 liter
Organic Lemonade $4.50
Sweetened with organic cane sugar
Organic Iced Tea $4.50
Unsweetened Black Tea
Orange Juice $2.50
Coke $3.00
Diet Coke $3.00
Ginger Ale $3.00
Cappuccino $4.50
Expresso $3.50

Cocktails
Mimosa or Aperol Spritz $13.00
Full wine glass
Peroni $6.00
Birra Italia $6.00
Moretti, Stella Artois & Forst Sixtus $7.00
Forst Sixtus (Italian microbrewery double malt amber)

Uova
Frittata di Funghi e Erbe $13.00
Wild mushroom omelet with fresh herbs
Uova Occhio di Bue con Prosciutto $13.00
Sunnyside up eggs with Parma's ham
Frittelle con Burro e Sciroppo d'Acero $13.00
Pancakes with butter served with, maple syrup
Tostone Zuccherato con Sciroppo d'Acero $13.00
Panetone style French toast served with maple syrup

Insalate
Mista $10.00
Organic mesclum salad in balsamic vinaigrette
Carciofini $17.00
Thinly sliced raw baby artichokes under slivers of parmesan cheese in a lemon and oil
Spinaci $13.00
Spinach with walnuts, apples & shaved pecorino cheese
Caprese $13.00
Buffalo mozzarella, tomatoes and fresh basil

Fish
Salmone Croccante $19.00
Roasted Salmon with sautéed spinach and potatoes

Pasta
Pennette Mo' Mo' $13.00
Tubular pasta with tomato sauce & diced mozzarella
Tagliatelle con Gamberi Verza e Pecorino $16.00
Homemade egg noodles with shrimp cabbage and grated sheeps milk cheese
Vermicelli alle Vongole $17.00
Spaghetti with baby clams with oil and garlic
Paccheri Vesuviani $14.00
Large ribbon pasta with ricotta and tomato

Pizza
Gorgonzola con Belpaese e Salame Piccanti $16.00
Gorgonzola & Belpaese cheese with spicy salami
Margherita $15.00
Tomato, mozzarella and basil
Marinara $14.00
Tomato, garlic, oregano and parsley
Quattro Stagioni $16.00
Artichoke, mushroom, prosciutto and mozzarella
Napoletana $14.00
Tomato capers and anchovies

Chicken
Pollo Mandorlato $19.00
Breaded chicken cutlet flavored with toasted almonds

Red/ Vino Rosso
Barbera del Asti / Monferrato la Casaccia 2017 (Piemonte) $40.00
Round, mouth-filling and vibrant, it has aromas of dark cherries and dandelions. There are flavors of red currant with a fruit forward, yet supple body.It has a hint of dark cherries, smoke and plums, with firm tannins in its lingering dry finish
Cabernet Franc la Pepie Domaine de la Pepiere 2018 (Francia) $40.00
Medium bodied with notes of earthy mushrooms, barnyard, vegetable notes with good acidity and copious fruit. Soft and round, yet full and intense, it is a rich drinking wine with flavors of chocolate, raspberry & slight earth tones

Whites/ Vino / Bianchi
Chardonnay Chez Moi 2018 (Francia) $40.00
Medium bodied, fruity & dry; Aromas of lemons and apples, a medium to full bodied, apple with candied fruit flavors Light oak notes, decent weight and complexity with a dry crispy and honeyed citrus finish
Verdicchio dei Jesi Classico Col di Corte 2017 (Marche) Certified Organic $40.00
An indigenous grape from the marche region with aromatic notes of wild white flower and, fresh hay with great minerality depth and fruit, balanced acidity and an intense smooth mouth-filling and dry persistent finish
Vermentino IGP Sauvage Anne Pichon 2017 (Ventoux) $40.00
Grown with wild vines. It posses aromas of white lilac and white currant, great salinity & minerality. Nice balance, medium bodied, refreshing with a floral and slightly nutty and round finish

Effervescente / Sparkling
Better than most champagnes for half the price with no headaches
Domaine Bruno Dangin, Crémant de Bourgogne Prestige de Narcès Biodynamic $70.00
Sparkling Pinot Noir made a fraction outside of the Champagne zone. Soft supple mouth-filling and refreshing with & acacia honey, pear & lychee notes, Crisp with decent acidity with a nutty tangerine peel dry and persistent finish

Celeste Details

Service options
Outdoor seating
Curbside pickup
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Great wine list
Serves local specialty
Sports

Popular for
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating
Assistive hearing loop
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Halal food
Happy hour drinks
Healthy options
Organic dishes
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Brunch
Dinner
Counter service
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Gender-neutral restroom
Restroom
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Romantic
Trendy

Crowd
Family-friendly
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safespace

Planning
Accepts reservations
Usually a wait

Payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs

Parking
Free street parking
Paid street parking
Parking

Pets
Dogs allowed

Celeste Photos

Celeste Location

Celeste

New York New York County New York Amsterdam Avenue

502 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024, USA

Celeste Reviews

An average rating of ★4.8 from 3082 user reviews.

ATMvermicellitagliatelle bologneselasagna bolognesepasta alla normacarminegnocchi with pestopaccherioctopus saladhomemade gnocchi

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

A beautiful spot for a rainy day lunch. Loved the ambiance of the restaurant, and the vibes. Staff was really friendly and attentive. Food was delicious, flavorful, and well portioned for the cost.Just a reminder, cash only.Will definitely come back.
June 14 · Rick Mason
nice restaurant providing genuine Italian food. freshly baked pizza and homemade spaghetti. Feel at home. Perfect place for family and friends reunion.
August 16 · dan liu
Perfect al dente tagliatelle. Ingredients are very, very fresh. Fried calamari and shrimp are surprisingly well-balanced. Chili oil over the seafood vermicelli is almost like an angelic touch. Absolutely chef’s kiss 💋Special shout out to our waiter, Stefano! Hilarious dude that makes us want to come back every time.This whole place is a neighborhood gem.
August 02 · Zebang Xu
The food was fantastic! We started with the Margherita pizza and mussels and then got the linguini with clams and Paccheri con ricotta e Pomodoro. Anastasia was terrific and extremely helpful throughout the meal. I highly recommend!
August 08 · Michael Ferrigno
The most memorable lasagna. 10/10. No notes. Breakfast pizza was okay. Lovely service, vibes are great too!
June 21 · Catalina Altomonte