Lumaca

- 34 E 32nd St, New York, NY 10016

In a city filled with countless dining options, finding an Italian restaurant that truly feels special can be a real find. Tucked away on a quiet street in Murray Hill, Lumaca offers a delightful escape from the city's hustle and bustle, providing an authentic Italian dining experience that feels both intimate and refined. From the moment you step inside, you are transported to a place where classic Italian flavors meet a modern sensibility. This is not just another restaurant; it’s a destination for those who appreciate high-quality ingredients, expertly crafted dishes, and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re planning a romantic date night or a celebratory dinner with friends, Lumaca provides a perfect setting for creating lasting memories.

Lumaca has quickly become a local favorite, celebrated for its quiet charm and remarkable food. It’s a place where the staff is dedicated to making you feel at home, and the menu is a carefully curated journey through the best of Italian cuisine. The focus is on traditional dishes with a contemporary twist, ensuring every plate is both familiar and exciting. From delicate crudos to hearty pasta and perfectly cooked secondi, Lumaca’s offerings are a testament to the kitchen’s dedication to quality and flavor. It’s a spot that manages to be both a hidden gem and a highly recommended dining spot, a balance that is rare to find in a city as dynamic as New York. This guide will walk you through what makes Lumaca a must-visit for any New Yorker or visitor seeking an exceptional meal.

Lumaca is nestled in the vibrant Murray Hill neighborhood, providing a sophisticated yet accessible location for diners. Situated at 34 E 32nd St, New York, NY 10016, USA, the restaurant is conveniently located between Park Avenue and Madison Avenue, making it easy to reach from many parts of Manhattan. Its proximity to major transportation hubs, including Grand Central Terminal, ensures that whether you're coming from another borough or a different part of the city, your journey will be straightforward.

The location's subtle elegance matches the restaurant's vibe, offering a peaceful retreat just a short walk from the busy streets of Midtown. The intimate setting inside is a direct reflection of its quiet street-level presence. While the restaurant itself is primarily a dine-in establishment, its accessibility in this central location is a major advantage for guests. The quiet and lovely atmosphere provides a perfect backdrop for a serene and focused dining experience. Whether you arrive on foot from a nearby office, by taxi, or via public transport, the restaurant's prime spot in Murray Hill makes it a stress-free destination for an unforgettable meal.

As for parking, while street parking is available, as is common in Midtown, it can be limited. However, the abundance of public transportation options in the area, including several subway lines and bus routes, makes it simple for everyone to access this culinary delight. The serene atmosphere paired with its central location creates a perfect blend of convenience and peaceful dining, making Lumaca a desirable choice for any occasion.

Lumaca focuses on delivering a high-quality, in-person dining experience. The main service offered is:

• Dine-in: The restaurant provides a full-service, sit-down meal experience. This is where you can truly appreciate the intimate setting, the attentive staff, and the remarkable food in a quiet and romantic atmosphere.

While the service options are centered on dine-in, the restaurant’s offerings enhance this experience:

• Alcohol and Wine: Lumaca offers a comprehensive selection of beverages to complement its menu. This includes a variety of beers, an extensive wine list with options by the glass, and a creative cocktail menu.

Lumaca distinguishes itself through several key features that contribute to its exceptional reputation:

• Remarkable Food: Customers consistently praise the quality and flavor of the dishes. From the starters to the main courses, the food is described as some of the best in Midtown. The kitchen’s dedication to fresh ingredients and classic techniques shines through in every bite.
• Intimate and Quiet Setting: The restaurant provides a lovely, quiet, and intimate setting, making it perfect for special occasions like a romantic date night or a quiet dinner with close friends. The ambiance is designed for conversation and connection, away from the typical noise of a bustling city restaurant.
• Extensive Beverage Menu: The selection of cocktails, beers, and particularly wines by the glass is a major highlight. The wine list includes sparkling, white, rosé, and red varieties from both classic and unique Italian regions, allowing for perfect pairings with any meal. The creative cocktails, like the Febbre Di Lumaca and Dolce Vita, also add a sophisticated touch to the dining experience.
• Friendly and Attentive Staff: The service is frequently noted for being friendly and attentive. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and happy to offer recommendations, which enhances the overall dining experience and makes guests feel welcome and cared for.
• Crudo and Seafood Expertise: The restaurant excels in its crudo and seafood preparations. Dishes like the Tonno and Hamachi crudos, along with the scallops and salmon entrees, are standout items that showcase the kitchen's skill in handling fresh ingredients with care and precision.

For reservations or further information about Lumaca, you can use the following contact details:

Address: 34 E 32nd St, New York, NY 10016, USA

Phone: (212) 683-5894

The menu at Lumaca is a celebration of Italian cuisine, and while every dish is crafted with care, some stand out as must-try options. Starting with the Antipasti, the Cozze Fritte, which are mussels served without shells in a delicious sauce, are a unique and highly recommended choice. The Prosciutto Di Parma is another popular starter, praised for its generous portion and quality. For a lighter beginning, the Burrata and Insalata Di Fichi (fig salad) offer a fresh and flavorful start to the meal.

Moving on to the pasta courses, the Spaghetti Al Nero Di Seppia (squid ink spaghetti) and the Paccheri Al Forno Con Cingale (oven-baked pasta with wild boar) are excellent examples of the kitchen's creativity and skill. The Ravioli is another solid choice, and the Linguine Bottarga is perfect for seafood lovers. These pasta dishes are hearty, rich, and full of authentic flavor, showcasing the best of what Italian cuisine has to offer.

For the main courses, or Secondi, the Capesante Arrostite (roasted scallops) are an absolute standout, described by a customer as "OMG!" The scallops are a testament to the restaurant's expertise with seafood. The Bistecca (steak) is another excellent choice, often noted for being juicy and perfectly cooked to a medium-rare. The Branzino Al Cartoccio (branzino baked in parchment) is a fresh and delicate option, while the Pollo Porchetta offers a savory, rich alternative. Pair any of these with a side of Patate Arrosto (roasted potatoes) or Funghi Selvatici Saltati (sautéed wild mushrooms) for a complete and satisfying meal. To finish, consider a dessert (not listed on the provided menu but mentioned in reviews) to round out the perfect dining experience in one of Murray Hill's best-kept secrets.

Lumaca

34 E 32nd St, New York, NY 10016, USA