Pisticci Introduce
Tucked away on La Salle Street, just a short walk from Columbia University, Pisticci is more than just an Italian restaurant—it's a beloved neighborhood institution and a true New York City gem. Since its opening in 2002, this women-owned establishment has cultivated a reputation for its warm hospitality, romantic and cozy atmosphere, and a menu of homestyle Italian dishes that taste like they were prepared with love. Pisticci has become a go-to spot for everything from a casual solo meal to a special celebration with a large group.
The ambiance at Pisticci is a significant part of its charm. The interior, with its stone walls and artistic décor, creates a unique, intimate space that feels like a hidden trattoria in an off-the-grid Italian village. This distinctive setting, complete with live music, makes it an ideal choice for a date night or a leisurely dinner where conversation flows easily. Beyond its romantic appeal, the restaurant is also family-friendly and a self-identified transgender-safe space, welcoming a diverse crowd that includes college students, locals, and tourists alike.
The menu at Pisticci is a testament to the simplicity and richness of authentic Italian cuisine. Diners can choose from a range of classic dishes, including fresh, house-made pastas, flavorful appetizers, and satisfying main courses. The daily Chef’s Specials offer an exciting rotation of new flavors to try, ensuring that every visit brings a fresh culinary discovery. From the flavorful Rigatoni Alla Vodka to the comforting Meatballs with Polenta, the food is designed to be both delicious and restorative. As one customer noted, the Fettuccine Alla Vodka was "full of flavor and savory," with a perfect texture.
Pisticci's commitment to community and sustainability further sets it apart. As New York City's first certified carbon-neutral restaurant, it prioritizes environmentally friendly practices, using renewable energy and sourcing organic ingredients whenever possible. This dedication to doing good, combined with a staff that is "pleasant and attentive," creates an experience that feels as wholesome as the food itself.
Pisticci is located at 125 La Salle St, New York, NY 10027, USA, in the vibrant West Harlem neighborhood. Its proximity to Columbia University makes it a popular dining destination for students and faculty, as well as locals in the Morningside Heights area. The restaurant is easily accessible by various means of transportation and is a convenient stop for anyone visiting or living in the area.
The restaurant is designed with inclusivity in mind, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible seating, and a wheelchair-accessible restroom. This ensures that all guests, regardless of their mobility needs, can comfortably enjoy a meal. The interior is well-spaced, contributing to a pleasant dining environment.
For those arriving by car, both free and paid street parking are available nearby, a useful amenity in a busy urban area. Additionally, the restaurant offers outdoor seating, which is perfect for enjoying a meal on a pleasant day or for guests who prefer to dine with their furry companions, as dogs are allowed in the outdoor seating area.
Dine-in: Enjoy a full-service dining experience in a casual, cozy, and romantic atmosphere. Pisticci offers table service for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.
Outdoor Seating: Take advantage of the pleasant outdoor patio for a charming al fresco dining experience.
Takeout & Curbside Pickup: For a delicious meal at home, Pisticci offers convenient takeout and curbside pickup services.
Delivery & No-Contact Delivery: Enjoy the flavors of Pisticci from the comfort of your own home with their standard and no-contact delivery options.
Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations and recommends them for dinner and brunch, ensuring you have a table for your planned visit.
Authentic Italian Cuisine: Pisticci’s menu features classic Italian dishes, from an array of fresh pastas and salads to hearty main courses like Chicken In Sage and Meatballs With Polenta. The restaurant is known for its creative, homespun dishes and commitment to using fresh, organic ingredients.
Exceptional Beverages and Desserts: The restaurant boasts a great wine list, a selection of hard liquor, and "great cocktails" for happy hour. The desserts, particularly the Homemade Tiramisu and Fresh Coconut Cake, are a must-try.
Welcoming and Inclusive Atmosphere: Pisticci is celebrated for its cozy, trendy, and romantic ambiance. It is a known LGBTQ+ friendly and transgender-safe space, and welcomes a diverse crowd including families, college students, and groups. High chairs are available for children.
Live Music: The restaurant frequently features live music, adding to its vibrant and charming atmosphere and providing an enhanced dining experience.
Commitment to Sustainability: As New York City's first Carbon Neutral restaurant, Pisticci is a leader in sustainability, using renewable energy and organic dishes, and minimizing environmental impact. It also identifies as a women-owned business.
Address: 125 La Salle St, New York, NY 10027, USA
Phone: (212) 932-3500
Mobile Phone: +1 212-932-3500
Choosing Pisticci for your next meal in New York is a decision that offers more than just food; it offers a genuine and memorable experience. The restaurant’s menu, filled with classic and innovative dishes, is a primary reason for its loyal following. The pasta dishes are a particular highlight, with a customer praising the Fettuccine Alla Vodka as "delicious" and perfectly balanced. The Chef's Specials, from pasta to seafood, provide an exciting reason to return and discover new flavors. For a comforting classic, the Meatballs With Polenta is a standout choice.
The ambiance is what elevates the dining experience at Pisticci to something truly special. It is a rare find in a bustling city to discover a place that is simultaneously cozy, romantic, and welcoming to all. The live music adds a layer of sophistication and relaxation that makes it perfect for a date night or a celebratory dinner with friends. The staff's pleasant and attentive nature, as mentioned in customer reviews, contributes significantly to the feeling of being a valued guest.
Furthermore, Pisticci’s commitment to its community and the environment makes it a restaurant you can feel good about supporting. Its status as a women-owned, carbon-neutral establishment with a focus on sourcing local and organic ingredients demonstrates a business model that is as ethical as it is delicious. The availability of vegan and vegetarian options, like the Tuscan Bean Ravioli or the Side Vegan Meatballs, ensures that a wide range of diners can enjoy the menu.
While one review mentioned a potential issue with utensils affecting the taste, it's clear that this was an anomaly in an otherwise positive dining experience. The reviewer still expressed a desire to return, which speaks volumes about the overall quality of the food and service. For locals and tourists alike, Pisticci is a destination that delivers exceptional Italian food, a beautiful atmosphere, and a genuine sense of community. It's a place where you can feel at home while savoring a meal that feels both special and authentic.
Pisticci Menu
1. Chef's Specials Appetizers
- Soup Special $12.00
Zuppa di Mela, Carota e Zucca – A refreshing chilled blend of apple, carrot, and pumpkin, brightened with a sprinkle of mint.
- Antipasto Special $21.00
Prosciutto e Melone – A refreshing classic with a twist: sweet honeydew and silky Prosciutto di Parma, complemented by creamy honey-brushed brie and crunchy walnuts.
- Salad Special $21.00
Insalata di Pesche - A summer salad of radicchio and baby arugula, layered with sun-dried tomatoes, roasted peaches, slices of prosciutto, toasted walnuts, and crumbled feta, finished with a drizzle of balsamic reduction.
2. Chef's Specials Entrees
- Pasta Special $36.00
Ricotta Tortellini (Cheese Tortellini)– Sautéed with eggplant, fresh tomato, garlic, and olive oil, with fresh ricotta cheese.
- Seafood Special $39.00
Spaghetti Di Mare – Served with mussels, shrimp, calamari, pieces of salmon and tuna in a spicy tomato white wine sauce.
- Fish Special $37.00
Grilled Branzino- comes with sautéed kale, spinach, onion, garlic, and fresh tomato mixed with red rice.
3. Chef's Specials Dessert
- Dessert Special $14.00
Matcha Tiramisu- with whipped cream.
4. Dinner Insalate *
- Beet Salad * $18.00
baby arugula, beets, toasted pistachio, goat cheese, tomatoes & drizzle of balsamic reduction
- Insalata Mista * $13.00
simple, beautiful field greens with cherry tomatoes and a creamy whipped balsamic dressing
- Insalata Pisticci * $17.00
A bed of baby spinach tossed with crispy potatoes and pancetta, drizzled with a balsamic reduction
- Kale Salad* $16.00
baby kale, spicy walnuts, radish, and basil buttermilk dressing, drizzled with acacia
- Shaved Fennel Salad * $18.00
fennel, string beans, black olives with extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon
5. Dinner Antipasti *
- Asparagi Alla Grigliati * $17.00
Asparagus spears wrapped in imported prosciutto with parmigiano shavings
- Burrata Caprese * $19.00
imported burrata ball with marinated cherry tomatoes and house pesto
- Fresh Steaming Mussels * $19.00
juicy fresh mussels in our spicy tomato basil broth
- Minestrone * $11.00
- Roasted Garlic Bread * $10.00
whole cloves roasted until sweet and spread over ciabatta
- Steamed Artichoke * $16.00
served with a velvety dip of lemon and extra virgin olive oil
6. Dinner La Buona Pasta *
- Maltagliati With Ricotta, Spinach And Lamb * $24.00
broad noodles coated with a juicy lamb ragu, kept light with ricotta and baby spinach (Please note - this sauce contains gluten)
- Orecchiette Broccoli Rabe * $18.00
bitter greens, garlic, & peperoncino in a seductive broth
- Pappardelle Alla Bolognese * $23.00
Flat ribbon pasta cut in house just for our famous Bolognese sauce. Vegan Style sauce is available upon request for an additional charge.
- Penne Pisticci * $21.00
red & yellow vine tomatoes with melted fresh mozzarella
- Prosciutto E Spinaci * $20.00
spaghetti tossed with prosciutto and fresh spinach in garlic, onions and extra virgin olive oil
- Rigatoni Alla Vodka * $22.00
vodka, cream, tomato, parmigiano and a little bite of spice
- Spaghetti Al Pomodoro * $14.00
our classic slow cooked tomato sauce and molto TLC
- Tuscan Bean Ravioli * $19.00
fresh ravioli with a hearty filling of ricotta and cannellini, served in a tomato-cream sauce
7. Dinner Secondi Piatti *
- Black Angus Skirt Steak * $32.00
seared on the grill with mixed farm salad and roasted potatoes
- Chicken In Sage * $26.00
citrus marinated chicken paillard, grilled with sage and served under a bed of fresh arugula and chopped plum tomatoes
- Grilled Salmon Filet * $29.00
we’ll cook your filet on the rare side so you can bring it to temperature at home. served with oven roasted tomatoes
- Meatballs With Polenta * $19.00
baked squares of polenta with house meatballs and tomato sauce
8. Dinner Sides *
- Side Broccoli Rabe * $9.00
Sautéed with garlic.
- Side Polenta (2 Cakes) * $10.00
- Side Roasted Potatoes * $8.00
- Side Sauteed Spinach * $8.00
- Side Sautéed Greens * $8.00
Sautéed seasonal greens
x. All Hours Sides *
- 8 Oz Side Sauce TO GO * $7.00
- Side Grilled Chicken * $8.00
- Side Meatballs * $8.00
Made with beef, pork, cheese and breadcrumbs.
- Side Mushroom * $12.00
Sauteed
- Side Of Bread * $1.00
Single serving of sliced bread.
- Side Parmesan Cheese TO GO * $4.00
Single serving of grated cheese.
- Side Salmon * $17.00
- Side Sausage * $9.00
- Side Vegan Meatballs * $9.00
Made with Impossible Beef
x. Dolci
- Berries & Cream $9.00
- Chocolate Mousse $9.00
Velvety Frangelico (hazelnut liqueur) chocolate mousse with raspberries and whipped cream.
- Fresh Coconut Cake $9.00
feather light white cake with a rich coconut flake frosting garnished with berries and mint
- Homemade Tiramisu $9.00
layers of madeleines soaked in Lavazza espresso married to mascarpone and organic cocoa powder
x. Utensils
- Add Utensils $0.00
- No Utensils $0.00
x. Soft Drinks
- Coke $3.00
- Diet Coke $3.00
- Ginger Ale $3.00
- Sprite $3.00
Pisticci 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 cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Live music
Popular for
- Lunch
- 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
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Organic dishes
- Private dining room
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Romantic
- Trendy
Crowd
- College students
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
- Parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Pisticci Photos










Pisticci Location
Pisticci Reviews
brunchcoconut cakegarlic breadfettuccinealla vodkapancakesgrapefruit martinifarmfunghi pastaproduce
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1I must share some personal observations regarding my dining experience.Regrettably, I detected a wild game flavor in the meat, which I found somewhat off-putting, and I had to set most of it aside. Even more concerning was the metallic taste I experienced, which made me realize the significance of the utensils used. I suspect the quality of the provided utensils may be the primary issue, as I possess very old utensils with numerous scratches that do not impart a metallic flavor to my food. The main point I wish to convey is that I tasted a metallic flavor while using the provided utensils, which significantly detracted from the overall dining experience. Even after finishing the meal, the metallic taste lingered in my mouth for some time. Aside from the wild game flavor in the meat and the metallic taste, the meal itself was quite enjoyable. Perhaps I am overly sensitive, but this experience has made me realize the importance of utensil quality. I am leaving this review with the hope that the restaurant will make improvements. I intend to return to sample different pasta dishes and offer a more comprehensive assessment, and I am contemplating whether I should bring my own utensils.😅On a more positive note, the staff members were quite pleasant, and the restaurant itself was super charming. I feel somewhat conflicted about leaving a negative comment.🥲🫠
June 20 · Jae BaeMy coworkers and I came here for lunch. The ambiance was chic and inviting. The wait staff was attentive and pleasant.The food was delicious! I had the fettuccine ala vodka. The sauce coated the pasta without being heavy or overpowering. It was full of flavor and savory. The pasta was tender, but still provided a good bite feeling. I had the opportunity to try the parmesan crisp that comes with the house ceasar salad, a fun addition to the meal!Overall, I highly recommend and I will definitely come back!
August 08 · Genesis TorresI hosted a 25 person dinner at Pisticci and we had a wonderful time! We had a birthday party event and everything went so smooth. We enjoyed planning with the staff, all the different menu options, drink options, kind service and wonderful server - Chloe! My guests were over the moon about choosing their drinks and their delicious dinner! The restaurant was able to pace the meal so that everything was seamless. Perfect location for an uptown event!
April 16 · Emma BrockWe were there for both lunch and dinner. The food was good, especially the fish soup and the steak. Dinners can ve hectic though, 2 drinks and 1 side dish we ordered never arrived.
April 06 · Olcay SertAbsolutely phenomenal meal. Came here on a Friday night shortly after they opened with no reservation and they were kind enough to squeeze us in - it was packed by 6:30pm. We had two drinks each, shared an app, each got a delicious entree (swordfish special was to die for) and two deserts, all for $180 with tip. All of the staff and our server, Stephanie, were friendly and extremely attentive. Cannot wait to return - what a gem of a place!
March 08 · Luca Seixas
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