Serafina Always 61st (UES)

- 33 E 61st St, New York, NY 10065

In the heart of the Upper East Side, just a short walk from Central Park and the city’s bustling cultural scene, Serafina Always 61st stands as a charming and reliable destination for authentic Italian cuisine. This location, part of the renowned Serafina restaurant group, offers a unique blend of a casual, cozy atmosphere with a sophisticated and high-quality menu. Despite being part of a larger chain, this particular spot has a distinct and intimate feel, making it a favorite among locals and a delightful discovery for tourists.

The restaurant’s atmosphere is a key part of its appeal. A few steps down from street level, you enter a welcoming and romantic space with small tables and a lively bar. The interior features beautiful brick walls and large windows, creating a trendy yet comfortable vibe. It's a place that can feel both intimate and bustling, with a "great buzz" even in the early evening. Serafina Always 61st is known for its inventive pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and classic Italian dishes, all prepared with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. Whether you're looking for a quick bite before a show or a leisurely, multi-course dinner, this Serafina location is a dependable choice that consistently delivers on flavor and hospitality.

The menu is a celebration of Northern Italian cuisine, featuring family recipes adapted by professional chefs. The pasta is traditionally cooked “al dente,” and the pizzas are made with high-quality ingredients like Italian flour and extra virgin olive oil. This attention to detail and commitment to authentic flavors ensure that every dish tastes like a true Italian classic.

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Serafina Always 61st is situated at 33 E 61st St, New York, NY 10065, USA. Its prime location places it in a highly desirable part of the Upper East Side, a neighborhood known for its elegance and proximity to major cultural institutions, luxury shopping, and Central Park. Its location between Madison and Park Avenues makes it easily accessible for those in the area and beyond.

The restaurant is well-equipped to accommodate a wide range of patrons. It features a wheelchair accessible restroom and wheelchair accessible seating, ensuring a comfortable dining experience for guests with mobility needs. While not all accessibility features are specified, the presence of these amenities highlights the restaurant's commitment to being an inclusive space.

For parking, the restaurant's location in a bustling part of the city means that options include paid street parking and nearby paid parking garages. This variety of options helps make it more convenient for those who choose to drive. The proximity to various subway lines also makes it easily reachable via public transportation.

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Serafina Always 61st offers a variety of services to provide a flexible and accommodating dining experience for all guests.

• Service Options: Guests can enjoy their food in several ways, including dine-in, takeout, delivery, no-contact delivery, and curbside pickup. The restaurant also has a popular outdoor seating area, perfect for a meal on a pleasant day.
• Dining Options: The restaurant serves a full menu throughout the day, including breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. It provides full table service and offers catering for private events.
• Reservations: As a popular spot, reservations are recommended for all dining periods, especially for brunch, lunch, and dinner, to ensure a seamless dining experience. The restaurant is known for accepting reservations.
• Offerings: The menu is extensive and features a full bar with alcohol, beer, cocktails, and an impressive wine list. There are many food options, including vegetarian options, healthy options, vegan options, and small plates. They also have a kids' menu and high chairs, making it a great place for families.
• Amenities: Serafina Always 61st has a well-stocked bar onsite and a restroom for guest use.

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Serafina Always 61st is known for several key features and highlights that contribute to its celebrated reputation.

• Authentic and Delicious Menu: The food is a major highlight. Customers consistently praise the quality and flavor of the dishes. The pasta dishes are a standout, with the Spaghetti Aglio & Olio "Al Pacino" and Tagliolini al Pollo receiving high marks for their perfect preparation. The pizza, cooked in a back-of-the-house pizza oven, is also a fan favorite, with pies looking "delicious" on neighboring tables.
• Exceptional Service: The staff at Serafina Always 61st is a significant part of the positive dining experience. Servers are described as "very friendly and helpful." One reviewer noted how their servers, Fahim and Gilberto, were excellent, and the professional and quick service contributes to a great "buzz" and lively atmosphere.
• Cozy and Trendy Atmosphere: The ambiance of the restaurant is a key feature. It is a "cozy, romantic" space that is also "trendy." The intimate setting, with its small tables and low lighting, is perfect for a date night, while the overall energy makes it suitable for groups and families. The fact that it doesn't "feel like a chain" is a major compliment from returning customers.
• Beverage and Dessert Selection: The restaurant offers a great wine list with a good selection of wines by the glass, known for generous pours. The cocktail and beer selections are also well-regarded. For dessert, the Chocolate Sensation and Tiramisù are popular choices, while a customer review noted the "more than enough" portion of pistachio cake, highlighting the generous serving sizes.
• Ideal for Various Occasions: Whether you're a solo diner, part of a large group, or a tourist, Serafina Always 61st is a welcoming place. It is particularly popular for both lunch and dinner, and its location makes it a great spot for a pre-theater or concert meal.

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For more information or to make a reservation, you can reach Serafina Always 61st at:

Address: 33 E 61st St, New York, NY 10065, USA

Phone: (212) 702-9898

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Serafina Always 61st is an exceptional choice for a genuine Italian dining experience in New York City. What makes it worth choosing is the combination of its authentic, high-quality food, and the genuinely warm and intimate atmosphere it provides. In a city with countless Italian restaurants, Serafina stands out by delivering dishes that taste like they came from a nonna's kitchen, elevated by a stylish, contemporary ambiance.

The food is the primary draw. The menu strikes a perfect balance between classic and gourmet, with dishes like the simple yet flawless "Al Pacino" aglio & olio pasta, praised for its perfect blend of ingredients without being "swimming in oil." The pizza, while not a personal choice for one reviewer, was noted to look delicious on neighboring tables, a testament to its visual appeal and popularity. The portions are also well-received, with one reviewer noting the salad was a "huge portion that we split." This focus on quality and portion size ensures guests feel they are getting good value for their money in a city where that's not always the case.

The atmosphere and service are what truly complete the experience. The restaurant manages to be lively and energetic without feeling overwhelming, a perfect backdrop for a great meal. The staff is consistently described as "friendly and helpful," going the extra mile to ensure a positive visit. The cozy, romantic feel is a draw for couples, while its family-friendly nature makes it accessible to a wider crowd. For New Yorkers or visitors looking for an Italian restaurant that combines top-notch food with a truly welcoming and intimate vibe, Serafina Always 61st is a standout choice that promises a memorable and delicious meal.

Serafina Always 61st (UES)

33 E 61st St, New York, NY 10065, USA