Cucina 8 1/2

Review summary

1. E

   Elaine

   VIP

   Orange County

   94 reviews

   3.0

   94 reviews

   Dined on 1 January 2025

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 2

   We probably should have know that it would be a price-fix menu. The food and service were good, but really not something I think I would recommend. The price a quite high for what we received. Not likely to return.
   

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2. J

   Jan

   VIP

   New York City

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on 28 December 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Over the years we have kept coming back for more at one of the finest restaurants in New York city, Cucina 8 ½. The restaurant is extraordinary in so many ways. The ambience and design of Cucina is so elegant and beautifully appointed with a stunning staircase that signals to all diners that their descent down to the dining area was going to be a very special, indeed. The food is delicious with its Mediterranean favorites and imaginative creations that are delivered to tables by a dedicated staff seeking to provide an inviting and warm welcome to all. You get the feeling that they will truly attend to every diner’s individual needs and make any occasion a happy one from start to finish… from brilliant cocktails to perfect desserts. A remarkable restaurant to which we have been bringing our friends to celebrate big moments or casual lunches. Each time and each situation was a better experience than the last. And so it is with so much sadness we were told yesterday that the restaurant was closing in a few days. New Years Eve. We were devastated when the restaurant manager, Liz Dugan, told us of the doors were shutting. One of the most compelling reasons we ate at Cucina was because Liz made us feel truly excited about the dining experience we were about to have. At the bottom of the staircase, she always greeted us with a brilliant smile and kind words. She seemed so interested in what we were doing since last we came and the curiosity that she expressed seemed utterly genuine. She would intrigue us with experimental cocktails of the day, provide recommendations for items on the menu and make each dish sound fantastic. She was masterly not only with customers but with running the ship… seating diners , checking on tables, navigating the front and back of the house, sorting things with the chef, and chit chatting along the way that made everyone feel a part of the Cucina 81/2 family. Liz is singular in so many ways. When she spoke of the restaurant closing she indic
   

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3. E

   Elaine

   VIP

   Greater Boston

   13 reviews

   5.0

   13 reviews

   Dined on 28 December 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   What a lovely surprise! On a quiet, rainy Saturday, we discovered this gem with delicious food and a superbly attentive staff. Order the focaccia, you don't be disappointed!
   

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4. M

   Margaret

   Richmond

   1 review

   1.0

   1 review

   Dined on 27 December 2024

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 1

   Service was horrible. Our entrees came before our drinks and they rushed us out of there in 30 minutes when they have plenty of open tables.
   

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5. K

   Katelyn

   Dallas

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on 25 December 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   So good! The food, atmosphere, everything was fabulous!
   

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6. G

   Gerald

   New York City

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on 25 December 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Relaxing time was had good food and excellent service and spacious ambience
   

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7. J

   Julia

   County Durham

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on 24 December 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Went on Christmas Eve with my family of 4. Very friendly and great team of workers that served us. Even the server gave us extra plates of pasta and side dishes that weren’t on the menu that day. Perfect ambiance. Would highly recommend.
   

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8. J

   Jessica

   New York City

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on 22 December 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   This was the first restaurant we've been to for a special occasion that actually treated our occasion special. We came here to celebrate our anniversary and they did several touches to commemorate the occasion. The food was good, but the chicken parm, Cesar salad, and apple crusted dessert were my favorite of the things we tried. This spot is a must if you want to celebrate a special occasion.
   

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9. J

   Jeff

   Cincinnati

   95 reviews

   5.0

   95 reviews

   Dined on 21 December 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   This was a lovely place to duck into to for a break from the weekend Christmas crowds. Our service was outstanding. Really appreciated the personal attention from the staff. Loved the gnudi and meatball appetizers!
   

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10. G

    Gaby

    Tampa

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on 19 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    Great host and staff. Wonderful experience. Will go again.
    

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