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Cucina 812 Main Staircase and lobby - Cucina 8 1/2, New York, NY

Cucina 8 1/2

4.5
4.5
711 Reviews
$31 to $50
Italian

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2 people
19:00
Booked 9 times today
  • Good for special occasions
  • Good for business meals
  • Charming
ITALIAN DINING, ELEVATED.

Cucina 8½, showcasing refined rustic Italian cuisine, situated in the iconic Solow building at 9 West 57th Street, presents an exquisite dining experience. "Among the offerings is a tableside Caesar salad and Chicken Parmesan"–Thrillist. We offer a captivating menu using the finest ingredients, carefully crafted to honor both local and traditional Italian specialties, boasting a diverse selection of dishes.

One of "12 Outstanding Caesar Salads in NYC" – Eater NYC.

Indulge your appetite in our main dining room, snuggled in a booth or exclusively in one of our five private rooms.

Sip on signature cocktails, like our "Sex and the City" Cosmopolitan or classic Negroni, while listening to live entertainment nightly, sitting by the bar, seated in the lounge or outside at our seasonal sidewalk cafe.

We look forward to serving you soon. BENVENUTI TUTTI !!!

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Contemporary Italian, Comfort Food
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon–Sat 11:30–21:00
  • Phone number
    (212) 829-0812
  • Website
    http://www.cucina812.com/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Chef Mike Aiello
  • Catering
    We can cater on and off premise; breakfast, lunch and dinner-24/7.<br />Please reach out to our Events Dept-www.events@cucina812.com
  • Private party facilities
    We have 4 Private Rooms available for any occacion. We can host 1-175 seated guests in the private dining areas, 750 standing for a full restaurant buy out. Our main dining floor can accomodate 175 during regular dinner service.We are available for private dining 7am-4am, 7 days a week.Please reach out to our Events Dept-www.events@cucina812.com
  • Location
    9 West 57th St., New York, NY 10019
  • Area
    Midtown West
  • Cross Street
    Between 5th and 6th Ave on 57Th Street
  • Parking details
    Parking is available at the garage next door.
  • Public transit
    F train to 6th Avenue and 57th Street subway station, E train to 5th Avenue and 53rd Street subway station and N, R or W train to 5th Avenue and 59th Street subway station
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeaway, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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Menu

Antipasti

  • Signature FocacciaUS$16.00

    fatta in casa, olive oil, ricotta and hot honey

    • Degustazione Per La TavolaUS$39.00

      san daniele prosciutto, culatello, calabrese salami, caponata, olives, pickled vegetables, pargiano.

      • Caviar Service 50g American Sturgeon Caviar US$155.00

        classico e non classico condimenti

        • Insalata Verde US$20.00

          gem lettuce, aged ricotta, marcona almonds

          • Insalata Di Castelfranco US$20.00

            white radicchio, gorgonzola, balsamic, honey-roasted seckel pear

            • Zucchini Chips US$24.00

              cacio e pepe

              • MeatballsUS$24.00

                whipped ricotta, tomato, basil, crostini

                • Caesar SaladUS$22.00

                  prepared table-side

                  • BurrataUS$23.00

                    tomato jam, eggplant caponata crostini

                    • BarbabietoleUS$20.00

                      roasted baby beets, seasonal citrus, baby herbs, vinagrette

                      • Fruti Di MareUS$30.00

                        grilled octopus, calamari, shrimp, sicillian oregano

                        • Ricotta GnudiUS$18.00

                          al burro or pomodoro | add preserved black truffle +5 caviar +10

                          • Beef CarpaccioUS$29.00

                            caper aiolo, arugula, sourdough crisp, pecorino romano

                            Crudo

                            • Tuna TartareUS$27.00

                              avocado puree, badger flame beets, sesame crostini

                              • Hamachi US$25.00

                                blood orange, pickled fennel, citrus basil oil

                                • SalmoneUS$23.00

                                  faroe island salmon, chive emulsion, lemon oil, crispy shallot

                                  Primi

                                  • Duck CappelettiUS$40.00

                                    braised duck, leeks, shitake mushrooms

                                    • GnocchiUS$35.00

                                      spicy 'nduja, english peas, mustard greens

                                      • Carrot RisottoUS$32.00

                                        roasted pistachios, gorgonzola dolce

                                        • Lobster Cavatelli US$45.00

                                          preserved tomato, bottarga, lobster broth

                                          • Shrimp TortelloniUS$40.00

                                            cherry tomatoes, preserved lemon, shellfish brodo

                                            • Spaghetti Al LimoneUS$31.00

                                              parmigiano reggiano

                                              • Linguine Alle Vongole US$37.00

                                                manila clams, garlic, spicy vinegar peppers

                                                • Ricotta Ravioli US$32.00

                                                  heirloom tomatoes, basil

                                                  • Rigatoni Pomodoro US$31.00

                                                    san marzano tomatoes, basil

                                                    Secondi

                                                    • Tiger ShrimpUS$48.00

                                                      black rice, calabrian chili, sweet pepper conserva

                                                      • 16 Oz Dry Aged NY Strip US$78.00

                                                        potato croquette, roasted heirloom carrots

                                                        • BranzinoUS$37.00

                                                          shaved fennel salad, citrus, mint

                                                          • Grilled Salmone US$38.00

                                                            sunchoke puree, artichoke hearts, pomegrante

                                                            • Atlantic CodUS$42.00

                                                              root vegetable, sherry agrodolce, potato puree

                                                              • Chicken Parmesan US$40.00

                                                                bianco di napoli tomato, basil, fior di latte mozzarella

                                                                • Eggplant ParmesanUS$30.00

                                                                  san marzano tomato, fior di latte

                                                                  • Pollo US$36.00

                                                                    amish chicken, salsa verde, grilled lemon, crisy potato

                                                                    • Grilled Double Cut Pork Chop Braciola Di Maiale US$39.00

                                                                      grilled pork chop, cipolline agrodolce

                                                                      Contorni

                                                                      • Broccoli Rabe US$15.00

                                                                        sweet peppers, citrus, colatura di alici

                                                                        • Potato PureeUS$15.00

                                                                          herb butter, garlic chips

                                                                          • Market MushroomsUS$15.00

                                                                            ricotta salata

                                                                            Pizza

                                                                            • MargheritaUS$25.00

                                                                              tomato, fior di latte, basil, parmigiano

                                                                              • Piccante US$28.00

                                                                                spicy salami, calabrian chili, fior di latte, tomato

                                                                                • Pesto US$25.00

                                                                                  basil pesrto, fior di latte, ricotta

                                                                                  • ProsciuttoUS$32.00

                                                                                    arugula, hot honey, cherry tomato, taleggio, fior di latte, caramelized onion, truffle, mint

                                                                                    Dessert

                                                                                      Last updated: 18 November 2024

                                                                                      What 711 people are saying

                                                                                      Overall ratings and reviews

                                                                                      Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

                                                                                      4.5
                                                                                      4.5 based on recent ratings
                                                                                      • 4.6Food
                                                                                      • 4.4Service
                                                                                      • 4.4Ambience
                                                                                      • 4.2Value

                                                                                      Noise • Moderate

                                                                                      Review summary

                                                                                      AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                                                      Cucina 8 1/2 is a culinary gem in NYC, offering "the best Italian food" with a creative twist. Guests rave about the "delicious food," impeccable service, and a "unique and glamorous ambience." Standouts include the table-side Caesar salad, chicken parmigiana, and exquisite desserts. Perfect for special occasions, this restaurant promises a memorable dining experience.

                                                                                      4,971 Reviews

                                                                                      1. Gaby

                                                                                        Tampa

                                                                                        7 reviews

                                                                                        5.0

                                                                                        7 reviews

                                                                                        Dined 2 days ago

                                                                                        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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                                                                                      2. Matthew

                                                                                        Phoenix

                                                                                        1 review

                                                                                        5.0

                                                                                        1 review

                                                                                        Dined 4 days ago

                                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                                        Every aspect of the experience was beyond what we wanted. All the other restaurants in New York put us shoulder to shoulder with other people and had a noise level beyond reason. Our server Elizabeth "like the queen" comped numerous drinks just because the first round wasn't right away, which was still a reasonable time, and she gave super attentive service the entire time. Food was absolutely amazing, very impressed by presentation and taste. The best dining experience we had on our new York trip. Would recommend and will come back the next time we come back to New York.

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                                                                                      3. Leslie

                                                                                        Dallas

                                                                                        1 review

                                                                                        1.0

                                                                                        1 review

                                                                                        Dined 6 days ago

                                                                                        1. Overall 1
                                                                                        2. Food 1
                                                                                        3. Service 1
                                                                                        4. Ambience 1
                                                                                        Terrible experience- we didn’t even stay to order. We ordered a drink to not be rude.. didn’t make us the right drink. Completely different than what they advertise. Service was terrible - definitely not fine dining. Save your money- go somewhere else l.

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                                                                                      4. Amanda

                                                                                        New York City

                                                                                        1 review

                                                                                        2.0

                                                                                        1 review

                                                                                        Dined 7 days ago

                                                                                        1. Overall 2
                                                                                        2. Food 4
                                                                                        3. Service 2
                                                                                        4. Ambience 4
                                                                                        the food was delicious, server was very nice just was very disappointed that we didn’t have our food served table side

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                                                                                      5. George

                                                                                        VIP

                                                                                        Atlantic City

                                                                                        21 reviews

                                                                                        4.0

                                                                                        21 reviews

                                                                                        Dined on 13 December 2024

                                                                                        1. Overall 4
                                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                                        3. Service 4
                                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                                        Food was excellent—would recommend both the Caesar salad made at the table and the chicken parmigiana. We had a group of 8 for my wife’s birthday. One slip up-we had ordered 4 Caesar salads but the person preparing it at the table only made 3 salads, the wine menu is very limited and I thought a bit overpriced but the wine was good. The restaurant is very open and inviting—did not feel clostraphobic Tables were nicely placed. The restaurant knew that it was my wife’s birthday and made up a greeting for her and she noticed it on the table—a nice touch. Net,net — I would return to the restaurant.

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                                                                                      6. Michael

                                                                                        VIP

                                                                                        New York City

                                                                                        7 reviews

                                                                                        3.0

                                                                                        7 reviews

                                                                                        Dined on 12 December 2024

                                                                                        1. Overall 3
                                                                                        2. Food 3
                                                                                        3. Service 1
                                                                                        4. Ambience 1
                                                                                        Had not been to Cucina post Covid. Used to have the vibe of a very upscale restaurant. Now it's just an open room with tables, very strange. There were 3 of us for lunch, two of the entrees came out in a timely manor, the 3rd (pasta) arrived 15 minutes later, service was horrible. Restaurant was not busy so not sure what the issue could have been.

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                                                                                      7. John

                                                                                        Richmond

                                                                                        1 review

                                                                                        5.0

                                                                                        1 review

                                                                                        Dined on 8 December 2024

                                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                                        A great place for a celebration. Elizabeth and staff took amazing care of us and made our experience very special.

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                                                                                      8. Chloe

                                                                                        Chicago

                                                                                        2 reviews

                                                                                        2.0

                                                                                        2 reviews

                                                                                        Dined on 8 December 2024

                                                                                        1. Overall 2
                                                                                        2. Food 4
                                                                                        3. Service 4
                                                                                        4. Ambience 2
                                                                                        Food was good, but portions were small and overpriced. Enjoyed my meal, but would not go again.

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                                                                                      9. Jane

                                                                                        Charlotte

                                                                                        1 review

                                                                                        4.0

                                                                                        1 review

                                                                                        Dined on 7 December 2024

                                                                                        1. Overall 4
                                                                                        2. Food 3
                                                                                        3. Service 4
                                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                                        We had selected this restaurant to celebrate my husband‘s 70th birthday with out-of-town family. We were very excited about the menu. We really appreciated that there was a special menu created with my husband‘s name on it and the special birthday dessert treat that he got, however, we were totally disappointed with the Caesar salads. The menu indicated that they were made Table side and some of the best in the city. This was not true, and we could probably have gotten a better Caesar salad at a Panera. Also I ordered the spaghetti luminescence with grilled shrimp. The shrimp were served separately and very dry. No infusion of flavor because of this. Our wait staff was somewhat attentive, but also somewhat clumsy in the requests we had.  it is a good venue for a family celebration, but I wish those items I noted would have been better.

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                                                                                      10. Beth

                                                                                        San Antonio

                                                                                        1 review

                                                                                        5.0

                                                                                        1 review

                                                                                        Dined on 7 December 2024

                                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                                        3. Service 4
                                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                                        My sister celebrated her birthday here and it was perfect! Great atmosphere, close to all the sites and wonderful staff!

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                                                                                      FAQs

                                                                                      Cucina 8 1/2 offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (212) 829-0812.

                                                                                      Cucina 8 1/2 is rated 4.5 stars by 711 OpenTable diners.

                                                                                      Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

                                                                                      Make a booking

                                                                                      2 people
                                                                                      19:00
                                                                                      Booked 9 times today

                                                                                      Order delivery or takeout

                                                                                      Google Map for Cucina 8 1/2

                                                                                      9 West 57th St., New York, NY 10019

                                                                                      Additional information

                                                                                      • Cross Street
                                                                                        Between 5th and 6th Ave on 57Th Street
                                                                                      • Area
                                                                                        Midtown West
                                                                                      • Hours of Operation
                                                                                        Mon–Sat 11:30–21:00
                                                                                      • Price
                                                                                        $31 to $50
                                                                                      • Cuisines
                                                                                        Italian, Contemporary Italian, Comfort Food
                                                                                      • Dining style
                                                                                        Casual Elegant
                                                                                      • Dress code
                                                                                        Smart Casual
                                                                                      • Parking details
                                                                                        Parking is available at the garage next door.
                                                                                      • Public transit
                                                                                        F train to 6th Avenue and 57th Street subway station, E train to 5th Avenue and 53rd Street subway station and N, R or W train to 5th Avenue and 59th Street subway station
                                                                                      • Payment Options
                                                                                        AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
                                                                                      • Executive Chef
                                                                                        Chef Mike Aiello
                                                                                      • Additional
                                                                                        Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeaway, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine
                                                                                      • Website
                                                                                        http://www.cucina812.com/
                                                                                      • Phone number
                                                                                        (212) 829-0812
                                                                                      • Catering
                                                                                        We can cater on and off premise; breakfast, lunch and dinner-24/7.<br />Please reach out to our Events Dept-www.events@cucina812.com
                                                                                      • Private party facilities
                                                                                        We have 4 Private Rooms available for any occacion. We can host 1-175 seated guests in the private dining areas, 750 standing for a full restaurant buy out. Our main dining floor can accomodate 175 during regular dinner service.We are available for private dining 7am-4am, 7 days a week.Please reach out to our Events Dept-www.events@cucina812.com

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