Alto
(917) 338-2395
11 East 53rd Street
(at Between Madison & Fifth Ave.)
New York,
NY
10022
40.7601
-73.9752
Neighborhoods: Midtown, Midtown Center
Hours:
Mon-Fri 12pm-2:15pm, 5:30pm-10pm
Saturday 5pm-11pm
Price:
$$$$
Last updated 6.24.09
What People Are Saying About Alto
The Owner
Alto
Owner
New York's famous Midtown Manhattan has its reputation for many things-but most prominently for its fantastic restaurants. Alto, an amazing Italian restaurant on east side of 53rd St has been a part of this scene for years. It is well established and known for its quality service, attention to detail and the beautiful and delicious dishes that are pulled from its kitchen by chef Michael White. This is Italian like you have never had it, from Spaghetti con Gamberi, Ricci di Mare e Pomodoro (fresh cut spaghetti, shrimp, Maine sea urchin, tomato, toasted bread crumbs) to Guanciale Brasato, Puree di Mela e Scorzanera (braised veal cheeks, honey crisp apple puree, roasted salsify) you will leave Alto satisfied with dishes you may have never dreamed. Also, check out their Prix Fixe Menus: 3 courses // $75, 4 courses // $85
Alto, is where you need to go for your special occasion
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
Tucked under a deep awning, Alto feels like a secret sanctuary. Countless wine bottles, encased behind blue glass, line the windowless dining room; a backdrop to the zealous servers deciphering the high-minded menu. Chef Michael White's tribute to northern Italy is as forceful and accomplished as its southern cousin, Convivio. White's food is the product of a union of Italian elements, mixed with modern restaurant technique and an appetite for big flavors and textures. As at Convivio, the pastas threaten to steal the show, but here you would be well advised to save room for entrees, like escolar bagna cauda or a veal chop in pancetta cream sauce, that could enervate a decathlete.
User Reviews
jwinter06
November 28, 2008
Went to Alto for a nice dinner a couple weeks back, and it was just that: nice. At these prices, the food had better damn well be excellent, and it just met my expectations. Like a lot of fancy restaurants, the appetizers were far better than the entrees so I highly recommend spending your $$ on a few appetizers and choosing the less pricey main dishes. The service was spot on -- attentive but not fussy.
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anpele
October 17, 2008
Aqui va un comentario en Espa?ol sobre Alto: Reservamos para llevar a nuestro jefe que visito NY en las ultimas semanas y es muy exigente con la comida y fue una buena experiencia en general. Pagamos CARO (los vinos son costosos...) pero el servicio fue excelente y la comida muy recomendada. Los que ordenamos lamb o veal tuvimos mucha mejor suerte que los que ordenaron pasta. Dos puntos en contra: no me mato el fois grass y el postre que nos recomendaron parecian simples donitas rellenas que deslucian la comida. Sin embargo, al final nos dieron unos muffins para llevar y unos postrecitos muy ricos.
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sineu
March 03, 2008
I refuse to wait another minute to seat down!!! despite res. I had to wait what seems for ever to seat down to a not impressive, yet average meal...whatever happened with chef Scott Conant??? it was great then, it is simply awful now....please avoid the trip and delay, sounds just like a bad flight!!
read full reviewThe Details on Alto
Look Good:
Jackets are required and, since the crowd is on the older side, younger patrons must dress their best.
What to Drink:
For an inexpensive, well-matched wine from northern Italy, try the 2003 Bonarda Mazzolino ($40). It's full-bodied and juicy, thanks to the hot European summer of its harvest.
Know Before You Go:
A four-course prix-fixe menu and a seven-course tasting menu are available for dinner, and single items can only be ordered off the menu during lunch.
Look Good:
Jackets are required and, since the crowd is on the older side, 20-something patrons must dress their best to ensure unbiased service.
What to Drink:
For an inexpensive wine from Northern Italy that is well-matched to the menu, try the 2003 Bonarda Mazzolino ($40). It's full-bodied and juicy, thanks to the hot European summer of its harvest.
Know Before You Go:
A four-course prix fixe menu and a seven-course tasting menu are available for dinner, and single items can only be ordered off the menu during lunch hours.
Look Good:
Jackets are preferred, since the crowd is on the older side, 20-something patrons must dress their best. Business Casual is fine, just no jeans or tennis shoes.
What to Drink:
For an inexpensive wine from Northern Italy that is well-matched to the menu, try the 2003 Bonarda Mazzolino ($40). It's full-bodied and juicy, thanks to the hot European summer of its harvest.
Know Before You Go:
At dinner either a Three or Four Course Prix Fixe is available. Chef's tasting menus are available upon request. For Lunch a Prix Fixe menu is served as well. A la Carte is only available during dinner at the Bar.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Fine Dining, Business Dining, Notable Wine List, Prix Fixe Menu
Cuisine:
Building Maintenance Services:
Notable Chef:
Michael White
Smoking Permitted:
No
Message from Alto
- Perfect For Valentines Day
- Amazing Italian Cuisine!
- Fine Dining at its Best
New York's famous Midtown Manhattan has its reputation for many things-but most prominently for its fantastic restaurants. Alto, an amazing Italian restaurant on east side of 53rd St has been a part of this scene for years. It is well established and known for its quality service, attention to detail and the beautiful and delicious dishes that are pulled from its kitchen by chef Michael White. This is Italian like you have never had it, from Spaghetti con Gamberi, Ricci di Mare e Pomodoro (fresh cut spaghetti, shrimp, Maine sea urchin, tomato, toasted bread crumbs) to Guanciale Brasato, Puree di Mela e Scorzanera (braised veal cheeks, honey crisp apple puree, roasted salsify) you will leave Alto satisfied with dishes you may have never dreamed. Also, check out their Prix Fixe Menus: 3 courses // $75, 4 courses // $85
Alto, is where you need to go for your special occasion
