Alto

22 reviews

(212) 308-1099

11 East 53rd Street (Between Madison & Fifth Ave.)
New York, NY 10022 40.7601 -73.9752

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Neighborhoods: Midtown, Midtown Center

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Hours:

Mon-Fri 12pm-2:15pm, 5:30pm-10pm

Saturday 5pm-11pm

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Price:

$$$$

Alto

Last updated 11.10.09

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,…

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…

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User Reviews (22)

11/28/08

nice dinner

by jwinter06

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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10/17/08

Delicioso!

by anpele

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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03/03/08

wait no more please!!!

by sineu

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!!

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The Details on Alto

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.

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.

Know Before You Go:

At dinner either a three- or four-course prix fixe is available. Chef's tasting menus are available upon request. A la Carte is only available during dinner at the Bar.