Felidia Ristorante Inc
(212) 758-1479
243 E 58TH St
New York,
NY
10022
40.7606
-73.966
Neighborhoods: Midtown East (Turtle Bay), Midtown
What People Are Saying About Felidia Ristorante Inc
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
Since 1981, the brightest star in Lydia Matticchio Bastianich's expanding culinary universe has endeared special occasioners, expense accounters, and food-driven tourists hoping to catch a glimpse of the cookbook author and TV chef in action. As a result, the formal bar is standing-room-only, and two cozy downstairs dining rooms, handsomely appointed with mahogany details, luxurious linens, and sparkling crystal, can feel cramped.
The Food
The lengthy menu, inspired by Bastianich's native Istria and surrounding northern Italian provinces, is as imaginative as ever. Reliable signatures include three-cheese "Istrian wedding pillows" laced with citrus zest in rich rum-veal reduction; tangy preserved lemon-roasted branzino; and al dente (though often under-seasoned) seafood risotto. But careless missteps in executive chef Fortunato Nicotra's kitchen -- whether overcooked baby cuttlefish, rock-hard focaccia, or gluey gnocchi in undistinguished wild boar stew -- are hard to forgive at these prices. Desserts, like warm chocolate crepes, are simple and satisfying.
User Reviews
gbotts
May 03, 2009
We are a group of friends who have traveled extensively and eaten at great restaurants in the U.S. and Europe, and we thought this was one of our best experiences. We cannot imagine how other reviewers had a negative experience here. Every bite of food was truly delicious from the wafers and pea puree served with drinks to the appetizers to the heavenly pasta to the excellent entrees and scrumptious desserts. Staff was efficient and friendly, and even gave us a card which included printed information on the wonderful wines we had with dinner. We all had a very special time, and I tip my hat to Lidia and her team. I appreciate every detail being attended to as well as the concern for the highest quality food and service. Thanks and congratulations.
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Hsmith1110
February 25, 2009
The most authentic and delicious Italian meal I've had outside of Italy. I enjoyed a great tasting menu along with a bottle of Lidia's wine. The staff was courteous and didn't rush us. I will definitely go back.
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veal
February 18, 2009
My son's girlfriend gave us a gift certificate to this resturant about 2 years ago.We live in Brooklyn and frequent all the greatest Italian eateries there.My wife is Italian as is her mother and father.My youngest son is 26 and a great cook.I have a passion for fabulous Italian food.My wife is the greatest cook in the world.She cooks all authentic Italian food and is also the greatest baker bar none.We were very excited to visit Felidias; we went for the special-value three course dinner menu. Her TV show is very good and we have all watched it for years. Now the review....her wait staff is not knowlegeable, especially about the value menu .... her food was the worst I've ever had.....and the minimalist desert was a disaster.It left my lips swollen and my stomach with cramps.WHERE IS THIS AN ITALIAN RESTURANT ? Nothing Italian there.The biggest disapointment ever.Visited on 02/17/09
read full reviewThe Details on Felidia Ristorante Inc
Peace and Quiet:
The airy upstairs dining room is a tranquil respite from the first floor, where servers trip over some tables and cower over others from wrap-around wait stations.
Share:
Though it's not evident from the menu, you can requests half portion pastas and risotto for two.
Olive Oil Tasting:
The $7 vertical olive oil tasting offers a rare opportunity to taste regional olive oils side by side.
The Wine List:
The impressive list offers few under-$50 options: A glass of Chardonnay from Bastianch's Friulian vineyard ($12), or a bottle of Walch Gewurtztraminer from Trentino-Alto Adige ($52), pairs well with the food.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Family Style Dining, Online Reservations, Prix Fixe Menu, Private Rooms
Cuisine:
Notable Chef:
Lydia Bastianich
