Erminia Ristorante

205 E 86th St
New York, NY 10028 40.778773 -73.953866

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Neighborhoods: Yorkville, Midtown

Years in business

Established in 1982

Price:

$$$$

Last updated 1.24.11

Category:

Restaurants

Payment Methods:

American Express, Cash, Check

Restaurant Special Features:

Romantic Dining, Quiet, Special Occasion Dining

Cuisine:

Seafood, Italian

What People Are Saying About Erminia Ristorante

Featured Review

Contributor

Contributor

Hidden away on the Upper East Side, old-school Italian served in one of the city's most romantic spaces.

Editor's Tips

Dress the Part:
Though the staff doesn't enforce the jacket-only rule, showing up without one is frowned upon.
Wine Lists:
Bottles of Peroni cost as much as cocktails do at most restaurants, and the wine list is geared toward high-rollers: The Raymond California Cabernet is one of the better of the few options under $50.
Split It:
If you request beforehand, the kitchen kindly splits the generous pasta and entree serving between two.
Look Good:
Though the staff doesn't enforce the jacket-only rule, showing up without one is frowned upon.
The Extras:
The kitchen will split the generous pasta and entree servings between two, so long as the request is made upon ordering.
ambiance
100.0% positive
  1. Ambience is incredible and very romantic.
  2. It's so cozy and beautiful and has the best lighting in NYC!
  3. The ambience was incredible, and the food was great too.
  4. Small, cozy and quaint atmosphere with excellent food and superb wine list.
  5. Great choice for a romantic dinner.
  6. romantic setting.
  7. This is a warm, intimate, romantic room, with wooden walls and flattering lighting.
  8. Great romantic spot!
  9. strongly recommend this restaurants for dates and romantic occasions.
  10. this is the MOST romantic place I have ever been to in New York City!
  11. took my wife here for a candlelit romantic evening
  12. NOT that every meal should be about getting your flirt on rather than chowing down, but you must admit a good ambiance and crowd is in order!
  13. The setting is probably one of the most intimate, romantic places in the city and by my guess one of the best kept secrets.
  14. was glowing from the romantic setting and the courteous and unpretentious staff who knew exactly when to approach and when to leave us alone at the table.
  15. While the space is undeniably cozy, and the small atmosphere gives it a very "homey" "old world" feel, unfortunately the food is just average at best, and not what you expect given the high prices.
  16. The food was outstanding and the ambiance was so romatic with the entire restaurant candlelit and not crowded.
  17. The restaurant only holds 35-40 people which adds to the romantic atmosphere.
  18. This very romantic Italian restaurant is the greatest!
  19. This place should be FIRST on any couples list who wants fine dining and a romantic evening.
  20. Amazing food, ambiance and service!
  21. If you want a romantic evening this restaurant is a perfect choice.
  22. The food is delicious and the service and atmosphere was wonderful.
dessert
100.0% positive
  1. The desserts were great, and the s service was hit or miss as they forgot my port wine.
  2. The food was superb - flavorful and authentic Italian with mouth-watering desserts.
drinks
100.0% positive
  1. The wine list is stellar and the food is outstanding.
  2. Small, cozy and quaint atmosphere with excellent food and superb wine list.
  3. The desserts were great, and the s service was hit or miss as they forgot my port wine.
food quality
100.0% positive
  1. would stop in if you desire a fabulous meal at a resonable price.
  2. The food is very authentic and tasty.
  3. The food is delicious and the service and atmosphere was wonderful.
  4. Candlesticks, beautiful fresh floral arrangements.
  5. Small, cozy and quaint atmosphere with excellent food and superb wine list.
  6. The food was outstanding and the ambiance was so romatic with the entire restaurant candlelit and not crowded.
  7. The ambience was incredible, and the food was great too.
  8. fabulous meal
  9. While the space is undeniably cozy, and the small atmosphere gives it a very "homey" "old world" feel, unfortunately the food is just average at best, and not what you expect given the high prices.
  10. The food was superb - flavorful and authentic Italian with mouth-watering desserts.
  11. Not really a first date type of restaurant, but definitely a place you should bring a loved one to enjoy some pasta or steak and maybe a brunello.
  12. Here is why: Like so many people I know, I just want to escape a "scene", eat exquisite food, and not be agitated by another stranger's presence.
  13. NOT that every meal should be about getting your flirt on rather than chowing down, but you must admit a good ambiance and crowd is in order!
  14. The fresh ingrediants were obvious, giving the food that extra flare which made for a perfect meal.
  15. The wine list is stellar and the food is outstanding.
  16. The service was professional and friendly and the food was extraordianry.
  17. It was amazing, the food was fantastic and reasonably priced for what you get, service was great.
  18. Amazing food, ambiance and service!
  19. Everything we ordered was delicious and when I complemented the waiter on the biscotti he brought me a whole plate to take home.
  20. good food, added extras onto bill
  21. great pasta
  22. She's a vegetarian and despite that, they had plenty of tasty options on the menu.
  23. The service was outstanding as well as the food.
  24. meal and Erminia's didn't disappoint.
  25. The food was excellent and the service was even better.
  26. love food and this dish I found tasted horrible.
menu variety
100.0% positive
  1. She's a vegetarian and despite that, they had plenty of tasty options on the menu.
overall
100.0% positive
  1. This is my favorite restaurant in the city!
  2. This is a good business-dinner spot as well as a special-occassion place.
service
89.46999549865723% positive
  1. The food is delicious and the service and atmosphere was wonderful.
  2. There are only 8-10 tables, so you receive a lot of attention from the waiters, which is good.
  3. went there for my anniversary and wanted to switch my table and the waiter and manager were nasty arrogant and rude.
  4. service is very attentive, but acted as if tthey did us the favor.
  5. The desserts were great, and the s service was hit or miss as they forgot my port wine.
  6. was glowing from the romantic setting and the courteous and unpretentious staff who knew exactly when to approach and when to leave us alone at the table.
  7. The service was outstanding as well as the food.
  8. The food was excellent and the service was even better.
  9. Desert was fantastic, and service was impecable.
  10. There are SO MANY other great restaurants in the area with service that warrants spending $100 per person.
  11. The service was professional and friendly and the food was extraordianry.
  12. The WORST customer service in NYC
  13. Here is why: Like so many people I know, I just want to escape a "scene", eat exquisite food, and not be agitated by another stranger's presence.
  14. Everything we ordered was delicious and when I complemented the waiter on the biscotti he brought me a whole plate to take home.
  15. It was amazing, the food was fantastic and reasonably priced for what you get, service was great.
  16. The staff were very warm and gracious.
  17. Erminia's is the best kept secret in Manhatten and Nick and his staff do an excellent job with all the amentities.
  18. The restaurant only holds 35-40 people which adds to the romantic atmosphere.
  19. Amazing food, ambiance and service!
value
100.0% positive
  1. would stop in if you desire a fabulous meal at a resonable price.
  2. While the space is undeniably cozy, and the small atmosphere gives it a very "homey" "old world" feel, unfortunately the food is just average at best, and not what you expect given the high prices.
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

09/23/11

2nd year wedding anniversary truly memorable!!!!

by gigi1

My husband and I always walked by it since we live nearby and when I made a reservation I was very excited. My hubby and I went there dressed up, but some people yo could tell are regulars dress down so either way is fine, it is so romantic, there is dark wood and candlesticks on each table. The waiters were very attentive, it was a full house on a Monday night, there were only 2 of them, but they were very attentive, the food was well-cooked and flavorful, you can see the difference between a fine restaurant and say a diner or lower end restaurant. It was a very wonderful experience. The shorter waiter, dont know his name is very jolly and likes to crack a joke, haha, the older one is more dignified,but both gave excellent service, I was truly impressed. This has to be has to be one of the truly best dining experieneces in my life, maybe also because we were celebrating a special occasion. It is not flash or hip, but if you want a cozy place oozing with old world charm and romance, this has to be the best place to come. I loved the dark wood, the farmhouse type feel, the bouquet of flowers and little shrubs of flowers on each table, there were only 12 seats so you could carry a conversation. It is very very intimate, I loved the crocheted laces over the lamps, hubby said it was similar to another restaurant we went to in germany, very oldly worldy.. I fell in love all over again with my handsome husband here. Pricey yes, that's why we saved up for a speciial occasion but less expensive than a fancy restaurant downtown or the midotwn region. I loved, loved loved it!! Will definitely want to go back there again!!!!Best anniversary ever!!!!!!

1 Star Rating: Poor

09/18/10

Rude manager!!!!!

by tom1111111

Terrible experience before we even got there. The manager Antonio was rude on the phone and refused to honor a confirmed reservation. Do not go there!!!!!

4 Star Rating: Recommended

01/26/10

Romantic Place, Amazing Italian

by huff1823

This is my favorite restaurant in the city! Their Italian dishes literally melt in your mouth they are so good! Have gone here twice and both times were amazing and very romantic. Hoping I get to go again for Valentine's Day :)

  • Pros: Service is Amazing
  • Cons: Price- a little on the pricey side
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

10/29/09

Perfect

by e66st

We stopped in at Erminia one rainy night and what a nice surprise. It's so cozy and beautiful and has the best lighting in NYC!! Everything we ordered was delicious and when I complemented the waiter on the biscotti he brought me a whole plate to take home. I also said I would get the Zabaglione next time and he brought me a little sample to try. I'm sad I waited so long to go but will definitely be going back soon and so should you!! You won't be disappointed. Not a scene, but a nice sweet Italian place to spend a lovely evening.

  • Pros: Small, cozy, romantic beautiful room, food, service
  • Cons: Far from my apartment
1 Star Rating: Poor

10/18/09

TERRIBLE SERVICE

by fina717

I went there for my anniversary and wanted to switch my table and the waiter and manager were nasty arrogant and rude. The tables are SO close that u are ON TOP of the other person. There are SO MANY other great restaurants in the area with service that warrants spending $100 per person. STAY AWAY

The Details on Erminia Ristorante

Place Categories:

  • outstanding food
  • great service
  • romantic specialoccassion place
  • fabulous meal
  • favorite businessdinner spot
  • romantic unpretentious staff
  • favorite restaurants
  • rude waiter
  • incredible ambience
  • not disappoint erminia
  • romantic dinner
  • authentic amazing italian
  • amazing ambiance
  • rude manager
  • worst customer service
  • romantic setting
  • great italian experience
  • beautiful fresh floral arrangements
  • romantic atmosphere
  • great pasta
  • love dish
  • undeniably cozy space
  • best dining
  • romantic evening
  • warm romantic room
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