Reviews & Ratings for Lusardis Restnt

01/15/07

Old School Italian

by sarangutan

I agree with the commenter who says that this place hearkens back to the days when dining out was a true event, not to be taken casually. Sometimes, however, I feel that the management takes this too much to heart, which manifests itself in ultra-formal service and a somewhat stuffy atmosphere. Much of the food is quite good, nothing to write home about though. There is something valuable about the Lusardis experience in this day and age, though.

• Pros: Vintage dining experience
• Cons: Stuffy atmosphere

09/02/06

a restaurant with great food and no scummy people

by kilboj

Thank your own personal god or woodland nymph, here is a restaurant with great food and an attentive and knowledgeable staff where the average clientele is not clad in dirty blue jeans and tee shirts and shod in flip flops. Yes, as some of the reviews here say, the crowd can tend to be in part a bit older, but that has real benefits - they actually treat dining at a fine restaurant as an occasion of pleasure and dignity, not just another $10.00 nosh. I go there often, and it is always a relief to actually "go out" to dinner, as a pleasant event. The so-called younger crowd is missing a really good thing if they stay away. And, yes, Virginia, there is really a Lusardi and he is really there, which makes all the difference.

• Pros: elegant dining among elegant diners
• Cons: none

01/13/06

Boring food at out of this world pricing!

by joyce1849

The management seems only interested in the 70+ group of folks, with the serving of bland food and the rapid table turn over by the servers. The bartender is truly wonderful and a funny guy, but they use the bar as a waiting place before you are escorted to your table. This could be a fun place, but not with run of the mill food, and the out of site price tag for dining with the elderly.

• Pros: Great location, Great Drinks, Not Crowded
• Cons: Very Expensive, Older Patrons

11/24/03

One of my favorites

by joshdog

My wife and I have been eating out almost every night for the last 12 years and this is one restaurant we always return to. Lusardi's has consistently excellent, authentic Italian dishes (especially the pastas), a superb wine list with a selection at all price levels, and an old-school staff that always makes us feel welcome. It's also a great place to show out-of-towners what real Italian food is.

• Pros: The food, The wine
• Cons: Not cheap

06/11/03

Multo Bene!

by EFKH

Quiet and Not crowded, but fabulous Northern Italian. I suggest going in November when Italy harvests its truffles...the truffle dishes are to die for! The old-shool maitre d' will shave fresh truffles onto your risotto con funghi or whatever...oh it's fabulous. And it's cappucino...straight from Florence. Buon Appetito!

• Pros: Quiet, Delicious, Unknown

03/10/03

This is Italy

by carljanko

While there are a million "authentic" Italian restaurants in NYC...the majority of them reside in the Upper East Side. Lusardi's is the most authentic of any in Manhattan. Make sure to say hi to Johnny at the bar...possibly the funniest and best bartender in New York. The wine ist is the size of a small encyclopedia. The gnocchi is out of this world...a must. Alora.

• Pros: gnocchi, bartender, winel list

07/18/02

not what it used to be

by babson

The food is now just acceptable- good, but not what you'd expect at these prices. The crowd used to be a "mature fun" group- but now instead of babycarriages at the door there are wheelchairs and walkers. And the drink prices are inexcusable-even Bice doesn't charge $8.50! Too bad - this used to be a great, reasonable and lively neighborhood spot- now it's just mediocre food and a tired old crowd.

• Pros: service, atmosphere, location
• Cons: food, price

07/02/02

Love Lusardi's!

by kflam

This place is the BEST. Try the grilled fish dishes and pastas. The service is very good, too and they have a HUGE wine list.