La Gioconda

02/26/09

Hidden Italian Delight

by Angel5143 at Citysearch

First off, I would like to give this restaurant a 3 1/2. Went to La Gioconda last night for dinner and rather enjoyed my meal. Who would've thought that 53rd bw 2nd & 3rd held such a place? Our meal was great with only one complaint, to some the worst kind. My friend ordered mahi mahi and it was filled with bones that she could have easily choked on. The dish itself looked appetizing and the veggies grilled to perfection but she couldn't get past the bones. After sending it back (God bless her), the next plate was perfect. I loved my spinach & ricotta raviolis but for $13, I would've expected more or a larger size pasta. Our appetizer was perfect (eggplant)!! Our waiter was as accommodating as could be!! For $85 including a great bottle of wine, I'll go back for sure.

• Pros: Wine selection, intimate, menu selection & price
• Cons: Pasta portion & bones in fish

05/01/08

Nice prix fixe lunch

by citygal415 at Citysearch

I have eaten there several times before and never was disappointed. Service was friendly and quick. The food is always up to par. Seating can be a bit tight since the dining area is small.

• Pros: good value, efficient service
• Cons: quaint dining area

02/21/08

Great waitress, food was divine

by Susandimeler at Citysearch

I took my business client to La Gioconda for dinner only to find the waitress to remind me very much of the Restaurant's concept--La Gioconda being the Mona Lisa. The food was wonderful & the woman who served us whom seemed in charge of the establishment as well was very helpful & we had a very good time. The special seafood pasta was very authentic & great. The tiramisu to die for...check it out.

• Pros: Service & specials
• Cons: --

02/10/07

Definitely got ur $ worth

by ur2nite at Citysearch

Nice place, good food, attentive staff. Nice small quiant restaurant. Went there with a friend, had dinner and we each had a glass of wine. Our bill came up to $50.00 - thats a steal of a deal in NYC for such a nice Italian restaurant.

12/21/06

Good Food at a Good Price

by sang337 at Citysearch

A bunch of us went to La Giaconda for a birthday dinner. Our group was about 10 people and although the place is pretty small we didn't feel cramped. We ordered a bunch of appetizers including the caprese and carpacchio which were very good. For our main courses I'd recommend either the penne with italian sausages and the red snapper. Personally i thought the red snapper was really good. If you're looking for a restaurant and your on a budget, i'd definitely recommend la giaconda - you get a lot of b@ng for the buck.

• Pros: Good food/good price

08/09/05

Great food

by rocketred at Citysearch

We were being taken out to lunch and were looking to go to a nicer yet modestly priced place near the office. Someone recommended La Giocanda. The food was really excellent. I can especially recommend the pasta with Italian sausage. I don't know that I would go out of my way to go back (I'm also not a huge fan of Italian food), but if you're looking for great food at very reasonable prices with a pleasant ambience and good service, then I would highly recommend it.

12/29/04

Go somewhere else!

by williams32 at Citysearch

Food was alright...but the service was horrible. 1 rude waiter for the entire restaurant. I have never been reprimanded by anyone whose livelihood depends on tips! There are so may better restaurants in New York City, so stay clear of La Giaconda.

12/26/04

Very cozy....

by ppnyc at Citysearch

Worth a trip from another part of town, they treat you so nicely here. The grill calamari are a delicious appetizer and the filet mignon with the potatoes seasoned just right and a delicious gravy sauce! If you want to eat lighter all the fish is fresh and tasty. If you want to Splurge on dessert the chocolate crepes is the way to go! Great atmosphere, small, soft lighting, warm decor and friendly service. Can't go wrong!

• Pros: food, service, decore

01/31/04

Great hideaway place

by mullette at Citysearch

La Gioconda is a great find! This small, quaint, restaurant is great for 2 - 4 people looking for a quiet atmosphere, reasonable prices, and good food. I have been here 3 times now, the pasta is fabulous with good size portions, the service is very friendly, although at times slow. Great place to bring a date, girlfriend or a small group, I loved the penne with sausage and the orchietta with sausage! The grilled calamari is great too!!

• Pros: Inexpensive, Small, Romantic
• Cons: , Pricey wine

12/27/02

small is not the word

by sdezz at Citysearch

Food was great. However, miniscule does not even do this justice. Very loud and cramped. Not good for converstaion and staff was a little upset I didn't buy there overpriced wine.

• Pros: food, location
• Cons: size, staff