03/09/09

Italian Gem on the UES

by hungrycouple

A stroll up 2nd Avenue in Yorkville on a warm Saturday evening, past rows of noisy bar/restaurants with sidewalk seating and young crowds reveling, brings you to the far more subdued Firenze. The well dressed owner stands outside and quickly spots the slightest interest. He corrals you into the restaurant, guaranteeing you will enjoy your meal. You're walked past the civilized bar area with a sophisticated piano player and are handed over to a smiling waiter to be seated. Romantic tables decorated with subtle floral tablecloths, painted chargers, tall candlesticks and mini flower pots are more reminiscent of a French brasserie but the food is 100% Italian. A basket of bread comes with a dish of olives in wonderfully fresh oil. Also on offer is a tomato butter which was not a favorite but is more than made up for by the hunks of good Parmigiano Reggiano presented alongside. The special prosciutto appetizer is wonderful and the Chilean Sea Bass is fresh and tasty, served with a generous portion of sauteed vegetables. More typical fare like Caesar Salad and Penne Alla Vodka are well made examples of Italian classics. We were tempted into ordering the special dessert of fresh berries flambeed in vodka and Grand Marnier and poured over vanilla ice cream. The table-side presentation is entertaining but the fruit comes out much too sweet and turns into a soupy mess when poured over the ice cream. Certainly not worth the $18 charge. But the tiramisu was another well made classic. The service was effusively friendly but they believe their customers (mostly couples) would like to linger so no quick meals here. We left happily full of good wine and good food and with no need to take the owner up on his guarantee; we certainly did enjoy our meal. And with so many choices on the extensive menu, we'll definitely be back to sample more!

11/20/08

you cant go wrong at Firenze

by woodjn

I love this restaurant! It is my favorite restaurant in NY! Definitely worth the high prices. I had the mixed salad for an appetizer and it was SO good. The atmosphere is pretty, the staff is warm and friendly without being stuffy. Our server explained the way every entree was made. You can't go wrong at Firenze.

11/09/08

By Far Best Italian Restaurant on the Upper East Side!!

by Yolic

I discovered Firenze about a year ago. I've returned on numerous times. I am Italian and grew up in a very Italian neighborhood. I am VERY picky when it comes to Italian food. My experience EVERYTIME at Firenze has been excellent service, strong drinks and every dish has always been absolutely delicious!! The atmosphere is very romantic. You will not be sorry. This restaurant is quite the gem!!

10/21/06

Best little Italian restaurant on the upper east side...

by envymeny

This place is really small, but the food AND service is excellent! Had the eggplant flan as an appetizer. I tried their bowtie pasta special with salmon, and my friend had their chilean sea bass. Both were very good. We ended our meal with their apple tart dessert. Waiters and staff were very friendly.

• Pros: Food, service
• Cons: None

06/12/06

Food, atmosphere, service....everything is GREAT!!

by asian_shawty

I was with my parents looking for another Italian restaurant in the area and just happened to find this tiny, cozy restaurant. We were right that we decided to have the late lunch at Firenze...the wine was great (me and mom picked different white wine, dad had a glass of red), appetizer (meat and cheese combo, the mozzarella was awesome) and pasta were just perfectly prepared and they even divided them into separate plates for us since we were sharing those. I loved the cappuccino and Tiramisu to finish it up!! The waiters were very professional and friendly so we could really relax and enjoy the entire meal. Me and mom actually visited Firenze again for a dinner a few months later, and it was just as great.

• Pros: Food, service
• Cons: Small tables, Too far from me!!

01/01/06

A great find!

by pbglam

This is a great find...good food, good wine, good service! Romantic atmosphere, perfect for a special evening. The service was wonderful...you'll be friends with the owner & waitstaff by desert.

09/07/05

An all-around great dining experience!

by ednyc21

The food and ambience is top notch! It's a very relaxing, romantic setting in the heart of the upper east side. I've been many times and always recommend to my friends. They really know how to impress their guests - definitely worth checking out!

• Pros: Great service, Great ambience

06/03/05

Always an excellent dining experience

by dwinig

I've come in here 3 times already and its always an AWESOME meal. They have an extensive wine list. However, it came in a thick binder (just the lables) and not very organized. I couldnt tell which ones were red or white. They serve parmesan cheese crumbles with your bread, which by the way is heaven (its warm, seasoned and dipped in olive oil). The staff is attentive and polite. The Veal Francese is very good (although its never enough- the portions should be larger). As is their grilled whole branzino (a special) -this was theBEST fish dish I've ever had. they have an excellent array of desserts - liked the mixed berries with homemade whipped cream (infused with champage)- very unusual and very good. The restaurant was very small, only 10 tables - but I liked it coz its was a very romantic.

• Pros: cozy, romantic, good value., excellent food
• Cons: tables close together, winelist not organize

05/23/05

This proprietor really knows how to treat guests.

by kwigybo

I've been coming to Firenze 4-5 times a year since '00 and I live nowhere near the UES, which should say something about the experience. A tiny sliver of a restaurant but the owner's decorating skill consistently improves it, and this speaks nothing of the impeccable service and consistent food. Order three courses and a decent bottle of wine and be amazed at how you'll truly be treated like family.

• Pros: adorable, bruschetta, zabaglione
• Cons: tiny tables, expensive, not near me

11/26/03

a very nice place

by chrisfowler62

Food was very reasonable - staff was very professional. The veal rivaled the veal I've had in Milan. This is a great place if you're in the neighborhood

• Pros: great food, relaxing atmosphere