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ELIO'S

Updated

Phone: (212) 772-2242

Address: 1621 SECOND AVENUE 10028

TLDR

Classic UES Italian institution w/ impeccably thin chicken parm & lively, sceney vibe.

Reddit Sentiment for ELIO'S(based on 25 Reddit opinions)

64% Positive12% Neutral8% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

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Tags

italian 17southern italian 3italian 13chicken parm 2View All

Neighborhoods

Upper East Side

Instagram Posts References

The user presents Elio's as a superior alternative to Carbone for Italian dining in NYC, especially for those visiting. It's described as an 'institution' on the Upper East Side. The user emphasizes that all dishes tried were incredible and recommends ordering as much as one can. A specific tip is given to secure a table at the bar to fully experience the lively atmosphere. The overall experience was highly positive, highlighting the quality of both the food and drinks.

Other Article Mentions

Lists, round-ups, and guides where this restaurant is featured.

Mentioned In
Where to eat Italian in NYC when you aren willing to settle.

Elio’s on the Upper East Side is a long-standing establishment known for its thinly pounded veal and a clientele that sometimes requires security.

Bryan Kim, Neha Talreja, Willa Moore, Molly Fitzpatrick & Tiffany YannettaDate unknown
Read More →
Infatuation
Mentioned In
Where To Have Your Birthday Dinner in NYC
positive

Elio's on the Upper East Side is an Italian institution with universal appeal, known for its great chicken parm and martinis that barely fit in their glasses, making it a suitable spot for celebrations with its conducive round tables and generally accessible reservations.

Willa MooreDate unknown
Read More →
Infatuation
Mentioned In
The Upper East Side Is More Than Just Old New York
positive

Elio's is the most iconic Italian restaurant on the Upper East Side, known for its sceney atmosphere and impeccably thin chicken parm and fried zucchini.

Sonal ShahDate unknown
Read More →
Infatuation
Mentioned In
NYC’s Hottest Restaurants: Where To See and Be Seen
neutral

Bryan Kim describes Elio's as an old-school Italian spot on the Upper East Side, attracting regulars with specific customs and a brisk, no-nonsense service.

Bryan KimDate unknown
Read More →
Infatuation

Details

Elio's is an iconic Italian institution on the Upper East Side, celebrated for its classic red sauce dishes and lively atmosphere. It's known for its impeccably thin chicken parm and highly recommended fried zucchini [1], [2]. While not trendy, it offers an authentic, old-school dining experience that appeals to a wide range of patrons, including locals and visitors seeking a taste of traditional New York Italian cuisine [3], [4].

Food Overview

Elio's is renowned for its classic Italian, red sauce cuisine, with particular highlights including its impeccably thin chicken parm and highly recommended fried zucchini [1], [2]. While many praise the authentic dishes and cozy atmosphere, a few recent comments have expressed dissatisfaction, calling the food 'bad' and 'gross' [3], [1]. The restaurant also offers standout meatballs and a praised pasta dish with greens and garlic [4].

Highlights / Recommended

"Highly recommended dishes include the impeccably thin chicken parm and the fried zucchini. Additionally, the meatballs and a pasta dish with greens and garlic have been praised."

Mentioned Dishes:

  • chicken parm(2)

Customer Sentiment

Overall, customer sentiment is largely positive, with many praising Elio's as a classic and authentic Italian spot. However, some recent feedback has been critical of the food quality, with comments describing it as 'bad' or 'gross' [1], [2].

Reddit Opinions & Reviews

Top Reddit Posts About ELIO'S

This discussion highlights Elio's as a classic and top choice for red sauce Italian food, emphasizing that it's not trendy but remains a reliable option.
Users recommend Elio's for its authentic Italian food and cozy, old-school atmosphere, noting it provides an upscale, white-tablecloth dining experience.
Elio's is mentioned as a classic Upper East Side Italian option, though one commenter found the food to be 'bad'.
Elio's is recommended as a potential option for someone looking for a place to people-watch while dining alone.

Recent Reddit Mentions

From post: What Is A Good Italian Place In The Upper East

"Elios (likely Elio's) is recommended as a good Italian restaurant."

Positive
Jun 23, 2026View Comment →

From post: What Is A Good Italian Place In The Upper East

"Elio's is suggested as an option for a more authentic Italian dining experience."

Positive
Jun 23, 2026View Comment →

From post: What Is A Good Italian Place In The Upper East

"Elio's is recommended as a dining option."

Positive
Jun 23, 2026View Comment →

From post: Any 80s Looking Nyc Restaurants Kinda Like Bad

"Elio's was listed as one of the 80s Italian restaurants on the Upper East Side."

Neutral
May 13, 2026View Comment →

From post: Ues Campagnola Or Lincontro By Rocco

"The author simply lists Elio's."

Neutral
May 9, 2026View Comment →

From post: What Is Your Top 3 Restaurants In The Ues

"This user stated the food at Elios was bad."

Negative
Apr 2, 2026View Comment →

From post: What Is Your Top 3 Restaurants In The Ues

"This user called Elio's 'gross'."

Negative
Apr 1, 2026View Comment →

From post: What Is Your Top 3 Restaurants In The Ues

"This user listed Elio's as a classic option on the UES."

Positive
Apr 1, 2026View Comment →

From post: What Is Your Top 3 Restaurants In The Ues

"This user recommended Elios for classic Southern Italian cuisine."

Positive
Mar 31, 2026View Comment →

From post: Nyc Traditional Italian Recommendations

"This user listed Elio's on the Upper East Side as an old-school option."

Positive
Mar 18, 2026View Comment →

From post: Nyc Traditional Italian Recommendations

"This user listed Elio's on the Upper East Side as an old-school option."

Positive
Mar 18, 2026View Comment →

From post: Nyc Traditional Italian Recommendations

"This user recommended Elios on the Upper East Side as an example of an upscale, old-school white tablecloth Italian restaurant."

Positive
Mar 17, 2026View Comment →

From post: Best Cozy Italian

"The commenter, located on the Upper East Side, enjoys Elios and is looking for a place with more of an old-school club vibe, similar to Del Posto."

Positive
Mar 2, 2026View Comment →

From post: Best Cozy Italian

"Elios is mentioned as a place with amazing authentic Italian food and a cozy atmosphere, though perhaps not the 'grand' vibe the user initially sought."

Positive
Mar 2, 2026View Comment →

From post: Red Sauce Italian

"Elio's in Yorkville is mentioned as a good red sauce Italian option."

Positive
Jan 28, 2026View Comment →

From post: Red Sauce Italian

"Elio's is described as the classic and best option for red sauce Italian, noting it's not trendy despite not being a hole-in-the-wall."

Positive
Jan 27, 2026View Comment →

From post: Fun Place To Peoplewatch While Dining Solo

"Elio's was recommended as an Italian restaurant option."

Positive
Jan 3, 2026View Comment →

From post: What Are Some Good Italian Restaurants To Take 7

"Elio's on the Upper East Side is recommended as a very local spot that fits the description of what the user is looking for."

Positive
Sep 12, 2025View Comment →

From post: What Are Some Good Italian Restaurants To Take 7

"Elio's on the Upper East Side is recommended as a very local spot that fits the description of what the user is looking for."

Positive
Sep 12, 2025View Comment →

From post: Dont Crucify Me For This

"This commenter is asking if Elio's pizza is better than Costco's pizza, in response to a debate about pizza quality."

Neutral
Jul 14, 2025View Comment →