A beloved UES Italian staple since '84, known for its stand-out wood-fired pizza [1] and a consistently good vibe. Reliable neighborhood spot with classic dishes like hearty lasagna and a great Caesar salad [1].
Bryan Kim reviews Mezzaluna, an enduring Upper East Side Italian trattoria, praising its classic lasagna, pesto trofiette, and exceptional wood-fired pizza.
Mezzaluna, an Italian trattoria on the Upper East Side since 1984, is a neighborhood gem known for its classic dishes and lively atmosphere [1]. It stands out with its exceptional wood-fired pizza, featuring a thin, chewy, and crunchy crust, and a highly praised Caesar salad with fried prosciutto and a jammy egg [1]. While most dishes impress, the veal milanese is noted as being just decent [1]. Despite facing closure rumors, Mezzaluna continues to offer a reliable and satisfying dining experience [1].
Mezzaluna offers classic Italian fare with a strong emphasis on their wood-fired pizza, which has a notable thin, chewy, and crunchy crust [1]. Other recommended dishes include a hearty lasagna and housemade trofiette with pesto [1]. The Caesar salad is also a standout, enhanced with fried prosciutto and a jammy egg [1]. However, the veal milanese is considered less impressive [1].
"Standout dishes include the hearty lasagna, housemade trofiette with pesto, and a celebrated wood-fired pizza with a thin, chewy, and crunchy crust. The Caesar salad is also highly recommended for its unique additions [1]."
Customers generally have a very positive experience, often highlighting the neighborhood feel and quality of the food, with particular praise for the pizza and pasta dishes [2, 4]. Some mention it's a more casual option compared to other upscale restaurants [5].
Important Note
Despite being a beloved staple, the future of Mezzaluna has been uncertain with previous closure announcements and only short-term lease extensions, although a final decision on its continuation is still being weighed [3].
"Mezzaluna was listed as one of the 80s Italian restaurants on the Upper East Side."
Neutral"Mezzaluna on the Upper East Side is recommended for not having long waits."
Positive"The user expressed fondness for Mezzaluna on 3rd Ave, mentioning it has been a part of their life since they grew up in the area and is a true neighborhood spot. They were glad to hear the original poster enjoyed it."
Positive"The user had a very positive experience at Mezzaluna on 3rd Ave, enjoying the neighborhood feel, the quality of the mozzarella in their salad, their daughter's pasta, and their own pizza. They particularly liked the lively atmosphere created by the other patrons."
Positive"This user clarified that Mezzaluna is more casual in contrast to other suggested upscale restaurants."
Neutral"This user listed Mezzaluna among their recommendations, later noting it's more casual than some other suggestions."
Positive
