TLDR
Upscale, seafood-centric Italian in Midtown featuring precision-crafted handmade pastas and stunning crudos. A refined, high-end destination for special occasions.
Instagram Posts References
Santi is hailed as one of the creator's favorite new restaurants, featuring a stunning interior with cool light fixtures and well-curated art. The culinary experience is exceptional, from the good amuse-bouche and appetizers to the excellent entrees. Patrons are strongly advised to order at least two, if not three, pasta dishes, as they are all amazing, including their homemade gluten-free options. The dessert menu is notably extensive, requiring guests to sample at least two items, with the gelato specifically mentioned as perfect.
Santi is highlighted as the speaker's favorite new restaurant opening of the year, offering seasonal Italian cuisine. Despite being an upscale and stunning establishment, it's noted for still having reservation availability, possibly due to its Midtown location. It's recommended for special occasions or date nights, praised for serving some of the best pasta in the city and having excellent desserts.
Molly Fitzpatrick reviews Santi, an Italian restaurant in Midtown East praised for its exceptional pastas and thoughtful use of luxury ingredients, making it ideal for special occasions.
Details
Located in the heart of Midtown East, this refined Italian destination from the chef behind Marea and Ai Fiori delivers a sophisticated dining experience marked by impeccable technique [1]. The menu features standout crudos and expertly crafted, handmade pastas that have garnered significant acclaim from diners [1]. With its elegant interior and array of dining spaces, it serves as an ideal setting for both business lunches and special celebratory occasions [1].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on elevated seasonal Italian cuisine, with patrons frequently highlighting the extensive and expertly executed handmade pasta selection [1], [3]. Standout items include the Gamberi Rossi crudo with caviar, tagliatelle with blue crab, and various lobster-infused dishes [1], [4]. While the food is almost universally praised, diners occasionally find individual components like giant salad greens impractical to eat [5].
Customer Sentiment
Diners consistently praise the exceptional food quality, often describing the pastas and raw dishes as some of the best in the city [1]. While generally lauded for its sophisticated, high-end atmosphere, some guests find the environment slightly stiff or overly formal compared to more casual Italian spots [2].
Caveats
Some visitors note that the atmosphere can feel quite stiff and formal, which may not suit those seeking a more relaxed or fun, casual dining experience [2].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About SANTI
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Recommendations For Upscale Lunch On A Sunday
"Included in a list of suggested restaurants in the area."
NeutralFrom post: Any Musteat Restaurants In This General Vicinity
"Mentioned as a recommended spot."
NeutralFrom post: Any Musteat Restaurants In This General Vicinity
"Listed as a fancier option."
NeutralFrom post: Whats Your Favorite Shrimp Dish That Youve Had In
"The user compliments the recommendation for this restaurant."
PositiveFrom post: Whats Your Favorite Shrimp Dish That Youve Had In
"The user finds everything at the restaurant stellar, especially the raw shrimp dish."
PositiveFrom post: Whats Your Favorite Shrimp Dish That Youve Had In
"User expresses a strong fondness for the gamberi rossi dish here."
PositiveFrom post: A Week Of Phenomenal Eats Drinks Including Luthun
"The user enjoyed a meal at Santi, finding the pastas to be really lovely and well-done. They also liked the salad with pickled ramps but commented on the trend of giant greens being difficult to eat."
PositiveFrom post: What Do You Think Is The Best Homemade Pasta In
"This commenter mentions Santi in Midtown as a bougie but superb pasta restaurant."
PositiveFrom post: Top Trendyhigh Vibe Restaurant Around
"The commenter suggested Santi as a potential restaurant choice for a client dinner."
NeutralFrom post: Im Bored Of Italian Food Italian Restaurant For
"Recommends Santi as a great seafood-centric Italian option, noting it's run by the former head chef of Marea."
PositiveFrom post: Best Italian Pasta Spot In Manhattan For Euro
"This user stated that Santi has the strongest pasta and crudo game in the city."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For Good Italian Restaurants In Manhattan
"This user seconded the recommendation for Santi, specifically highlighting their housemade gluten-free pasta."
PositiveFrom post: Best Italian Pasta Spot In Manhattan For Euro
"This user commented 'This is the answer' in reply to the recommendation for Santi."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For Good Italian Restaurants In Manhattan
"The user mentioned Santi as a recommendation."
PositiveFrom post: Best Italian Pasta Spot In Manhattan For Euro
"Santi in Midtown East is recommended, with a strong endorsement that Michael White 'never misses on pasta'."
PositiveFrom post: Santi Or Ci Siamo For A Grad Dinner Which Do We
"The commenter believes Santi has better food than Ci Siamo."
PositiveFrom post: Santi Or Ci Siamo For A Grad Dinner Which Do We
"Santi is described as more formal, in contrast to the family gathering vibe of Ci Siamo."
NegativeFrom post: Santi Or Ci Siamo For A Grad Dinner Which Do We
"The commenter describes Santi as having a typical UES stiff vibe, contrasting with the more fun atmosphere of Ci Samo."
NegativeFrom post: Santi Or Ci Siamo For A Grad Dinner Which Do We
"While Ci Siamo was found to be more delicious bite-for-bite, Santi's precision can lead to higher highs in food experience. The atmosphere is described as more refined and fine dining plating style."
PositiveFrom post: 3night Trip Meal Reviews Uws Midtown And Chelsea
"The user enjoyed their dinner at Santi, praising the bread, quail appetizer, salad, pastas, and a mocktail. While the lamb entre was good, a dessert was too orange for their taste, despite being otherwise delicious. The overall experience, including atmosphere, was positive, though the meal duration might be unsuitable for some."
Positive