TLDR
Exceptional handmade pastas and stunning crudos in a refined Midtown setting. The go-to spot for those craving high-end Italian with top-tier culinary precision.
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
Santi, located in the heart of Midtown East, offers a refined Italian dining experience helmed by the chef behind Marea and Ai Fiori [1]. The restaurant is widely celebrated for its exceptional handmade pastas, fresh crudos, and an expansive dessert menu that often requires multiple orders to fully appreciate [2], [3]. While the atmosphere is noted for being elegant and well-suited for special occasions, some diners find its formal, refined vibe a bit stiff compared to more casual alternatives [3], [4].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on high-quality seasonal Italian cuisine, with particular acclaim for its handmade pastas and seafood-centric crudos [1], [3], [5]. Diners highly recommend ordering multiple pasta dishes, noting that the kitchen excels in both traditional and gluten-free preparations [3]. While most items like the Gamberi Rossi and various tortellini are considered stellar, some diners have noted that certain salad presentations with large greens can be impractical to eat [3], [4].
Overall feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with diners frequently praising the consistent quality of the food and the restaurant's suitability for celebrations and client dinners [4], [5]. While most enjoy the sophisticated ambiance, a minority of guests find the atmosphere somewhat formal and stiff [4].
Caveats
The restaurant carries a formal, somewhat stiff atmosphere that may not appeal to those seeking a casual dining environment [4]. Additionally, some diners have found certain salad presentations with oversized greens to be somewhat difficult to consume [4].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About SANTI
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Visiting New York In November How Is My Food
"Recommended as a potential alternative for Midtown dining if Torrisi is unavailable."
PositiveFrom 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."
Positive