Tucked at 152 E 79th St in New York, Il Riccio is the kind of Italian restaurant people stumble upon and then immediately add to their “must-return” list. Guests step into a serene, elegant room that feels like a quick trip to Italy without the jet lag—warm lighting, polished service, and a comfortable noise level that actually allows conversation. Regulars praise the owner, Giovanni, for greeting guests with genuine hospitality, and the floor team—think friendly, professional servers who guide diners to the best of the kitchen. What sets Il Riccio apart is its devotion to freshness: house-made pastas, pristine seafood, bright sauces, and classic desserts that taste as if they were plated in a coastal trattoria. Whether it’s a casual lunch, a relaxed date night, or dinner with visiting family, Il Riccio delivers consistent, memorable meals that feel personal.
Services
• Dine-in lunch and dinner with attentive, knowledgeable service
• Tableside recommendations tailored to taste (pasta shapes, sauces, and seafood)
• Comfortable ambiance (remarkably calm for NYC), ideal for conversation
• Vegetarian-friendly options and seafood specials
• Dessert and coffee program to end on a high note
Menu
Starters: Caprese with ripe tomatoes and creamy mozzarella; Tuna Tartare that’s clean, bright, and impeccably fresh; House Bruschetta served alongside warm bread to open the palate.
Pasta: Pillowy Gnocchi made in-house; Penne alla Vodka with a silky, balanced sauce; Macaroni with Crab, a crowd favorite for those who want seafood woven into their pasta; Seasonal shapes and sauces crafted with obvious care.
Mains: Salmon cooked to a glistening medium with crisped skin; Veal Parmigiano that guests call the best they’ve had; Filetto di Carne al Pecorino Tartufato—tender beef lifted by truffle-kissed pecorino for a luxurious finish.
Salads & Sides: Tricolore salad for that peppery, lemony crunch between bites; daily vegetables that lean simple and seasonal.
Dolci & Coffee: Blueberry tart that’s surprisingly memorable; classic espresso and drip coffee to close the meal on an Italian note.
Pros
• Real Italian craft: house-made pasta, balanced sauces, and seafood prepared at peak freshness
• Owner-led hospitality: Giovanni’s presence keeps standards high and experiences personal
• Professional service: friendly, efficient, and genuinely helpful with pairings and pacing
• Conversation-friendly: a relaxed, not-too-loud dining room rare for New York
• Consistent quality: multiple dishes—from gnocchi to veal parm—earn repeat raves
• Upper East Side location: easy to reach, perfect for locals and travelers alike
Reviews
- “A lucky find that became a favorite. Giovanni welcomed us like old friends. We started with Caprese and Tuna Tartare—both bright and fresh—then moved to Salmon and Penne. Perfectly executed, and the service (thanks, Luigi) was pitch-perfect. Left 100% satisfied.”
- “Stopped in for lunch: Tricolore salad followed by Salmon. Excellent food and gracious service. It’s baffling that this spot doesn’t have even more stars—everything tasted clean, fresh, and carefully prepared.”
- “Closest we’ve had to real Italian cuisine in NYC. Fresh bruschetta with the bread, then Filetto di Carne al Pecorino Tartufato—light yet deeply flavorful. The house-made gnocchi and sauces are standouts; you can taste the difference.”
- “Brought my very picky, well-traveled dad. He was converted by the Penne alla Vodka. We shared a blueberry tart and drip coffee—simple, perfect, and exactly the way dessert should be.”
- “Asked a nearby pizza shop for a proper sit-down Italian place, and they sent us here—what a gem. Service was warm, the food was flawless, and we’ll be returning on our next NYC trip. Five stars all around.”
If someone is searching for a true Italian restaurant in New York—one that marries house-made pasta, fresh seafood, and heartfelt hospitality—Il Riccio is the Upper East Side answer. Reserve for dinner, swing by for lunch, and prepare to add it to your personal short list.