Arte Cafe on the Upper West Side is located in a landmark brownstone, steps away from Central Park and just west of beautiful Strawberry Fields. Celebrating 26 years of service, this family-owned restaurant presents an upscale Italian cuisine with artisanal homemade pizzas and gourmet desserts. We have private event rooms available for special occasions at all budgets.
All areas accommodate small intimate parties and larger events. Arte Cafe opened 26 years ago, however it all began when Dina Malta came to New York all the way from Italy in the 1960's. When her son, Robert, was a student in college, he opened his first restaurant in the early 1990's. With the help of his mother, he was able to run the location effectively.
All areas accommodate small intimate parties and larger events. Arte Cafe opened 26 years ago, however it all began when Dina Malta came to New York all the way from Italy in the 1960's. When her son, Robert, was a student in college, he opened his first restaurant in the early 1990's. With the help of his mother, he was able to run the location effectively.
Reviews (28)
Gianni B.
Jan 13, 2022
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Tamra Langley
Dec 16, 2021
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We were three Kentucky ladies who happened upon one of the sweetest and most special restaurants in New York this weekend. The atmosphere is incredibly intimate, such that you can have a long and quiet conversation even though it was busy. The food is fantastic and delicious, too! But, the greatest treasure of Arte Cafe is the staff, who made these Southern strangers feel like life-long friends and welcomed us into the establishment and we enjoyed great conversations with each of them as we recharged from a long day of exploring NYC. Arte Cafe, you are a true treasure and we can't wait to come
Amand Grey
Dec 14, 2021
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Such a lovely place... arte café has a really nice atmosphere and is very warm and inviting. We were in the area after seeing the nutcracker and we were just walking trying to find a good restaurant. We found arte café we looked at the menu that they have outside and we didn't want to walk anymore so we went in.. we were greeted and we showed our vaccine card and we were seated... our waitress was super nice and attentive we ordered our food and we were not expecting anything out of the ordinary....we ordered the fried calamari and the meatballs....they were delicious!!! we also ordered the pizza
Domingo Q.
Dec 09, 2021
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Eve G.
Dec 03, 2021
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Been coming here for years! Typically have the brunch, almost always the Classic Eggs Benedict but they only had a Mother's Day Menu on Sunday so I tried the clam pasta & of course had Bloody Mary's. The clam pasta was awesome. Light & flavorful. Was craving another helping after I left. Also had the fried calamari. Was delicious! Every table around us seemed to order the calamari as well. Would love to sit in the back courtyard when the weather is a little better! Love this place & so happy it survived the pandemic! Will most definitely be back!
Frannie R.
Nov 19, 2021
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This place is so GROSS. RUNAWAY FROM THIS PLACE..
Dirty, sticky water bottle. Dirty silverware. Stained tablecloth, gross polyester napkins. We got Sat next to the bar that had no less than 30 dirty glasses on the bar. Poor Bartender was struggling while we watched busboys chit chat. The hostess showed us to "our table" that was missing utensils and napkins. That should have been our sign! UGH
Staff knew nothing about the food. None of the wine listed was available. We finally asked "what DO you have", got a bottle of that, and the waitress couldn't even open the bottle
Dirty, sticky water bottle. Dirty silverware. Stained tablecloth, gross polyester napkins. We got Sat next to the bar that had no less than 30 dirty glasses on the bar. Poor Bartender was struggling while we watched busboys chit chat. The hostess showed us to "our table" that was missing utensils and napkins. That should have been our sign! UGH
Staff knew nothing about the food. None of the wine listed was available. We finally asked "what DO you have", got a bottle of that, and the waitress couldn't even open the bottle
Scott Fawcett
Nov 17, 2021
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I will never return to this establishment. I came for their Thanksgiving pre-fixe special this year. We arrived, and they sat us outside (heated), even with a reservation. Things started off great, with our wine and soup showing up within minutes..then things went downhill. They clearly allowed way too many reservations, and could not keep up. Our pasta appetizer did not show until an HOUR after the soup. When we asked the manager about this, he joked about it, and did nothing to try and remedy the problem. Waiters had no idea which table was on what course, and were just dropping things off at
Yddub Bud
Nov 14, 2021
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We decided to celebrate Thanksgiving close to home and since it didn't make sense to cook a 10lb turkey for just two people, going out to a restaurant for a price fixe meal was the next best thing.
We got a reservation at Arte Cafe in the Upper West Side. Was very convenient as it was less than a mile walk from the apartment.
Checking in was pretty much the same as every restaurant since they asked for your vaccination card. After that, they showed us to our table.
I already had the Thanksgiving meal as a choice. My wife though didn't really like turkey so she opted for the Ala Carte menu of
We got a reservation at Arte Cafe in the Upper West Side. Was very convenient as it was less than a mile walk from the apartment.
Checking in was pretty much the same as every restaurant since they asked for your vaccination card. After that, they showed us to our table.
I already had the Thanksgiving meal as a choice. My wife though didn't really like turkey so she opted for the Ala Carte menu of
Greg R.
Nov 13, 2021
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I only gave it one star because zero stars is not available. Stay away.
We had a terrible experience with family in town (embarrassing for us) and they offered a complimentary meal for two as compensation. However, the return visit was a hundred times worse than the previous.
There's just so much bad here that I don't have time, nor do you to read, about how bad it was.
Stay away.
We had a terrible experience with family in town (embarrassing for us) and they offered a complimentary meal for two as compensation. However, the return visit was a hundred times worse than the previous.
There's just so much bad here that I don't have time, nor do you to read, about how bad it was.
Stay away.
Angeline H.
Nov 07, 2021
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We frequent arte cafe regularly, and supported you during the pandemic. My husband and I rented out the whole back yard for a birthday celebration in July.
I was very disappointed in the service tonight. We waited 1 hour 45 minutes to get entrees, at a time when the restaurant was 2/3 full. Nobody came by to check until the 90 minute point, at which (understandably), I was upset and really the offer of more wine was quite insulting! We would have appreciated an update on the kitchen situation at the 45 minute point.
It is not about the bill, but I feel that we should not have had to pay
I was very disappointed in the service tonight. We waited 1 hour 45 minutes to get entrees, at a time when the restaurant was 2/3 full. Nobody came by to check until the 90 minute point, at which (understandably), I was upset and really the offer of more wine was quite insulting! We would have appreciated an update on the kitchen situation at the 45 minute point.
It is not about the bill, but I feel that we should not have had to pay
Monica L. Cholico
Nov 03, 2021
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First time here and I really enjoyed it. The place is nice and clean and the service is excellent. I had the Classic Benedict with Canadian bacon and it was super well balanced. Nothing missing here in what you expect from a classic Benedict eggs. The Hollandaise sauce extremely well done with no drama nor poorness. The potatoes accompanying the eggs are also with the right amount of flavour, not overstepping on the Benedict. There's also a small salad as a side and is a food combination. The mimosa was ok. I ran into this place by coincidence and I'm glad I did. I'd come back and I recommend this
Stella R.
Oct 18, 2021
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We hosted a baby shower here.
The cons: the event planners were responsive in person but hard to get a hold of otherwise. Which led to some unnecessary anxiety and stress for me.
The pros: day of, they handled everything beautifully. The set up was as requested, staff were attentive, the food was good and the small touches (like printing out a special menu) was appreciated. Liz was great!
Their outdoor garden area is perfect for gatherings large and small, allowing the safety of outdoors, all the while being covered and having heat lamps.
We look forward to returning!
The cons: the event planners were responsive in person but hard to get a hold of otherwise. Which led to some unnecessary anxiety and stress for me.
The pros: day of, they handled everything beautifully. The set up was as requested, staff were attentive, the food was good and the small touches (like printing out a special menu) was appreciated. Liz was great!
Their outdoor garden area is perfect for gatherings large and small, allowing the safety of outdoors, all the while being covered and having heat lamps.
We look forward to returning!
Nyjazz N.
Oct 15, 2021
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I had dinner here this evening with a friend and we both could not have been more pleased with the experience. From the time we walked in, the entire wait staff could not have been more attentive and helpful. The place was pretty busy tonight, but the service was top notch.
As for the food, everything was delicious, and a major improvement over our last experience. All the dishes we had were great from our appetizers through dessert. I had the fettuccine bolognese, and it was among the best I ever tasted. And if you like tirimisu, definitely order it for dessert.
I think Arte Cafe has made a
As for the food, everything was delicious, and a major improvement over our last experience. All the dishes we had were great from our appetizers through dessert. I had the fettuccine bolognese, and it was among the best I ever tasted. And if you like tirimisu, definitely order it for dessert.
I think Arte Cafe has made a
William S.
Oct 05, 2021
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Erick Alonso
Sep 28, 2021
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Anna K.
Sep 25, 2021
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Jennifer Verbit
Sep 18, 2021
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Azelia Ng
Sep 11, 2021
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Decor is rustic with pseudo-art deco patterns here and there for interest. I came in at 945 on a Saturday and maybe it was 1/5th full.
Service was good but my truffle fettuccine was a tad bland and lukewarm. You can tell the pasta was made fresh in house but the underside of my pasta was clumpy when i got down to it. The watermelon martini was delicious, however
Service was good but my truffle fettuccine was a tad bland and lukewarm. You can tell the pasta was made fresh in house but the underside of my pasta was clumpy when i got down to it. The watermelon martini was delicious, however
John Z.
Aug 09, 2021
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I never understand why people leave 1-2 reviews in the middle of a pandemic, when neighborhood restaurants are already struggling, complaining about slow service. If you don't have the time to go out, make food at home or get takeout.
Arte Cafe is a lovely, cozy, old-fashioned spot with great pizza, pasta, and wine. Covid protocol was followed nicely, every time I went there with my girlfriend. Sitting outside on the back patio makes for a great dining experience in the UWS. One of our favorites - we aren't in the city any more but will certainly be back when we visit.
Arte Cafe is a lovely, cozy, old-fashioned spot with great pizza, pasta, and wine. Covid protocol was followed nicely, every time I went there with my girlfriend. Sitting outside on the back patio makes for a great dining experience in the UWS. One of our favorites - we aren't in the city any more but will certainly be back when we visit.
Mandy Au
Aug 02, 2021
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Ordered the grilled octopus (Polipo alla Griglia) and fried calamari (Calamari Fritti) for appetizers, both are not as flavorful as expected but have good texture. Portion are alright, not generous but definitely enough. For entrees we got the lobster spaghetti (Spaghetti all' Aragosta) and the truffle pesto pizza (Tartufo) to share, pasta is good but nothing stands out unlike the pizza, which is really impressive, the mushroom and speck balanced each other, with a hint of black truffle that enhance the flavor, will definitely come back again for it. Overall decent experience, nice ambience in
Kylie N.
Jun 29, 2021
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Visited Arte Cafe for a dinner with my friend after boating at Central Park. The restaurant is a short distance from Central Park which is great. We made reservations the same day and they still had times available. We were sat quickly with the indoor or outdoor option. It is supposedly an upscale restaurant but they didn't even pour us water, just put the bottle on the table and left.
For drinks I ordered the Aperol Spritz and my friend ordered the Watermelon Crush Martini. I was not that big of a fan of either. They tasted like a lot of alcohol but my friend loved it. Just depends on your
For drinks I ordered the Aperol Spritz and my friend ordered the Watermelon Crush Martini. I was not that big of a fan of either. They tasted like a lot of alcohol but my friend loved it. Just depends on your
Sophia P.
May 23, 2021
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I hate to be THAT person who leaves an annoyingly long review, but read thoroughly before wasting your time, energy and money!!! Two stars because the manager on duty truly tried to redeem our experience with a 20% discount off of our check.
My family (parents, elderly grandmother, husband, our boys) and I were visiting The American Museum of Natural History and were in search of somewhere close to eat. I happened upon Arte Cafe on OpenTable, and without taking to Yelp first to read the reviews, I quickly made a reservation as our 6 and 3 year olds were "starving" lol
Upon arrival,
My family (parents, elderly grandmother, husband, our boys) and I were visiting The American Museum of Natural History and were in search of somewhere close to eat. I happened upon Arte Cafe on OpenTable, and without taking to Yelp first to read the reviews, I quickly made a reservation as our 6 and 3 year olds were "starving" lol
Upon arrival,
Josie Ongsiako
Apr 27, 2021
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Ariana Johns
Apr 24, 2021
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We had one of the worst meals ever at Arte Cafe. Having waited over 40 minutes for eggplant parmesan, it arrived barely lukewarm, and the spaghetti that came with it had about a teaspoon of tasteless sauce. It was also cold. It was overpriced, and there was lipstick on my friends glass, they eventually replaced it, but it took another 10 minutes to bring water to put in it. And then a rat scurried past our table. Zero stars.
Linda C.
Mar 15, 2021
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Came here for lunch with a gf today. We originally sat outside but then when we checked the QR code for their menu we realized they has a back door patio which looked super cute. We asked to move which they moved us quickly.
They seated us on the corner as there were a few other larger parties.
**do not sit near the walls, the leaves and dust will fall onto your table**
The table and chair was very dusty & dirty. We waited a good 20-25 mins until we finally got a hold of a server to take our order -.- (already a bad start)
We ordered our food & drinks. Cocktails came right away but
They seated us on the corner as there were a few other larger parties.
**do not sit near the walls, the leaves and dust will fall onto your table**
The table and chair was very dusty & dirty. We waited a good 20-25 mins until we finally got a hold of a server to take our order -.- (already a bad start)
We ordered our food & drinks. Cocktails came right away but
Jennifer D.
Dec 28, 2020
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Cozy cafe with great outdoor seating. The tables are spaced, well heated, and have plenty of room for groups!
We had wine and the fried zucchini appetizer. We were pleasantly surprised with the wine selection and prices ($12-18 per glass) and both enjoyed two great red wines. The zucchini is sliced in very thin strips and fried. This made it a bit difficult to eat because each strip was so small. It was tasty though and was a nice snack pair with the wine.
Afterwards, the waitress dropped off a warm cider drink which was also really nice, a great boozy surprise!
We had wine and the fried zucchini appetizer. We were pleasantly surprised with the wine selection and prices ($12-18 per glass) and both enjoyed two great red wines. The zucchini is sliced in very thin strips and fried. This made it a bit difficult to eat because each strip was so small. It was tasty though and was a nice snack pair with the wine.
Afterwards, the waitress dropped off a warm cider drink which was also really nice, a great boozy surprise!
Glenn R.
Dec 26, 2020
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Went here for an impromptu meal after a snowy walk through Central Park. We had Mozzarella di Bufala app with Prosciutto San Daniele for a starter. The portion was quite small for the price ($25) but it was very flavorful, fresh, and high quality (7/10).
For my main course I had Orecchiette Pugliesi and my date had Spaghetti alla Carbonara - we both loved our dishes and it was a nice portion for the price. Full of flavor and they did not skimp out on the meat by any means. (9/10).
For dessert we had profiteroles and chocolate souffle which was delightful and presented very nicely. (9/10)
To
For my main course I had Orecchiette Pugliesi and my date had Spaghetti alla Carbonara - we both loved our dishes and it was a nice portion for the price. Full of flavor and they did not skimp out on the meat by any means. (9/10).
For dessert we had profiteroles and chocolate souffle which was delightful and presented very nicely. (9/10)
To
Taylor Harding
Sep 12, 2020
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Heard that this restaurant was a local favorite and our friends chose the restaurant to have dinner last night. There was one waiter for the entire back patio that was filled to capacity with a couple large parties. We had to wait a long time for everything. Our drinks took a while then we ordered an appetizer. That came out at a reasonable length… of time but then an hour and a half passed and we have no entrees. We had to bother the poor waiter that was running around like crazy. When he finally came to the table with food it wasn’t what we ordered. Probably in a failed attempt to
