83 1/2Awesome!A terrific UES restaurant with a distinct downtown vibe. The appetizer list is long & varie - particularly delicious are the suppli' - little rice balls given a contemporary lift by the addition of oxtail ragu, frico (Parmeggiano Reggiano fritters) dipped in an intriguing aioli/honey sauce, home made caponata on fabulous Orwasher's peasant bread toast. Owner-chef Vincenzo is committed to a number of things that all come together in this little gem of a restaurant - local, seasonal, Sicillian the most prominently evident in the menu. The sea bass special was served atop a bed of farro accompanied by grilled ramps. The veal was a pefectly fried piece of veal over fregola in a tonnato sauce- a riff on the classic vitello tonnato. A must-go!5/5/2013 12:00:00 AMCan't understand why it wasn'tCan't understand why it wasn't more crowded for dinner last night - the food was delicious and the atmosphere was lovely. My group of four shared all of the small plates and especially loved the Giardinerra and Caponata. The squid appetizer and flat iron steak were also exceptional. My only minor critique would be that the staff could be a bit more proactive. I would love to go back with a smaller group and sit at the bar overlooking the open kitchen.4/28/2013 12:00:00 AMTerrific all around. GreatTerrific all around. Great food, great service, what more does one need. Our only complaint was the wine list which was not really "Italiancentric" and considering they strive to emphasize southern Italy in their cooking, a bit disappointing. But it certainly didn't detract from great food.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat meal. Food was delicious,Great meal. Food was delicious, but portions relatively small.4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMPerfect date night dinnerGreat date night destination. Risotto fritters were so-so but the house pickles and baccala small plates very nice and fresh. Braised octopus was outstanding and our main was the fish special (can't recall type but prepared beautifully, wrapped in escarole and so moist. The brought-in gelato was more like ice cream but the gorgeous homemade pannacotta with Meyer lemon sorbet made up for it and then some. Great wine, attentive staff. We will be back!4/25/2013 12:00:00 AMSelection too small. OnlySelection too small. Only one fish and one vegetarian pasta on the menu. If they would add to that it would be our weekly dinner out4/22/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful dining experienceWonderful dining experience at small UES restaurant featuring lovely and creative dishes with strong Sicilian influence, owner visited with our group (6) and conveyed genuine passion for his culinary vision, creative and interesting menu, well prepared and priced moderately4/17/2013 12:00:00 AMNot to be missed. Go here!Remarkable food. Great wait staff, friendly. Fantastic home made pastas. All around terrific experience.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMThis is what good food is aboutSmall, attractive dining room, friendly, accommodating staff. Our party of four pieced together small plates to share including the artichoke alla Romana from the list of side dishes, an off-beat caponata, the zesty and delicious fricco (cheese crisps with aioli) and breakfast radishes. I'll be returning to work my way through these offerings until I've tasted everything. Our first courses and secondi were uniformly good and beautifully presented. Varied enough, small menu, with a few daily specials announced clearly by our helpful and well-informed waitress. 83 1/2 is a very welcome addition to the relatively few interesting and affordable places committed to good food and service in my neighborhood.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had a simple and lovelyWe had a simple and lovely meal. Our guests said the tomato sauce on the pasta was great. My chicken was excellent. the small plates we had were delicious-esp. the toast served with them. the panacotta at the end was tart and sweet. a great palette cleanser.4/7/2013 12:00:00 AMFantastic Find!Amazing restaurant offering delectable farm fresh authentic food at a price that allows you to become a regular. I'm in love!3/28/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had a wonderful dinner.We had a wonderful dinner. The staff was very attentive. Our waitress was the best!3/26/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had a loveley experienceWe had a loveley experience at 83 1/2 on Saturday night. The staff was very friendly and the service was great. Best of all, the food was delicious. A really wonderful treat right in our neighborhood. I look forward to returning.3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMThis not a complicated place,This not a complicated place, but it is sophisticated. The recipes are creative; the cooking and presentation play at the same level. It has all the good attributes of a classic, fine neighborhood restaurant. The feeling is intimate; the service is warm, unintrusive and efficient; and the food is truly good. I would cross town to enjoy 83 1/2.3/22/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat addition to the neighborhood.Excellent food and a friendly staff. The cocktails were delightful. Definitely going back.3/8/2013 12:00:00 AMI wonderful place to dine.I wonderful place to dine. Exciting food, well sourced. Excellent, moderately priced wine list. A real find.12/29/2012 12:00:00 AMAbove my expectations......83 1/2 is a very inventive, creative and healthy dining experience. The food is great. The service is good and the overall enjoyment is one which we will have going forward as we plan to frequent the restaurant. They are extremely knowledgeable and also flexible as it comes to individual diners requirement. If you love good food and you live in New York.......Go to this restaurant.12/9/2012 12:00:00 AM