Sistina

Name: Sistina
Address: 24 E 81st Street, New York, NY, United States, 10028
Telephone: (212) 861-7660
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.8

4.8

1271 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Top Tags:

THURSDAY, FRIDAY & THE WEEKEND BAR IS JUST FOR DINNER
WE DON’T HAVE HIGHCHAIRS & WE DON’T ALLOW STROLLERS
WE DON’T PERMIT OUTSIDE ITEMS (liquor,flowers & cake)
WE DON’T PROMISE TABLES
Sistina restaurant, one of the most highly rated Italian restaurants in New York City, has been impressing its sophisticated clientele for over 40 years. Host/owner/chef Giuseppe Bruno, the Zagat Survey's "Host of the Year", is responsible for every aspect of his restaurant, from greeting his devoted patrons, to preparing special meals and dishes upon request.
CANCELLATION POLICY: If you wish to cancel your reservation, please contact us, sistina@sistinany.com or at (212) 861.7660, a minimum of 24 hours in advance. Failure to notify the restaurant will result in a $50 cancelation fee per person in the group.
DRESS CODE: committed to a certain excellence, our dress code is smart casual. We do not require men to wear a jacket or tie, but we politely ask that you please avoid SHORTS & FLIP FLOPS.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Apr 1, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 26 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(212) 861-7660

Other options

Order online

Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
Cuisines
Italian
Hours of operation
Lunch Mon–Sat 12:00 pm–2:45 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 5:00 pm–9:45 pm
Phone number
(212) 861-7660
Website
http://sistinany.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Giuseppe Bruno
Private party facilities
GARDEN ROOM Sistina’s winter-garden is the perfect place for small events of up to 40 guests. With big glass windows, skylights and impeccable works of art, you will feel surrounded by luxury and brilliance as you dine. MAIN ROOM Sistina’s Cozy main dining room, comes complete with master fireplace, grand crown molding and various works of art. This room seats a maximum of 60 guests. FULL BUYOUT For large scale events and celebrations, we would recommend a full buyout. With complete and private access to both the Main dining room and the rear garden room, we can entertain a maximum of 100 guests within the space. Dine and celebrate in style and privacy in one of the most beautiful town houses in New York City.

Location
24 E 81st Street, New York, NY 10028
Neighborhood
Upper East Side
Cross street
Madison and Fifth Ave
Parking details
The closest parking garage is located on 80th st. between Park Avenue and Madison Avenue.
Public transit
the local 6 train stops at 77th street and Lexington Ave<br />the 4,5 & 6 trains stop at 86th street and Lexington Ave
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wine

Featured in

The Diner Reviews Are In: 100 Best Restaurants in America

Popular dishes

Arugula Pear Salad$18.00
fennel and shaved parmigiano reggiano cheese with a lemon vinaigrette
Italian Wedge Salad$22.00
iceberg lettuce, gorgonzola cheese and apple-smoked bacon with a red wine vinaigrette
Zucchini Flower$25.00
stuffed with ricotta cheese on a bed of tomato coulis
Eggplant Parmigiana$25.00
One Dozen Fresh Oysters*$36.00
Monkey Blue, Moon Shoal, Island Creek and Paine's Creek oysters
Grilled Shrimps and Scallops$28.00
crabmeat and summer black truffle sauce
Clams and Mussels$25.00
fresh tomatoes, garlic and cannellini beans
Grilled Octopus$25.00
roasted peppers, capers and white beans in a light tomato sauce
Roasted Artichokes$25.00
grilled mozzarella and grilled shrimps
Beef Carpaccio$28.00
arugula, parmigiano reggiano cheese, summer black truffles and balsamic vinegar
Italian Crudo*$35.00
tuna, wild salmon, Hamachi, Diver Sea scallops, Himalayan salt and lemon vinaigrette
Beets and Burrata$25.00
burrata, roasted beets, horseradish, roasted peppers and balsamic reduction
Tomato Salad$25.00
heirloom tomatoes, mozzarella di bufala, cucumbers, red onions, oregano and extra virgin olive oil
Prosciutto and Melon$25.00
prosciutto di Parma, Cavaillon melon and figs

Pasta

Mezzi Paccheri Frutti di Mare$38.00
scallops, shrimps, mussels, calamari and clams in a spicy tomato sauce
Linguini Lobster$55.00
Maine lobster in a tomato sauce
Spaghetti di Bietole e Vongole$28.00
red beets spaghetti with white clam sauce
Black Homemade Linguini (Squid Ink Linguini)$32.00
calamari, clams, mussels and roasted peppers
Spaghetti Integrali$32.00
whole wheat spaghetti, summer black truffles and crab meat
Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe$26.00
cracked black pepper and melted pecorino romano cheese
Busiate$30.00
homemade fusilli with fresh tomatoes, basil, goat cheese and lemon zest
Wild Mushroom Ravioli$35.00
sweet bell pepper puree and pecorino romano cheese
Spaghetti Trapanese$25.00
crushed pistachio, walnuts, pine nuts and almonds in a spicy tomato sauce with pecorino romano cheese
Pappardelle Sistina$26.00
veal Bolognese with wild mushrooms
Orecchiette with Lamb$28.00
lamb ragu, bell peppers and fresh tomato sauce
Veal Tortelloni$28.00
black summer truffles and veal jus

Risotto

Risotto Cetarese$42.00
anchovies, mozzarella and California white sturgeon caviar
Summer Risotto$35.00
Italian summer mountain herbs and goat cheese

Pesce

Branzino Al Sale$50.00
salt crusted wild branzino with seasonal vegetables
Grilled Wild Salmon$48.00
arugula, crab meat and lime wedges
Pan Fried Soft Shell Crab$45.00
sautéed corn and fresh crabmeat in a lemon sauce
Wild Atlantic Halibut$48.00
spinach, wild mushrooms and red wine reduction
Florida Wild Red Snapper$48.00
zucchini, zucchini flowers and crab meat in an heirloom tomato broth
Diver Sea Scallops$48.00
cauliflower puree and cauliflower florets

Carne

Giuseppe's Chicken Meatballs$42.00
fresh tomato sauce, white beans, fava beans and fresh peas
New York Stripe Steak$55.00
salsa verde, heirloom tomato salad and roasted fingerling potatoes
Organic Free Range Chicken and Sausage$40.00
roasted chicken with pork sausage, pickled hot cherry peppers and garlic
Veal Chop Milanese$52.00
lightly breaded and pounded veal chop with arugula and tomatoes
Veal Scaloppini$45.00
lemon sauce, prosciutto di Parma, fresh tomatoes and Gaeta olives
Grilled Veal Chop$55.00
mixed vegetables gratin and veal jus
Colorado Rack of Lamb$45.00
eggplant puree and homemade yoghurt
Berkshire Pork Chop$45.00
onions, cherries and mustard seeds
White Wine Braised Rabbit$42.00
foie gras and parsnip puree

What 1,271 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.8Service
4.8Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

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Filters

BW
BethW
New York Area
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lunch at Sistina is an incredibly enjoyable indulgence. The food is delicious, the service is impeccable and the restaurant is beautiful. The artwork alone is reason to visit.
b
barbarak
New York Area
23 reviews
vip
5.0
23 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Birthday dinner for identical twin sisters and their partners. The ambiance is wonderful. The sommelier recommended a fabulous white wine from Sistina’s extensive list. Spectacular choice of food. Wonderful evening
MI
MILKONY
New York Area
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Giuseppe is an excellent chef/owner and his hard work and skills show in the food and our dining experience. Love the bright cozy "garden" room in the back.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
22 reviews
vip
5.0
22 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Dinner was delicious. Great ambiance and service. Will definitely be back.
JF
JFGTDG
New York Area
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on March 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We always thoroughly enjoy Sistina. It is consistently inventive and never disappoints. One of our absolute favorites. We will be back soon.
N
Nnnn
New York Area
21 reviews
vip
5.0
21 reviews
Dined on March 20, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Birthday lunch. Beautiful space. Entrees were delicious. Dessert was good but not special
DB
DanaB
New York Area
24 reviews
vip
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on March 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing selection of specials. Great food, we return and return to Sistina and always get the best food! This is our favorite restaurant.
S
Seth
New York Area
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 19, 2023
overall3food3service5ambience5
Lovely restaurant but the food was disappointing. We both ordered specials . My soft shell crab was lost in being over fried and accompanying vegetables were minuscule . My husband had cod with mussels and clams and 2 out of 3 clams had a bad taste as if they were past they’re prime. The setting , service and overall ambiance is close to perfect so I hope they will ramp up their food quality.
J
Jack
New York Area
63 reviews
vip
5.0
63 reviews
Dined on March 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything about Sistina is outstanding. The specials are always new, creative and wonderfully well prepared. The staff is attentive, helpful and excellent in every way. Cocktails are always well prepared. Every trip to Sistina is a treat.
S
Spike
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
A romantic, culinary treat. Outstanding service. Amazing variety.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food and service was outstanding! Highly recommended.
B
Biggy
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food and service are great. We have been going there for several years and appreciate the hospitality.
PB
PhillyByChoice
Philadelphia
133 reviews
vip
4.0
133 reviews
Dined on March 11, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
What a lovely find so close to the Metropolitan Museum! Our party of three shared the two outstanding appetizers (grilled Camembert and the escarole salad). We were not as impressed with the main courses (grilled Orata, pasta with crab, and a spicy pasta dish), but we may not have chosen wisely. Good wines by the glass, and first class service. Expensive but a worthwhile treat.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Birthday was celebrated
OT
OpenTable Diner
London
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful as always 👍
P
Perry
San Francisco
63 reviews
vip
5.0
63 reviews
Dined on March 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great place. Love the atmosphere. Food is excellent. Our server Tommaso is the best
d
debrab
New York Area
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on March 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Hands down our favorite restaurant in Manhattan…probably our favorite anywhere! My husband and I go to Sistina for our special occasions or just for a fabulous meal. From the time we walk in, we are greeted by such warmth and smiling faces, concerned that they make this a wonderful experience for us. The service is impeccable. The menu is extensive with another entire menu of specials recited by the waiter. The food is just perfect…beautifully prepared and served and EVERYTHING is delicious. I’m partial to the pasta with veal bolognese and mushrooms. The turbot last night was amazing and the porcini appetizer and shrimp and scallop appetizer are divine. The wine list is a true European wine list. Last but not least, the restaurant is beautiful and elegant. Yesterday we were surrounded by orchid plants and peonies. I already have another reservation!
B
Biztravlr
Western NC
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 25, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Nice lunch following an afternoon at the Met
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
21 reviews
vip
5.0
21 reviews
Dined on February 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always an excellent experience , with a deep wine list and very nice selection by the glass, a neighborhood favorite, friendly and progressional staff , always delicious and well executed menu that changes with the seasons , I can’t recommend this place enough , perfect for any occasion.
C
Charmer
Los Angeles
58 reviews
vip
5.0
58 reviews
Dined on February 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
The porcini mushroom soup and rabbit ragu spaghetti were excellent. Twice diners, when leaving, went to other diner’s tables to say hello and were annoying loud in the intimate main dining room. The conversations lasted at least 10 minutes at a high pitched level. It was right next to us and very disruptive but no one seemed to stop them.
BW
BrendaW
Dallas
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 20, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Love the atmosphere and the food was beautifully presented and delicious. We will return!
G
Good
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The special w halibut was incredible!! Pasta dishes are a bit pricey for pasta. Would definitely eat here again
AL
AnnL
New York Area
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on February 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazingly delicious, my new favorite in the neighborhood! Can’t wait to go back!
MD
MarthaD
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Nearly perfect lunch before an afternoon at the Met. Highly recommend!
j
judester
Philadelphia
29 reviews
vip
5.0
29 reviews
Dined on February 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This remains, hands down, of the best restaurants in which I have ever eaten. That includes world travel as well as home in NYC. The food is simply amazing.
w
wendys
Exclusive
56 reviews
vip
5.0
56 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a wonderful experience at Sistina, from the drinks, to the service, to the delectable food! Highly recommend.
J
Jack
New York Area
64 reviews
vip
5.0
64 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Sistina is outstanding. Great meal. Wonderful, creative specials. Terrific attention by the staff. The best of New York dining.
OT
OpenTable Diner
London
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful food in a beautiful setting delivered to your table by very conscientious and such helpful staff. Being a wine lover I was so excited and fascinated to be shown their incredible wine seller too after our delicious lunch. We can not wait to return!
N
Nyebor
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Initimate setting with great decor. The food is delicious food the service was outstanding. Great experience!
H
Harry
New York Area
17 reviews
vip
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on February 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic experience will be back soon
OT
OpenTable Diner
Detroit
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Dining at Sistina was overall an incredible experience! From the moment we walked in the doors, we were treated warmly by everyone at the restaurant. Once we were seated in a corner table overlooking the beautiful ambiance and atmosphere, we were elegantly walked through cocktail options, a huge wine list, and an incredible specials list (all memorized by the waiter and recited beautifully). Then the food itself was incredible! Delicious old school italian. Great portion sizes (not too much, not enough to take anything home). This is a great restaurant to celebrate a special occasion, and not a spot to be slept on in the Upper East! I can’t wait to go back!
b
bobbobla
New York Area
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on February 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Menu and specials were spectacular and only steps from the Met. Yes, it is pricey, but you are on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, what did you expect? Definitely a go to.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding as usual
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Terrific service and food.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Beautiful experience
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
31 reviews
vip
5.0
31 reviews
Dined on February 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
As always a very delicious and enjoyable experience.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on February 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is one of our neighborhood favorites. Giuseppe Bruno is a magnificent chef, gracious host and a true gentleman. Every meal we enjoy at Sistina is accompanied by a table side visit and banter with Giuseppe, especially when we order the White Truffle Risotto. Sistina comes very highly recommended. Jason D Crosby
F
Fireworks
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 31, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lovely place with beautiful decoration and delicious food and drink.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We came back to celebrate the anniversary of our engagement! It was an amazing experience, service, food and ambiance are well wonderful!
K
Katherinekc
London
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We love going to Sistina. The atmosphere, particularly in the garden room, is serene. The service is friendly, efficient and wonderful. The food is fabulous. I had a pasta half portion to start, then a grilled fish that was cooked to perfection. The poached pear dessert was delicious.

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Sealed or wrapped utensils used
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Sistina using the Order Online button. Sistina also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (212) 861-7660.

Sistina is rated 4.8 stars by 1271 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Apr 1, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 26 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(212) 861-7660

Other options

Order online

24 E 81st Street, New York, NY 10028

Additional information

Cross street
Madison and Fifth Ave
Neighborhood
Upper East Side
Hours of operation
Lunch Mon–Sat 12:00 pm–2:45 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 5:00 pm–9:45 pm
Cuisines
Italian
Dining style
Fine Dining
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
The closest parking garage is located on 80th st. between Park Avenue and Madison Avenue.
Public transit
the local 6 train stops at 77th street and Lexington Avethe 4,5 & 6 trains stop at 86th street and Lexington Ave
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Giuseppe Bruno
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wine

Website
http://sistinany.com/
Phone number
(212) 861-7660
Private party facilities
GARDEN ROOM Sistina’s winter-garden is the perfect place for small events of up to 40 guests. With big glass windows, skylights and impeccable works of art, you will feel surrounded by luxury and brilliance as you dine. MAIN ROOM Sistina’s Cozy main dining room, comes complete with master fireplace, grand crown molding and various works of art. This room seats a maximum of 60 guests. FULL BUYOUT For large scale events and celebrations, we would recommend a full buyout. With complete and private access to both the Main dining room and the rear garden room, we can entertain a maximum of 100 guests within the space. Dine and celebrate in style and privacy in one of the most beautiful town houses in New York City.

Featured in

The Diner Reviews Are In: 100 Best Restaurants in America

Sistina

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Additional information

The Diner Reviews Are In: 100 Best Restaurants in America

Clams and Mussels

Pan Fried Soft Shell Crab

Tomato Salad

Antipasti

Arugula Pear Salad$18.00

Italian Wedge Salad$22.00

Zucchini Flower$25.00

Eggplant Parmigiana$25.00

One Dozen Fresh Oysters*$36.00

Grilled Shrimps and Scallops$28.00

Clams and Mussels$25.00

Grilled Octopus$25.00

Roasted Artichokes$25.00

Beef Carpaccio$28.00

Italian Crudo*$35.00

Beets and Burrata$25.00

Tomato Salad$25.00

Prosciutto and Melon$25.00

Pasta

Mezzi Paccheri Frutti di Mare$38.00

Linguini Lobster$55.00

Spaghetti di Bietole e Vongole$28.00

Black Homemade Linguini (Squid Ink Linguini)$32.00

Spaghetti Integrali$32.00

Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe$26.00

Busiate$30.00

Wild Mushroom Ravioli$35.00

Spaghetti Trapanese$25.00

Pappardelle Sistina$26.00

Orecchiette with Lamb$28.00

Veal Tortelloni$28.00

Risotto

Risotto Cetarese$42.00

Summer Risotto$35.00

Pesce

Branzino Al Sale$50.00

Grilled Wild Salmon$48.00

Pan Fried Soft Shell Crab$45.00

Wild Atlantic Halibut$48.00

Florida Wild Red Snapper$48.00

Diver Sea Scallops$48.00

Carne

Giuseppe's Chicken Meatballs$42.00

New York Stripe Steak$55.00

Organic Free Range Chicken and Sausage$40.00

Veal Chop Milanese$52.00

Veal Scaloppini$45.00

Grilled Veal Chop$55.00

Colorado Rack of Lamb$45.00

Berkshire Pork Chop$45.00

White Wine Braised Rabbit$42.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Sort by

Filters

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

Does Sistina offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Sistina restaurant rated?

Is Sistina currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Additional information

Featured in

The Diner Reviews Are In: 100 Best Restaurants in America