Uva
New York
At a glance
Uva is an inviting Italian eatery nestled on Second Avenue in New York City, where patrons are greeted with a warm and relaxed atmosphere. The restaurant offers a genuine taste of quality Italian cuisine, lovingly prepared with attention to the simple joys of rustic Northern Italy meeting the vibrant essence of New York. Highly appealing to both locals and visitors, Uva prides itself on its extensive wine list featuring over forty selections available by the glass. This ensures that every meal can be perfectly paired with a delightful wine, enhancing the culinary experience.
The dining space exudes a comfortable and welcoming charm, making it ideal for a range of dining experiences, from casual dinners to intimate gatherings. The establishment caters to diverse occasions, whether enjoying a business lunch in their scenic Tuscan Garden or celebrating more personal milestones in their cozy wine cellar. Uva’s friendly hospitality adds to the overall appeal, making each visit memorable.
Diners can savor their meals throughout the week, with the availability of brunch on weekends providing an additional reason to relax and unwind. The restaurant is well-suited for those seeking a delightful meal in a beautifully curated setting, where the soul of Italy meets the dynamic spirit of New York.
Reviews
Uva is one of the Upper East Side’s neighborhood restaurants that always seems to be packed and crowded every time we walk past it. One evening, we finally made a reservation to try it, and we chose to sit outside. We really enjoyed the atmosphere—it was lively without being overwhelming and made for a great dining experience on a beautiful evening. The service was friendly, attentive, and efficient throughout the meal. Our cocktails came out quickly and were well-made by the bartender. For dinner, we ordered the Bufala Caprese salad to start, and the cheese was super fresh and yummy. We then ordered the Jumbo Grilled Shrimp and the Lemon Sole as our main entrees. Both meals were very good, however the Lemon Sole needed just a little more flavor. Between the inviting outdoor setting, friendly service, and good food, Uva delivered an enjoyable dinner experience. It’s easy to see why this spot remains so popular. A solid 4-star experience, and we’ll likely be back.
The restaurant was nice and the hostess was very accommodating, allowing us to sit outside in the covered area with our two dogs. They even turned on heaters just for us since it was a bit chilly. My friend ordered the brunch prix fixe, which includes a brunch entree, drink and side for $32. She picked the contadina frittata with a side of polenta and a bloody mary. I was a little disappointed the brunch options didn’t include any paninis or even a small pasta, so I ordered off the regular menu and got the ciabatta burrata. We also ordered the mozzarella in camicia to share, and I ordered an adult lemonade. I asked if they could add prosciutto to my sandwich but was told they couldn’t, though I could order it as a side, so I did. Our food was all good. The mozzarella was very good, a perfect snack size for 2-3 people. The tomato sauce it came with was great and we ate up every bit with bread. My sandwich was particularly good and everything on it seemed very fresh, though I felt it should have come with some kind of side (like a little salad at least) for that price. The frittata was nothing special but very solid, and the polenta was incredibly plain but fine. The drinks were the weakest part of the meal, they were pretty small and incredibly basic. My lemonade tasted like the kind of hard lemonade you get in a can, and the bloody mary came with just an olive and nothing else. We also ordered the almond tart for a sweet treat, which was pretty good but again nothing special. The coffee we had with it was great though! Overall, it’s a nice place. The inside is warm and very cute, the brunch deal is a great value, and the staff was friendly and accommodating. I can see why Uva is so popular. The drinks could use some work, but I’d go back to try their dinner.
Ordered the Fettuccine and the Calamari, and both were pretty good though pricey. Being seated outdoors was lovely and offered a great vibe, though it does get quite noisy once the tables fill up, so it may not be the best spot if you’re looking for an intimate or quiet atmosphere. For an upscale restaurant, the service needs improvement as the staff didn't seem very engaged and welcoming.
I had lunch at Uva about two years ago and, at the time, I wasn’t very impressed with the food. I decided to give it another try last Saturday, and I’m so glad I did. Everything was absolutely delicious, and the pasta tasted incredibly fresh. The staff were also so friendly and welcoming — you can really tell they enjoy working there, which made the experience even better. Extra points for being so kind and accommodating with my dog. I’ll definitely be coming back with friends next time!
Ambiance (5/5): It feels super trendy coming in with the dark lighting, cozy vibes. It is incredibly crammed inside. Somehow we managed to get seated in the front area without a reservation on a Friday at 7:30p?! The lines got longer soon thereafter. Service (5/5): the waitress provided some recommendations upon request. She checked in on us often and our waters were always full. The food came out pretty fast after working too!! The bill came quickly despite wanting to stay to chitchat, but we were never rushed out once we paid! Food (5/5): I don’t usually choose Italian but the two dishes we got were both very delicious!! Gnocchi: the flavors of the truffle were forward but not overpowering. The gnocchi was soft and soaked up the delicious sauce. Vitaello Gratinato: the veal was very tender. The small cubes of potato had perfect exterior crunch. The sauces all worked very well together.
