Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: Italian (18) service (17) pasta (14) restaurant (13) great (13) Sandro (11) staff (9) good (9) amazing (9) recommend (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Andrés B. 4 months ago on Google • 159 reviews
    Good Italian restaurant on the UES, but not the best in the area.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Carly P. 1 year ago on Google • 242 reviews
    My first time at Sandro’s and man this place did not disappoint! I went w my folks for an early 5pm seating on a Friday. Food 10/10 Service 10/10 Crowd 9/10 Ambiance 6/10 Food was absolute Italian perfection. I ate the cacio e Pepe because of the reviews. I don’t even really enjoy pasta like this but I reeeeeally had to hold back from shoveling this entire plate into my face. I took the little I had left on my plate and I ate it for breakfast the next day lol Service was so relaxed. They let us take our time, kept an eye on our table when we flagged them and everything was great. The crowd at 86 street was mixed! Young, old, couples, friends and families. I think 81 st may have gotten an older crowd but this was crowd was diverse which was nice. The decor was kind of lacking but if anything is going to come up short, I prefer to be this part. Loved Sandro’s and highly recommend this neighborhood gem!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jonathan P. 10 months ago on Google • 339 reviews
    Epic dinner at Sandro's. The pasta is all made in house and is absolutely spectacular. My veal was also outstanding, clearly the kitchen staff knows what they are doing. There aren't many restaurants, especially Italian one, on the upper east side that I would make the trek for...but Sandro's is firmly cemented on the top of the list. The owner is just a wonderful guy, all the staff are top notch. The wine list is pretty epic. I almost didn't want to review because I want to be able to get a table, but my loss is your gain.

  • 4/5 Michelle Y. 6 years ago on Google • 38 reviews
    Great neighborhood spot. The service is very friendly and they really take care of you. Quiet, an older clientele. But casual. The food is very good. Pastas cooked well. Needed a little more Sauce or flavoring in my opinion.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Frank C. 1 year ago on Google
    We were very excited to try the new Sandros location right across the street from our apartment on 86th after not being able to make it there prior to the pandemic. Clearly an UES institution, we wanted to see what all the fuss was about. Sadly, Sandros hits a mark that’s definitely more last generation old money UES tradition than justified classic. While the food is serviceable, and the service is pleasant, the price-to-quality ratio is just not there. The pasta is adequate but unremarkable, drinks the standard fare, and atmosphere stuffy. In a neighborhood that has both La Pecora and Bar Felice within steps, this just doesn’t cut it anymore for the 2022-era UES.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 T 1 year ago on Google • 131 reviews
    Nice quiet place, beautiful bar with great accommodating staff members! Beautiful lentil soup to start with bread on the house, then I ordered the classica arugula salad and the lemon pasta. Salad was amazing but pasta was a bit meh. Just basic. Dessert was wonderful, very delicious pistacho flavor homemade!

  • 5/5 Nicole Andrea P. 5 months ago on Google • 33 reviews
    Absolutely amazing experience. Seated me with no reservation on a Friday night as a solo party at a table; server was extremely attentive but I did not feel rushed. I would hold up the food to meals I had in Italy-- and I'm Italian. Highly recommend and going again tonight!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Emily M. 6 months ago on Google • 3 reviews
    My boyfriend and I went to Sandros for our anniversary dinner the other night and we were blown away. Three days later we’re still talking about the pasta we had. The service was incredible, we didn’t wait more than 15 minutes for our food. The freshness of the food was amazing. Everything was amazing, we will definitely be coming back!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Gordy R. 2 years ago on Google
    Such a fantastic experience. Amazing food, wonderful service and intimate atmosphere. Also good value for the quality. Could not recommend more highly!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pedro A. 1 year ago on Google
    A great family owned restaurant + Consistently delicious food = A UES Neighborhood Gem! One of my favorite restaurants in NYC.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andrea B. 1 year ago on Google
    I am Italian and very picky about so called Italian restaurants in America. Sandro is like being teleported to Rome, and you do not need a plane ticket. The burrata was fresh and the wild boar pasta special was mind blowing. The menu is a rare combination of best sellers (burrata, branzino) and authentic Roman food (supplì, scarola, cacio e pepe). I miss Rome and this place feels like being there. The ambiance is refined yet warm without being pretentious. It is great for a work dinner as well as for a night with your best friend. Thank you for being here in NYC
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Lawrence S. 1 year ago on Google
    Close friends, great service, good food (portions should have been bigger) and high, but not too crazy prices made for a great evening. Without the friends I might have seen the restaurant completely differently.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brooks O. 1 year ago on Google
    they are not open for business yet at this new location--322 east 86th, but they're doing delivery till they get really into the new space. hurrah!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Apostol N. 2 years ago on Google
    I’ve been living for more than 10 years on the Upper East side very close to this restaurant but never tried it. Last night was my first time. Incredible food and service. I know you may not believe me - at least for me, this was one of the best, if not the best Italian food I ever had. Highly recommend this place
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Leon K. 2 years ago on Google
    Everything is Amazingly Delicious!!! The staff is super great and Sandro always make you feel like you're home. Must try the Lemon Pasta. Must try the swordfish. Everything is on and off the menu is Delicious!!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chris M. 2 years ago on Google
    Excellent meal - food was amazing. Recommend the calamari, the lemon pasta, and apple cake for dessert.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 TJ L. 2 years ago on Google
    This place is so good - I managed to squeeze in for seats for two at the bar at peak hours and am so glad that I did. Everything was incredible, highly recommend the homemade fettuccine bolognese. I was sitting at the bar, and they just kept giving me food - incredible bread, freshly baked cookies, excellent liquor. 6/5 stars.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Peter D. 2 years ago on Google
    We had an amazing family dinner here after not having seen family in months because of COVID. The restaurant is small, so make reservations! The staff were superb and extremely knowledgeable. The veal special was AMAZING: I highly recommend any of their food! Pricey, but worth it for a special meal!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Immanuel G. 6 months ago on Google • 61 reviews
    The closest NYC gets to Italy. Fantastic pasta dishes, fresh salads, lots of focus on seasonal ingredients and high-quality products. Highly recommended.

  • 5/5 Vikas S. 4 months ago on Google • 4 reviews
    I’ve lived in New York / the Upper East Side for 9.5 years. Been everywhere. This is hands-down the best Italian food (and service) in the city. Why? Simple: the ingredients are top-notch, and Sandro / Anna / Sandro Jr know how to build a dish and deliver impeccable service. As a further testimonial, I brought my leadership team here a year ago and they still talk about it. Other venues may have the glitz and glamour; Sandro’s has the ingredients and the service. Pro Tip: the Spaghetti A Limone is *the* dish. Burrata with prosciutto and melon has an appetizer also a critical play. Enjoy!

  • 5/5 betzabet g. 1 year ago on Google
    my boyfriend and I are so happy we found this place. The food was delicious and the staff was very accommodating.

  • 5/5 Samantha D. 8 months ago on Google
    Have lived on the Upper East Side for a bit, but had never dined at Sandro’s. Walked in on a Friday night around 8:30 and was able to snag two seats at the bar. I admittedly had medium expectations because this isn’t a restaurant that normally comes up among friends. Started off with a dirty martini that was perfect. My boyfriend ordered the Spaghetti Con Vongole which was great. I couldn’t decide between Bucatini Amatriciana and Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe so I asked our server which he’d recommend. Landed on the Amatriciana but when our food came out there were 3 pasta dishes - they sent a half portion of the Cacio e Pepe on the house. The Amatriciana is one of the best dishes I’ve ever had - and I lived in Italy. The Cacio e Pepe was also amazing. We later learned the server we spoke with was the owners son. His mom was the hostess who seated us. Love a family restaurant - such an underrated gem on the UES. We also had a great dessert. Cannot wait to come back with friends and family!! Excited to have a new neighborhood spot, thanks Sandro’s!!

  • 5/5 Andrew K. 1 year ago on Google
    We were absolutely heartbroken to hear that Sandro's had closed on 81st street. That quickly changed to elation when we found out they reopened! We were a bit apprehensive about the "new" Sandro's because change sometimes is not the best of things to happen to an classic restaurant. I am happy to report that besides for the location Sandro's hasn't really changed. The room is an upgrade from the old location, with a much bigger bar. The same warm familiar faces greet you, the same blue water glasses, the same menu, a more extensive wine list. The service is excellent. We did not feel rushed and the dining room was packed! We had all of Sandro's classics. Cacio and pepe along with spaghetti limone is a must. Simple, yet very well executed Italian food. Welcome back Sandro's.

  • 5/5 Maria K. 1 year ago on Google
    I took my in-laws here and they were so impressed. I never ate here prior to them moving locations but now they are right across the street. Great atmosphere, very romantic. Good service and delicious Italian food. Will definitely be back. Probably the best Italian on the UES.

  • 5/5 pavni m. 7 months ago on Google
    The food is excellent. It’s truly carb heaven, with a twist of lime. All elevated by quintessential Italian hospitality - the grissini is outstanding and the biscotti in the end is warm and buttery and bites the right notes 🤌🏼

  • 5/5 Anna M. 1 year ago on Google
    We sat at the bar w reservations and had a delicious meal. Branzino Livirnese was so delicious, fresh and tender. It came w a side of escarole and we added the broccoli rabe. We wllbe back. Thomas at the bar was attentive.

  • 5/5 Christopher B. 1 year ago on Google
    Impeccable food. Beautiful room. Traditional vibe. Kind, flawless execution . Family run, and they hustle and mind the details. Superb. Always.

  • 5/5 Walter G. 1 year ago on Google
    Superb Italian food. A real find on what is a lousy block on 86th street. Amazing food and attentive staff. A great local place nestled on 86 st.

  • 5/5 Sylvain S. 2 years ago on Google
    Excellent Italian restaurant. Very authentic and good service.

  • 5/5 angela g. 1 year ago on Google
    👍👍👍💕 love, love love!!!❤️❤️❤️Amazing atmosphere, supreme service, and authentic Italian food! Immediately welcomed us into the crisp cozy and sleek designed restaurant. Warm bread and homemade breadsticks, and water arrived as we sat down….then crispy bruschetta toast with fresh plum tomatoes slices! We dined on the rice balls (delicious!!!!), house salad (with butter lettuce too!), spaghetti and clams; linguine and bolognese. The pasta was fresh homemade and the serving size extremely generous! Warm homemade cookies were brought with the check however we also enjoyed the lemon gelato with berries. Fine Italian dining at its best! I’ll return to see Sandro and dine again!

  • 3/5 Rob M. 1 year ago on Google
    Good food, but not great for me because I love pasta dishes with red sauce and seafood. You can’t customize even though they have the ingredients, and none of the options on the menu are interesting. Lots of Ragu options, a lemon pasta, cacio peppe, vongole. My go to is shrimp with spaghetti and red sauce so I would prefer to go where I can get that. Or seafood pasta, etc.

  • 5/5 Peter U. 1 year ago on Google
    Great service and all the delicious fresh pastas! Good luck with the new location, our family have been coming to Sandros for years!

  • 4/5 David F. 2 years ago on Google
    I had an amazing off menu Cacio y Pepe here, but just read they permanently closed at the end of January 2022. Confirmed by yelp. It’s a shame.

  • 5/5 Matthew K. 2 years ago on Google
    It's a certain genre of feel good old fashioned not cheap upper east side italian that will always hit the spot. This one differentiates itself with generous amuse bouche, great amatriciana, highly attentive service and large portions.

  • 5/5 Lee H. 3 years ago on Google
    This place is a real gem. Delicious food. Everything I put in my mouth at this restaurant was phenomenal. Very attentive. Great service. David, our waiter, was fantastic. Great knowledge and very welcoming.

  • 5/5 Gary L. 2 years ago on Google
    Hard to get any better. The food the service was excellent. Great neighborhood place. I would give it six stars if I could.

  • 5/5 steve g. 2 years ago on Google
    So good. Friendly staff. Very good food! Reasonable prices. Cute place. So good.

  • 5/5 Dan P. 2 years ago on Google
    Sandro's is easily the best Italian restaurant on the UES, and potentially throughout the city. It's classic and traditional. Exactly what you'd expect, but better than you can imagine. To top it all off, it's family-owned, and the waitstaff is the best I've encountered. When you step in, it doesn't feel like you're in Manhattan anymore. It feels like you're at a friends' house. I couldn't recommend it enough.

  • 2/5 Charles L. 6 months ago on Google • 2 reviews
    Been coming to Sandros since I was a kid for over 10+ years. Food is always amazing. They always made me feel at home. Always supported this small Italian restaurant before and after their move to 86 st. But something has changed. Last time I went I was treated so poorly by the hostess and was blatantly ignored. Was meeting my mother for dinner who did not arrive yet and was treated as if I was an inconvenience to the hostess for simply asking if my “mother arrived?”. She told me she was too busy to deal with me but was happy to assist others and welcome patrons warmly. After waiting patiently I asked if I could be seated while I wait for my mom and was completely ignored. More patrons shuffle in. Like I said, I have been going here for years and have always been welcomed and treated like family from start to end of the meal. Most of time I have gone I have been accompanied by my family, I myself (a young minority) felt very uncomfortable with my treatment and felt it was based off my looks. While I don’t want to believe this was racially motivated, I can only wonder what would have happen if my mother asked if I was there and if she could sit down while waiting for me, what the treatment would’ve been like. I was so disappointed and heart broken by the way I was being spoken to I left and told my mom we were eating somewhere else.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andrew Z. 1 month ago on Google • 2 reviews New
    My girlfriend and I went for a late Valentine’s Day dinner and were so impressed. Sandro, the owner and sommelier, treated us with a great bottle of wine and actively had conversation with us. At the end of dinner, I was surprised to see on the bill that he had given us a discount on the original price. The food was intricate, tasty, and perfectly portioned. The staff were very accommodating too. We will certainly be going back!


Call (212) 288-7374 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
    • ✓️ Comfort food
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Catering
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Curbside pickup
    • ✓️ No-contact delivery

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