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Cucina 812 Main Staircase and lobby - Cucina 8 1/2, New York, NY

Cucina 8 1/2

4.6
4.6
510 Reviews
$31 to $50
Italian
Top tags:
ITALIAN DINING, ELEVATED.

Cucina 8½, showcasing refined rustic Italian cuisine, situated in the iconic Solow building at 9 West 57th Street, presents an exquisite dining experience. "Among the offerings is a tableside Caesar salad and Chicken Parmesan"–Thrillist. "We are bringing old school glamour and 21st-century cooking" – opines Chef Sam Hazen. We offer a captivating menu using the finest ingredients, carefully crafted to honor both local and traditional Italian specialties, boasting a diverse selection of dishes.

One of "12 Outstanding Caesar Salads in NYC" – Eater NYC.

Indulge your appetite in our main dining room, snuggled in a booth or exclusively in one of our five private rooms.

Sip on signature cocktails, like our "Sex and the City" Cosmopolitan or classic Negroni, while listening to live entertainment nightly, sitting by the bar, seated in the lounge or outside at our seasonal sidewalk cafe.

We look forward to serving you soon. BENVENUTI TUTTI !!!

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 42 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Contemporary Italian, Comfort Food
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon–Sat 11:30 am–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (212) 829-0812
  • Website
    http://www.cucina812.com/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress Code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Chef Sam Hazen
  • Location
    9 West 57th St., New York, NY 10019
  • Neighbourhood
    Midtown West
  • Cross Street
    Between 5th and 6th Ave on 57Th Street
  • Parking Details
    Parking is available at the garage next door.
  • Public Transit
    F train to 6th Avenue and 57th Street subway station, E train to 5th Avenue and 53rd Street subway station and N, R or W train to 5th Avenue and 59th Street subway station
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

What 510 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

4,792 Reviews

  1. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined today

    overall4food5service3ambience3
    I love everything the food was amazing only thing that at the end of our meal a long period of time would pass by and no one would check in on us

    Is this helpful?

  2. BrianA

    New York Area

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined today

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing as always, they took great care of us. They were very busy and it was a wonderful feeling to be part of the excitement. Liz made sure that we were never wanting for anything!

    Is this helpful?

  3. OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service3ambience5
    Food was amazing . Table side Cesar salad and chicken parm were outstanding. The focaccia bread which seems simple was remarkable. We ordered one item that we felt was too salty , so we didn’t eat it. They took it off our bill which we appreciated . Dessert was tiramisu and expresso martini, both wonderful. Ambience was remarkable . Service was good we just felt “neglected “ at times where it took a long time for us to even get service once we sat down. But overall 12/10 recommend

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  4. OpenTable Diner

    Dallas

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall3food5service1ambience3
    We had a reservation and were sat at a table, but after 20 minutes or longer a girl that had greeted us at the entrance asked us for our name?? The approach was not very professional either. The waiting for a waiter took a long time, the service was not very good, from beginning to the end.

    Is this helpful?

  5. TheoK

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    Food was great, the zucchini chips are a favorite but the service was less than great. Though everyone was pleasant, they weren’t very attentive, staffing levels were clearly challenged.

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  6. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Great service! We had our company holiday party the event went smoothly and quickly. They had a fantastic wine list and yummy cocktails. The food was pretty good but the service boosted the whole experience. One nice touch was the personalized company menus.

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  7. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Attended a company party here—fantastic! Returned for dinner, even better. Manager Liz personalized both, providing excellent care. Attentive service, terrific wines, and desserts stood out. Liz's dedication added to the enjoyment. Exceptional experiences!

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  8. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent experience! I’m so glad I stopped by. From ambiance to service, everything was perfect. Our server was friendly; Liz, the manager, was especially incredible. Definitely recommend!

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  9. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Food was good the bread with the hot honey and the zucchini chips is a MUST. All the pasta dishes were great and the drinks were okay.

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  10. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall3food2service2ambience5
    We love this restaurant. However, our experience today was really disappointing. Slow and unattended service. Our food was not well prepared. Highly unusual as we usually thoroughly enjoy Dining here.

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  11. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had an excellent dinner here. We came to celebrate our anniversary. The service was excellent, the server was attentive. We loved how spacious the restaurant is and the ambience. The choclate nutella cake was delicous.

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  12. MollyH

    Richmond

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall2food4service1ambience3
    The food was spectacular, the service however was not. The table side servers were great but the man that took our order and brought our drinks came to our table one time. We each got one drink in the two hours we were there. He did not come back to our tables for almost 45 minutes after we finished dinner. Then added a 20% tip to our bill and we were a group of 4. Your menu clearly stated groups of 6 would have a tip added. I believe he did this because he knew he had forgotten about us for so long and his tip would reflect that. So while the food was very good, unfortunately it was unable to make up for the less then attentive service you all provided. You would think when your patrons are spending $400 on dinner you would take better care of them.

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  13. Bridgette

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was AMAZING. The service was also wonderful. It is a bit pricey but not that bad. What got me though was that they charged $12 for still water for 2 people.

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  14. Clive

    New York Area

    67 reviews

    5.0

    67 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Great tasting foods. Very good services. Fantastic atmosphere. We will be back!

    Is this helpful?

  15. Armell

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Dinner was amazing. The ambiance, service, presentation of food, it was splendid. I celebrated a birthday and enjoyed my time here. Thank you for making my birthday special.

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  16. MonicaM

    Hawaii

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was delicious from the drinks to desserts. We loved the Caesar for the table and a pizza for an appetizer. The boys said it was the best chicken parmigiana in the city. We loved our pasta. Special thanks to the attentive staff and the chef who stopped by our table to say hello!

    Is this helpful?

  17. TellTonya

    Los Angeles

    19 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    There is something to be said when a restaurant has it ALL! This restaurant is in that class of service you will treasure. I will certainly return, the favorites at our table were the burgers and the snapper. You will love it!

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  18. Anonymous

    New York Area

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Spent Thanksgiving here with my family and had a lovely time. While they had a normal Thanksgiving prix fixe menu, there was an entirely separate one for those who didn't want holiday fare. We sat close to a table that seemed to be belligerent just for the sake of being so, which I couldn't understand, since the staff worked incredibly hard to ensure the night ran smoothly. The staff and managers frequently checked on us to see that all of our needs were met. (i.e, we never got our sides for our turkey, but gladly accepted free wine!) We couldn't have been more pleased.

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  19. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Such a fantastic experience, we will be back next time we visit NYC. Every single staff member was friendly while still being efficient. They truly made our Thanksgiving dinner special. Grazi!!

    Is this helpful?

  20. BrianA

    New York Area

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic! The Best Thanksgiving Ever! Chef Sam and Liz made it an unforgettable experience. Hopefully next year we can repeat the event, looking forward already!

    Is this helpful?

  21. OpenTable Diner

    Fort Lauderdale

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Everything good, but our waiter kind of racist and he was latino 🥱

    Is this helpful?

  22. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Impeccable service! Other restaurants do not compare. Liz, Ava, Delani, and Sergio were absolutely fantastic. I have not raved about another place like this one. Phenomenal.

    Is this helpful?

  23. carol

    Wilmington

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a perfect evening and delicious dinner. All of the staff who served us were incredibly awesome. Can’t wait to go back.

    Is this helpful?

  24. BelAirCarGuy

    Orange County

    9 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience4
    Wait staff not very attentive. Did not offer any daily specials until I asked and then only one item. Entree portions were good but small so value for the price was poor. Waiter never came back during the meal to see if everything was OK. Nice atmosphere and good pianist.

    Is this helpful?

  25. AJSutter

    New York Area

    129 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    129 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Ava was a delightful and professional waitress and the food was delicious. We had the house made focaccia, branzino, pork chop, and chocolate Nutella cake, all perfect!

    Is this helpful?

  26. OpenTable Diner

    Minneapolis

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Great food. A bit high priced for the potions served. & I thought my child’s $6 Shirley temple was $$ until I read how much my amaretto sour was $24!!!!

    Is this helpful?

  27. DiscerningNYDiners

    New York Area

    26 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    This is one of my favorite go-to restaurants when you want to have a lovely dinner, in an\ tasteful atmosphere, and where it is quiet enough so you can actually have a conversation with your dinner partners. Food is very good, service is excellent and the great atmosphere, although a bit pricey.

    Is this helpful?

  28. OpenTable Diner

    Alabama

    4 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Went here solo and had dinner at the bar, definitely not as nice as being sat down at a table. I think the experience is better to be sat at the dining area be the bar since the bar is separated from the dining. But food was amazing, my favorite item was the Tonno!

    Is this helpful?

  29. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    36 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    36 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall4food2service4ambience5
    Disappointed when the server told us that all the fish served at Cucina 81/2 is farm raised. We would have expected some healthful wild caught options from a restaurant at this level.

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  30. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing experience treated me so well and made me feel very special on my birthday. Can not wait to come back again

    Is this helpful?

  31. Sabelh

    Orlando

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Great atmosphere, great service and good food. Caesar salad was a little over rated but the pizza and focaccia were excellent.

    Is this helpful?

  32. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great dining experience. Excellent service. Caesar salad was delicious,! We also shared steak tartare, zucchini chips & meatballs to start. Everything was excellent, including our entrees.

    Is this helpful?

  33. OpenTable Diner

    Toronto

    2 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2023

    overall2food1service1ambience3
    Overall was an awful experience and would not recommend

    Is this helpful?

  34. BrianA

    New York Area

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing as always. We entertained friends from Italy, who were equally impressed, and I am sure they will revisit the next time they are in the U.S.. Liz made sure that we were well taken care of and made the evening very special.

    Is this helpful?

  35. mpittny

    New York Area

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on November 7, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    This has been a long time favorite, nothing trendy, and still offers amazing food

    Is this helpful?

  36. BrianA

    New York Area

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on November 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our dining experience was as special as always. Food and service were excellent. We enjoyed the ambience and the music was a lovely addition. Liz does an amazing job and coordinates everything so well.

    Is this helpful?

  37. CaptainMikeSaysItsGreat

    New York Area

    299 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    299 reviews

    Dined on November 1, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    We absolutely LOVE it. Really good food, generally very pleasant (if a tiny bit slow) service, great decor and ambiance. By all means GO!

    Is this helpful?

  38. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    47 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    47 reviews

    Dined on October 31, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience3
    Won’t be back. I ordered a Caesar salad with salmon. The salad was soggy. The salmon was super salty and very undercooked. It’s such an easy dish to make well. Bummer.

    Is this helpful?

  39. Madison

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was amazing! We went for my boyfriend's birthday and they went above and beyond for him. Elizabeth was our server and she was phenomenal. She was so attentive and caring. The ambience was perfect for the occasion. Would 100% be back!!

    Is this helpful?

  40. BrianA

    New York Area

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic! Food and Service were excellent. A lovely place to visit at the end of the day, have a drink in the lounge, and enjoy a lovely meal. We can’t wait to return and repeat the experience!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Cucina 8 1/2 offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (212) 829-0812.

Cucina 8 1/2 is rated 4.6 stars by 510 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 42 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Cucina 8 1/2

9 West 57th St., New York, NY 10019

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Between 5th and 6th Ave on 57Th Street
  • Neighbourhood
    Midtown West
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon–Sat 11:30 am–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Contemporary Italian, Comfort Food
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress Code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking Details
    Parking is available at the garage next door.
  • Public Transit
    F train to 6th Avenue and 57th Street subway station, E train to 5th Avenue and 53rd Street subway station and N, R or W train to 5th Avenue and 59th Street subway station
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Chef Sam Hazen
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

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