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

1317 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

Jun 5, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 21 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
Neighbourhood
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 SaladUS$18.00
fennel and shaved parmigiano reggiano cheese with a lemon vinaigrette
Italian Wedge SaladUS$22.00
iceberg lettuce, gorgonzola cheese and apple-smoked bacon with a red wine vinaigrette
Zucchini FlowerUS$25.00
stuffed with ricotta cheese on a bed of tomato coulis
Eggplant ParmigianaUS$25.00
One Dozen Fresh Oysters*US$36.00
Monkey Blue, Moon Shoal, Island Creek and Paine's Creek oysters
Grilled Shrimps and ScallopsUS$28.00
crabmeat and summer black truffle sauce
Clams and MusselsUS$25.00
fresh tomatoes, garlic and cannellini beans
Grilled OctopusUS$25.00
roasted peppers, capers and white beans in a light tomato sauce
Roasted ArtichokesUS$25.00
grilled mozzarella and grilled shrimps
Beef CarpaccioUS$28.00
arugula, parmigiano reggiano cheese, summer black truffles and balsamic vinegar
Italian Crudo*US$35.00
tuna, wild salmon, Hamachi, Diver Sea scallops, Himalayan salt and lemon vinaigrette
Beets and BurrataUS$25.00
burrata, roasted beets, horseradish, roasted peppers and balsamic reduction
Tomato SaladUS$25.00
heirloom tomatoes, mozzarella di bufala, cucumbers, red onions, oregano and extra virgin olive oil
Prosciutto and MelonUS$25.00
prosciutto di Parma, Cavaillon melon and figs

Pasta

Mezzi Paccheri Frutti di MareUS$38.00
scallops, shrimps, mussels, calamari and clams in a spicy tomato sauce
Linguini LobsterUS$55.00
Maine lobster in a tomato sauce
Spaghetti di Bietole e VongoleUS$28.00
red beets spaghetti with white clam sauce
Black Homemade Linguini (Squid Ink Linguini)US$32.00
calamari, clams, mussels and roasted peppers
Spaghetti IntegraliUS$32.00
whole wheat spaghetti, summer black truffles and crab meat
Spaghetti Cacio e PepeUS$26.00
cracked black pepper and melted pecorino romano cheese
BusiateUS$30.00
homemade fusilli with fresh tomatoes, basil, goat cheese and lemon zest
Wild Mushroom RavioliUS$35.00
sweet bell pepper puree and pecorino romano cheese
Spaghetti TrapaneseUS$25.00
crushed pistachio, walnuts, pine nuts and almonds in a spicy tomato sauce with pecorino romano cheese
Pappardelle SistinaUS$26.00
veal Bolognese with wild mushrooms
Orecchiette with LambUS$28.00
lamb ragu, bell peppers and fresh tomato sauce
Veal TortelloniUS$28.00
black summer truffles and veal jus

Risotto

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

Pesce

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

Carne

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

What 1,317 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
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Sort by

OT
OpenTable Diner
Tampa
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Garden room is filled with beautiful art and table features, you are in the back room of a historic mansion, lots of space and light. Many variables come together, decor, cuisine, atmosphere…it’s an experience to dine at Sistina.
S
Shopper12
New York Area
58 reviews
vip
5.0
58 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
I took my friend here yesterday for her birthday lunch. We both loved everything about this restaurant. The food was great; the service was impeccable. We shared a salad and then each ordered a pasta dish. The portions were more than adequate. We then split a dessert. The waiter even brought out another dessert of the best tiramisu we ever tasted. Even the flowers on the table were gorgeous. I will definitely be returning.
T
Tommy
New York Area
21 reviews
vip
5.0
21 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is one of the great restaurants of NYC. The food is excellent, the setting is wonderful (we love sitting in the “sun room”), the bar is a classic, the service is attentive, the location is very convenient to The Met and Madison Avenue shopping and the crowd is authentic New York. Sistina charges for the food, but we think it is worth every penny. Enjoy!
D
Dino
New York Area
22 reviews
vip
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on May 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
A great night out in Manhattan and Sistina did not disappoint. Staff was fantastic, professional & attentive. The food was fantastic with creative dishes and succulent taste. Can’t wait to get back there!.
J
Jack
New York Area
66 reviews
vip
5.0
66 reviews
Dined on May 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The menu is always rich, but the specials are a particular treat. Creative, attentive to the season, fun. The wine selection continues to be excellent. Keep up the great work.
L
Latitude30
New York Area
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on May 22, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
Lovely restaurant with a serious chef. This is fine dining Upper East Side NY style.
GK
GeorgeK
New York Area
20 reviews
vip
4.0
20 reviews
Dined on May 22, 2023
overall4food4service3ambience4
Service was good but slow. Food was very good, a bit pricey for Salads and Pasta
s
sauld
New York Area
2 reviews
vip
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 21, 2023
overall2food2service5ambience5
Great ambiance excellent service extremely overpriced glass of wine $30 special soft shell crabs $75!!!!!!! Ripoff desert fair cavil Pepe. Not great not going back SADLY
SA
SAMM
Orange County
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The servers could not be nicer and with a sense of humor!! Cocktails were “spit on” and every dish we ordered met or exceeded expectations. This will become a regular visit for me, when I come to NYC!!!
s
stac
Los Angeles
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Coming from from Santa Monica , Ca, we always make sure to come to this beautiful restaurant Sistina on the upper east side. The food is to perfection , the atmosphere is exquisite and the wine id delicious …
f
foodie970
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 17, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Pricing is ridiculous but it’s a special experience
l
lauriej
Washington DC
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 14, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
very nice lunch spot . little expensive even by NYC standards . wait staff lovely and very helpful.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Houston
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent and attentive service. Our lunch was great and very well paced.
d
donaldc
New York Area
3 reviews
vip
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 11, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience3
Excellent food
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on May 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of the last elegant establishments in the city Superb food, first class service. Don’t miss this restaurant while in New York. It does not hurt to dress up on order to blend in. You will find out- it’s even fun!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Wilmington
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
10 stars!! Amazing wine selection. Impeccable service. Fresh artisanal bread basket. Pasta was perfectly cooked. We had the pasta with clams and lamb ragú. Would recomendable to anyone who wants a true fine dining experience.
JF
JFGTDG
New York Area
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on May 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a wonderful experience in a beautiful environment. Food is superb and staff to match. Appreciate the warm welcome from the chef.
MA
MarkA
San Francisco
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on May 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Sistina is the finest Italian restaurant in NYC. Suitably ensconced in the iconic Parioli Romanissimo space, the food and service are impeccable, and the old world elegance and charm are incomparable.
t
tdavido
Columbus
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on May 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Impeccable service and amazing wine list. Never disappoints.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on May 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful lunch. Beautiful room. Perfect service. Amazing food!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wow! First of all, the ambiance is absolutely stunning. Next… all of the staff were extremely friendly. Our server Alecta was absolutely outstanding. We would definitely love to return on our next trip to New York. The French onion soup was superb. We all got steak for dinner. The Steak & Frites was lovely. Steaks all were cooked perfectly. The filet minion was melt in your mouth delicious. This is a fabulous place to come for a perfect dinner. Highly recommend!
FF
FoodFan
Raleigh
20 reviews
vip
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on April 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lovely as always—such a beautiful space, attentive service, very goood food
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always an Amazing Experience Wonderful food and Beautiful environment
T
Toni
San Francisco
48 reviews
vip
5.0
48 reviews
Dined on April 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Over the top food service and ambiance. One of our fav restaurants in the city. Just perfect.
g
gatto
New York Area
91 reviews
vip
2.0
91 reviews
Dined on April 26, 2023
overall2food2service3ambience3
Maybe because we were at the bar as opposed to the dining room in the back, but the place did not possess the warmest and friendliest vibe. The bar seats are not very comfortable and the layout is tight and narrow. My biggest complaint however is the food which did not come anywhere near the ratings I saw on OpenTable. We shared the roasted artichokes with shrimp and the fried zucchini flowers as appetizers, both of which were mediocre and not very well balanced. For our mains, I had a special angel hair with rock shrimp and pesto which was so clumpy and tasteless I had no desire to finish. My friend had the spaghetti with crab which was tasty but not worth the $50 price tag. Overall, a sad and surprising disappointment given the contradicting reviews I read online.
TC
TCW3
Phoenix
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service and food. Had a group of eight and Sergio made sure our two tables of four were right beside each other.
EB
EliasB
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent, high end restaurant. Outstanding food and service. Great ambience. But expensive.
SA
SAK55
New York Area
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on April 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The service is outstanding snd the food is remarkably fresh and creative.
MT
MTK1
New York Area
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on April 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was terrific. And having a genuine native Italian staff was a big plus
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on April 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Superb as always. One of the best restaurants in the City The Bouillabaisse was exceptional!
PM
PatrickM
New York Area
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on April 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Beautiful restaurant inside and out. Feels like Europe on the streets of NY.
PC
PatiC
San Francisco
1 review
vip
4.0
1 review
Dined on April 13, 2023
overall4food5service2ambience2
If you do not mind the slow service, the rat sighting for those eating outside, and a view of the funeral home right in front, the food is spectacular!
ER
ElizabethR
New York Area
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on April 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Sistina never disappoints. It is always our first choice for holidays and special celebrations. Food is delicious, atmosphere delightful, staff is amazing.
WB
WilliamB
New York Area
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on April 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always amazing food and service. Best fried zucchini flowers. All amazing food options.
DB
DennisB
New York Area
5 reviews
vip
3.0
5 reviews
Dined on April 9, 2023
overall3food4service2ambience5
We had a 2:45 p.m. reservation. When I called to confirm day prior, I was informed to be sure to arrive on-time, as if late, we would not be seated. We arrived @ 2:30 p.m., (15 minutes early,) and from that moment on, we were rushed to order, etc. At 2:45 p.m., the waiter informed us we needed to order immediately as the kitchen staff would was going to stop working. We came early to avoid being rushed, but now they were requiring we order at the exact time of our reservation. Food was delivered in a rushed manor, and we were not able to enjoy a pre-lunch Easter cocktail. Needless to say our Easter dinner was not enjoyable, and especially disappointing given the price.
EC
EasonC
San Francisco
1 review
vip
1.0
1 review
Dined on April 8, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience1
Bad service. Wines were in bad conditions and they don’t allow sending back.
SistinaResponded on April 9, 2023He comes in for a table of five, wanted to order a prestigious, rare and hard to find $8,000 bottle of Romanee Conti and asked for a $3,000 discount. We don’t work like this. At that point it went downhill. He ordered three bottles of wine (one for $800 and the others $500 each) and sent them all back. Nothing was wrong with the wine. He was taking revenge. This man doesn’t deserve to make a Opentable reservation. He should be evaluated at a psychiatric center for bullying. This is not accepted.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 8, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience5
For an expensive dining experience the service was rushed like they wanted to turn the table when there was no need. After two corked bottles of wines nothing was offered at the end of the meal as a token. While the food was exceptional it leaves room for improvement
KS
KeithS
New York Area
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on April 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Large variety of excellent and unusual Italian food beautifully presented. Great wine selection, including half bottles. Dishes with black truffles are very expensive.
S
Sailing
New York Area
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Special place with exquisite food, service and art
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on April 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was outstanding Service was outstanding

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising
- Surfaces sanitised between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
- Sealed or wrapped utensils used
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitiser 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 1317 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

Jun 5, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 21 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
Neighbourhood
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 SaladUS$18.00

Italian Wedge SaladUS$22.00

Zucchini FlowerUS$25.00

Eggplant ParmigianaUS$25.00

One Dozen Fresh Oysters*US$36.00

Grilled Shrimps and ScallopsUS$28.00

Clams and MusselsUS$25.00

Grilled OctopusUS$25.00

Roasted ArtichokesUS$25.00

Beef CarpaccioUS$28.00

Italian Crudo*US$35.00

Beets and BurrataUS$25.00

Tomato SaladUS$25.00

Prosciutto and MelonUS$25.00

Pasta

Mezzi Paccheri Frutti di MareUS$38.00

Linguini LobsterUS$55.00

Spaghetti di Bietole e VongoleUS$28.00

Black Homemade Linguini (Squid Ink Linguini)US$32.00

Spaghetti IntegraliUS$32.00

Spaghetti Cacio e PepeUS$26.00

BusiateUS$30.00

Wild Mushroom RavioliUS$35.00

Spaghetti TrapaneseUS$25.00

Pappardelle SistinaUS$26.00

Orecchiette with LambUS$28.00

Veal TortelloniUS$28.00

Risotto

Risotto CetareseUS$42.00

Summer RisottoUS$35.00

Pesce

Branzino Al SaleUS$50.00

Grilled Wild SalmonUS$48.00

Pan Fried Soft Shell CrabUS$45.00

Wild Atlantic HalibutUS$48.00

Florida Wild Red SnapperUS$48.00

Diver Sea ScallopsUS$48.00

Carne

Giuseppe's Chicken MeatballsUS$42.00

New York Stripe SteakUS$55.00

Organic Free Range Chicken and SausageUS$40.00

Veal Chop MilaneseUS$52.00

Veal ScaloppiniUS$45.00

Grilled Veal ChopUS$55.00

Colorado Rack of LambUS$45.00

Berkshire Pork ChopUS$45.00

White Wine Braised RabbitUS$42.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Sort by

Cleaning & sanitising

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

Does Sistina offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Sistina restaurant rated?

Is Sistina currently accepting bookings?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Additional information

Featured in

The Diner Reviews Are In: 100 Best Restaurants in America