The Arch
1292 Rt 22, Brewster, NY, 10509
The Arch Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Brewster for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Brewster for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Brewster for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
1292 Rt 22
Brewster, NY, 10509 - Phone (845) 279-5011
- Website https://www.archrestaurant.com/
- Click To Get Directions
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Michael T.
Small tight space, loud, they rush you in and out, aggressive rude owner!
(1)Daniel P.
Excellent pasta entrees - especially the first listed homemade pasta with sheep's cheese. Great tiramisu. Mediocre pizza. Avoid special appetizers that are small and overpriced. Wine was served at wrong temperature. Cash only. Extremely tight seating.
(3)Eric V.
I think I may have gotten my hopes too high on this place. The reviews are super positive and in one review it was hailed as THE Italian restaurant on the UWS. It didn't deliver for me. Service/Atmosphere - Service was not great. We had to ask for menus. The restaurant is small so you are really right on top of the other patrons, which you can take as being cozy or cramped. On this particular night, I felt more cramped than cozy. Perhaps consider getting a seat towards the front of the restaurant. There looked like there was more room there. We were seated along the wall to the left when you walk in. Artichoke, roasted red peppers, fresh mozzarella - I thought this dish was simple but very good. Everything was fresh and if seasoned it was done very simply with olive oil and maybe a little salt and pepper. Very good starter. Gnocchi - My fiancé had the gnocchi and it was underwhelming. It didn't taste like they made their own sauce. Or if they did it tasted like it had been sitting for a little bit. The gnocchi itself wasn't as "pillowy" as I would've liked. It was a passable gnocchi but not the best I've had. Tagliatelle with shrimp, cabbage, and pecorino - This dish was very good; it was much better than the gnocchi. It was loaded with shrimp. The pasta was cooked perfectly and the addition of the cabbage was a really nice touch. I haven't had anything like this before and I enjoyed it. This was just an okay dining experience. I do not think I will come back but I wouldn't discourage others from trying it.
(2)Kristin S.
Came here after we learned the wait for Jacob's Pickles was going to be too long. There were a bunch of people outside Celeste, but the manager said it was only going to be 15 minutes. Sure enough, 15 minutes later we were squished at a table. Now, I don't mind the tight space, but I was sitting on the outside, where servers were walking by, and whenever the manager, or the man who brought out the food would talk to us, they would grab on to my bare upper arms and lean down. I live in Manhattan, but I still like my personal space. Our food didn't take long to come out, but I guess to the waiters, it took too long, because we were asked after 5 minutes, what we had ordered, and it was resent to the kitchen. The tables on either side of us got their food in about 5 minutes. We got ours probably after 10 minutes. The food was good. I had the spaghetti with clams in oil and garlic sauce. My friend had the rigatoni bolognese. We both ate all of our food, but it didn't terribly impress either of us. At one point the manager came over and asked if we wanted anything. I asked for cheese, and he told me, he would not get it for me, but perhaps someone else could "indulge" me. Now, I understand that people are protective and territorial about their food, but he wasn't the one cooking it, and usually if a customer requests something simple (cheese, in an Italian restaurant), just give it to them! Never got it, as no one else came to our table besides to drop off the check. We were probably in and out in under 40 minutes. No wonder the wait was so short. Unless someone makes me meet them at this restaurant, I will not be going back.
(3)Victoria L.
The food here was nothing short of AMAZING. But a couple of things to keep in mind before coming here, this was my first time here and I failed to read the memo on a couple of very important facts that could have made my dining experience a little more pleasant: 1. CASH ONLY 2. MUST HAVE FULL PARTY PRESENT TO SEAT We dined here on a Sunday night at around 7 and there was practically no line so we would have been seated right away had our party been fully present. I'm not typically one to wait, so either we were really lucky or there's less of a crowd on Sundays. I'll try again and let you know. The gnocchi was amazing. So was their tiramisu. And their sorbets. Pizza was good too. In fact, everything I had here was sock knocking worthy. I'd definitely recommend it if you're in the hood, but just remember the aforementioned two facts; don't be a newb like I was.
(4)Kristen K.
Solid Italian food for the price, but I'm not sure what all the fuss is about. There's not a ton of great Italian in the neighborhood, so Celeste definitely comes out on top, but I've never really been wowed by the food. The daily specials are definitely the best bet here. Wine selection is good and is at a price that's not going to break the bank. Their butternut squash ravioli is my favorite thing there, but unfortunately is only a seasonal special. Generally I've enjoyed their pasta dishes more than their meat dishes, which I've sometimes found to be a bit dry or unflavorful. The atmosphere is cozy and romantic, although the tables are squished together very closely. There's also not usually room to wait inside, so when it gets cold you may be waiting outside for table.
(3)Maxine W.
Love this place. My neighborhood go-to spot for a low key good Italian meal. I love their thin crust wood fired pizzas. My husbands fave is the linguine vongole with clams. Totally delish. Although I have tried quite a few items off the menu and nothing has ever been bad. The daily specials are great too. For desert - love their cheese platter (especially when it comes with the stories of where they are from and how they were made lol!). You can't make a reservation so make sure you get there early as there is always a line for this place.
(5)Lili K.
I heard this place is always packed, and it definitely was, even for a Monday night! They don't seat you unless everyone's there (since it's so packed), but we didn't have to wait much when we got there, so yay to that! They start you off with some bread and olive oil, nom. I had their rigatone bolognese pasta, which had huge pasta tubes to 'em with some meat sauce and mushrooms. After I had them load it with some shredded cheeese, it was pretty tasty. The servers are all really enthusiastic and super friendly as well!
(4)Marine G.
Top! Great place with a cool atmosphere. Food is very good and service is OK. We had the tagliatelle with cabbage and shrimps - highly recommended! The insalati with eggplant is good too and our montepulciano was delicious. One of the best restaurant in the UWS. Be careful though: Cash only!
(4)Caitlin Z.
Love coming here for brunch and dinner. Great food and great service. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for great Italian food on the upper west side.
(5)Marc L.
Unbelievably good Italian food! From bread to spinach salad to veal medallions to Panna cotta dessert. We're in nyc for only three days this trip. Probably will plan another meal here before we leave... it's that good! It it were in my neighborhood I'd be here at least once a week.
(5)James M.
Beet salad was excellent, I also had the tagliatelle pasta with cabbage and baby shrimp. It was very light and flavorful. Service was solid and the prices were reasonable.
(4)Jennifer M.
Excellent food and friendly staff. Its been about two months since the last time I was at Celeste but from what I remember everything I tried was great. Delicious food, absolutely fantastic. I am a huge fan of Italian and I stumbled upon this little gem while in Upper West Side. Celeste is a great place for the ambience. So if you are looking for great Italian food with great and quick service this place is a must go! The portions here were very generous, the prices quite reasonable plus the food was exquisite! My Veal special was pretty good, but I don't think they were the best I've ever had. We had the Ravioli and a few other dishes that were all very delicious. I ordered the Fried zucchini flowers while my friend ordered the Egg noodles with crab meat. Service was quick and friendly, they make you feel like family. Anything we needed, was fulfilled. Can't wait to come back. It was a great experience; Awesome!
(5)Kelly B.
I see reason to get Italian from anywhere else, ever. I never want to get Italian on vacation, with coworkers near work, with friends downtown - it will never live up to Celeste (unless of course it is Celeste's sister restaurant downtown). This place is not a fancy Italian place and that is one of the reasons I love it. The food is incredible, fresh, thoughtful and not to mention, affordable! My boyfriend and I come here at least once per month and typically get an appetizer, bottle of wine, two entrees and it is only around $100 - where else in NYC can you do that and have the food and wine be such high quality?? The owner of this place is great and always talks to recurring customers, often knowing them by name. He is real with us when there is a wait and just says "go get a drink and come back". If you are looking for amazing Italian food, then you should go to Celeste.
(5)Hannah H.
The Piccolo platter of cheese and the different 'toppings' were fantastic, so I highly recommend in getting that (like the honey and the jellies). The egg pasta stuffed with spinach and ricotta with butter & sage sauce was a little bland, but the egg pasta was cooked well. My sister's gnocchi was tomato-based and was good. Service was friendly, and I would like to go back to try out their other dishes as well as to get their cheese platter! +Piccolo platter +egg pasta +gnocchi (tomato-based)
(3)Jacqui R.
As new to NYC and the UWS, my husband and I do "neighborhood date night" each Friday. We had been missing a really good Italian restaurant until tonight. Celeste is really a wonderful neighborhood trattoria. Informal, noisy, bustling....with really good and really inexpensive food. The ravioli with ricotta, spinach and sage was absolutely delicious. I echo the people who term it crowded, but that's part of its charm. I would recommend either going early (6-6:30) or after 8:30 if you don't want to wait on line. Definitely return trips in our future.
(4)Maryanne N.
Completely disappointing. The food was ok. The service abysmal and I will never go back and never give them another dime. There were five of us meeting for dinner on a cold Sunday night. My fiance and I got there first and even though it was empty at the time we were told they couldn't seat us until our party arrived. When we were all there (about 2 minutes later) they sat us in a tiny corner in the back when we easily could have taken a slightly more comfortable spot (no table here is really comfortable b/c they pack you in like sardines). In an attempt to give us a little breathing room we pulled the tables out but were promptly scolded by the waiter. So whatever - screw comfort right? We all ended up ordering specials - two of us got the steak special, two got the fish special and one got the pizza special. The pizza came way ahead of the other dishes which was a little ridiculous. Either that person eats while we all stare longingly or they wait and then eat cold pizza. Serving like that is unacceptable. When the rest of our entrees arrived the waiter asked if we needed anything and my fiance asked for some parmigiano for his pizza. The waiter first corrected his pronunciation in a very snide way (my Brooklyn Italian would like to knock his whatever fake ass Italian off his block for that. do NOT correct your customer) and then responded that he would rather not give it to him b/c it would "ruin" the "good" cheese. I tasted his pizza. It was ok. But the parmigiano would have added a nice nuttiness and frankly if someone asks for something give it to them. This sort of attitude was there throughout the meal. The waiter tried to recommend wine and when we just ordered two glasses (the other three were hungover and abstaining) he sniffed and walked away. When we ordered our steaks he said "medium rare" and when I asked for medium he told me it was better medium rare. I wanted medium. This wasn't an option for debate. It was how I wanted my damn meat cooked. Please don't tell me how to eat. The steak that was ordered medium rare came out medium and mine was a medium well so it didn't matter anyway. When the bill came three times the waiter came by to check on us and three times we weren't ready (mainly b/c we had to run out to the ATM b/c each of us forgot cash). Which brings me to my final point. Cash only eh? I can almost guarantee you this shady business is cooking the books to a) not pay their employees their full tips/pay and also b) not paying taxes on their full earnings. The owner gives off a slimey vibe (i've dealt with him on some neighborhood issues before and he's just not a nice guy). Will never go back.
(2)Anuj P.
The ravioli here is special and tastes and feels like it's made in Italy. It can truly be in any gourmet or top restaurant for sure and be a star dish of the menu.. It's that good. Light filling and perfectly made pasta. The pizza was very good too. Light and tasty and perfect for one person. Fast and friendly service. Fairly priced. They have a brunch menu as well.
(4)Viv T.
Very, very good Italian food. I especially recommend the tagliatelle. Although the monochromatic color scheme doesn't make it the most visually beautiful dish, the actual taste of it is fantastic and totally different from any other type of Italian fare I've had. The sauce is light yet creamy, the veggie is soft and flavorful, and they are very generous with the shrimp bites. Crowded, but the line moves pretty quickly (on a weekday night, our party of 2 was 4-5 groups back in line, but only waited around 10 minutes), and cash only!
(5)Belinda L.
Celeste doesn't have a sign and the place next to it has the same address which was puzzling at first, but it's a neat place. A bit tight but I like the space itself, and like the food, it seemed authentic Italian. Also, the staff was very friendly and attentive. They checked up on us twice. There is only one bathroom which took a while, especially since we were there towards closing time on a Thursday night; but, the wait staff did take note and when they found out it was another staff member inside, made them hurry! The cash only policy would be my only reason for not going there more often, aside from the fact that I'm rarely in the UWS...but if I were, I'd go again! :)
(4)Monica H.
Really?! How great is Celeste! CASH ONLY is the only caveat. They open at 5p for dinner, it gets crowded fast so get here early. They make their own pasta. The pasta special tonight was phenomenal (eggplant, tomatoes, cheese, YUM), the chocolate cake dessert is outstanding. I love this spot sooo much!
(5)Julia S.
Celeste is one of those restaurants that if someone from the neighborhood doesn't talk to you about it, you wouldn't know about it's existence. Luckily for me, I heard about this place back in 2007 and keep going back since then. The food here is as authentic as it gets, simple ingredients but super well made and tasty Italian food, just the way it's supposed to be, like Nonna's house! The owner is always present, conversation between him and the servers in Italian only, which to me it's a good sign. Place is small but super cozy, tables for two are often super close to each other, but if you are opened to conversations it can be fun. Bottom line is that here it should be all about the food, and I can promise you that you will leave happy!
(5)Giancarlo B.
Nice little place w good food. excellent fried artichokes and parsley, delicious artichoke salad and average pasta dishes. The meal was very reasonably priced for NYC. The manager was a bit pushy but our waitress was delightful. Dessert was tiramisu and also very good.
(3)Nisa C.
Great food, friendly service and really nice atmosphere. I love this place! I wish they took credit cards so I didn't have to think in advance, but totally worth it. Their specials are always great and the owner is always incredibly welcoming and charismatic. One of our Upper West Side favorites!
(5)Linda B.
Amazing food... Simple, fresh and delicious. Crowded but the servers do an amazing job under pressure. Good value for the location. Be sure to sample a home-made pasta...our table had several. Each more delicious than the last...pizza was excellent too!!
(4)Stephen S.
I'm super lucky to be living only a block away from this hole in the wall gem, complete with its owner managing the dining room himself, ensuring you get a table as soon as possible, that your food and service is stellar. We've come here a few times and enjoyed everything immensely. Gnocchi, pizzas, pappardelle bolognese, salads, soups, you name it. Everything is simple homemade Italian and amazing. I don't eat shellfish, but our couple friends were gushing over the mussels, which apparently aren't on the menu every day. Definitely get the tiramisu. It's quite possibly the best you have ever eaten. Keep in mind there is a wait after 7pm nearly every night, and worse in the warmer months. I know this because I walk home past it almost every night, and there are always people waiting outside. Also remember this is a CASH ONLY place. Make sure you bring enough.
(5)Hiral D.
I'm not one to write poor reviews but I feel this place is deserving of one. Celeste had great reviews so I was excited to try it. I came here on a Friday night late February around 10 pm with three other girls. We were looking to have a low key girly night with good food. When we arrived and said we'd like a table for four the waitress seemed irritated but we had made sure to check that we weren't showing up too late since we didn't want to be rude and arrive as a restaurant is closing. We ordered two different types of pizza, gnocchi, and ravioli and paired it with wine. The food was decent-nothing spectacular. However if we asked any question at all regarding wine or other items on the list we were given an attitude. We also noticed they turned the heat off on us and the food became cold very quickly. We knew for a fact they turned the heat off because my friend forgot her purse and when we came back to retrieve it, it was nice and cozy again. They were definitely trying to rush us out throughout the meal by asking if they could take our plates or wine every 5 to 10 minutes. There weren't any other patrons in the restaurant so perhaps they wanted to close early but they were just so mean and maybe instead of seating us they could have said sorry we're closing early so please go elsewhere. It's also cash only. My recommendation is if you want good Italian food go to Uva in Yorkville. There is fantastic food and service. If you're looking for thin crust quality pizza, go to san matteo pizza and espresso bar.
(1)Tamar H.
Well... Just walked out after waiting for food, which never came, for over than 40 minutes!!! The waitress, un apologetically, suggested we leave after she pointed out she doesn't work in the kitchen! (What do they pay her for?!) Went there about two years ago and the food was decent however, since it seems they have raised their prices in addition to reducing their service, there is, officially, no reason to return there. Ever.
(1)Ell C.
I would go back to this spot and definitely being friends. I am forever looking for pizza that might be the slightest better than New Haven pizza here in NYC. It is quite difficult but I do give restos a shot. Celeste has a four topping personal pizza Quattro Stagioni (prosciutto mushrooms tomato artichokes and mozzarella) which was a nice treat. My explaining it's taste to you will not do it justice. The desert selection was a typical Italian array. I especially enjoyed that the owner made an effort to greet all the guests. A very nice touch. Andiamo!
(3)Sorin O.
Not worth trying it or going back due to the rude staff!!!!! To be honest the food is good, not amazing enough to go back and be treated like shit!! This is based on one dish that I had it 3 times. Every time that I went back the staff is either very short or rude with me. Last time they forgot something with my order and they said that they don't do it like other restaurants. However when I've dined in they surely did it, but not for to go orders. Strange!!! Today I've decided to do another pick up order and I've asked for mozzarella on a side and without telling me they charged me $2 extra (when I called they didn't even mentioned the total and just hang up on me). My girlfriend mentioned that we never asked for extra and the staff said that "you asked for extra parmesan and mozzarella." Which we never did ( we only wanted mozzarella, aside), and based on her tone we asked for a refund on the extra charges granted that we are giving their little cheese that they gave us back (it was a quarter of a small container, I am not exaggerating). One staff member said that is her first day and she can't do anything about it. At that point another staff member came over and threw the tiny little cheese container in the bag and said GOODBYE, BYE BYE!!! This is not the first time that they were rude to us, however this time they took it to another level. I will make sure that everyone knows their level of unprofessionalism and rudeness and never to step foot in this restaurant. I felt like making a scene and ask for the manager when i was verbally kicked out of the restaurant, but did not want ruin other people's dinner. I will proceed and contact the ownership since we were simply just trying to pick up our dinner. There are plenty of other good restaurants in this neighborhood. Just this morning we had brunch at Jacob's Pickle and even being extremely busy they were so nice to us. To whoever reads this review please do yourself a favor and go somewhere else. This review is based on multiple visits there and accepting their rudeness. I truly hope they change because there's no need to treat someone like that.
(1)Jenny D.
The only reason I marked this review a 4 is due to the small space. It's cozy but very crowded. Get the ravioli. And the bitter chocolate cake. Or tiramisu. And, of course, wine. You will be so stuffed full of authentic Italian deliciousness and happy for days. Celeste offers some of the best Italian on the UWS. The owner hangs out while you're dining and always talks to everyone...such a cool connection with customers. Just note it is cash only. But go. Go now. It's amazing.
(4)Yoav H.
We just had the worst experience. We ordered the salmon well cooked. It was rare. My wife had a Peroni beer in a glass. The waiter came and poured water inside the glass by mistake. We told him there was beer inside, so he took the glass, no apologies no new beer. Unbelievable. And for that we paid 90$
(2)Dolls P.
If you want to be treated like crap, then come to Celeste! I've been here three times with my boyfriend and I wish that I would've learned my lesson after the first. The staff, especially the woman with the short hair with a nose earring is extremely dismissive and incredibly rude. Tonight is definitely my last visit. The food is really not that good enough to deal with the terrible service. There is a pattern with this place which other Yelpers have mentioned. I'll only get into my last experience tonight which was my final visit. The lady abruptly hung up the phone on me when i was in the middle of a takeout order. When i went to pick up the food, they had me waiting forever for my change. i wasn't' surprised since waiting a long time and being ignored seems to be the restaurant culture. After I've asked for the change, they had the nerve to say i don't have any because they added more charges to the initial bill they showed me. Seriously??? They charged me for something that was ridiculous and decide to not tell me by taking all of my money. They have such a bad attitude, i'm not sure how they are still in business.
(1)Elizabeth A.
This was my second time at Celeste. I was pleasantly surprised to be seated immediately at prime dinner time on a Thursday night. The place is small and cozy, with a nice atmosphere of being busy but not terribly loud. The service was also very attentive and friendly. Unfortunately, the Pacccheri Ricotta Pomodoro left something to be desired. The pasta itself was thick and delicious, but the sauce was incredibly bland and seemed to lack the Ricotta promised by the name. My boyfriend's Rigatoni Bolognese was significantly more flavorful. But when I asked for a side of the Bolognese sauce to liven up my own dish (which I was happy to pay extra for) the chef denied my request. Sad. I ended up loading on extra salt and cheese to my plate to make it a little more palatable. Overall, the food is reasonably priced (and remember: CASH ONLY!) and the place is cute, but the food seems to be nothing special (my last experience here was equally "meh"). Next time, I'll walk over to nearby Osteria Cotta for a more exciting meal.
(2)Karin S.
Very cute and charming Italian restaurant on the Upper West Side. The owner greeted us outside on the street and walked us in to sit by a table with an open window to the street. The staff was attentive and quick to bring us fresh bread and olive oil. We had the fried calamari and shrimp which was delicious! Then had the pasta with fresh tomato sauce and Mozzarella. It truly felt like a family run business which I love. Will definitely be back!
(5)Amphitrite W.
This is a solid restaurant where the food tastes good but without being special. The service is decent and the price is in the normal range of what you would expect for the location. If I am in the mood for Italian food, but nothing fancy, simply something to eat I would go back, but again, there are better restaurants around for a special event or even a nice dinner.
(3)Lizi C.
Welp Yelp, that was disappointing. Yet another "4 star" restaurant on Yelp that has been a big disappointment. I think 3 stars overall all is even too generous. I ordered the salmon and was asked if I wanted medium. I initially thought they must be serving size, but they were legitimately asking me if I wanted it cooked rare, medium or well done. Okay I guess although seems kind of atypical? This scared me a little so I asked for it well done. Miraculously the fish was actually cooked perfectly (crispy on the outside, but still moist on the inside). This was the best part of the meal. The salmon came with some green veggies which were served in a cold heap. My friend ordered the gnocchi which was really uninspired. The tomato sauce was bland and tasted canned tomato sauce. She didn't even finish half her dish and didn't bother to take home the leftovers. We ordered the fried vegetable appetizer which was a waste of caloric intake. Really was just oil soaked deep fried slabs of carrots, onions, eggplant with some of that canned tomato sauce to dip in. They were very soggy. Someone was raving about the bread with olive oil? Seriously have they never eaten bread before? The bread was tough and made by jaw tired so I had to ditch it. The servers were quick, but sloppy. Random people would just come out and haphazardly set dishes on the table. When they pour the water, they spilled it on my friends main course twice, but were already walking away to haphazardly give the next table a splash. Cash only. The place was relatively busy. I guess the prices are okay, maybe that is the appeal? I don't plan on going back. There are so many other places to try that must be better than this. Honestly I'm tempted to give 2 stars, but I guess will keep it at 3 since the Salmon came out decently.
(3)Amanda G.
It's a little bit of a wait, but once you're inside they make you feel at home! I love this restaurant for dinners and small celebrations. The pizza is amazing as well as their homemade pasta. The gnocchi is probably my favorite - it melts in your mouth! Bring cash or have venmo ready with large groups!
(5)Zizi Q.
Unassuming, unpretentious, but excellent Italian quisine. You might forget you're in New York, not Italy!! Try the artichoke salad appetizer. It can get crowded, so prepare for a half-hour wait on evenings. Also, the margherita pizza is great. But don't be surprised if it takes a while for them to serve it to you- it takes a long time to make a pizza! The place is a bit squishy, but overall, it's a great place to eat.
(4)Jenny W.
The menu online is misleading - the pizza I ordered over the phone was 12 dollars on their website and $16 when I went to pick up in the restaurant. The waitress suggested me speak with the manager and the manager was rude to me. I simply told him what I saw on the website and he just asked me to leave without showing any respect. I had to leave with empty hands. Maybe it's time for you to update your "15-year-old" website and misleading prices. Most importantly, you run a restaurant so you need to watch your attitude!
(1)Fernanda C.
The food is good but very tight space and cash only. Why is this possible in Manhattan, to be honest is very inconvenient.
(2)Estelle P.
I love this place!! I had their Quatro Stazione Pizza and their Linguine with clams and garlic- both of the dishes were flavorful. As others mentioned, you can tell their food is authentic and well-made. This place was also filled when I came in with my cousin, and we had to sit on a wobbly table:/, which is why I took off a star.
(4)Mike F.
Celeste is a dimly lit Italian restaurant with a semi-authentic Italian feel. The tables are quite close together and it gets a little loud at the busy hours. My party ordered a variety of dinner items: mussels, rigatoni bolognese, breaded chicken, and eggplant. All of us were very impressed with the quality and unique flavors from each dish. We started with 2 bottles of wine and ended with some delicious Italian gelato. If you're in the UWS and looking for a quality Italian meal, check this place out. Just expect to wait at the busy times.
(4)Elaine H.
A definite five star Italian restaurant. I have been introduced to this place by my friend who lives in upper west area and she suggested me to try the shrimp egg noodle, it was too much for me yet I finished it all as it was sooooooo good - the best cooked egg noodle I have ever had in New York. Even though my commute to here was very inconvenient, I decided to come here as often as possible!
(5)Sam C.
I've been here twice. Place is small and not good for big parties. Both times I did not wait long for a table. However, the food is mediocre. I had pasta both times and it was salty. My husband order the margarita pizza and that was average. Nothing to rave about. I'm not sure why people claim this is good Italian place when we had better else where.
(3)Danielle D.
Very authentic cute (but small) italian place. The homemade pasta is incredible- especially the gnocchi. Their fried artichoke appetizer is very unique and tasty. The staff (who are mostly Italian) are friendly and knowledgeable. I've been here 3 times and every experience was great. As an Italian myself, I am very picky about Italian food - and this spot passes the test. My 2 recommendations: 1- don't forget cash and 2- try to go at an off time so you aren't cramped at the table. It's a small restaurant and it does get crowded.
(4)Martin G.
This is more an obligatory homage than a review. Like bowing toward Mecca. Ho-hum, another 5 star review for the great and legendary Celeste. Worth the wait and worth a trip to the cash machine to sample the best, freshest and most authentic Roman food north of 14th street at suspiciously reasonable prices in an unadorned and unexpected setting. Can never go wrong with whatever the daily special is. Other than that, go for the homemade pastas where possible, and make sure somebody gets a seafood dish.
(5)Jason G.
Really has the vibe of a authentic Italian restaurant, but it falls short. Ultimately, my meal was just fish with some seasoning, french fries, and escarole. My friend's meal was a steak, french fries, and escarole. Tasty, but disappointing! For dessert, I had some kind of apple cake, that really reminded me of my grandma's Charlotte (and she is from Belarus, not Italy). Still, it's good food, the staff speak Italian, and there's lots of stuff to try. Perhaps the pizza or the pasta would win me over. I'm curious enough to come back.
(4)LeAnne B.
Not somewhere to take your time eating cause it's a little packed and crazy but for good reason! The pasta is probably the best I've had and the sauce was phenomenal. Very fresh ingredients and no cheese needed because the tomato sauce itself was sooooo awesome! Plus the waiters were speaking to each other in Italian, which definitely felt more authentic
(5)Juan F.
This place is fairly a bad place. I've had authentic Italian food, there is nothing authentic about this place.there's more flavor in chef boyardi. The food was absolutely flavorless. If I cooked some pasta and poured some sauce on it, it would've been the same. The wait staff were supremely rude. I highly don't recommend this spot! By a can of pasta instead it's the same food!
(1)Michele L.
When you enter Celeste, you are transported to a small neighborhood restaurant in Italy with loud and occasionally brash servers, delicious pastas (try the tagliatelle with shrimp, cabbage, and egg noodles!), and the best red sauce in town. The space is cramped but rustic and the bread they give you at the beginning is nice and chewy. Come as early as possible (by 6:30) to avoid a 1+ hour wait!
(4)Nadia D.
The food here was pretty good, however, when I asked to order a second glass of wine after dinner, they would not serve it to me unless I ordered a dessert or cheese plate. The reason is because they do not have a bar, so you have to be eating in order to drink? It doesn't make any sense and when I questioned the owner, he stuck to this stipulation. Bad business. Will never return and would not recommend to any one.
(1)A And A.
Celeste came highly recommended by a friend. He urged us to show up early since the place only has a few tables that fill up quickly. We started with the Burrata which was creamy and very tasty. For our main we decided on the Quattro Staggione pizza and the shrimp pasta. The place felt a bit cramped and service wasn't exactly friendly but the food was great!
(4)Jeff Y Laura K.
Highly impressed by the food. The quality of ingredients is the key here, just the olive oil you dip your bread in will leave you breathless. There was not a dominant flavor that overpowered the whole dish. everything was smooth-- not too tomatoey, not too garlicky, not too creamy. It was just right. We had the ravioli, halibut, clam linguini and tiramisu. It was all phenomenal. Great service, a little bit of a wait, cash only. Recommended.
(4)Stephy R.
5 stars because I've been here multiple times, the quality & authenticity of the food paired with Italian waitstaff can't be beat! I absolutely love Celeste! They atmosphere is very intimate so if you like eating at restaurants with tons of space this might not be a good choice for you, it's cozy...but I say experience it anyway the food is delicious! Try a fresh pizza! Prepared & baked in a brick oven pizza for guests to view...my favorite the Margherita ;) The fresh, in-house made pasta options makes you realize you never knew what real pasta tasted like :) try the Ricotta & Spinach Ravioli in butter sauce mmmm The Rigatone Bolognese is delicious! Imported pasta made with only wheat flour may change your mind about wheat pasta...cooked al dente pairs perfectly with this delicious sauce For dessert try the Ricotta cheesecake! & for the full experience ask your waiter to repeat the specials or engage them in a conversation...the Italian accents are beautiful to hear :) all that with the cute, domestic decor makes you want to come back & bring friends!
(5)H K.
Such good pasta! I've had a hard time finding really good pasta here in NY (Yes, I know Italian and Italian American restaurants are opening up left and right in the NYC area, but I haven't really loved any of the new offerings). But this is the first time I've been back to Celeste in years, and it doesn't disappoint. The downside? It's crowded, even at 6pm. I guess that's what happens when a restaurant offers good food at reasonable prices.
(4)Hana L.
I would highly recommend the quattro stagioni! We tried it as the reviews suggested, and we loved all four of the quadrants of pizza! The thin crust was perfectly crisp and not burnt, and the cheese was nice and stringy. It's a good portion size for two, but we'd also ordered calamari as an appetizer - it wasn't the best calamari I've ever had, but it was still good. The ambiance was cozy and romantic, but a little too tight for my taste. We were so close to the table next to us that we might as well have been seated together.
(4)William M.
Good, small, neighborhood go-to restaurant. We tried the lentil soup - good but easy to do at home - and the margherita pizza - nice, crispy, chewy crust but the toppings were not otherworldly and seemed borderline over-salted. The wines are mostly italian and the Sicilian wine I tried was decent but nothing special. Great expressos! The ambiance is relaxed and comforting with a wall of someone's china on one side. The servers were friendly but we came in at 10 on a Sunday and before we had finished the staff were eagerly making their way out the door - understandable but disconcerting all the same. We've had better pizza in the city but if you're looking for a bite to eat in the neighborhood you can't go wrong at Celeste.
(3)David K.
Great prices, excellent basic Italian food. You should be prepared to wait at least 15min for a table. In the season you should ask for Jumbo Mussels..
(4)Gayatri M.
I wouldn't be able to rate the food here because I couldn't even have a proper conversation with the owner of this restaurant, let alone eat there. He had a terrible attitude and sense of customer service. And it was apparently beneath him to even tell me what the wait would be for 3 people. In his own words, "the conversation starts by you telling me your name, or I'm ending it." Never heard anyone greeting any human like that ever, let alone a customer. The food may be good, but I wouldn't stand to be treated like this by this man.
(1)Steve S.
We discovered this place about 4 years ago. We travel back to NYC (live here for many years) and stay on the Upper West about 5-6 times a year and Celeste is a must stop for us on every trip. We were walking down Amsterdam looking for a place to eat and saw this place with no sign, but it was crowded and in fact people waiting outside. I went in and put our name up - party of 2. Although there was many ahead of us, we were only two, so we got seated fast. Tables of 4 or more will take much longer because they have to time it right so they don't leave seats idle. Now to the food. For 4 years, I have never had a bad meal in this place. I am a fish-eating vegetarian, so I guess a pescatarian, so have only had those things on the menu that work to that restriction. That said, I am always amazed at my meal, and how much I love this place. The other night, we had the Artichoke Salad (Carciofini e Parmigiano) - this is amazing every time we have it and the other night we asked for the recipe...the owner cryptically gave it to us, which was enough, because it's all about what type of artichokes and how they prepare them. I can't wait to try it myself. Then, I had a pasta with mixed seafood, like zuppa de pesce (not sure that is what they call it), but it was the best that I have ever had, without question. Perfect, homemade al dente pasta, the seafood was cooked absolutely perfectly to the second, and the flavor of the sauce was not overtaking the whole dish, but was making this perfectly prepared meal, amazing! My partner had the tagliatelle with shrimp, cabbage and sheep milk pecorino- she said it was freaking amazing...need I say more. Actually we shared, and I agree. I think words could not describe how good this meal was and how much we love this place. Ok, so sometimes you might have to wait. Get over it, this is a great restaurant, one of the true gems on the UWS, so stop complaining. It is like a slice of Italy, in NYC, like a bistro so the tables are close and the atmosphere is loud. If you don't want that, don't go. If you can deal with that, relax and this will be one of the best meals you will get in NY, for cheap, but cash only. On the service, we have only found it to be fast and sharp, actually sometimes a bit aggressive. Not overly, still friendly and not stodgy, casual, but a bit hovering. You are not going to sit in the restaurant for 3 hours and dine, get over it. There are very few if any restaurants in NYC that I want to eat in every time I am here, but this is one.
(5)Nick A.
Looking for amazing Italian food? This is the place! Make sure to bring CASH! This is cash only. This is a great place very small and close knit. I enjoy every meal I have here. This is the type of Italian restaurant you do not need to tell them what wine you want. You just tell them to bring you whatever wine they suggest and it will be perfect for whatever meal you may have. I will always go back to Celeste.
(5)Laura O.
My family has been going to this place for years, and we will be there promptly at 5 PM so we even have a chance at getting a table. Yes, we will eat at the same time as senior citizens just to eat here. I'm confused as to why people say this food is not authentic Italian. Perhaps these are the same people who think chicken parm subs are authentic italian cuisine. Honestly, the complaints about the service is ridiculous. The place is cramped and ALWAYS crowded, the waiters do not have time to stand around and kiss any a$$. If that is what you want, this is the wrong place for you. If you had a meal in Italy, you would likely get the same abrupt European treatment. Cry about it. This place is no longer a well kept secret, so be prepared to wait since they do not take reservations. Also, bring lots of cash, because they do not take cards.
(4)Jake S.
Finally went here after living in UWS for almost 3 years! The ambiance is nice - very cute, brick walls, etc etc. The wait is usually on the longer side (30 m - 1 h) even on week nights unless you get there 5-6pm. Once my party of 4 was in, the service was great, quickly took our drink orders, and got us some yummy yummy bread and olive oil to snack on. one of the pizzas and vodka penne were the hits for the table, but everyone really enjoyed their meals. They actually do pick up orders as well (found this out as a couple of people came through as we were waiting), so you can enjoy the food at home (but you do miss out on the ambiance) will definitely be back!
(4)Eileen C.
I LOVE Celeste. Note that this place is CASH ONLY!!! The restaurant is amazing but the space is small so obviously there will be a wait. The prices are amazing (especially in New York) and the food is to die for. Their specials are always really good so really pay attention to those. I love their pizzas and their pastas (mo mo is my favorite). The people that work here are fun too. One day I came with a suitcase and was worried what to do with it since the restaurant is so small but the owner let me put it conveniently in his car. My friends were 20 minutes late but the owner was sweet enough to talk to me which is rare in NYC. This place is an awesome place with good vibes and even better food!
(5)Michelle R.
Based on my experience for a Thursday 5:30pm dinner, it's a solid 4 stars. Ordered a Grilled Portobello Mushroom Goat Cheese Salad (Special) and the Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli with Sage and Butter. Both were delicious. Simple Italian food and at very reasonable prices. I did go early because I am very aware of the long wait, so I planned for an early dinner and I was absolutely satisfied being in this little restaurant with not so many customers which allowed me to experience great service.
(4)Monica L.
hands down the best pasta place in the upper west. every out of towner guest of mine gets taken here and falls in love with it just as much. cash only.
(5)A Z.
Celeste has an authentic trattoria feel and it smells phenomenal. I've only been for pizza-fantastic- but I look forward to going back and trying a pasta dish or two.
(4)Saumya S.
This incident occurred October 17th, on friday at 5:00 pm. I entered your restaurant with my 2.5 year old, who loves pasta. As i entered the host (Davide) seated me in a two's table, chairs facing each other. I requested to have a table where I can sit next to my son so as to feed him his dinner. I told them that we were here only to eat pasta and will be done in a quick 30-40 minute session. Davide refused to seat me in an otherwise empty restaurant. I told him to please help me and make an exception and again that we will be done way before the rush dinner hour. David's problem was that we were only two and could not be given a threes table or an extra chair but your whole restaurant was EMPTY except for two to three table of families. So i tell David, Thats fine but this doesn't work for me and start towards the exit. He comes up behind me and tell me, you can do whatever you want in your restaurant. This is not your restaurant. Matter of fact my family owns hotels and restaurant and I have always been part of the hospitality business. I have never encountered such a jerk in the business. What is the need to say that or confront me??? Why?? Then I turn around to talk to him and he literally yells at me and attempts to throw me out and points to the door. Excuse me but all this is happening in front of my son. Who wants to see themselves insulted like this in front of their children. I was leaving, so what was the need to behave in such a mocking fashion. Another waiter came and apologized to me and handed me your visiting card and told me to call and complain. David left me in tears and for what?!!
(1)Mariah P.
Cute place, host was very friendly and seemed to be good friends with every other person who came through the door. We were seated immediately and the wait staff was very responsive and knowledgable. The starter bread was very stale (but free so not sure if I can criticize??) but the olive oil was very flavorful. We ordered the fried ricotta as an appetizer. We were excited to try something not often seen on Italian menus in restaurants in the area. I thought it was great, my boyfriend thought it tasted like bland tofu. Can't win them all. The two pasta dishes were delicious. I would recommend. P.S. It's cash only and no ATM. Come prepared!
(4)Scott Y.
Food is above average for sure. But cramped tables create a pressure to order and finish in a speedy mode. I happened to spill my wine but when my friend asked for another napkin, it seemed waiter couldn't be careless and didn't say anything as a cordial gesture "are you okay?" Not even expected to get a new glass of wine but it was not an amicable dining experience at all. We all know this place does not accept reservation and only cash so be with it but if you want to take it slow, I think you need to go other Italian restaurant in the neighborhood or travel a bit to Paola's
(3)Susan K.
I've been itching to go to this restaurant. I always see long lines and hordes of people waiting outside even in the dead of winter. So I figured restaurant week might be a good time to try when others are splurging. What a disappointment. The food was quite tasty and inexpensive, but the service was horrendous. Our waitress came and asked for our orders about 60 seconds after we sat down and seemed annoyed that we hadn't yet decided. After ordering a salad, they brought our main dish about five minutes later, while we were very obviously still eating the salad. At least a quarter of the tables were empty. What was the big rush? Not a relaxing dining experience.
(2)Rebecca L.
An average dining experience here at Celeste. Inside feels like a small Mom & Pop shop with lots of energy. Pros: 1) Portion size- you are definitely served a nice portion for the price of the meal. I've never seen so much gnocchi on a plate. Portions are large enough to share. 2) Attentive staff Cons: 1) Food was average. My rigatoni meat sauce was a bit oily while the gnocchi sauce was bland. 2) The bathroom scared me. It was old and dingy and I felt like I was in a seedy bar restroom. 3) Cash only. While I was content with my dining experience here at Celeste, I definitely came in with expectations that weren't met.
(3)Janice T.
If you're looking for good Italian food... you can't go wrong with this place! Italian is usually not my go-to food but I thoroughly enjoyed the food here. For dessert, you must get their tiramisu cake and the limoncello dessert (yes, get both). I would be willing to come back. Great service as well. Cash only.
(4)Klarissa L.
This is one of my friends' (who is Italian) favorite Italian restaurant in the city. He's been here several times as he used to live in the area, but this was my first time here. Few quick important things ... 1. They will not seat you until your entire party is there 2. If you don't want to wait, show up right when they open, otherwise there WILL be a line! 3. Cash Only 4. This place is AMAZING!! They open at 5PM for dinner, and we showed up at 4.40pm. It was a rainy day, so there was no one ahead of us, but at around 5pm, there were 3 other groups behind us. Unfortunately, our entire party was not there, so we did not get a table right away. The restaurant was completely packed by 6pm with a line out the door. Luckily our friends arrived around 5.20 and we got the only round table that sits 5 people! This places isn't tiny, but they pack in as many tables as they can, so it's a tight squeeze! Only a few people can be standing at a time, but they make it work. All the servers and the owner is incredibly friendly, helpful and nice. Their bottles of wine are pretty reasonable as well as the price of their food! The Food Artichoke Appetizer - AMAZING, came with fresh mozzarella ... so fresh it reminded me of when I was in Italy Tagliatelle Special with Mushrooms - came with red sauce, didn't have meat, but was still absolutely AMAZING! Noodles were perfectly chewy. Sauce was perfect. Everything was perfect! This was my favorite of the three pastas we got Tagliatelle Con Gamberi E Verza - with Shrimp (first thing under pastas) - Also amazing. Generous amount of shrimp in dish, great flavors and noodles were perfect as well. Cannelloni Pasta with Red Sauce - also very very good. In general, these noodles aren't my favorite, but they were still delicious! Tiramisu Dessert - I'm not a dessert person, but I took a bite and it was pretty good, not too sweet. Among the 5 people, we got two desserts and we finished it all! Everything we got was amazing and so tasty. The place feels authentic, the food tastes authentic. The staff is wonderful and the prices are incredibly reasonable! LOVE LOVE LOVE this place, will definitely be coming back here again, and will definitely recommend to others!
(5)Bill M.
Each time I go here I am never disappointed. Last night was no exception. Started with a watermelon salad that our server, Lydia, highly recommended. It was beyond good. Second dish was the pasta special, tagliatle with eggplant, ricotta cheese, plum tomatoes, etc. delicious. Desert was the lemon Tartuffe, incredibly good. This place is either warm and cozy or cramped in, depending on your mood but the food is always good.
(4)Melanie G.
Small place with 49 people max, a little bit crowded if you have longer legs. Very friendly environment. The manager walked around to check on people and chat. Food was delicious and very Italian. Love all the sauce! Oh, cash only.
(4)Jae K.
It seems the employees here needs some training on customer service. Short hair girl with a nose ring especially seemed bothered by doing her job. Needless to say I will not be back here and if you care about being treated with respect as a customer you should not go here either.
(1)Sebastian K.
It's an OK restaurant. By now we all know I don't quite like the Italian food here in the city. I love Italian food! Don't get me wrong but I make better pasta than any of these guys. Even they use the same dececco pasta that you get in the market. If it were for fresh pasta well, that's another thing. The gnocchi is good as well as the mussels but I'm tired of the same copy-paste menu in every Italian place: calamari, eggplant parmigiana, spaghetti and meatballs, penne alla vodka and I can keep going on. Come on guys! There's more than that in the Italian cuisine. Fettuccine Alfredo? That's not even from Italy!! Anyway it's not a first choice for sure, maybe fourth. The place is too small and the guy next to you can eat from your plate with his tongue.
(3)Thomas W.
I came here with a group of friends after an AM at the American Museum of Natural History. I thoroughly enjoyed this place. I had some of the artichoke salad, and little pizza for an appetizer. The spinach ravioli was very authentic, and I had spaghetti with clam sauce, that was little on the thicker side, but was outstanding. If this place was near my home in Bryant Park I would be there all the time. The decor of the restaurant was very modern, and the staff was very helpful. My one criticism, is that the exterior does not have signage to identify the restaurant. It makes this wonderful modern Italian restaurant difficult to find.
(4)Troy S.
Fantastic food! Great ambience. Very authentic food and atmosphere. A must-eat experience in the UWS!
(5)Vicky S.
I'm sorry I don't know how this restaurant got 4 starts, but I think 2 starts is a fair rate. Service: waiter is not very thoughtful on serving tables, not good at time control at all. Ppl who bring food to the table are slow, and those guys touch your shoulder when serving food, to every female customer as I see, which made me uncomfortable Food: very medium, not surprising at all. Kinda pricy for that price. Don't think we will go back. Think twice before u go, there are tons restaurants in that neighborhood.
(2)Peter S.
One of my favorite Italian restaurants in the city. Food is completely authentic and all the waiters speak Italian, which is great for me but not for them as they have to suffer through it while I practice my 101 Italian on them. centi anni for the this place
(5)Cassie M.
Overall, I liked this place. The staff was friendly albeit a bit hectic (the waiter never brought extra spoons that we asked for) and the pizza was great. I did have some problems with the Vongole I ordered. It's a custom to merge clams in salt water for a while in order to have the clams spit out rocks or anything hard that would distract from enjoying the food. My vongole dish had a savory taste but it was hard to ignore all the hard sand/little rocks I kept chewing. One was particularly big and it really took away the fun, and it was disappointing considering how ppl brand this place to be "authentic Italian" I wasn't expecting a michelin quality since the dish was very affordable, but they should really prep their ingredients better.
(3)Rich M.
I would highly recommend this Italian restaurant to anyone who is in UWS. The Ippoglosso con Limone e Capperi is awesome!
(5)Harika C.
Came here on a Friday night with a friend and it wasn't too crowded. They do expect your entire party to be there before being seated. The place definitely felt authentic and the food was good and the portions were large. I had the special that day which was a pasta with thick egg noodles, fried eggplant, red sauce, parmesan, and ricotta. My friend had the Marguerite pizza which was pretty average. The service was good and the main host was very friendly. The place itself is not "pretty", felt a bit unclean, and had a fish like odor when we walked in. Overall, it was a pretty average dining experience. Good place for dinner with family, friends, or significant others.
(3)Funglin W.
Their homemade pasta is way better than their other pasta selections. I highly recommend the homemade ricotta ravioli! Spinach ricotta ravioli (5) - this homemade ravioli is so amazing. The ricotta cheese makes it extremely flavorful and the thin ravioli really helps to absorb all the flavors in. Pasta Bolognese (4) - pretty delicious for a pasta although nothing compared to the homemade ricotta ravioli. Linguine with Clams & Garlic (3) - there was a bit of a bitterness to this linguine. I pretty much couldn't finish my plate and had to swap with my boyfriend's bolognese. Not only was the sauce too dry, but there weren't much of a clam or garlic flavor. It almost tasted like pasta with olive oil.
(4)Glenn K.
This is as authentic as it gets, same feel as when I ate in Bari. This restaurant does not disappoint. The food is outrageous starting with the homemade triangle spinach ravioli in a butter and sage sauce, to a veal entrée with capers, sautéed spinach and perfectly roasted potato's. Wait staff is very busy but very organized and courteous. The prices are great, but remember CASH ONLY. One star is missing because way too small, you sit on top of each other. The best table in the house is in the back to the right and holds a party of five. Next time I will be going back with more people to fill that table. Ricotta cheesecake was also very good. Shout out to Carmine the owner, you know how to run a restaurant and what your guests are looking for when it comes to Italian food.
(4)Andy V.
Come for the Pizza, Stay for the Wine! You know you've chosen the right pizza place when you can smell the pizza cooking and there's a guy in the back tossing the dough old-school. One of the things I miss about NYC is the Pizza. I live in the Boston area and I've tried just about every "best in New England" joint and none compare to what you can get at the average pizza place in NYC. Not that Celeste is average. Far from it. We ordered the Margherita Pizza and the Quattro Stagioni, which was sufficient for four people (after starting with the fried zucchini flowers stuffed with cheese, of douse). Thin crust, just enough cheese so it makes a string from slice to your mouth after you bite in to it. We finished with the Tirimisu which was quite heavy and filling and missing a few lady-fingers. One special bonus is the rather extensive wine selection by the glass and which was attractively priced. We were lucky to avoid the long lines as we came during the Portugal - U.S.A. World Cup game and Celeste has no T.V. Oh well, lucky for us! We'll definitely return on our next visit and wish we could take a pie home!
(5)Veronica M.
I had good food at this restaurant a couple of months ago, but this time I had such a negative experience that I doubt I will ever go there again. Two of us were the first to arrive out of a party of four. They refused to seat us until the other two arrived, even though the restaurant was nearly empty. They asked us to wait in the corner on some shabby chairs and we complied. Obviously we expected to be seated when the third in our party arrived, because three people require a table for four. But they still refused to seat us, saying the manager who wasn't there wouldn't allow it. They finally conceded that we could sit and order, but if the fourth person arrived after we ordered they would only be allowed to order salad and pizza! I suppose my eighty eight year old grandmother could have sat at a table by herself and order whatever she wanted, but we decided to leave instead.
(1)Cat T.
I'm disappointed, thought it was going to be a really good dinner but the food and service fell a little flat. I had the dish with the large ribbon pasta and tomato sauce-- the pasta was a bit hard, could have been cooked a little longer. My party also had the pasta dish with clams in garlic oil sauce-- this is a simple dish that came out good. We also had a monkfish dish with potatoes which was okay. The reason for the low rating is due how slow the food came out. We were one of the first parties to get seated before the dinner rush, but the food took forever. Also, this restaurant is CASH ONLY--- which in my opinion if you are a restaurant will a full menu (not like a hole in the wall) you should stop being so ghetto with your taxes and start to accept credit cards!! In addition the waitress shorted the change to our bill. edit: went again, not by choice...yep, still 2 stars! sorry, I love Italian too but they do not know how to cook their pasta al dente!
(2)Joy Y.
Complimentary pane rustico could definitely have been fresher. Baby artichoke salad was nice and refreshing. Their homemade pasta special - tagliolini with broccoli and salsiccia was very flavorful. My gnocchi alla sorrentina was also made in house. I thought the sauce of the gnocchi tasted like it came from canned diced tomatoes instead of fresh ones. The gnocchi was nicely made - gnocchi in southern parts of Italy is firmer and less feathery, which I like. Overall I thought it was a delightful meal. I would be back to try their pizza and prima plates. No reservations and cash only.
(4)Chloe G.
Forced to order two plates for me and my little brother! WHY? He doesn't eat the whole serving anyway!! we had to do a take out for the left overs. Seriously, if you want better tip, this is NOT the way to do it.
(1)Stephen S.
On our quest for authentic Italian food. Found this place on Google search. Walked over from the Museum. Thought were were right near it but could not find it? Scratching our heads as we walked past several other restaurants full of people. Then I decided to just go by the address and then found it. My point is YOU NEED A SIGN OUT FRONT. One that can compete with all of the competition up and down the entire street. As we walked in my first impression was that this place was dirty. The glass on the overhang was filthy with weeks of dust, bird poop etc. Simple remedy there. Clean it. And keep it clean. This first impression is telling new customers that you don't care. Secondly I noticed that even though it was only in the low 80's outside this place was very warm with a dead air feeling. No A/C or Evap cooling? It had to be in the upper 80's inside. Thirdly as I sat down after squeeeezing my way through the dining room I noticed that the tables were very old and warn. Not in an eclectic way, but like a neglected way. Fourth and final negative note. The owner was very busy running around micro managing each employee. I have owned and managed businesses my entire life. I can relate with this as I have also been guilty of this. But in reality from a customers point of view, this looks bad. He seems to be a very charismatic person and would benefit greatly if he just let his staff handle all the hustle and bustle and he went around just being himself and talking to customers occasionally. His personality could add to the ambiance for sure. I was in for the long haul as I really wanted to try this well reviewed food. Plus I was starving. So I did not let my first two impressions deter me. Ok that is where the bad stops. I had to say it though because it is all true. And I really feel if the owner addressed these easily remedied issues they would have all the bases covered. The service was excellent. The food was just as the reviews claimed to be. Also excellent. We actually shared a table with another family. It was really awesome as they were so friendly. My experience was great once I got past those issues. I will definitely be back for sure. The place was packed to the gills.
(4)Juan T.
yum yum yum yum...very good Real Italian food and not pricey at all. Dinner at 6:30 and the place was packed.. i mean subway car during rush hour packed. This small shop that looks like a pizzeria but its a very nice, cozy restaurant is actually very good. Not good for more than 4 people, wait times can be long, but good o take a date out and eat great food and not break your wallet. Lots of older people go there for the fancy food to drink with San Pellegrino water bottle $6. I had one of the daily specials, Chicken breast with baked potato on a bed of asparagus that was actually very very good. I dont even eat veggies and i was eating mine like if it was a piece of meat. Also ordered the fried calamari but those were just ok. Definitely a place to re visit, bring a date and have a great night. PS: place is very tight, 1 bathroom for both sexes and servers speak italian or seem to be pushed to speak italian to keep the authenticity. The owners always walk around asking if everything is ok which i like.. Happy patrons = happy pockets full of $$$
(4)David D.
Small, Loud, Casual, Excellent Value for NYC, Very Good Food. Friendly Owner, Cantankerous Servers. The Salmon dinner with Spinach and Potatoes is excellent. Tube Pasta with Red Sauce and Basil is very good. (Not homemade pasta.) Green Salad is fresh, dressing could use improvement. Table bread is awful--needs an immediate change. Chicken Parm here does NOT contain any red sauce per our server. You cannot get a side of pasta and red sauce per our server--must order entire pasta dinner. We got stuck with this aggressive female server last Friday night that needs a serious attitude adjustment to try to nice her up. Aisles so tight that my arm was hit dozens of times with servers racing up and down. Not a romantic venue--it's a going out with a regular or friends venue for Italian food on a budget. Menu choices are limited and Red Sauce choice minimal so check the menu before coming. Service is speed fast. They need to turn over tables on Fri and Sat night. They will not seat incomplete parties. I would go again for the Salmon and Red Sauce pasta.
(4)Jennifer S.
I really don't get why there's such a fuss about this place - I've been back to Celeste a few times now and I continue to be underwhelmed.
(2)Elle C.
I came here with a small group of friends for dinner on a weekday. We got there at around 7pm and got seated immediately. I got their gnocchi alla sorrentino, which was pretty decent. All my friends were satisfied with their pastas too. That being said, there are some downsides to this place. The ambiance is alright, but it gets very crowded during dinner time. Because the place is fairly small and there are a lot of tables cramped together, it gets quite loud and hectic past 7:30ish. Another downside is that the service is rather slow and unresponsive. We had to ask for parmesan cheese and pepper for our pasta at least five times until we finally got it. The service felt quite rushed the whole time, although it was somewhat understandable given the number of people that were waiting for a table outside. Also, as other reviewers have mentioned, this place is CASH ONLY, so you should prepare accordingly. Overall, this is a solid Italian place in UWS, but given the small size, huge crowd and slow service, I don't think it would be an ideal place for a date or special occasion.
(3)D C.
Great value. I was here over a year ago so will try to rekindle my memory. Cute little Italian spot on the Upper West Side. I got the Salmon which was pretty good and the portion size was large. Clearly was Atlantic Salmon but not bad for what it was. My friend got a pasta dish that she thought was about average. Service was not bad but felt a bit rushed and cold at times. Based on more recent positive reviews, I will be back to try other menu selections if I am in the area Keep in mind, the place fills up quickly so get there early and be prepared to wait. They do not take reservations or accept credit cards, so be advised.
(4)Ben V.
I had been craving pasta for some time and ended up at Celeste on a beautiful early sunday evening in the UWS. Place was packed. The server from Turin was great. Celeste seems to be Italian owned. He suggested the Tagliatelle. It was one of the better pastas I ever had. They seem to make the pasta fresh in house. When Im craving pasta carbs and I'm in the UWS, this is going to be my spot.
(4)Brieann A.
The food is fantastic - definitely has a authentic, heart flair to it. It's a small spot, which explains the constant line for a table, but the ambience inside is worth it. Not too pricey either for quality food and decent serving size.
(4)A B.
I die! This place is the best. My husband and I went here every other weekend when we lived in NY for 2 years and now go back every time we visit. The owner is hilarious and entertaining and the place is just very tasty. Yes, there's a wait, yes, it's cash only, yes, you are on top of the people next to you. But its all worth it. I recommend the pizzas and homemade pastas. The wine is excellent and a good price point. Love it.
(5)Elizabeth P.
Delicious pizza!!! I highly recommend the Quattro Stagioni. I like the atmosphere inside. It's lively, packed and cozy. Everyone who works here speaks Italian, which is a huge plus. The owner, Carmine, puts a lot of care into this place.
(5)Alessandro M.
The pizza is sh.......... I never see the pizza like that.. Idk why the people go there for eat pizza, is no italian pizza........is like tacos messican :/
(1)Bill S.
This place is the real deal. Most high end Italian places have food that even though they're Italian its more of a French based foundation. Their Italian foods tend to be richer and creamier (Along with the higher price) Celeste? She's my old gal from back in the day. Rustic. Inexpensive but fresh. If you think your going home first to take a shower, walk the dog and let your woman ask you if her 3 skirts make her look fat? You ain't going to Celeste, think of a plan B. This place is small and unassuming. The neighborhood folks know the deal, it fills up fast. And its cash only!! I love the Tagliatelle con Gamberi e Verza. Guess what? $10 bucks baby. The homemade pizza here is also bananas. Its small but cozy. Come here early, grab a bite and bolt. (And tell your girl she looks great in anything)
(4)Katy H.
I was extremely excited to try this place as I was craving Italian and heard through the grapevine that they are owned by the same restauranteurs that manage Bianca, the best Italian in the city (at least I think so). Sadly, I will not be returning here which is unfortunate as I've been looking for a good Italian spot nearby. The other reviewers are right, the space is extremely crowded and packed, the servers are more glorified busboys as they only take your order, bring your food and take it away, and the wait can be long. I honestly don't mind any of this as I think that these things can add character and charm to a place. My boyfriend was bothered by the fact that he could hear the conversations at each table on either side of us instead of being able to focus on our conversation, but I also thought it added to the experience of it. But for those of you that would also be bothered by this, this may not be the place for you. The main problem I had with Celeste was the quality of the food. I know that the prices are extremely reasonable (which I was ecstatic about) however since Bianca has similar priced food with exceptional quality, I was expecting something similar. I ordered the gnocchi with tomato sauce and my boyfriend ordered the wide-ribboned pasta with ricotta and tomato sauce (can't remember the exact names of the dishes-sorry!). We were both extremely disappointed by lack of flavor in both of our meals. The sauce tasted as if it was out of a can and my gnocchi left much to be desired as well. It was slightly gummy as opposed to melt-in-your-mouth gnocchi and while that may be due to the size of it (it was tiny gnocchi) or the sauce pairing, it was just simply not tasty. Additionally, my boyfriend's meal tasted as if the noodles had been overcooked. The wine (their only Chianti) was additionally disappointing. I've had Chianti before however this one tasted more acidic than the others I've tried and again, it simply was not good. On top of that, our food took 40-50 minutes to be brought to us which I think is slightly absurd for two meatless pasta dishes. Especially if you factor in the possibility that they used canned sauce. If none of this bothers you then by all means go, but know that there are much better Italian restaurants in the city.
(2)Marina S.
Great place.. Pasta pizza e caffe Grande also the selections of cheeses! Great prices too!
(4)Corinne H.
Great food. The best clams I've had maybe ever. Not one bit fishy. Very reasonably priced. Quaint. Intimate. Recommended by a local and those are the best to follow up on!
(5)Mike O.
Homina-homina-homina that's good italian! The wait's not too long, and worth it, especially if it's a nice evening. The owner of the place is super friendly and cavorting around and outside the restaurant all night, making you feel welcome, making you laugh. Even the servers are witty and clever to cover up any perceived mistakes (which is nice, acknowledging a minor infraction with wry humor). I had the gnocchi, which was fabulous, and even more delicious as extra cheese was grated onto it by the servers mid-meal. The wine list is very good. The space is a bit elbow-to-elbow, and people are really packed in, but in that we're-New-Yorkers-and-we-can-put-up-with-each-Âother-for-an-hour-or-so-because-this-place-is-so-Âdamn-worth-it kind of way. Although I don't seek out the cuisine, Celeste serves arguably the best italian I've had in the city,
(5)Larisa T.
This restaurant has everything New Yorkers love: unique, affordable, delicious, friendly, non-touristy. I came here in a party of 6 during a brisk winter day for lunch. The place was pretty packed but there was one table and they seated us fairly quickly. The waiter seemed authentically Italian and the food on everyone's plates looked amazing, especially the pizzas. Right away, we got bread and good quality olive oil for dipping. The waiter was running around the place, but he was extremely friendly and attentive the whole time. I ordered the ravioli, which here is not your typical tiny ravioli with squiggly borders. It's 4 giant ravioli that are hand-folded....more like big sheets of pasta with an understuffed filling. The portion is "European-sized" (aka you won't feel gross after). For the quality of food and neighborhood, the price is very reasonable. As many others have said, it's cash only, so be prepared. It's close to CP and AMNH, so it can be part of a wonderful day around the neighborhood.
(5)Pamela S.
I had heard good things...dropped in for a late dinner and it was still relatively crowded. The mussels and the broth they were served in were out of this world. I also tasted my friend's egglplant involtini and pasta and they were both delicious - perfect sauces, expertly flavored. High up on my "must return" list.
(5)A W.
My boyfriend I have been going to Celeste for a couple years now. I can honestly say it is one of the best all-around best dining experiences I've had in NYC. The food is always fresh and affordable. We try to make it to Celeste once a week (sometimes more) and enjoy it every time. I get the the gnocchi or pizza (pumpkin ravioli special is good too) and my boyfriend usually orders the spaghetti with clams. I'd be lying if I said that the cheese plate wasn't the main reason we come to Celeste. It is hands down the best cheese plate I've ever had. There is also a beautiful wine list to choose from and the ambiance is nice (dimly lit, simple decor). Cash only so remember to stop by the bank first! If you haven't made it to Celeste - you are missing out.
(5)Om L.
I thought I was being punk'd bc the reviews online were pretty high, but no camera men ever came out. When we walked in we were greeted by a disheveled appearing man I genuinely thought was drunk and had wandered into the restaurant, disturbing patrons. Turns out he was the host! Maybe he was having a bad day, bc he was very rude. For appetizers we ordered the fried calamari and squid. It was so chewy and hard to breakdown that I almost choked on a piece! Looking back it was actually pretty dangerous. The frying was also not fresh - it tasted like it had been fried the day before, put in the fridge and then warmed up in the microwave. My friend ordered the pasta bolognese and could barely eat half because it was so oily. I ordered a simple margherita pizza. It was very soggy. The kicker was that when I asked for a little Parmesan cheese to sprinkle on top, which I always do, the waiter said he wouldn't give it to me bc there was "already a lot of cheese on the pizza." Haha you can't make this stuff up! He said he wanted me to wait and try the pizza before I asked for Parmesan. I had a full slice to be polite and then said that if possible, I'd still love a little to sprinkle on. The waiter scowled and said "that'll be $5 extra." At this point, I really thought I was being punk'd. Lastly, we ordered the cheesecake. I'm a big cheesecake fan and have been known to enjoy almost any cheese cake - from standard to fancy, from the U.S. to Italy. All I can say was that this was not cheese cake. It tasted like they put a bunch of stale doughnuts in a food processor, added some sugar syrup and ricotta, and then sculpted it on a plate to look like cheese cake. It was extremely dry, had a bizarre taste, and was unpleasantly sweet. We were sharing between the two of us, and literally could not eat more than one bite. To top it all off, both of our stomachs started to hurt about half an hour after we left the restaurant. Maybe they were having an off night, but I have to go by what I experienced. I was originally not going to post, but I decided to in case this review helps give people a more balanced view of the type of experience they might have.
(1)Daniel B.
I don't know if we were there on a bad night or what, but I came with a party of four and all of us were disappointed. For appetizers, we tried items off the fritti menu, and they were poor all around -- the fried ricotta was okay but lacking something, the fried seasonal veggies were just deep-fried blandness, and the fried artichoke was just bad, and accompanied by a bunch of almost-but-not-quite-burned spindly greens. We also split the (small) pizza special as an appetizer, and it was fantastic, the only really great thing we had. The entrees were all mediocre--and mine specifically was no better than what a bachelor would make at home in 10 minutes--some pasta al dente in sauce with some cubed mozzarella on top. (Granted, the dish was $10 or so, but I've had better pasta at pizzerias.) And across the board, the food was bland, not seasoned or spiced at all. The dessert was good, at least--fresh-tasting sorbet and very good ricotta cheesecake. Service was friendly, and the ambiance is great (it feels like a homey West Village place), but overall... I'm left scratching my head about what everyone else is talking about.
(2)Jesse S.
I came here for dinner because I was in the area and it had gotten fantastic Yelp reviews. It was about 830 on a Tuesday night and the place was popping. I thought we were going to have to wait awhile, but they immediately directed us to a table wedged between a pole and the table next to us. It was certainly tight quarters, but then again the whole restaurant is cramped, which is not uncommon for good, popular restaurants in Manhattan (see my review on The Meatball Shop). Anyway, the food was delicious. I had some pasta dish that I couldn't pronounce which was good but my fiancé had this spinach and ricotta stuffed ravioli drenched in butter which was out of this world. Like I found myself constantly picking at her plate and neglecting my food because the ravioli was that good. A couple of things to note: Price- VERY reasonable. You definitely get your money's worth. Service- While the servers aren't rude, they aren't exactly warm and fuzzy either. They move around quickly (bc the place is packed) and when we asked for refills, they came promptly without complaing. Payment- CASH ONLY.....We had that awkward moment when one of us had to find a deli to get cash to pay for our food bc they do not have an ATM in the restaurant. I would certainly recommend this place and I would love to try it again too.
(4)Amy D.
Great Italian food at great prices. The ravioli (homemade!) is tender, sage-y and buttery and is in fact the best ravioli I've had anywhere. The spaghetti with clams is an enormous portion of oily (be sure to ask for the spicy olive oil!), garlicky pasta. Their tagliatelle is homemade and also excellent--the night I went they had a special with crabmeat and tomato sauce that was out of this world. I can't actually think of a pasta I've had here and haven't liked. They also have brick oven pizza. I've tried the one with 4 kinds of toppings, the Quattro Staggioni; only one has any cheese on it, so be warned, you might not like just plain mushrooms and tomato sauce on some of the slices. The desserts are hit or miss; the tiramisu was too creamy with miniscule ladyfinger bits and no taste of coffee, but the pastiera, a sweet Italian grain cake with candied fruit, is very good. I would tell you to get here early to avoid the lines but then I'd have to compete with you for a table, so just don't pay any attention to that part :)
(4)Emily C.
My favorite Italian on the Upper West Side, the food is all homemade and the prices are a bargain for the quality you receive. The place is definitely cramped, but I think it adds to the charm!
(5)Sean C.
I've come here a couple times now and it has been getting better. The food is delicious and the selection is great. The last few times my meals have been very tasty and the wine selection was enjoyable.
(4)Monte H.
An upper west gem. The restaurant can get really crowded but it tends to feel more cozy than cramped. Their pasta with goat cheese and shrimp will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Their pizzas have a great crispy crunch to them and their mozzarella is so fresh and creamy - get the margherita. Sometimes I get a pizza the size of Celeste's and it's awkwardly too big for one meal, and too small for two - but here, it's always delicious enough to just enjoy in one sitting.
(4)Meg S.
Finally tried this spot and SO glad I did. I've been a Gennaro loyal for a while now, but I've found my new go-to for Italian on the UWS. Cozy interior, maybe a little tight when the restaurant is packed, but that's a sign of a solid place, no? Good wine list, reasonably prices bottles, and the one our server recommended based on our tastes was excellent. Fries artichokes were a delightful appetizer, along with the mussels (sop-up worthy broth). Gnocchi with tomato basil and the halibut were our entrees. They were healthy portions for sure, but we polished both of them off (oops). Plenty of fresh basil and garlic on our dishes: happy girl. No room left for dessert but the tiramisu I saw coming out from the kitchen looked pretty delightful. The menu has so much I want to try! Will be back soon.
(4)Robert H.
I was meeting two friends Unfortunately I was little late. They decided to sit at a table and have drinks. When I arrived we were not allow to change seats. The waitress said "he" doesn't allow that. By the way there were approx. 7 free tables available. The waitress asked me if I would like to sit at a separate table. You can see the obvious futility of this idea. The manager could not have been more rude, the waitress seemed intimidated by him as well. We asked the guy if we could sit at one of the empty tables. He said no. This is the first time I've not been allowed to move seats. We went to calle ocho, which was great all around.
(1)Julia H.
I do like the food here, especially the fresh pasta, and the prices are quite good, but the service truly ruined it for me. When I was last there, our bill came to about $62 so I put down $80 in cash. The waiter picked it up, asked if I wanted change, and I said "yes, please." He then repeated "yes, please" in a mocking tone to another waiter as he handed him the check! It was incredibly rude, not to mention unreasonable to apparently expect an $18 tip.
(2)Samee R.
Ordered a reg. pizza, which was good, but snotty server.. I think he didn't like the fact that we only ordered a pizza and soup. Also, the soda was $4! Oh yea.. It wasn't a delicious Italian soda.. just a can lol. $4 is juust a liiitle excessive IMO
(2)Leslie C.
I might be a little biased, because I love mom & pop places, but this place is the bomb!! So delicious. They have pizza and pasta... wine, dessert. Count me in. The portions are on the smaller side. CASH ONLY and no reservations. It's first come, first serve. Good place for a date night or with friends.
(5)Alexander L.
I love this place. They always have amazing specials. Anything veal here is spectacular. Great waiters. I recommended the cheese platter at the end. Cash only.
(5)ronni l.
I will mainly make a commentary towards families: Do not bring a child to this place or do a family gathering here. Very tight quarters. No kid friendly dishes like spaghetti- forget kids menu. The waiters are sub-par. Strollers are taken down into basement somewhere? 2 -3 waiters for 15-20 tables? When sat down immediately asked the waiter for an order of pasta for kids right away so they would not get antsy. Orders had to be put all at once and there were no exceptions for little people, he told me. So appetizers came first which kids didn't want and 15 minutes later their food came out or about 30 some minutes after coming to restaurant- That worked well. As for food, my ravioli was drenched in an ocean of butter. And the kids took maybe 5-6 bites of the pasta and we left. Their dish was bland and uninspiring. Rather than like usual in an Italian restaurant a waitress offering with your meal Parmesan cheese we had to hail the waitress to get some which took several minutes, as well. Really not worth the headache or bad service if your with a family. Save your money.
(2)Scott L.
The owner was rude to me when I walked in. The place is loud, you're practically sitting on your neighbors lap. The server had the audacity to hurry me through meals AND be rude. The gnocchi was made up for in quality by sheer quantity. It's cash only. As far as italian joints go on the UWS, it's my least favorite. Try Gennaro's or Spiga instead.
(2)Nikki Y.
I ordered: Medaglioni di Vitello al limone - breaded chicken cutlet with capers and crushed almonds with side salad Vermicelli alle Vingole - thin spaghetti with steamed open baby clams, garlic and olive oil Special of the Day - "Fish of the Day" Food wasn't breathtaking, but the host outside was spectacular. His attitude to his job made the customers smile. You know it was a repeat customer base because he knew everyone by name as well as the kids. Its a very small venue with a lot of flavor. Although the lights are dim and the mood is romantic, it is a family restaurant.
(4)Nic J.
One of my favorite restaurants in the Upper West Side! I dream about you Celeste... If it weren't for my inability to resist the high-carb options I would eat here weekly. What I love about Celeste: Most authentic, tasty Italian food I've had in NYC Fresh ingredients Delicious Pizza Very attentive, friendly staff Great wine list - very inexpensive bottles - love the prosecco! My advice is to choose an entree from their daily specials. They are always very unique and delicious. Things to know: Cash only No reservations - although I've never waited longer than 20 minutes Also, if you're not comfortable with sitting almost family style this is not the place for you.
(4)Anne L.
I just love all these bad reviews complaining about the owner. This place is a true Italian restaurant, one of the few I have found in Manhattan. And some people apparently can't take a joke or are easily offended. This is Italian-style banter. Don't take yourself so seriously and enjoy the pasta instead, because it is delicious and probably the best deal you can find. And yes, they do make you pay and leave quickly after you have eaten, but it is a tiny place, and otherwise the line would not move as fast as it does. The warm apple tart with vanilla ice cream is incredible for dessert. CASH ONLY!
(4)Patrick M.
I have a thing for tall dark men yelling in Italian. Celeste's maitre d' is exactly that. Barking orders to his waiters, calling out names for people in line to sit, the guy is smooth. Michael Corleone smooth. Usually a wait, but when he says it's 30 min, it's really 10-15 min. My girlfriend and I went across the street to get drinks at Jacob Pickles, came back and he had already called our name. We waited like 2 min after and we were seated. The place is cramped. Tables are so close that I could hear the rude patron slurping his noodles. I'm Asian and Asians do that (he was Asian). But they gotta know that it's only polite to slurp in Asian culture and it's very rude in Western culture. Call me snobby. Anyways, I digress, the restaurant still has a romantic/casual feel. Wine is awesomely priced, they even have a 1/2 wine deal on Mondays (fact check that). My girlfriend and I started with the mussels in the white wine and garlic broth (Saute Di Cozze) and it was delicious. For $9.50, best mussels in the city and they were fresh. The broth was light and not too heavy/buttery at all. Well seasoned. For entrees, she had the spaghetti with clams (Spaghetti Alla Vongole) which was also light, broth was nice and the clams were fresh. Put some red pepper flakes and it's probably the most addicting thing there. I had the veal special which came with 3 veal loins lightly breaded and covered in a butter sauce, sauteed greens and potatoes fried in the veal fat. Heavy? Yes. Freaking best meal in a while? Hell yes. Only for the veal lovers. For dessert we had the standard tiramisu which was delicious and light again, so weird, they do everything perfectly in terms of balance. I will be back for sure. Fresh seafood, great deals and overall balance. Bring cash. I did see an ATM in there if you need it.
(4)k f.
Very pleasant experience on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Cozy little authentic spot where the tables are close together but feels more spacious because of the huge mirrors along the exposed-brick walls. The food options tend to be grouped together, and we tried a little something from each category. The caprese salad appetizer featured very fresh mozzarella, the pizza had a properly cooked crust, and the the pasta was simple but delicious. I particularly enjoyed the sharpness of the freshly grated cheese on the spinach ravioli. The highlight of our hodge-podge ordering was the french toast which was down right decadent. It's hard to squeeze in french toast in an otherwise traditional Italian meal, but do try, as you won't be disappointed. I can see why others might be a bit put off by the service, but I wasn't. The waiters were serious and busy, but were quick to handle all our needs. I'd come back, without question. And for the area, the affordable price was a nice sigh of relief.
(4)Abbey V.
Bread was a bit cold at the beginning but my we went out with another couple and shared 2 appetizers and 3 entrées. 1) appetizer- ceviche good not amazing 2) appetizer- fried cheese had an egg fried wrapper. Not my thing but other might like it 3) entree- gnocchi with tomatoe basil... Very good! 4) entree- ravioli = AMAZING!!! 5) entree- pizza was also very good... Great ambience as well but get there early they have no space for waiting so you will be outside until they are ready for you.
(4)Judy I.
There is no question that Celeste is authentic Italian, so I would definitely recommend it for quick, casual dining with capitals Q & C. I had a dorade with string beans and crispy fingerling potatoes. This entree special was balanced, tasty, and included a generous portion of fish. The chardonnay which accompanied it was not bad. The lemon limoncello sorbet dessert was refreshing and light, although not world changing (as I have found some Italian desserts to be). I think Celeste is good for the value. However, my recommendation comes with some caveats: 1) If you are a party of 1 +, be sure that your dining companions arrive at the same time, or the waiter will refuse to seat you and you will have to freeze outside (as I did!). 2) Celeste is a cash only institution (seriously?!), so come prepared, or you'll have to spend part of your evening running to the bank. 3) The pace of the dining is fast, and the surroundings while cozy are tight, so not ideal for a date. I was rather annoyed that the waitress snapped the bill onto the table as I was taking my first bite of the dessert (always a sacred moment in my dining experience)! I guess this behaviour is justified (and probably encouraged by their manager) because of their low prices and the high turnover necessary to pay rent for a resto such as this on the upper west side. However, I don't eat out every day, so when I do, I don't like feeling rushed - even if that means paying an extra few dollars to be given the peace to savour the meal.
(4)Joseph H.
Wow this food was amazing. I forgot what I ordered because it was in Italian and I don't want to butcher the spelling (or pronunciation) but it was basically pasta with oysters. They start you off with an amazing bread as well. Fast and friendly service. Only complaint is it is kind of small and not much elbow room but gives it a more "homey feeling." Also kind of loud and gets crowded but I don't mind that. Cute little place with great food. I'll definitely be going back.
(5)Cassie M.
Great spot for your Italian food fix. Been here numerous times and the food is always amazing. The only downfall is the ambiance is loud and the place gets crowded quickly. Cash only. Worth the wait.
(4)Diane B.
We had a party of 8 on a Sun eve and they were about half-full (or half-empty, depending on your disposition). They seated us quickly, were patient with us including the needs of the kids, and took good care of us. Most of us had pizzas, I would describe as more Italian than American - thin crust, little or no cheese and come in one size - 10". Reasonable prices for Manhattan with quality ingredients. I would go there again in a heartbeat.
(5)Luba P.
Ok, I just wrote a review but can't seem to find it... Here we go. Went here with my family for dinner and we got kicked out! You know why?? Because our friend came by to sit and eat with us. We already ordered and the waitress as well as the owner told us we can't order anything extra once the order us put in. The most rude, obnoxious, restaurant we have ever experienced. To add he was rude as soon as we walked in. Anyway, DONT go here, ever!!! The worst experience ever.
(1)Sue F.
I don't understand how this place has four stars. I might have given it three, although I will not be back, the food was mediocre at best. It was inexpensive, but the pasta sauce was really nothing special, the steak was unbelievably overcooked, dry and gristly. The eggplant rollatini was ok. The wine, a cabernet from Italy...meh. We got there at 10 pm and even though it was crowded, we got a great table by the window. The staff, 3 different men, hovered but not in a good way. I felt rushed every step of the way. Our conversations were interrupted, which happens, yes, but these guys stayed and continued to ask if we were ready and actually waited impatiently! Our entrees came out before we were finished with the app and there was no room for it, so they sort of hung my plate of pasta over the edge of the table... Will not be back.
(2)A J.
Small and cozy Italian restaurant with Italian owners.Food was very tasty - we got margherita pizza and lentil soup. Service was good, wine was good and food was promptly served. Went on a sunday evening so not much wait. Would love to go there again.
(4)Elizabeth L.
Saturday night around 9:00 = 20 minute wait, which actually turned out to be around 10 = win! Pasta's something I rarely crave, but after eating here, I've been seeking any excuse to go back. LOVED the pasta alla vongole, which was basically noodles with clams and garlic (do opt for the spicy oil when the owner comes around with the bottle). Surprisingly, the pizza was also very good. We ordered the four tastes pizza, which came with a quarter of prosciutto, mushrooms, artichoke, and plain cheese. Prices are incredible for the quantity and quality, and the service is warm if a little frenzied (can't blame them -- the place is popular!). So Celeste is a sister restaurant of my much loved Bianca downtown. Will have to check out Fiore (another restaurant in the family) in Brooklyn next! Simple, no frills food that's all about taste. I'll totally be back.
(5)Au G.
Some bright-eye law students were told on the first day of orientation - before the disillusionments and disappointments - that once they went down this particular road, there was no turning back: in the course of three years, every last trace of illogicality, imprecision and laxity, and consequently with these human fallibilities, much, if not all, humanity, would be eradicated from their minds and they would be forever cursed. However, as no one had left the hall in indignation and horror upon this revelation, these tough youngsters were then warned against "being a lawyer" to their families and friends because their loved ones would just hate them for it. Talk about disclaimers. Yes, tonight, I came to Celeste to judge, to judge the hands that have fed me over the years. Celeste is on trial for malpractice committed against the following dishes, in the name of tomato sauce. The allegation states that the tomato sauce was truculent without any hint of lightness, smearing all in red and smothering all flavors in its wake. Alternatively, the prosecution argues for murder - the intentional killing of tiramisu. The defense relies on character witnesses to bolster its claim that Celeste was not negligent and had not committed malpractice, let alone murder. Prosecution Involtini Di Melanzane - Eggplant rolls stuffed with prosciutto and pecorino cheese baked with tomato sauce The first victim to the mighty red savage was mercilessly murdered by having its life sucked out so that all that was left was the gooey and fibrous corpse. Red Snapper with Capers and Black Olives The red snapper did not fare much better: the delicate flesh succumbed too readily to the blood-thirstiness of the red mafioso without any chance of a fair fight. The usually capable capers and black olives attempted to soldier on; but only to be suffocated in the red bottomless swamp. Paccheri Vesuviana - Large tubular shaped pasta with ricotta and tomato sauce Paccheri was the sole survivor of this serial negligence, or murder. The perfectly cooked paccheri had enough bite to put up a fight against the weakened sorcerer - the ricotta having significantly diminished its potency. Therefore, the paccheri could be enjoyed with the domesticated tomato sauce. Tiramisu The recipe had been tweaked: There were some sneaky crushed almonds among the lady fingers. The tiramisu was flat and over-rich, without the subtlety of cultured viscosity or flavor in the mascarpone cream - perhaps due to the addition of whipped cream - and lacked the strong coffee to balance off the luxurious cream. The sweet mucous coffee sauce on the plate was distasteful, both in vision and in taste. Defense Carciofini e Parmigiano - Sliced raw baby artichokes with parmigiano and lemon dressing The best salad - anywhere in the city, competing with Cosi's Signature Salad (Caveat: from the better franchising outposts) - was its usual elegant simplicity. A beautiful harmony was created by the herbal and green notes of the artichokes, the piquant parmigiano reggiano and the fruity lemon in the dressing. Tonight's rendition was at its best: a carefully molded, ample semi-sphere draped over with paper-thin parmigiano. Grilled Radicchio with Prosciutto and Parmigiano The rare appearance of this special witness was a pleasant and exciting surprise. The radicchio had been charred into submission, with a slightly too generous dose of extra virgin olive oil. The contrast created by the kinship of the mellow prosciutto and the pungent parmigiano - they come from the same town, where else, Parma - against the bitter and smoky radicchio was presumptuously triumphant. Focaccia with Robiola Cheese and Truffle Oil The expert witness presented a study of the esthetics and grace: this focaccia has constantly mesmerized, hypnotized and enchanted the most skeptical, sarcastic and bitter judges. Hazelnut Gelato Accolades must be given to Sinore Carmine's cousin for the purity of the hazelnut and the creamy yet airy texture of the gelato, which proved Celeste's gentle side. The ephemeral texture of the gelato was like waking up from a dream; the more you try to recapture the sweet and tender moments, the faster it evaporates into the clear morning light. Therefore, in order to completely re-experience this marvel, this defense witness was called on re-direct; the second round proved to be just as good. Verdict A mistrial is declared due to the hung jury. Perhaps there are some redeeming dishes on the other six days of the week.
(4)Tracey E.
Delicious and affordable. Great service. Owner picked out glass of wine for each of us based on our preferences. The fresh pasta was amazing. It was ribbon pasta w eggplant bits and fresh mozzerella and ricotta. We also got the sea bass special which was good but the sides of green beans and potatos were tastier than the fish I would absolutely come back here!!!
(4)Tony U.
Decent quality and accomodating staff. Although they pack you in, it's somehow not as umcomfortable as you'd think. Love the hostess who ran the place the two times I ate here. She seemed to know what every single person was doing even while 15 others were waiting on queue. She even noticed that I had a sad look on my face when I forgot to ask my server for Parmesan Cheese on my pasta and thru hand signals managed in the sea of this busy atmosphere to ask me what my problem was and have the situation resolved in less than a minute when she personally maneuvered her way to us to personally rescue us and grade some parmesan greatness on our dishes. No better pasta place in the upper West Side to eat at for a reasonable price. Look forward to coming here again.
(4)Aaron V.
No doubt the best value meal on the UWS!
(5)Giacomo C.
I'm Italian. Born and raised. I hate going to Italian restaurants in the city because (1) they are ridiculously overpriced (just because you are putting up the sign of an Italian restaurant, doesn't mean you should charge all that money), and (2) they are not truly Italian (just because you are putting up the same Italian sign doesn't mean you are really cooking real Italian food... biddibi buddibi... like Peter Griffin says in one of the episodes of "Family Guy", wearing fake moustache and pretending to be Italian). Also, I can cook. So when I go out eating Italian (those rare occasions in which I get stuck in a place reserved by somebody else), it's always a disappointment. But this place, oh yeah, this place is different. The real deal. The real food. The real atmosphere. The real Italian host (Carmine) strolling from table to table asking you how your food is, giving you helpful suggestions on how to enjoy it more and making you feel like you are really dining oversea. I had the eggplant involtini (delicious), the fried calamari and shrimps (crisp and tender at the same time), the orata fish with artichokes (divine) with string beans and roasted potatoes (amazingly crunchy), and tasted the salmon (a little dry). The food is simple but knockout, and you can tell by the never-ending line outside the establishment. Go and you won't be disappointed. Cash only and no reservations policy. Highly recommended.
(5)Siu N.
What a hidden gem! A friend who lives in the Upper West Side recommended this place for dinner, so my friends and I decided to try it. We arrived around 7pm when it was just starting to get busy, but we somehow arrived in time as a table just vacated, so we were seated right away. The restaurant itself is quite small and cozy and kind of resembles a mom and pop place (in a good way). After our waiter listed the specials, we ordered a mushroom ravioli, a handmade pasta special with broccoli rabe and pork, steamed mussels, a margherita pizza, and a bottle of pinot grigio. Everything was so delicious, especially the mussels and pizza. The pizza was a surprise delight, but our friend had highly recommended it and it did not disappoint. The service was pretty good too. Our waiter had quite a sense of humor. My cousin was checking her phone while the waiter was listing the specials, and he actually stuck his hand out and gestured to her to hand over her phone, which he then put in his back pocket smiling and continued (he returned it when he was done). Then when we were getting $20something in change back, he at first only handed us $1, and we stared at it for a good five seconds before he said, "Just kidding!" and handed us the rest. It's too bad this is all the way in the Upper West Side, but I definitely won't mind stopping in again if I am in the area. P.S. This is a cash only joint.
(4)Barry H.
Stopped in for dinner around 6 on a Monday evening. Make sure your party is all there or you will not be seated - even if the place is empty. However, once we sat the service and the food were wonderful. The prices were very reasonable for an UWS restaurant. Extensive wine list for a small place. Drawbacks: cramped tables and a cash-only policy. But would definitely return.
(4)Tamar Z.
Cash only and a bit pricey. The pizza was fine, but in a city with so much amazing pizza, I don't think this would be a repeat. It's crowded and sort of small, which is sort of part of the ambiance. The crowd seemed directly out of a woody Allen movie.
(3)Alicia G.
Came here for dinner with a friend on a Friday night. We were seated immediately which was surprising because the place was packed (though there were larger parties waiting to be seated. The only thing that was kind of off-putting was how tiny this place was. I felt like I was constantly being brushed up against when people walked by or I was in their way. Also, as others have mentioned, they are cash only, which resulted in my friend running to an ATM after we placed our orders. That said, the food was fantastic. I ordered the Quattro Stagioni pizza (mushrooms, artichokes, prosciutto, and mozzarella). It was so delicious. However, it should be noted that the toppings are not spread out over the pizza, but each is featured on it's own slice (e.g. there was an artichoke slice, a mushroom slice, etc). Also the cheese is only on the mozzarella slice. I personally liked this, but I overheard the couple next to me complaining about it. Overall, good food, good service, decent prices. I'll definitely be back!
(4)Einat N.
I've been to Celeste at least 10-15 times in the past 3 years. I have come to expect long waits, lackluster service, crowded dining experience but FANTASTIC food for very little $$. My life has now changed when we realized we can pick up our order. Fantastic! My most favorite dish that I get almost every time is the Spaghetti Alle Vongole. I order this dish at Italian restaurants all over the city and Celeste is THE BEST for at least half the cost.
(4)Jessica B.
I went here yesterday with a friend. I was expecting people to sit on top of me with the way people were describing the place being cramped, but it wasn't too crowded for a Thursday, so the space was ok. I had the ravioil di ricotta and my friend had a pasta special with sausage. My dish was very good, and for it being on the UWS, the prices were pretty decent. If I ever find myself around the area again, I would definitely come back.
(4)Brad B.
Had a nice date night at this quaint UWS Italian spot. There really are not very many Italian comparables in the neighborhood, so I would recommend this spot. It's always very busy, so prepare to wait. Price: Very Reasonable, all cash establishment Wine List: Really great Italian selection, which is just so fitting for the restaurant. Very fairly priced - taking that into account, one of the most appropriate lists I've seen in the city. Food: Not overly impressive...yet. I will go back and try some more dishes out. The pasta dish I had was overpowered with garlic - and I like garlic, but was hoping for a simple, bright tomato sauce. I would still say that this is one of the best Italian spots in the UWS and I can't wait to give it at least one more star, as I will return and hope to be continually impressed.
(3)Kate S.
Had dinner here tonight w/ the hubby. We cant understand how tonight was the first time we ate @ Celeste. Very fresh and delicious Italian food at reasonable prices. Pasta about $13, Appetizers btwn $10-13, fish under $20. Staff was great. Space is small, but they made it work. Do'n't judge a book by its cover. The value can't be beat. We could not believe how busy this restaurant was on a Wednesday night. Be prepared- CASH ONLY. We will be back. Highly recommend.
(5)Clint H.
So Celeste is like the smallest restaurant on planet earth! Well, not really, but it is quite small. Luckily it's quite yummy. And they give you a whole bunch of yummy food, and really set the mood! I went here for dinner last Friday and it was rather nice. After having a discussion about where to sit (long story there!) we sat down and our waitress came over about a minute later. She ran down all the specials for the day in an Italian accent, and I thought that I would order everything that she said, because it all sounded soooo good. I was so hungry too. Instead we decided to get a pizza and split an appetizer portion of fried calamari, which also comes with fried shrimp. After we stuffed our face with the bread and olive oil they bring out before hand, the calamari came out and we dove right into that. It was a lot more than we thought it would be, especially when they brought out our very yummy Margherita pizza. We didn't even finish it. I was pretty upset with myself about that because I always finish everything because I eat like I'm in a competitive eating contest. Either way, it was great food, but the place is cash only. So I had to run down the street to get cash out of an ATM and pay a nice little ATM fee. The good thing about that is, the food is actually very inexpensive so I didn't mind paying the $2.00 fee. I'm also glad that we got in before the rush of people, because when we left there were like 15 people outside waiting for a table. The place is pretty good, so I understand the want to wait...
(4)C P.
I don't understand all the wonderful reviews for average food and terrible service. Our waitress rushed us to order, rushed our plates away, and as such rushed me to write a terrible review. The two bites of gnocchi I had were dry and incredibly salty and the pizza was average. I asked three times to refill my water and was completely ignored. This is what I get for not sticking to my go to joint - Nick and Toni's Cafe.
(1)Amanda G.
Great little hole in the wall find for date night on the Upper West Side!! The food was decently priced and delicious! We had the quattro pizza (with a side of homemade sauce for dipping...YUM), spinach ravioli, and a special pasta dish all were terrific. I can't wait to come back and try more options. It is cramped, but service is prompt and efficient. The owner makes you feel like he's feeding you in his personal kitchen and you won't leave here hungry! True Italian mantra! We will DEFINITELY be back!
(4)R. A.
We found this place on Yelp and chose it because of the reviews and location, and because it was listed as "kid friendly." We were generally very pleased. As for appetizers, the mussels were some of the freshest and most tender I have ever tasted. The calamari was also divine. The bread basket and oil were delicious. My herb-crusted white fish special was also to die for. The salmon also looked very good. I was, however, disappointed that there was no kids menu, nor even kids-sized portions of the items listed on the regular menu. This does not warrant a "kid friendly" classification in my book, though he staff was friendly to the young kids and sat us near the pizza-making station so the kids could watch, which they enjoyed. We were too full for dessert. :) The service was attentive and warm. Cash only, though. Go early - they don't take reservations and this small place got full very fast on a Friday early evening. The tables were quite close together. I'd go again.
(4)Rahul N.
My favorite Italian restaurant in the city. Great food, cheap and friendly atmosphere. The owner always hangs around and meets up with the patrons. If you go there for brunch, make sure to try the mushroom omelet!!! My favorite for dinner is the clams with linguini, the shrimp with egg noodles, magherita pizza, heck you can order anything here and it will be delicious !!!
(5)Jill F.
I've been here twice, and ordered the same delicious dish both times. It's authentic Trattoria cooking, with all the simplicity of a place that is real and Italian. They don't have to try so hard to look Italian, because their atmosphere and food do it all for them. Got the Stracetti di Manzo both times--a rare, thin sliced filet mignon with ridiculous rosemary-roasted potatoes. Amazing. My friend Faith got herself the 4-cheese gnocchi special and was closing her eyes at every bite. The second time I went, the boyfriend got the same dish I did, but with baby arugula and shaved parmesan. Also amazing. Service is quick and efficient; the wine selection is pretty good. It's cash-only; be ready for a crowd especially on the weekends. Tables are small and space is a tad tight, but somehow it all adds to the cozy atmosphere here. A real neighborhood gem for us.
(4)Stefanie B.
Oh my goodness YUM. As I have said in a previous review, Italian food is not something I seek out. But this place is so close to my apartment, and there's always such a crowd outside waiting, that I had to check it out. Everything on the menu was tempting. Everything. I started with the insalata mista, a simple mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette. Very light and a tasy combo of greens. For my entree, I opted for one of the homemade pasta dishes- a ravioli. Mmm. This pasta was *so* fresh. Honestly, I haven't had homemade pasta this good since I was in Buenos Aires. And although sometimes ravioli dishes don't offer you enough food, I was the perfect amount of full at the end of the meal. My companion got the salmone croccante with roasted potatoes, which I sampled and loved. We topped it off with the gelato of the day-hazelnut & pistachio, absolutely to DIE for- and cappuccinos. The space is very intimate, in a good way- yep, it's small, and the tables are close together and I wouldn't recommend going with a party larger than four- so something about it feels very homey, like you're in someone's kitchen in the middle of Italy. A nice atmosphere. I didn't mind at all that they don't have a full bar (just beer and wine). It added more to the comfortable, relaxed setting. They lose a star because it's cash only, and even though the entrees are VERY fairly priced, you could rack up quite a bill here if you wanted to. Also, I overheard the manager/owner tell our waitress (in Italian, but still) to not ask the table next to us if they needed anything else because there was a line and he needed the table. No bueno, sir. I don't want to end on a bad note, though. I will absolutely be back here, and would recommend it to anyone looking for authentic, unassuming Italian.
(4)Andrew C.
Great food and value. Salmon was delicious and I never order it at restaurants. Pasta sauces were also excellent.
(4)Mary S.
I had heard about Celeste but never been until the other night. Overall, it was disappointing. Started with fried artichoke, which was a huge -- or should I say tiny -- disappointment. It was a few leaves that had been dunked in hot oil for a second, accompanied by slightly fried Italian parsley. Yuck. My entree was the linguine with clams. For the price, I thought the portion was small. And my, oh my, was it greasy! So much butter and oil, I felt like I was choking on it. Dessert was ricotta cheesecake, which was OK (a little blah). Of everything we ordered, it was probably the most enjoyable. My spouse had the salmon and said it was "edible." He did enjoy his cappuccino, though. About the service: I lowered this review to two stars because of it. They were always in such a hurry for us to finish! Took my bread plate away without asking (there was still bread on it!). Took my appetizer plate away almost while I was still eating. At the end of our meal -- there were four of us, and we had been there for 70 minutes (got there at 6 pm) -- they told us to give up our table. I'm sorry, but I don't think being at a table for 70 min. on a weeknight should be considered overstaying our welcome. And avoid sitting at a table along the wall. You will basically be back to back with a stranger!
(2)Seraphina T.
The first time I walked in here, a tall man in a leather jacket walked over to me, and I was unsure whether he worked there or was just trying to get out the cramped entryway. He ended up being the sommelier, owner, something high up, and he teased me for looking so flabbergasted. This sort of anecdote describes the atmosphere of the place--very outgoing Italian. The owners regularly pour too much wine for the regulars-there was a couple sitting next to me who'd been there every week-and are very informal and welcoming while still being very classy. The ambiance and friendliness is what makes this place so fantastic. The food is good, but not amazing. It is, however, very inexpensive for what is essentially a classy relaxed, nice without being stuffy dinner. Their wines aren't great, but they are paired well if you ask the waiter, and are ~$7 glass. Their handmade pasta is very good, as is the pizza, and their fish is excellently cooked. You could get better Italian at a number of places on the island, but not necessarily a better experience. Great place, love it, and I aspire to become a regular. WARNING-cash only. I always forget this and have to dash out to the atm.
(4)Cisco L.
Its two blocks from where I live in the Upper West Side - where it's hard to find great places to eat outside of Downtown and Mid-Town. However this italian restaurant is authentic. Its cozy and its great for 2 or small party dinners. Kids and big groups - not so much - just not enough elbow room. Service is great - waiters are friendly and genuinely helpful. The menu is small which I think is a great! I'm over the menu's in NYC that offer everything under the sun ad mediocre quality. Had the spaghetti pasta with clams and garlic olive oil. Cooked perfectly. Ordered a glass of rose - which also good. Prices were reasonable and the wait for a table (albeit a Tue night) was about 20min. Not bad since Totto Ramen makes me wait an hour (please kill me now). Will be back here to take the wife! Great atmosphere and close to home - need more of these charming places in the upper west. Oh weird thing is it only takes cash...
(4)Shen J.
Went to Celeste with a group of 5. They won't sit you until your entire party is there, so don't go there with your perpetually late friends. Cash only, but the prices are reasonable so you won't need that much cash. We tried a couple of appetizers that were specials, the fried zuccini flower and veal with mayo. The veal was great. I had spaghetti with clams, it was a good dish that became great when the owner added spicy oil. Sea bass dish was good as were the pasta with mushroom dish. We didn't try the pizza, but the pasta dishes were great. The portions aren't huge, so you can each try an appetizer.
(4)Shannon H.
My sister and I walked from our hotel in Midtown to Celeste (on 85th) JUST because of the great Yelp reviews. We were not disappointed. The restaurant was only half full for our early Saturday lunch, so we didn't have to wait for a table. The restaurant is small and definitely not fussy, but the food was delicious. It tasted fresh, and the presentation was lovely and a bit upscale--not just generic Italian fare. My sister got a mushroom omelet and I got the ravioli; both tasted heavenly. We loved the olive oil served with our bread and actually asked for more bread just to keep dipping! We also ordered an apple tart for dessert, which was the perfect sweetness. We knew upfront that this was a cash-only restaurant, so no surprises.
(5)Abby S.
Experience: Squeezed in between two different tables at the front of the restaurant. Forget having a conversation here, between the claustrophobic table spacing, the frantic waiters, the creepy flirting of the owner, and the general noise, it is impossible to hear your company. -I saw two things here that I have never seen before in a NYC restaurant: 1. The owner asked a couple who had finished and paid for their meal to leave as they needed to seat new guests. 2. The wait staff and the owner perpetually nagging the couple to our right "Are you finished?, would you like this wrapped to go?" This occurred probably 10 or 15 times within the span of 10 minutes. Food: Disappointing. Given the high volume of positive reviews on Yelp, we had high expectations. The food was mediocre, at best. Do yourself a favor and go anywhere else. Unless that is, you enjoy being rushed through your disappointing meal while listening to the owner flirt about his "juicy and sweet prosciutto" AVOID.
(1)Ann K.
Had a friend visiting all the way from CA so wanted to make sure we chose the right place. This place had so many positive reviews and delicious looking dishes we were so excited and HAD to give it a try. Everything was going well- got seated relatively quickly, waiter took our orders nicely, and I got the spaghetti alle vongole. I bit into my first clam to find little rocks/pebbles in my bites. Took me 3 more clams to realize this was actually ruining my dish- I was literally finding black rocks my mouth. I thought ok, it's normal to have tiny rocks in some clams- my teeth could handle them. But by my 5th clam, I had to say something- this was not ok. The manager is then called over and after consulting the chef, she says what ultimately ruined my night. She says that they have been serving this dish all night, and that there has not been any complaints, so there's nothing she can do about it. Excuse me? I don't care if no one had problems with their clams. That does not nullify the fact that my dish's clams had problems. Was she essentially calling me a liar then? Because I was apparently the only one having issues? I don't think the fact that nothing could be done was what irritated me the most; it was her response. A simple apology for a dish not done properly would have pacified my discomfort. I ended up paying full price for the dish. I am never going back to this place again- ever.
(1)Tim K.
Amazing Homemade fresh pastas. Went on a Friday Night, and there was a line as usual. However dinner for 2 we only waited for about 10 or so minutes. The place is small, very intimate and a great spot for dates. If you dont mind being extremely close to your fellow patrons this spot is a must when looking for UWS Italiano. Mind you, you are VERY close to everyone else in terms that you can hear their convo. Appetizer starting with the fresh oven pizza which the guy in the corner just cranks out in minutes. Raviolis are fresh as ever. and pasta and sauces are very very good. Has easily become my top UWS Italian spot for the prices and the atmosphere. Note: They are CASH only and no reservations over the phone. The owner is a very nice italian man who wears a vest all the time.
(5)Kat K.
Just got back from having dinner at Celeste like 3 hours ago and here is what I have to say. Cool: 1) My friend 's hgh recommendation of Celeste 2) Cozy atmosphere and knowing the food is 'clean' 3) GREAT BANG for your buck (affordable taste for NYC) 4) DIVINE tiramisu and other desserts 5) Getting there at 5 pm sharp to avoid any form of waiting 6) The food is MSG free (?) NOT Cool: 1) The 45 minute wait for 2 pasta dishes when you pretty much put your order in before everyone else around you and they got theirs first. 2) 3 consecutive inquiries to the waiter on where the hell your food is and not really getting a straight answer 3) The feeling of fine dining like a can of packed sardines 4) Watching the lines getting longer and longer outside only to hope that the staff doesn't do it's best to rush you out within an hour (This is a huge pet peeve of mine)
(3)kathleen c.
So Celeste has long been on my list of "Italian" places to eat on the Upper West Side. Sure it's not as fancy or unique or famous as some of it's Italian counterparts further downtown, but I was looking for a decent place, close by, wouldn't break the bank, and would impress my out of town friends. Celeste did the trick. There was a line and a minimal wait. It was bustling. It was cosy. It was intimate. It was nice. The food was good--not mind blowing, not super original, but tasty and exactly what I was looking for. We also got the calamari appetizers and got a nasty look for asking for marinara sauce (which I would not have to ask for if 1) the calamari was properly seasoned and 2) let's be honest--Americans have been bastardizing Italian food for ages, don't be mad about it NOW). We had to ask for water. Several times. I felt like I was being rushed after I told them I didn't want dessert (after the dessert menu was not PLACED but SLAPPED in front of me). So sure, the food was okay. Decent. It was what I expected. But the service? Sub par, especially in NYC.
(3)Tom B.
Great food. my favorite on the UWS
(4)Melanie C.
EXCELLENT value - I had dinner for two WITH appetizers for $40 here - as in, AFTER tax and tip it was $40. That's pretty amazing for the UWS. Their wine prices aren't bad, either. I usually go with the pasta fatta en casa (homemade pasta), either the ravioli in sage butter or sometimes in red sauce, and we almost always end with their delicious, well-chosen cheese plate, which includes a bit of fruit and honey. They are generous with the cheese, too, which I appreciate. Celeste has very high-quality food and good portion control - I always leave fulfilled but not stuffed, which I like. Clearly a very Italian place - the waiters, bus boy, owner, bartender, everyone speaks it, which makes for an entertaining dining experience in addition to delicious food. Note that it is cash only and does NOT take reservations, which means you're in for a wait. However, it's worth that wait and it's also nice to feel like they are justified in doing the cash-only thing because clearly they a) hire illegal but very outgoing and inspired Italians (it's just a hunch), and b) they charge extremely reasonable prices for the food, so it's OK for them to duck that 2-3% rip-off fee that credit cards charge establishments. Overall, HIGHLY recommended.
(5)Trent C.
Great food. We had the pizza and fillet mingon steak. The pizza was excellent - love the tomato paste and the crispy crusty. Yum! The steak was also really nice, I liked how they cooked the potatoes and the herbs they used. Thumbs up!
(4)Steph H.
This is my favorite Italian restaurant on the UWS. The spaghetti alle vongole is delicious and the prices here aren't bad either. It is cash only, but it's what helps keep the prices at this place decent. There are consistently long waits on weekends...my favorite time to go is in the afternoon for a late lunch. This place is very small and the tables are crammed in so be prepared to get cozy with your neighbor.
(5)A L.
We went here for dinner and waited or 15 minutes for a table. Daughter had the grilled seabass with mushrooms on top and with a side of escarole. She liked it. Husband had the egg noodles. It was ok. I had the homemade gocchi. It was fantastic! Service was friendly. Would definitely return.
(4)Yolanda L.
I love this place even-dough being a small and busy place the food worth to wait for the table. We didn't wait by the time we arrived 6:45. We had the house salad, gnocchi, talharine with shrimp booth dishes were the home made options, the pasta was perfect all-dente. For dessert we had the pie chocolate mousse so far the best dessert I've ever had in ny. I'll definitely be back to this restaurant
(5)Stephanie M.
Great food, cozy atmosphere. The food is awesome - the freshest, most flavorful cheeses, wonderful breads, satisfying pastas and absolutely everything else you could wish for. The food was simple and well done. I definitely had to walk off the meal, but felt amazing. The atmosphere is intimate - the tables are somewhat close to one another, but it has a very authentic feel, which is very fun. Good for dinner with a friend or a very casual date.
(5)James T.
My wife and I were looking for an Italian place and decided to give this place a try. We were disappointed. The bread was a little stale and dry. The shaved artichoke salad was not bad. The pizza could have been better. If you're looking for Italian thin crust pizza you'll be disappointed. We had the basic Margherita and it was kind of bland. It needed a bit more flavoring. The handmade pastas are not bad.
(2)Luke R.
This is a great italian place for the price, and they always have some very authentic dishes. The owner and the waiters all know the menu and have great wine suggestions, as well. I will admit that the owner may not be the easiest guy to get along with. I have heard comparisons to the soup nazi before, but if you try to engage him, he opens up. He's from Italy and loves his food and will recommend what to get. The best way to get on his good side is to take that advice and follow it exactly. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Kealan C.
In my never-ending quest to be witty and amusing, I'd like to attempt to make this an entertaining review . . . but I can't bring myself to cheapen what Celeste and I have, which is something very, very special. Being the poor girl with high standards that I am, I've found it difficult to find many places on the UWS that are delicious, cheap, and have a nice atmosphere. This is exactly that and so, so much more. First of all, the owner is a fabulous host. From the minute you give him your name to the moment you leave, it's obvious that he wants you to enjoy your time at his place. He's charming, helpful, and concerned: not your typical American dining experience, but it's a welcome change. The night I was there "Happy Birthday" was sung to two diners, and being that it's such a small space, everyone laughed and joined in at the waiters' insistence. It was kind of like family. As for the food, I had a daily special which was a butternut squash ravioli in a lemon, butter, and magic sauce that I still can (days later) feel melting in my mouth. To die for . . . or kill for, whichever opportunity comes first, AND only $15! The pizza was great, but not the best I've ever had. Try the specials, or ask the host for a recommendation. Most dishes are around $10. Large selection of wines ranging from $6-$7, so in theory you and a date could get out of here around $40 . . . . . . but you have to have dessert. I loved the cinnamon gelato with aged balsamic vinegar. Sounds amazing, right? It is. Cash only, there will be a wait, but it's so worth it. The perfect place to take just about anyone.
(5)J G.
Definitely taken notice of Celeste due to what always seems like a large crowd waiting for a table here almost every Friday and Saturday night. This is rare in an area with so much competition...which only leads me to wonder "What are they serving in there?!?!" Never had a chance to eat there until this past Friday...and in short, I think I have found my new go to place for Italian food. We were lucky when we got there as there was no wait for 2 people (however there were larger groups waiting). Like other reviewers have mentioned, the place is cramped and you can basically hear everyone's convo (so word to the wise, keep your secret-sharing for elsewhere and definitely no break-ups here). I didn't mind the small space however and in some ways, it added to the experience. The crowd was mixed; families, couples, Italians, and non-Italians alike. Our waiter was true Italiano (complete with an accent) which was cool and reminded my wife and I of being in Italy again. I ordered the Spaghetti Alla Vongole and in order to try the fresh made pasta, my wife had the Ravioli Con Burro e Salvia. Both are great dishes; the Spaghetti was maybe a tad on the oily side but had a little bit of a kick which we liked. Portions are good for the Spaghetti. As for the Ravioli, they only give you four pieces. Next time we will try the pizza (they have a wood-fired oven in the back corner). Overall, molto buono and buon appetito.
(5)Caesar R.
Cash Only....but affordable if you don't go overboard on the vast selection of wine The neighborhood staple of Celeste is always a great spot should you want a wood fired pizza or a pasta dish or a decent Italian meal. It is definitely cozy, prepare to wait if you come at a prime dinner hour. We arrived for an early dinner and the place was already full, but had a few spots for tables of 2 left, so down we went. The bread arrived and was super fresh and delicious with the olive oil. We had the burrata appetizer special. A little early in the season for tomatoes, but the runny moz was delicious with a touch of salt. For our entrees we shared the margherita pizza and the veal with a lemon caper sauce. The veal was delicious and served with spinach that had great garlic flavor and fried potatoes that had a nice crunch. The pizza was exactly what I was in the mood for with a thin crust and done to perfection. Looking forward to more returns to this fun friendly spot.
(4)Diana B.
Super service and food, and A delightful Italian ambiance. But it's noisy.
(5)Michael T.
Short: Have you ever had a panic attack? Imagine that, but with very good food. Sort of like having your nails slowly pulled out while enjoying the fromage at Picholine. Long: I usually don't go out for Italian because classic Italian cuisine is easy to make at home and is usually comparable to some cook's idea of the stuff. But Yelp insisted I would like this place, and I trust you guys. You're usually so smart and affable! After a mediumish wait, we got seated. There was no warning about the cash-only system until we got our menus. No big deal, it's sort of like when you go to the Apple store and they do that weird initiation ritual that no one ever speaks of involving the blood of Chinese virgins. An "in the know" kind of experience. Also seated at our table were about 30 other patrons. The table was about 1 foot long and 6 inches wide, and most of that space was taken up by a society of circus clowns who had somehow all fit in the same tiny room. I was constantly being shoved this way and that by the unfortunate hurried servers who had to navigate the area. We ordered food and my girlfriend ordered some wine. The wine never showed up. But that's OK -- I got to enjoy the conversation of my 30 compatriots while making significant "isn't this romantic" expressions at my partner. I like the garlicky sauce... It really is a lovely place if you get over the HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE OH MY GOD JESUS CHRIST I HAVE TO GET OUT OF HERE NOW PLEASE HELP JUST FINISH THE FOOD SO WE CAN LEAVE I THINK I'M GOING TO PASS OUT THERE MUST BE AN EXIT AROUND HERE SOMEWHERE I KNOW THERE'S AN EXIT THEY'RE ALL SITTING ON MY SHOULDERS IS THIS WHAT IT'S LIKE TO BE SCHIZOPHRENIC WHAT AN AMAZING WAY TO LEARN HOW TO LOSE YOUR MIND HEEEEEELLLP
(2)Matthew H.
Stopped by here for lunch/brunch yesterday. the food was good and the prices are definitely reasonable. This place may have made it to 4 stars if not for the waiter, he had attitude and lots of it. We tried two pastas, the portions seemed small, but in retrospect the amount fit the bill. The pizza looked tasty although I did not try it. The decor seemed to be a mix of pizzeria (you can see the oven in the back) and diner, seats spread all over the small interior. In the likely case that I am in the Upper West Side again, I'd give Celeste another whirl.
(3)Cassidy H.
My husband and I went to Celeste last night for the first time. We went pretty early (around 5:30) so there was no wait, which was nice. We really enjoyed our experiene. The service was great and the food was great. I started with the spinach salad, which wasn't mind blowing but it was good. He started with the insalata mista, very basic but tasty. We shared a couple of entrees. The Gnocchi Alla Sorrentino which was amazing (after I added a touch of salt) and the Pollo Mandorlato which was also extremely tasty. It was just the piece of chicken and small salad so that was a bit disappointing seeing as we had each just eaten our own salad. We loved our food but would order a bit differently next time. 2 entrees, a pasta dish and 1 salad would of been perfect. We definitely plan on going back!
(4)Korey L.
First off - people need to stop being little punks and whining about the crowded space. It's New York - high population density means crowds. If you don't like it, go eat somewhere else. Pizza margherita excellent, pasta great, specials and fish also good. It's a tiny place and you may need to wait, but I think it's worthwhile. Solid Italian food in a cozy environment in the UWS. It's not crazy ridiculous good which is why 4 stars, but if you need a pizza, pasta fix - this is an excellent spot.
(4)Jonathan H.
Have the pizza! We ventured over from the East Side because of the reviews on Yelp and were not disappointed. Everything you read here is pretty true. Pretty small. Not much ambiance. Staff was affable enough. We did feel rushed even though the place wasn't 1/4 full and I didn't particularly care for that but the food is legit. We have pizza, pasta special and the gnoche. White pizza was perfect. Honestly could not have asked for a better pie and we love pizza! My girlfriend loved her pasta special. All the ingredients were fresh as can be and I have never tasted such fresh basil. It stood on it's own and smelled amazing. Gnoche wasn't visually appealing and the inconsistency in sizes made it cook unevenly. Some were raw and others, not overcooked, but far from raw. Some salt and cheese, it was more than passable. Dessert was the Grain pie. Very good. not like nan's but good. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a quick casual meal uptown.
(4)Sara B.
First off, I agree with others that the manager and waiter were sarcastic bordering on rude, but I felt it was in a very tongue-in-cheek sort of way. It was clearly part of the restaurant's schtick, so we just played along and it was fun. Overall, the place was very affordable and the food was very good-- I'd definitely go back. Entrees hovered around $9-12 and we were able to get a decent bottle of wine for only $25. We started with the Burrata cheese appetizer (a version of caprese) which was fresh and tasty, although a bit pricier than we expected. I had the tagliatelle with shrimp and cabbage, which was really rich and peppery and a nice change of pace from the more traditional items I'm used to seeing on trattoria menus. The spinach gnocchi my husband ordered had great texture and were very flavorful. I had only a bite of our friend's artichoke salad, but it seemed fresh and light and, again, a little out of the ordinary. Long story short, this might not be the best place to come if you're hungry, tired, and otherwise crabby. If you've got time to wait for a table and don't mind a little sarcastic banter with the waitstaff, it's worth a trip.
(4)Anna N.
I used to visit this restaurant frequently when I lived in NYC. Man do I miss this place!!! Really good bread. Amazing thin crust pizza. The best vongole ever!! VERY AFFORDABLE. Nothing is ever over- or under- cooked. Attentive service. Although this place is usually packed, it is well run and the staff are courteous and organized. You will get seated promptly, so no staring angrily at lingering customers or empty tables waiting to be cleared. I also have to mention the owner -- he is always there making sure everything is running smoothly, delivering condiments (spicy oil!) when needed, checking in with every customer. For all the restaurants I could possibly miss in NYC, Celeste tops the list. You just can't find such great Italian food, value, and service anywhere else.
(5)Maia A.
Wow. This place is so good! Amazing and knowledgeable service coupled with amazingly authentic Italian food in this super cozy UWS spot. Tables are tight, so take the opportunity to get to know your neighbors and take a peek at what they ordered. We had the calamari appetizer and the ravioli. DELISH.
(4)Mike W.
Great pricing on everything. The best Italian I have had so far in NYC. You will have to wait in line because they don't take reservations and the place is very small, but it is all worth it because of the food. We went with a group of 6 and the tables are small, but final bill was $165 with beers, wine, dinner and appetizers.
(5)Michael L.
Fresh homemade pastas + cheap prices = Worth the CASH only policy. Yes the space is cramped, similar to gennaro where it is almost a fire hazard. The noise level wasnt too bad. Staff for the most part was friendly. The main dude looked pissed off. On to the food. we ordered the chicken liver appetizer which was served on top of toast in a balsalmic sauce. Wow it was huge, couldve fed like 4 people. Livers were good, just wish there was less of it. I ordered the pasta special which was a homemade tagliatelle with fresh ricotta, tomato, eggplant in a red sauce with fresh basil. The pasta was very good, and priced at a reasonable $15. My wifes pasta was with clams and it was $12. For the quality of the dishes they could have easily charged 5-10 more per entree. It was good. The dessert we tried was a lemon sorbet with a cake crust, very refreshing and not too overpowering. I would definitely come back, and would recommend anyone who likes italian to come here. Their menu is not vast, but they have daily specials and their prices are reasonable.
(4)Saralala K.
I was pleasantly surprised by this place. It's cute and cozy with friendly attentive staff. The owner will often come around and greet your table. The homemade pasta dishes are delicious and very affordable... all the ones we tried were great! We also had this amazing tartufo that was filled with lemon sorbet. Incredibly refreshing. If I want an Italian meal on the UWS that's guaranteed to be good and not break the bank, I go here. Just make sure to bring cash because it's cash only. Also, expect to wait if you have a larger group and it's prime dinner time!
(5)Maxine W.
This is my favorite restaurant in the UWS!...and I'm going to go as far as to say this is my favorite Italian restaurant in NYC! I'm craving one of their pizzas as I write this review... Ok, so the deal with Celeste is that it's a very casual italian place. There are no reservations (about a 20 min wait), and it's a cash only place. I live in the UWS and everything up this way is very laid back, casual, chill... The decor is homey, and it is a family style kind of setup. Honestly, I love the setup because we always end up chatting with neighbours (mainly about the food) - if you talk to the other customers you'll soon realise that most of them have been coming here for YEARS. The waiters are super efficient, and they do turn over tables really quickly - but are super friendly! If you're after an amazingly cooked meal with minimal fuss then look no further! The food seriously is mouth wateringly AMAZING. I had the mussels (special) for the appetizer. I ordered the special pizza with white cheese, mushrooms and speck... the crust was thin, deliciously wood fired... and the combination of fresh ingredients was incredible. It's VERY hard to impress me with pizza - but I was very impressed!!!! My boyfriend ordered the pasta - spaghetti with clam sauce (which has been his favorite for YEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!) The owner is really friendly - the nicest guy ever! He recommended us a desert wine to finish (we were pretty full but couldn't resist) - and it really was a SUPERB end to our meal. (Btw, their wine list is incredible - full of local italian vineyard wines that taste amazing but are reasonably priced) I give this place 5 stars because not only is the food amazing, it's a casual spot (which I love), wine list is terrific, efficient and friendly service, and is incredibly reasonable in terms of price!!! An absolute neighbourhood gem!
(5)Scott F.
Not your neighborhood pizza & baked ziti joint. Nope, this little find offers some different dishes than your usual Italian eatery, but nothing that is going to wow you. For starters, the place was packed so our party of 4 needed to wait for 10-15 minutes, which wasn't a problem. However, we were forced to wait outside since there isn't any waiting room indoors; luckily it wasn't cold. Once we were seated, we were brought to our very cramped table where I kept bumping elbows with my neighbor. But, once the food started coming the negatives stopped and we were able to enjoy our meal. The appetizer was the Ricotta di Bufala- Fried Ricotta & Salad. It seemed like a great idea at the time, but we were disappointed in the amount of food upon presentation. It offered only two pieces of cheese and a large helping of lettuce, which always seems like a letdown. However, the cheese was fabulous and the lettuce even had a light dressing on it that soothed my taste buds, 3 stars. One of the two entrees (we clearly didn't like variety that night) was the Paccheri Vesuviana- Ribbon-shaped pasta with ricotta & tomato sauce. The pasta was cooked well and the sauce & ricotta added a very good flavor to the meal. My only gripe was that it wasn't anything more than those 3 simple ingredients and it became a little boring, 3.5 stars. The second entree, Gnocchi Alla Sorrentino, was the highlight of the meal. It offered a great minature potato dumpling (gnocchi) in a very good sauce. The sauce had a hint of garlic & basil in it which made every bite a joy, 4 stars.
(3)Robin G.
Prices are creeping up here, but the food is very good and still affordable. Be prepared to wait and sit in a cramped, noisy trattoria.
(4)Grace A.
I went here with a Blackboard Eats coupon for a free bottle of wine with dinner, but I will definitely come back. We came on a Tuesday at 6:30 and the place was almost full already, which is always a good sign. The prices were really reasonable and the presentation was lovely. My friend got ravioli that came in this really pretty square, and I don't even remember what I ordered but it had fresh mozzarella cheese in it that was really creamy and wonderful. The bottle of wine we got was so good that we would have ordered another but we didn't want to make the crowd outside wait any longer. It's a little out of the way for where I usually hang out, but if I'm ever in the mood for Italian I will definitely take a trip back up here. Lurve.
(5)M. S.
The food was so good. It was a bit cramped, but I loved the fact that it was a small operation. The service was as good as I could of hoped for a small space and big crowd.
(4)Rock L.
A quiet and cozy place to eat. The food is great and affordable. My only complaint is that you are a little close to the people eating next to you. Menu is a little hard to decipher, wished they more pictures. But since you are soo close to the people next to you, you can just tell the waiter you want what they are having. Great place to go to eat and the owner is super nice and friendly.
(5)Evan B.
My favorite restaurant of all time. This place offers the purest Italian experience outside of, well, Italy. As an Italian myself, it brings the taste, the feel and even the attitude of the country into this tiny tiny cash only restaurant. Be prepared for a wait unless you get there AT FOUR. The owner stalks about the restaurant, talking with customers about the food and about his experiences back in Italy. Some people don't necessarily like this, but I think it brings a more home-like feel to it. He takes his food very seriously -- Some people say he is rude -- Not in my experiences...He brings over really great cheese, wines and at one time, a hazelnut gelato recipe which was EXTREMELY good. The staff he brings on are equally as passionate about the food, ensuring that your food and wine selection are a match together. Overall, the food is exceptional -- But it is the authenticity and feel of the place that makes it my favorite.
(5)Kelly S.
Great and unexpected delight! Great family italian experience. Be ready for fresh, spicy, close seating and charming waiters. One of my new favs in UWS!
(5)Adam A.
This place gets five stars just for the side bit to one of the appetizers. Fried parsley that surrounded the artichoke hearts we ordered... and it was either the cook or the owner or both who came by and praised us for eating the delicious garnish. Apparently many people don't realize it's edible. I love being praised for eating good food. Their pasta was just right consistency wise, and the sauces my friends and I had were delicious. But really, that parsley, in it's simplicity, had me at hello. It's been almost a year and half since I ate there, and I've only eaten once (being 3000 miles away doesn't help), but it's somewhere I definitely want to go back to. It's a small place, but instead of feeling cramped it actually manages to feel cozy.
(5)Barry B.
Celeste is absolutely incredible. Warm, cozy atmosphere. Friendly and helpful staff. I had a veal special, which was cooked in a mushroom and white wine sauce. For dessert, I had a lemon tart (also a special) that takes the place as the best thing involving lemon that I have ever eaten in my life. I was suggested an incredible, reasonably priced wine. Bottom Line: Celeste gives you that "I can die now" feeling which you regularly search for in a good restaurant but rarely find. I can't wait to go back.
(5)Raquel G.
I've gone to Celeste many times since my first review, but I think that my dinner on Friday night allows for an update! I went for a solo dinner after happy hour this past Friday and had, yet another, great experience. Eating out alone isn't my favorite thing to do, but lately, I've started to enjoy it again, especially since I am starting to appreciate eating out a lot more lately. With my recently acquired new love for fish, I decided to try an entree this trip. Usually I just have the artichoke salad with the eggplant rollatini or a pasta dish as my entree. Friday nights fish special was Orata and I decided to try it, after my artichoke salad. It was delicious! It was cooked with lemon, artichokes and mint, served alongside crisp green beans and crispy potatoes. All fabulous. The waiter was fantastic as well, very attentive, and suggested the perfect glass of white that went well with my meal. Although the tables are still placed "too close for comfort," for some reason, it does not bother me at Celeste anymore. The food, service and prices surely make up for it! I love that this place is around the corner from my apartment...
(5)Chie T.
Went last night because my sister who has just moved to NYC was craving Italian and though I was hoping to give her a bit of a go-to place remembering how much I had enjoyed it my first time, she told me that she's been to somewhere she liked much better and she's only been here a month! But in her defense, our experience this time around wasn't nearly what mine was this time. While the manager was there and he was jovial and friendly and made you feel quite at home, our waitress was much less so (and I do give it to her that she was really the only one that night) and our pizza was ... nothing special. The dish with clams is indeed very rich and comforting and I still have fond thoughts of their gnocci but the pizza I think offset our overall impression. I'd still go there for other dishes and there was a dish our neighbor was having that smelled heavenly like lemons but stay away from their pizza.
(3)Neil R.
If you're looking for the taste of real Trattoria cooking, look no further. The highest quality ingredients, the knowledge of the owner and his creativity with simple yet most times indescribably delicious dishes, from appetizers right through desert (Chocolate and Peperoncini Gelato??) I am a regular here so there isn't anything that I haven't eaten in this place. So, it's crowded, the tables wobble, the owner can get teste and try to move you out too quickly,. Try to get into the moment and really taste the love and caring that goes into the food. Celeste is for people who care about the food and nothing but the food.
(5)Jennifer S.
What a blast! Before you go, read the reviews - they're almost all spot on. Food is good, portions are normal and not bigger than your head, prices are fantastic. Service is slow at times but well meaning, the owner is lovable and yes he will stop and talk to you. It is hot. It is crowded. Order the cheese plate. This is not the place to go if you want fancy food or a quiet scene. This is the place to come when you want to let the wine keep coming and not think about how much it costs, when you want a dish of something tasty not separated out into quadrants with accompanying garnishes, and when you want an experience and a wonderful memory, not just a dinner. Seriously. Order the cheese plate.
(4)Oscar R.
I wish I could give this place a higher rating because the owner and waiters were very friendly. Unfortunately, I must say that the food was just average if you ask me. Perhaps it's because I've been fortunate enough to eat at some of the great Italian restaurants in NYC, such as Robertos, Bar Pitti, Al di la, and L'Incontro, as well as some great places in Tuscany, but I think most people give this place a higher rating because their prices are very reasonable for NYC standards (e.g. pasta dishes for $10 and entrees for $15). The place is very small but cute. However, with me, it's all about the food. I rather pay an extra $10 for a dish and be blown away than to save a couple of dollars and feel I got the "best deal" dollar for dollar. I was looking forward to going to this place based on all the positive reviews, but I doubt I'll go back. I liked the food at Bar Pitti much more for a similar price point. Appetizers: 1. Eggplant rolls (good) 2. Fried calamari (average), 3. Mussels (decent) Entrees: 1. Ribbon pasta in red sauce (average), 2. Veal medallions with capers (average) 3. Linguini with clams (average), 4. The special Tagliatelle with shrimp (this was excellent!). Dessert: 1. Tiramisu (average) 2. Cappuccinos (good)
(3)Daniele D.
Truce. The pizza is excellent, the ingredients are fresh, the pasta is home made, simple authentic italian food. Been back for dinner a couple of times and will be back. I would venture to say the best pizza in in the UWS (fare enough Fornarina has good pizzas but they are about 50% more expensive - why?) I can live with cash only policy I guess, if in return I get a good pizza. For the record I do not approve.
(4)Richard L.
Ambiance: Cramped minimalist flair. No obvious signage outside. Service: Plentiful, curt, helpful. Price: Entrées start at around $12. Food: Moderately creative self-assertive Italian. Nothing that came to the table was not at least a good effort both in preparation and presentation. The fried artichoke appetizer was good. The lamb was both satisfying and well portioned. The choice of wines is moderately priced (a respectable bottle for $31) and well stocked. Summary: A good place to go on the UWS. But one should be aware that Celeste fills up pretty quickly in the evening, and the tables and seating are placed very close to eachother, making the restaurant both loud and somewhat cramped.
(4)Angie C.
My ravioli (I believe with ricotta, butter, and spinach) was pretty tasty but the portion was rather small for the price of $9.50. My friend ordered the fried artichoke and I was tempted to order that dish since it came with a good amount and smelled absolutely amazing. The service was alright, nothing to phone home and squeal about to my mother.
(4)danielle m.
After reading reviews on various sites, I decided to give this place a try. Wow, what a mistake. The owner was SO rude, making it seem like it was big inconvenience when we asked to move tables (my husband was practically sitting on the person next him since they had 2 random tables pushed together to share). Then the waiter came over to take our order and was so awkward. He kept trying to make the same joke over and over instead of just taking our order. The food is OK, nothing that I can't cook at home. Save your $.
(2)Carolina V.
the place was so incredibly delicious and fresh. my only complaint was the crowdness of the establishment, however once my plate came i was in heaven.
(5)Krista L.
my absolutely favorite italian in the city! my favorite is the ravioli, I tend to get it almost every time because it's so fantastic! the price is right, remember cash only. it's like stepping into a taste of italy. the best!!!
(5)Regina L.
Food in this place is amazing. No reservations means sometimes, you have to wait. It's worth it.
(5)Somyra B.
I really enjoyed the food here but what's up with the B health & hygiene rating and the no cash policy. Hence, why I subtracted one star.
(4)Daniel C.
If I don't have a car to make it over to Arther Ave in the Bronx, this is where I'll go for real Italian. I'm a fan of the owner who is very cordial but fair. Have your entire party there as I'm sure other reviewers allude to. But I asked him if he gets his cheeses from Italy as rumored and the answer is yes!! I think once or twice a month he said. Bene, molto bene.
(4)Jena E.
So adorable. Very cozy, intimate space with ambiance and personality. No sign out front (that I saw anyways), so when you walk in you sort of feel like you discovered a secret. Our server was legitimately Italian, with a fantastic accent and friendly if slightly scatterbrained service. Owner was a big, hulking guy wearing a puffy vest and walking around authoritatively. Food was good, not outstanding, but the price point, ambiance and affordable wine list more than made up for any lackluster food issues. I would definitely come back...and bring cash next time so my friend's mom doesn't have to foot the bill!
(4)Kenny B.
Haven't eaten here in forever because the owner, or whomever that guy is that takes your reservation, was very rude and kind of cocky about it. If the food was great I might be able to get past that guy but I think Celeste does well because of low expectations or mediocre food in general in the neighborhood. I honestly don't get it. I would probably give the food three stars, I guess, but the service, the jerk at the door and the atmosphere bring this place down to a one for me.
(1)Anna T.
This is hands down one of the most delicious dinners I've ever had. And I've had plenty :) We came to New York from Chicago for a couple of days for our friends' wedding and went for dinner in the area we were staying with our friends from France. Oh my, did we enjoy every bite! We had their home made ravioli with butternut squash - and I felt like I'm in heaven from the first bite! I'm not easily impressed by food as I'm a pretty picky eater but this dish won me over completely. And then, OMG, the desserts. The tartufo with limoncello (I don't remember the fancy name off the menu) is out of this earth, and their panna cotta is just the right kind and texture, which is a rare thing here in the States. All in all, this place is run by the Italian family and they made sure you feel like you're in Napoli. They say they wanted to make food that they'd want to eat when they're out with their own families, and they definitely achieved it! :)
(5)Thomas S.
Good firewood pizza and nice place overall if you live in the block. Average service (slow and not very friendly), usually packed with families. Go outside of regular hours and it's fine.
(3)Arielle S.
Wow, this place was really good and just the type of great Italian cuisine I was looking for. I came in with 2 girlfriends for dinner. 1 ordered the margherita pizza, 1 ordered the fried vegetables, and I ordered a pasta dish with spaghetti in an oil and garlic sauce with clams. My meal was so delicious and the perfect portion size. I left feeling so content and can't wait to return! -1 star for the no credit card policy.
(4)Seth D.
This place was phenomenal. Everything from the food to the service was on point. The staff was all friendly and everyone I had interactions with was speaking Italian. The food and people were super authentic! Great experience.
(5)Alice C.
Went here based on the recommendations on yelp, and Celeste lived up to the stars! The service was great as well. We asked for a wine recommendation and the owner asked for our wine preference "red, medium bodied, earth tone, low acidity, 20~30 range" and promptly went to get us a bottle. We were a little concerned at first since he didnt tell us what is was before bringing it over, but it was delicious! As other reviewers said, the complimentary bread and olive oil was quite tasty and the entrees made with homemade pasta was good. We also had their endive salad which was crisp and crunchy. The absolute highlight of the night though, was the tiramisu. One bite, and both of us were in tiramisu heaven. The tiramisu was creamy with the rich espresso and chocolate taste, yet was light as a mousse. Other tiramisus I've had tend to be heavier and a few bites made you feel too sweet. This one was silky smooth and absolutely heavenly. As my friend aptly put it, "even if the rest of the meal was abysmal, the tiramisu alone was worth it." The price tag plus tip came to about $90 (wine was $30), not a bad price for a lovely Italian dining experience. The place is small and seating is close, so don't come here expecting a cozy quiet date night. It was fun to look over and ask how the other people liked their dishes though. Overall, this is definitely a recommended place to try out.
(5)Reynaldo S.
Oohh boy. If you want to eat good food, THIS IS NOT THE PLACE. Where is the option for zero stars. Before I talk about a restaurant I typically go for two or three times, but this one have NO HOPE. The employees are rude, the manager (or owner??) just didn't care, the food took forever to be ready and the taste was REALLY BAD. I had a bad stomachache. If you are really hard headed insist on going, just don't get chicken or pasta. DAMNNN why didn't we just crossed the street to Jacob's Pickles, that's a place to eat and enjoy food.
(1)Tam L.
Small, cozy, cash-only place. I was really excited because it seemed like a nice little mom-and-pop joint and I couldn't wait to try their handmade pasta. I had the Tagliatelle Con Gamberi E Verza (egg noodles with cabbage shrimp and pecorino cheese) and it was meh. It really sounded good and I expected something better. However, I also had their special pizza of the day and that was nice. It had a tiny crust and lots of cheese- just how I like it. Service was quick though which was important as we wanted to catch a movie playing at the AMC on 84th Street. Without telling them, we were still able to get in and out in less than 40 minutes. Impressive! All in all, nice place but I probably wouldn't revist.
(3)Ryan W.
Cash only. This pizza restored my faith in humanity. Good luck getting a table, though. Great margherita pizza. You can always hit up the Pizza Palace or Freddy and Peppers if you're in a rush and the wait is too long.
(5)Adelma L.
I heard this place was amazing, and with the line outside the door, I expected a lot. I had the pasta special, a ragu. I like an earthy, rich sauce and fresh pasta that melts in your mouth. This was ok, but definitely not that. Guess I missed what all the hype is about. Maybe I ordered wrong?
(3)Paul C.
What can I say....my fav italian in NYC is well....not the same restaurant of 10 years ago when I first "discovered" it. What I loved about Celeste's was that it was quite authentic northern italian cuisine. Fresh and simple goodness. This time, I ordered the pasta with bolognese sauce and was disappointed with the sauce which was very heavy on the tomato and lacking the "meatiness'. If I want a tomato based pasta, I would've ordered something else. For the appetizer, we ordered fried zucchini blossoms which was a bit greasy and oddly pared with seared shrimp. Same friendly owner so not sure what has changed? I would still recommend....but it may be time to look for another local joint.
(3)Chris B.
We had to leave. This place was seriously not cool. It was raining outside and they would not let us in 15 minutes before 12, even though their staff was there. They gave us the brunch menu that was grievously limited. There was virtually nothing that some members of our party wanted to order. The bread was not fresh and the service was poor. We had to leave without ordering and go to Carmine's,
(1)JJ O.
Good pizza and ravioli. Didn't blow me away, but a well-priced, decent place to grab dinner. I'd do 3.5 stars if I could.
(4)Samantha H.
I've been to this restaurant a few times and the food is very good for a neighborhood Italian joint. Certainly not the best Italian food on the UWS and DEFINITELY not the best in NYC (as some reviews have claimed). The pizza is delicious and the pasta is pretty good. The entrees are decent. Tonight I went for a quick bite with my boyfriend and ordered the special pasta and the special pizza. The pizza was amazing, but the crab pasta dish I ordered was not good. Not good at all. I have never sent a dish back, until now. When I did, it turned the wait staff into a tizzy. The (usually) charming restaurant owner came over to tell me that it's seafood pasta and that's how it tastes. He claimed that it was fresh crab, 20 people had eaten it and no one said a word. I have had crab pasta, as well as seafood pasta all over the US and Italy and it has never tasted so fishy. I'm from Florida and grew up eating seafood/crab and have never had food so fishy. The owner then told us exactly how much the crab cost and that we would have to pay for it, even if we wanted a cheaper dish to replace it. He never once apologized for the dish, instead told me I was wrong. Meanwhile, the fish a woman at the table next to me ordered smelled horribly fishy, as well. The pasta bolognese (my replacement dish) took forever to come out. This is a dish which should have taken no time, as I'm sure the sauce is stewing all day. I am moving out of the neighborhood and will never return to this restaurant, as it is only worth a visit if it's extremely convenient.
(2)Heather E.
Always crowded and always worth it. Whether it's pizza or pasta you're craving you can't go wrong here. The gnocchi is fantastic!! As are the homemade pasta choices. Never been disappointed when I've ordered a special either. The true Italian staff creates the wonderful sense of being in the middle of a big family dinner in Italy. The gentleman who assumes owns the establishment is incredibly attentive and always has a gentle smile to welcome you!!
(5)Molly D.
The food is amazing, and it's not ridiculously priced like so many other places in New York that aren't half as good
(5)Laura P.
Probably more like a 2.5. Food is fine, not better than that. The reviews must be in light of the fact that this is located on the UWS and there isn't really a lot of Italian food around. Only 3 of their pastas are homemade - ravioli, gnocchi, and tagliatelle. The rest are dried. We came for Saturday lunch and were planning to get the gnocchi and ravioli, but apparently they have an extremely limited "brunch" menu and only the ravioli was an option. Because the tagliatelle comes with shrimp, which I don't eat, and they are so stubborn and rude about changing their dishes, we couldn't get that either. Had to settle for a pizza. Ugh. There is nothing worse than getting pizza at a mediocre place when there are so many amazing pizza places in NYC. I asked for it lightly done and the guy looked at me like I was crazy and said what you want it raw? I said no, cook it, but don't char it, I like it lightly done. He then asked me back if I had ever had pizza before from a wood burning oven because they are too hot to make it lightly done. Actually yes I have, I'm kind of an expert in wood-fired pizzas and pretty much every place I've eaten it at has been competent enough to accommodate my request. Pizza came out burnt, of course, with bad dough and ordinary tomato sauce. Ravioli was ok. Cash only. Unbelievably rude, insulting, and condescending staff. Prices are good. I say order a pizza from pizza hut instead - it won't be worse.
(2)Itay F.
Great home Italian food! If you live at the UWS you have to try it!!
(5)Marcella F.
The service was super great but the food are regular. My gnocchi was heavy and the tomato sauce was terribly acid. My girlfriend order a butter squash ravioli which was better than my gnocchi but i won't eat there anymore.
(2)C J.
My only beef with this small, cozy UWS restaurant is that they're cash only. The Paccheri is outstanding as is their fried seafood appetizer. While the service is good, the food is better. Absolutely a must for UWS Italian. Prefer to go for weekend brunch when they're not crowded.
(5)Jay V.
I signed up specifically to give this review. Where do I start? While the good was okay, the service was slow and pretty horrible. Probably due to the overcrowded nature of the place. The owner appeared to be drunk and frequently visited and even sat down at tables. Okay if your sober and being hospitable. Not okay when he's drunk and being rude. Even aggressive, I would say. Made my entire party uncomfortable. Cringe worthy. 2 star because the food was alright but was overshadowed by the service. Will never go back again.
(2)Jessie M.
My fiancee and I had a pretty mediocre experience at Celeste. I've been there several times and loved it, but this time everything seemed off. The salad we ordered came out quickly, but after we finished it it took almost half an hour for the main pasta dishes to come out. No one came over to check on us, though someone swooped in and took the bread away without offering to refill (normally I wouldn't mind but I was very hungry!). It was a late Monday dinner and only about 5 other tables were in use. I had asked for lemon for water, which never came. No one made eye contact with us. At one point I got up and asked the waitress to check on the food and she said it was coming--it did, fifteen minutes later. I have low blood sugar and took out a chocolate cupcake I had gotten for dessert at Magnolia and had to eat some of it because I felt faint. No one apologized, no one offered to comp anything, no one paid any attention. When the food finally came (my fiancees first and mine a few minutes later) it was 3/5--not nearly as good as what I remembered. We were not an isolated incident. The people next to us also waited forever, and one of the women had wine that was filled with sediment. When she complained she was told "it was the bottom of the wine bottle"--as if that was an acceptable answer! They seemed very disappointed as well, and when I commented on how off it seemed, they said the owner wasn't there that day. I'm very, very disappointed, and don't plan on going back.
(2)Kaitlin B.
Got the ravioli and it was delicious. Finished off with some ice cream and coffee. Everyone else's food looked great too. Place was packed. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. I would go back. Yum!
(4)Dione D.
Cash only!! One of my top 5 restaurants in NYC. Super fresh pasta, and everyone who works here is Italian. Pretty cheap too if you order off the menu and not the specials. My favorite dish (I've had a lot of them!) is the ravioli. Absolutely melts in your mouth. Once I went with a friend... We shared the small cheese plate, each got a pasta, a glass of wine, shared a dessert, and then got coffee, and we each paid $25 for the meal. Wow!! There is always a wait, so go earlier. Also, if you order the small cheese plate, prepare to be shamed into ordering the large one next time. :)
(5)Frances B.
Great food, great service and great price. We loved the pizza, ravioli and spaghetti with clams. I'm looking forward to eating my way through the menu! We will be back soon, we will be back often.
(5)George E.
I've been here two other times and both were great. But went for a third time last week and what a change. We were welcomed by an incredibly rude host/owner. Who tried to snatch my paper coffee cup without even asking. I understand that restaurants don't like outside food/drink but at least tell me that's against policy before literally grabbing it out of my hand without telling me what the situation was. Tagliatelle was great but there were two hairs in my girlfriends ravioli. Say this place is a hit or miss. Mostly miss with the rude host who seems to have a history of being rude if you look at other reviews about this restaurant.
(1)Josh K.
Extremely cramped space, horrible service -- our dishes took 30 minutes to arrive. But, home made pasta is definitely good. Also, try the Stracetti di Manzo - rare cooked beef over salad, and lots of it. There is other good Italian in the area that also has good home made pasta, so I might not come back here (except maybe for the beef.) It was really a clusterfuck. We were on our way to a show at the Lincoln Center, and almost ended up missing the curtain because of their service shenanigans. To their credit our server was great at helping us select glasses of wine to go with our meals, and didn't feel the need to upsell us.
(3)Dennis J.
Decent food, but not spectacular and have had better, similarly priced Italian in the city. I stopped by with two friends on a weekday evening around 8 PM and had to wait around 20 minutes. We split an order of the the fried ricotta, which was quite good and was enough to split for three people. For my entree, I had the gnocchi, which was decent but just ordinary to me; I preferred Pepolino's larger, puffier gnocchi much more. For dessert, we split a lemon tartufo, which was pretty good also. The service was fairly average, not too bad but nothing notable. All in all, it's a good meal, just nothing particularly memorable.
(3)Howard B.
I love the food at Celeste - incredibly authentic and tasty pizza etc I have just returned from a meal there and once again think this place could be worthy of 5 stars if only they didn't pack you in like sardines and bark hurriedly at you when they take your order. They might as well have long communal tables given the proximity to your fellow diners - One doesn't always want to hear other people's conversations! So it's definitely the rough with the smooth at this place.
(3)Alexandra M.
Some of the best authentic pizza in the city, tastes and looks like Naples. Only negative is really the small restaurant size...
(4)Gino P.
Great pasta and pizza with a good wine selection. It's always crowded and normally I go after 10:00 PM to avoid the line
(5)Melody S.
I eat here every time I visit New York. This place is original, authentic, and delicious. We always ask the owner, Carmine, to choose our wine, and he always gets it right. They don't take reservations, they won't seat your party until you are all present, and they take cash only, no exceptions. Well worth however long you have to stand outside waiting for a table. Get there early!
(5)Brianna D.
This is, by far, my favorite restaurant in NYC. Hands down, the best Italian. I've had everything on the menu and can't possibly pick a favorite (though the linguine with clams has an edge over everything else simply because of the special spicy oil!) The ricotta cheesecake stole my heart as well. This is a truly gem. ALWAYS a memorable experience!
(5)Justin W.
Celeste is the neighborhood gem that you wish you had in your neighborhood. It's so good that you might consider ignoring neighborhood boundaries just to say that it is "in your neighborhood" if you lived close enough. It's authentic, mostly all made in-house, and the price point is extremely affordable. As an appetizer, I had an involtini di Melanzane - eggplant stuff with prosciutto and pecorino cheese atop a bed of fresh basil and tomato sauce. That Sauce... absolutely spectacular tomato sauce: it was bright and acidic and smooth as can be. Such a flavor would be well warranted on many dishes, hence why this sauce is the homemade flagship sauce at Celeste - but on top of the Fresh basil in this dish I don't know how it could have shone any brighter. The leaves grounded the sharpness of the tomato and brought a balance to it that would be hard to come by without that earthiness. Inside the grilled slices of eggplant was a perfectly portioned ball of cheese and a thin slice of meat. Delicious. One other exceptional thing to note about this basic dish was that the eggplant carried no excess moisture from oil at all - it was all flesh and no mess. For my main dish I wanted to move away from the richness of the tomato sauce, so I opted for the spaghetti vongole - spaghetti with clam and garlic, oil and parsley. This dry pasta from Italy held its density throughout the entire length of the meal, depite being drenched in sauce. Even once I got to the very bottom of the portion, that al dente texture remained, and I was tremendously thankful to have it through and through. The clams were clean and fully opened, with flavor complementing the sauce without overriding it. There weren't too many of them in there, which helped to not drown out the rest of the sauces clarity. Again, perfect balance and portioning. When the plate was done, it was neither dry nor soaked in oil. One tiny remnant bit of bread was all it took to mop up the remaining moisture. This delightful meal, plus a wine selection that is beyond affordable by pricing standards which we have become accustomed to in NYC, makes Celeste a "must" for me when I'm looking for a homestyle italian fix in the future.
(5)k R.
We've lived in the neighborhood for 4 years and this is the first time we've come. The pasta was terrific, also the bread was good too. The owner/Main guy at the door came around and made sure we were taken cared off. My main issue would be space, it's very tight- and sitting in back corner, I'm not small, but I'm not big either-- so I kept getting bumped into, I had water spill on me from one of the guys who was cleaning up the table (it's just water it was ok), but it was such a tight fit that he really didn't notice what happened. The feel was like being in someone else's house. We tipped well because when we had any question the waitress answered right away, we didn't wait long for the food and it tasted delicious. It really is just a tight space...
(3)Cristian J.
I guess this place is an institution already. Heard a lot of very good things about it. So, maybe my expectations were too high. The food was quite good; no complaints there. And prices are affordable. The service is done at a frenetic pace and the tables are almost one on top of each other. Cash only. It's OK I guess. I think there are several other good options around the area.
(3)Adriana M.
3.5 stars. I enjoyed my dinner here, but from the other reviews I read I think it is slightly over-hyped. Food was definitely good, but not out of this world, write home to mom about. I go the gnocchi based on reading a review on it, but it was a bit bland to me. I think I enjoyed our caprese salad the best. Service was friendly and attentive, although I did notice like other reviewers that the owner did tend to hover around, which was a bit uncomfortable and took away from having an intimate dining experience. The bread they brought out as well was super brittle, and I would guess a day old, which is not to my liking. I find it hard to believe, but we had a really hard time finding a great Italian place in New York and I had higher expectations for this place based on reviews, but it was good, not great. Maybe I just need to go back and try more dishes.
(3)Peggy R.
I have been patronizing this gem of a restaurant since it opened. The food is fabulous, based on Roman cuisine. I have eaten most of the items on the menu and many of the specials. All have been divine. It is like going to Rome for the evening. If I could, I would eat there every evening. This is fine food in a neighborhood setting.
(5)T S.
Space was cramped as you're sitting really close to your neighbors. Rushed to get out - literally grabbed the last piece of bufala mozzarella from our antipasti (decent) from a plate the waiter started clearing. Paid bill and everything before even 3/4 done with my wine. Entree was just okay. I found my tagliatelle with wild mushrooms unnecessarily oily. I did enjoy my appetizer, but there are enough other places to check out for Italian that I'd recommend going elsewhere.
(3)Ian K.
Ah Celeste, such a pretty lady with your wood burning oven and exposed brick. Your delicious al dente pastas and tart artichoke and lemon salad. But alas your servers are impatient, lack training and are occasionally rude. I may retun, but wish you would enroll in a nice finishing school, or at least take a quick seminar.
(3)Darryl N.
Food was OK. It was richer than I would have liked. Service felt slightly rushed and I sensed urgency to eat my food to free up the table. Moderately priced for the portion size. I would give a 3.5 star if yelp would allow.
(3)Amy G.
Pretty awesome pasta place in a breezy upper west side location. To be honest I think the reviews here are a bit overrated because while the pasta is good, it's not all THAT amazing; moreover given the portion size the prices are decent. Service is pretty good, place gives unlimited bread and butter/olive oil which is also awesome. Atmosphere on a sunny day is amazing. The place has wooden doors that open that let all the breeze and sunshine pour in.
(4)Elizabeth J.
Cam here a few nights ago with my cousin for dinner. Please note* CASH ONLY* Wine: Amazing wine selection, great prices. Food: Home cooking, fall off the bone, so tasty: Ravioli Con Burro E Salvia --so tasty, and the Veal special --yummy!! Service: Such nice guys that work here, thick accents, so kind, great service Ambiance: very small, tight small tables, so good for 2-4people max
(5)Susan L.
After eyeing this place for over a year but never feeling like waiting for a table, we went last night. 20-30 minute wait at around 8:30/9 on a Saturday night. Not too bad. The service was about average, if maybe a bit below: Took a while to get menus, waiter was harried and hard to hear. Also, we were brought a cappuccino and polenta cake instead of the espresso and cheesecake we ordered. Of course, the charming owner dude mostly makes up for this. Is he Italian? He sounded and looked French. My boyfriend thinks he was dressed as a French vineyard owner. Anyway, he's very charismatic and attentive. He seemed to have a groupie following. THE FOOD was really, really good. Fried artichokes were light, airy and crispy. Not too salty. The little itty bitty gnocchi tasted homemade and was melt-in-your-mouth but al dente which I definitely prefer. The red sauce was great - light touch of cream and a bit tangy. The standout was my boyfriend's steak filet dish. A large portion of very thinly sliced filets cooked perfectly and seasoned perfectly. Big rosemary presence, but not overpowering. Served over citrus-y arugula. Delish parmesan shavings on top. I kept reaching across the table and stealing. The space is intimate and rustic-looking. Cozy and tightly packed. For the neighborhood, or even for NYC in general, the prices are great. My gnocchi was in the low-mid teens and the steak was $17.50. That's real hard to come by. So for value and food deliciousness: 5. Service: 3.
(4)Erum R.
Great Italian food. Awesome prices. I've been twice now and was very impressed with the dishes here. Ordered the halibut pasta special and it was very generous and tasted perfectly Italian and fresh. Another time I had another pasta with shrimp which was also very good. The service is a bit hurried but they are all very nice and pleasant and I didn't feel rushed (despite the huge line waiting outside!). I wish they took credit card which is why the star is knocked off. Also they could add to their dessert menu. Nothing on there stuck out to me too much and I'm a dessert fiend. Perhaps this is a good thing... You will definitely have a good meal here. Check it out! But get there early!
(4)E H.
Delicious food, worth the wait. Pasta is served al dente and comes highly recommended. We had the vermicelli alle vongale and would order it again. Pizza came hot of the oven and was delicious - can you ever go wrong with fresh-baked pizza? Less a star for mediocre service. CASH ONLY!
(4)James A.
I have been coming here quite regularly over the past 18 months given I only live a block away. This place is fresh and won't break the bank either. I've had many dishes including calamari, seafood pasta, salmon, numerous pizzas and the tiramisu which are all quite good. However my favorite dish is the plain old gnocchi which is one of the best I've had. Not overly chewy but it doesn't dissolve in your mouth either but always cooked to perfection. If you haven't visited Celeste and you live in the UWS, you should waddle on down to 84 and Amsterdam and grab yourself a bowl of pasta.
(4)Bruce M.
Great service, Great prices, Great ambience. Would recommend having a beer across the street if there is a lineup. Make sure you give them your name.
(4)Jessica D.
Absolutely one of the best Italian meals I have ever had. I ordered the penne mo mo which is delicious and perfectly al dente. The people running the place all speak Italian(but speak english as well obviously). There's a real Italian romance to the place and their pride shows through their impeccable service and outstanding traditional dishes. A perfect date night and special occasion spot.
(5)Gerardo R.
Mediocre food. Ingredients not fresh. Food not tasty. Plates presentation not good. Service also did not show the right attitude. For the price range does not deserve more than one star
(1)Mark M.
The host is very rude. He thinks he's doing you a favor by sitting you down and letting you eat. He's a nut!
(1)A. B.
Real Italians, not real Italian food. I have lived in Italy a number of years and went to Celeste with an Italian friend. We were excited by the reviews and by being greeted by real Italians. Unfortunately, the dishes we had left a lot to be desired. An example was the Bolognese, which was really just a tomato sauce with a little ground meat in it, and not particularly flavorful. Maybe it was an off-night, or maybe they are cooking to American tastes. The service was great. Attentive and friendly. Tables are very tight and it is noisy. One of the attractions are the prices of the Enrtees and pasta, which I applaud. Pasta is so overpriced in most restaurants. However, beware, the salads are very expensive. One last complaint is the cash only policy. While it is a minor inconvenience, people need to understand why a restaurant most probably does that...and it is not to save on the card fees, it is to avoid recording revenues and so avoid taxes. Tax evasion is a huge problem in Italy, and a big reason why their economy is in such trouble. Italy and Italians have so many wonderful things to offer the world, tax evasion is not one of them. Ciao e buon appetito.
(2)JH S.
Have been going there for years and still haven't found a pizza as delicious as what Celeste offers. Yes, I have been to all of the usual suspects for "authentic New York" pizza and have found them all lacking. Bottom line: great food, great value and brisk service. The restaurant is a bit tighter than the average restaurant out there but it's all part of the experience. Cash only. Wish they delivered.
(5)Ritesh B.
Celeste definitely has that intimate old-school NYC vibe. In some ways it feels like a family-owned restaurant in Rome. Either way the food is fresh and tastes great. Pizzas and pastas are made with quality ingredients and get the dessert and cappuccino. Cash only.
(4)Bin H.
Tiramisu is TO DIE FOR! Intimate restaurant that was PACKED on a Thursday night, Celeste does Italian right. I took my roommate out for her birthday here, and everything from the service to the food was on point. We shared the Quattro Staggioni pizza and a pasta special I forgot the name of. We ended our meal with Tiramisu for dessert, and it was SPLENDID. So moist, flavorful, and light. It was one of the best Tiramisus I've had in the city. Whatever you eat, make sure to finish your meal with their Tiramisu. TIP: CASH ONLY! BE PREPARED TO WAIT UNLESS YOU GET THERE EARLY!
(4)Sterling C.
I went here on a Friday night at about 8:00pm. My fiance and I got in without a reservation in about 10 minutes and were served our appetizers and wine within another 10 minutes. So a great start to the night. The restaurant seemed to have a rather robust wine selection, and the malbec I got was great. We got the mozzarella appetizer and loved it. For the main course, I ordered the gnocchi and my fiance ordered the ravioli. We loved the food, but it took almost an hour for our food to arrive after we ordered. I understand it was a Friday night, but the restaurant was not extremely packed and other customers who arrived after us were served before us. TL;DR We loved the food. It took an hour for them to serve it to us.
(3)Martha M.
This place is pretty good. The fried zucchini blossoms were delicious and the homemade gnocchi had great texture, even though the accompanying sauce was rather plain (simmered tomatoes and a little basil). The tiramisu was very creamy; not too cakey or dry from the lady fingers. The tables are pretty small and the menu is a bit bare, so keep that in mind. Celeste is a good, casual neighborhood spot.
(3)Aaron C.
I used to love this place but I got really bad food poisoning last Thursday and was out of commission for 3 days (when i say really bad, i mean really really bad - almost went to the emergency room but decided to wait it out one more night). Both me and my gf got it so I know it has to be from this place. We got the clam pasta and the white pizza (so I'm assuming it was the clam pasta). I won't go here anymore.
(1)Crystal L.
Awesome prices, great food and very nice wait staff. I had the gnocchi which was pretty good, especially for the price. My friend had the calamari which was also good and well-priced. Come here if you are looking for great food at affordable prices.
(4)SERENE N.
I am totally over Celeste. I love the food (although the ravioli with butter sage sauce is chronically under-seasoned). But if the owner just removed one table in each row, it would make a world of difference in the dining experience. The sardine-like conditions show a bit of contempt for the customer, I am afraid. A table has to be physically moved for you to be seated along the wall because the tables are so close together. Prepare to tuck in your elbows as you dine so that you are not jostled by the servers. Often, they will not take your wine orders, or they will forget them. The water is luke warm. If you do go, the fritto misto and cheese plates are really wonderful.
(2)Todd B.
One of my top 3 Italian experiences in NYC, and the top one for the price point. The prices here are reasonable, with most pizzas and pastas ranging $10-18. The wines too are priced at a point most diners can enjoy a bottle without breaking the bank. But the service and the treatment is anything but average here -- it is truly a remarkable experience due to the very gracious and friendly host who greets each diner and offers suggestions as well. It's hard to choose here, but I loved the margherita pizza. I also enjoyed a pasta with parmesan, butter and pepper. If you're looking for fresh and real Italian in NYC at a great price, look no further than Celeste.
(5)Jerry s.
Three of us arrived at 7:00 PM on a Thursday, and managed to get a table that they claimed was for five. How five would have sat at that table is anyone's guess since we were squeezed in. But we were in a corner, so it was not so bad. But when they added a table across from ours it left 18 inches for waiters and customers using the rest rooms to get by; meaning our table was bumped several times. Negative so far? Yes, but the food was incredibly good and very reasonably priced. We shared a fantastic pizza, fantastic mussels with the most fantastic sauce, a fantastic pasta (shrimp, cabbage and wide noodles), and a fantastic fish plate (Halibut) in delicious sauce, with fantastic spinach, and baked? potatoes (must have been fried, but they were the best I've had since I ate french fries in Nathans in Coney island about 60 years ago). Four dishes, one wine and a coke, and bill was $76 with tax. Sauces were delicious; pizza was the best (or among the best I have eaten in Brooklyn or Manhattan). Could be noisy if persons next to you are loud. We had no such problem, but one couple I spoke with afterwards had to move because of high-pitched talk from two neighbors. Great, fresh bread that dipped wonderfully in Mussels sauce. Yipes I need to go back right away. Place is crowded; customers waiting, but we were not rushed at all, and did not want all dishes together, and our wishes were honored. I deducted some points for the table knocking, but the food was better than five stars. So, I gave it five stars. We can't wait to go back; and I hope no one believes me; I don't want the place to get more popular. We will try to go earlier next time. Great find in UWS. But please don't go!
(5)Keri J.
Steak over arugla, artichoke salad, all the hand made pastas, and the wine are deserving of five stars.
(5)Bill H.
Annoyingly touchy owner, impatient waiter who wanted us to order appetizers together, then changed her mind and decided we absolutely needed to order appetizers with our entrees. Tables are jammed together. The food was a real screwup. Artichoke had no artichoke flavor. Pasta sauce was like Sysco food service bulk sauce. A disaster. Just avoid.
(1)Mark R.
i have always wanted to love this place...hoping for good food,wine and cash prices...i have never been proven right about this. the food has always been hit or miss after almost 10 years. Careful of the wine switch...i asked for a nice glass of wine and they brought me something that tasted like acid. i asked for a re-pour in front of me...and got a a COMPLETELY different wine. they totally were trying to feed me boxed wine at a premium. never accept a wine poured in the back at this place. weak food and wine...i live 2 blocks away and have never returned after trying this place 2-3 times doing my best to give it the benefit of the doubt. AVOID!!!
(1)Ilana L.
Great local Italian restaurant! Always a safe bet to come with a big appetite for great food!
(4)Cici T.
"Buona Sera!" he exclaimed as the mister and misses left the bustling, cozy restaurant. Just as the couple left, two elderly women made their way to the door. "Ah signora! Same seat?" he inquired. And just the same, the owner of Celeste, a tall, stocky man with a burly laugh, greeted my friends and I and welcomed us into the tiny restaurant. yelp.com/biz_photos/rJJi… The potatoes were amazing. So light, and yet extremely crispy! yelp.com/biz_photos/rJJi… Simplicity at its best. yelp.com/biz_photos/rJJi… A fun dish to eat! Large ribboned pasta with pieces of ricotta tucked in. Definitely save room for dessert! Each and every one was thoughtfully made. yelp.com/biz_photos/rJJi… A lemon ice cream ball with a thin outer crust. yelp.com/biz_photos/rJJi… Ricotta cheesecake. yelp.com/biz_photos/rJJi… Everyone's most coveted dish. Light and airy but still decadent!
(4)W. W.
The people who work here seem friendly so I feel badly saying this, but the food here is just awful. The only thing I can understand about this restaurant that makes it a "better" choice vs. others in the area is that the prices are cheaper. However, if you find the food to be so bad that you can't eat it (as we did) then that's still not a good deal. We'd seen the long lines & thought the ambience looked cool. High hopes from all the Yelp reviews. Artichoke / parmesan salad -- inedible. So cheesy & oily, it was utterly disgusting. We barely ate any of it. I was surprised that our server didn't figure out that meant we were grossed out by it (after following her recommendation) but we didn't feel like raising the issue, figured we'd just see what came next... Ravioli w/ sage -- edible, but in a good-for-airplane-food kind of way. Definitely not enjoyable. Very bland. Margherita pizza - edible but also bland. Have had plenty of delicious margherita pizza in NYC, but this wasn't it. Definitely won't go back. Too bad b/c the place looks cute & the staff is friendly.
(1)Red R.
I live around the corner from Celeste and have eaten here many, many times - practically everything on the menu. I really don't understand the poor reviews - I have to chalk it up to just a bad night (every chef can have one, I suppose) or a picky eater. There is no other italian restaurant on the Upper Westside that serves fresh, quality food like this. Dinner for two with a nice bottle of wine for around $75? Yes. When I returned from vacation in Italy this was the first place I came to feel the afterglow. It's crowded, noisy and cash only but has been feeding UWS'ers for over 10 years. Hopefully, it will be going another 10 years.
(5)Dave G.
I should keep it to myself because they're busy enough. Great food. Good service. The owner always has something new to try. Love the place.
(5)Mark B.
Visiting from LA and I had a friend take me to this restaurant. Great food, great service. The owner is very personable and interesting. I had a great gargonzola, mushroom, and sausage pizza - it was light and perfectly done. My friend got a special pasta, crab and asparagus dish that was good The best part was ordering the cheese plate after the meal. The owner handpicks the cheeses in Europe and describes each one in detail. It is arranged perfectly. This was a great meal and experience! I highly recommend. I have only been there once so I can't give it a 5 but it is close
(4)Mangi O.
What a horrible experience I had tonight, not to mention the embarrassment. Went there for dinner with my girlfriend to have a good dinner at the end of the week. Everything was going fine until the cretin working there as a manager or sorts pats my girlfriend in the shoulders and says something like "is time to go" I assumed I misheard and asked him to clarify what he said, but he confirmed that in fact there are people waiting outside and that we need to go!!! NEVER IN MY 15 YEARS OF EATING OUT IN NYC HAS ANY MEMBER OF A RESTAURANT TOLD ME IS TIME TO GO I said I was going to order another glass of wine and he responded "not gonna happen". this guy has either completely lost it, is utterly racist, or just completely retarded. Peculiar enough is the fact that the other two ladies next to us got there before us, had desert and still had wine and he did not say anything to them. Never have I been more embarrassed, and I promised my girlfriend she would love this place. I have been there 3 times and WILL NEVER GO BACK. Do yourself a favor and avoid this place. -M
(1)Alice W.
6:30 on a Tuesday, almost completely empty....7 oclock and it's packed. Food: Quattro Stagioni Pizza (4 quadrants with each quarter containing prosciutto, mushrooms, tomato artichokes and mozzarella): Very well cooked. Pizza is thin with a thicker, slightly doughy crust. The toppings were also well done, flavorful, and not overcooked. Gnocci Alla Sorrentino: The gnocci itself was well-cooked - soft and doughy - but the marinara sauce was a bit too bland. Dessert (we splurged and ordered 2): Pastiera (grain and ricotta cake with orange blossom water): I did not like this dessert. The cake was very dense, a little on the dry side, and was very reminiscent of Chinese mooncake. The orange blossom water made it taste like eating bath soap. Tartufo limoncello (lemon gelato with lemon sorbet inside covered with candied sugar): This was okay. The candied sugar added a nice texture, but it was essentially just lemon ice cream. There was supposed to be a frozen sponge cake somewhere but I did not taste it. Overall, an OK meal. Not terrible but not fantastic either.
(3)Leg E.
very disappointing. I heard great things about this restaurant. The service is terrific. The food is just "eh" It is not really Italian food. There is only one chicken dish and it is a friend breaded cutlet (dry) with mixed greens with lemon. That's it. The pasta Bolognese had more tomatoes than meat. Not worth it.
(2)Janel Y.
Neighborhood place with authentic touch and feel. Service was average as well as the food. Here's what we ordered: -mussels (special): large and a good portion. Tasty broth which was delicious and served as a perfect bread dipping sauce -side salad: fresh and average -burrata & tomatoes: fresh and simple -veal (special): tender, juicy and soft -tagliatelle con Gamberi E Verza ($9.50): eggnoodles with cabbage, shrimp and pecorino. Per the diner, the dish could have used more shrimp but other than that it was okay Cash only. They will come around with extra cheese, but if they feel your dish will not go well with their fresh grated cheese, they will actually decline your request for extra cheese! That's authentic!
(3)Sasha B.
This is a rare find in the UWS. It definitely has a downtown feel and East Village prices... The food was great. The owner was fun and the atmosphere is inviting. We at like kings and queens and had two bottles of wine for 4 people and the bill was $55/each. Not bad at all, especially for the high quality fare.
(5)Matthew H.
Quaint UWS joint. We went here on a whim as we were walking by - there was no wait since is was early evening, after dinner there were around 20-30 people waiting outside! It's a little cramped if you're looking for an intimate experience, but other than that, the service was wonderful and the food was delicious. I'd rank up there with some of the best Italian New York offers - at a fraction of the price.
(4)Suzanne L.
I was in the city briefly and needed a fast early dinner. Celeste was exactly what I needed - I had the delicious clams and pasta dish - rich, fresh, om nom nom. Wish I could've tried their house-made pasta though. The waiters are also all super attractive and ambiguously foreign.
(4)Heather s.
My favorite local spot in the UWS! Be prepared for a wait and bring cash. But this small cozy Italian joint is well worth the effort. Reasonably priced with entrees ranging from $10-20. Always fresh perfectly cooked pasta. My favorite is the penne mo mo - delicious tomato sauce with fresh chunks of mozzarella. So fresh, so simple, sooooo amazingly tasty! Save room for the tiramisu - it's the best!
(5)Lisa M.
There's something wrong about queuing for a restaurant table on the UWS. Funny how I'm happy to wait an hour or more for a table downtown, but waiting 15 minutes on the UWS seems too long. I've been to Celeste a few times now. And its ok. Not mind-blowing. Most recently I had the buratta special appetiser. Hard to screw that one up. Good fresh ingredients etc. J had the veal - she seemed fairly happy. I had pasta with a ricotta and tomato sauce. All decent but nothing that leaves me with a burning desire to go back. Honestly, this is a decent neighbourhood spot that's not too expensive - you are not going to have anything spectacular or life changing here. The down side is that it is generally absolutely packed, requires a wait and only takes cash. They are also the type of place that likes to rush you out of there. No lingering over your espresso. This would make a terrible spot for a first date, in my opinion.
(3)Sumeyra A.
One of my favorite Italian spots! The food is amazing and the tiramisu is the best dessert I have ever had in my life. The service is quick and there is usually not a very long wait for a spot. The prices are also very honest!
(5)Ali P.
Rude! I used to really like this restaurant as the food is decent and affordable but we had a horrible experience last night. The entree arrived while were were in the middle of our salads which was pushy but we could have overlooked it. Then as we finished our wine, moments after the plates were cleared the waitress told us that people were waiting and we should leave. Then five minutes later another waitress did the same thing. We had been there for just over an hour and had eaten two courses with wine. We were not camping for hours or being skimpy on the bill and we had tipped well. Management clearly enabled this behavior and it is unfortunate. Avoid this restaurant if you want to be treated well.
(1)Shlomit B.
Since I live right around the corner, I've been to Celeste many times. I enjoyed the delicious food every time, although the service is a bit too "authentic" for my taste... Yes, I know they servers are extremely rude in Italy. We are not in Italy. Whatever, they're quick and the food is really excellent. The wines they keep are amazing, too. HOWEVER... the last time I was there (yesterday), when the server took my order, since I wasn't sure how to pronounce the dish's name, I pointed on it on the menu, and said the name (incorrectly). I also asked him how it is pronounced and he told me (the name of the dish was Paccheri). So far so good, right? Wrong! Because for some reason he brought me the Gnocchi! And not even the regular one (which I can somehow understand, because maybe he didn't see what I was pointing on?), but the one from the specials. I told him I didn't order this. I said, I ordered that dish from the menu, remember? He said yes and went away. Then the regular gnocchi came!!! He came to me and gave me the menu again and I showed him what I wanted. But the worst part of the story is that the owner of the place spent at least 20 minuted YELLING at the poor guy to the point it was embarrassing. I mean, yes, the first time was a mistake, and he should have repeated my order to make sure then and there, not just assume he gets what I wanted (because obviously he didn't). But jeez, lay off of him! Or at least do it in the kitchen, because it made me feel so uncomfortable that it practically ruined my dinner... And not only that, but nobody even came to talk to me and, perhaps, apologize for the misunderstanding (I'm assuming the owner thinks it's my fault, but still- those are the rules of the business, no?), let alone offer some kind of compensation. But yelling at your staff in front of customers- that's a bug no-no! I'll give this place a rest for a while, I think. But if you're going there- be prepared to meet a crazy Italian guy who screams at his staff, and don't expect an apology and\or a compensation for anything went wrong. Good luck!
(2)Benjamin T.
I live in the area and have always been intrigued by the strong Yelp reviews and long lines of people on fri and sat nights waiting to get in. So we were excited to walk in with no wait during an off peak hour over the weekend. We asked for their suggestions and the waitress picked an lemon artichoke salad, shrimp pasta and pizza. Artichoke salad - bland, just lemon juice and Parmesan cheese on cold chopped artichoke, probably from a can. We took two bites and said 'next' Pizza was greasy and mediocre. Nothing compared to what you can get from Cotta, Número 28, or even Bodrum (Turkish). Only thing halfway decent was the shrimp pasta - was a clear pan sauce and vegetables with pasta that had nice texture. Portion felt a little small but perhaps that's because we didn't want to eat anything else on the table. Service was friendly but not exceptional. Disappointing, Yelpers. You got this one wrong. For Italian in the neighborhood, Spiga across the street or Cotta around the corner are miles better.
(2)Kristin K.
A great spot in the neighborhood, and well priced. The artichoke/parmesan salad is the most delicious thing on earth. Pizzas are great too. Last time I went it was cash only.
(5)Teresa H.
I am on a 3 day diet cleanse right now, and the only thing I can think about is the gnocchi at Celeste. Need. To. Have. It. Needless to say, I am a regular diner and a big fan of Celeste. I hate the fact there tends to be always wait for dinner, but the line goes by fast and it's totally worth it. The manager and staff are always very friendly. One waiter even showed me some magic. The brick oven and the brick wall add a nice touch to the intimate atmosphere. And of course, the food is delicious. I love the gnocchi, but their white pizza and chicken cutlet are amazing as well. Their artichoke salad is top notch. I don't think I've ever tried a dish on their menu that I didn't like. That goes for the wine as well. And don't get me even started on dessert. The tiramisu is amazing. One more day until the cleanse is finish, and I'm taking my first dining out experience to Celeste.
(4)Fairly K.
Wonderful little spot; excellent food, great ambiance, warm and authentic service (you feel like you're being taken care of by an insider -- and maybe you truly are), and family friendly too. I will definitely be coming here again and again!!!!!
(5)Kate O.
Have heard from others about continued bad experience for women. See original comment below. I regret not calling the police
(1)NYC D.
Food was great and the waiters all have personalities. something you might love or hate. The cheese platter was great but portions are tiny. Tables are also very very close together so bathroom trips are limited!
(3)Mike D.
Fantastic. Excellent pastas and pizzas. They are really good about helping you choose a wine you'll enjoy. I've been going for a few months now and feel like a regular - the owner knows where we live and what we do. Always fun to bring friends here. There are not too many places like this on the UWS. Definitely give it a try.
(5)Joanne P.
I go to New York about once a year. Celeste is my only "must go" place. In fact, I've been known to go twice in four days--it's that good. No sign with the restaurant's name on the exterior, so take a look at the yelp photos so you know what to look for! If you get here by 6pm, you should have no trouble getting a table. All the pastas are great, and the specials are reliable. However, after due experimentation, I now only order one dish--the spaghetti vongole. I can't explain it, but the pasta is al dente and the sauce is just the right balance of rich buttery goodness and clams. Other places make their vongole sauce kind of brothy, but Celeste's is a bit thicker. Yum! On our last visit, my son ordered the veal which was good and lemony. Unexpectedly, it's served with big chunks of deep fried potatoes. Crispy on the outside. Not a bad accompaniment to the veal. About halfway through, he took a bite of my vongole. His eyes bugged out and I knew I was done. A couple bites later, I pretended to be tired of my vongole (as if!) and offered to swap with him. He eagerly agreed and slurped down the rest of my beloved dish. Mom of the year? I think so. My waiter suggested the artichoke salad so we tried it. It was basically raw, slivered artichoke in dressing. Not our cup of tea. For dessert, we normally walk two blocks down Amsterdam to get grasshopper pie ice cream at Emack and Bolio. Can't wait to go back in August!
(5)Stef S.
This place is amazing, and it deserves all the hype. Great food and friendly people. We ordered the spinach ricotta ravioli and the special pasta of the day (Bolognese) and the appetizer of the day (fried zucchini served over greens with sardine dressing). Everything was great. The waitress was friendly and helpful, and the owner was incredibly friendly. The food is authentic and cooked perfectly. The reason why Celeste gets a bonus star is because the prices are reasonable. The daily specials are a bit pricier (the bolognese was $16 for example), but the regular pasta dishes are around $10/11. This is great by new york standards, and I was glad to have a fantastic italian meal for a reasonable price! It's crowded and busy, but the wait wasn't too long. We came on a Sunday night at dinner time and waited 15 minutes. If you're looking for a quiet, romantic place where you can spread your legs, this probably isn't for you. But with friendly service, delicious food, and the hustle and bustle, this is a great place to get your Italian fix.
(5)Nancy O.
"Don't touch the tables!!!!" The owner/manager/dude with the 1999 Bluetooth thing in his ear, is VERY protective about his tables. DO NOT TOUCH THEM. The place is small, tables are literally on top of each other. But...the food is really wonderful. Like old school Italian. I appreciate the usage of fresh herbs and loved both their salad, pizza, and pasta. It's losing a star for the cash only, for the fact they only serve beer and wine, for the 3 screaming kids whose parents should know better, and for the Table Tyrant.
(4)Jon S.
I had high hopes after the great yelp reviews. I went in fairly late on a Sunday evening and the restaurant was medium busy. They seated me away from the rest right at the window. I came for the margarita pizza but decided to treat myself to a big night after having had worked so hard the prior few weeks. I wanted a caprese salad but it wasn't an option. I settled on the fried cheese. I tried to order an iced tea but it wasn't an option. Sort of surprised that restaurants don't like making extra money. Iced tea is literally tea bags (super cheap), hot water, and ice. Pennies to make, and you can charge $3.00. The fried cheese came and I was happily surprised that it came with a nice little green salad as well. Sadly, I was much happier with the salad part than the fried cheese. It wasn't my favorite flavor. The oil that it was fried in tasted like it had a different flavor. I was sort of bummed that I had spent $10 on something that I wasn't all that happy with. Live and learn. Not too long after I sat down, a couple was sat right next to me. Maybe 18" away. This normally wouldn't be a problem, but these too seemed to hate each other. Everything was an argument. Very odd dynamic at play. Almost as if one of them had caught the other cheating. It got pretty old listening to their petty arguments. Dude was a mouth wide open chewer which didn't make it any better. I have not taken off any stars as I do not blame the restaurant for their patrons. My margherita pizza came and I was much happier with it than the fried cheese. It wasn't the best ever, but completely do-able. I would give the pizza about 3 1/2 stars on it's own. My service was fine. The waitress was hard to understand when she went through the specials. She was very pleasant and was around whenever I needed her. I will most likely try a different place next time.
(3)Alex S.
I think this place is a solid 4 stars. Good food, home style cooking, small authentic ambiance - what you would expect in this part of town. The pasta was seasoned perfectly and yes our elbows were hitting the table next to us, but hey, that's what we came for!
(4)Nelson H.
This is my wife and my favorite Italian restaurant in NYC. The home made pasta, especially the linguine al vongole is amazing. The pizza is good to share. For dessert, you need to order the cheese plate and listen to the descriptions of where he gets the cheese from. He has a story for every cheese. Additionally, he has a great wine cellar. Everytime we go, I give him a price point, the style that I"m in the mood for and he pulls it from his cellar. Don't be afraid to ask for wines not on the list and they are only marked up 20% instead of 300%. The downside is that he doesn't take reservations and its pretty small. That being said, the food is awesome!
(5)GarGuPi L.
I think the best time to eat at Celeste (to avoid the noisiness as others have commented) is to come for lunch/brunch. Perhaps I came during a long weekend (when other UWSers are out in the Hamptons or what not), the restaurant wasn't busy at all. I could tell Celeste has been around for awhile because I saw regulars (families) coming in, greeted by the owner, the tables and chairs are rickety and the waitstaff just looked seasoned and systematic. I kindly asked for substitutions (well, more as add-ons) for my salad, but that was immediately rejected by the waiter as he justified that the kitchen 'doesn't do that'. Ok, then just a regular salad for me then. Complimentary bread was cold and hard. As I looked over my friend's shoulder, the bread was already all cut up and stored in this big wicker basket. My friend's canine teeth had a difficult time shredding the unforgiving carbs, so I did not partake in the free bread service. Onto the entree. My friend ordered the spaghetti with baby clams. A good portion for the price. A tad salty and oily (was there butter in there??), but the pasta was cooked al dente. The pizza was cooked to order in the coal oven. The pizzaiolo knew his routine like the back of his hands and cranked out the tomatoey disks like an assembly line. It's not the most amazing pizza, but the crust was thin and crispy, so if you prefer this style, then yoau might enjoy it. To round off our brunch meal, we splurged on a slice of tiramisu, which was a square that has been roughly cut. There was a disproportion between the mascapone and the sponge cake, though not too sweet, which we appreciated. And how could we indulge in dessert without cappuccino? The caffeinated drink topped with cloud-white foam perfectly summed up our meal. Oh, and don't ask for 'regular' (aka American) coffee, because that's not offered here. Is this how authentic Italians do it? Besides the lack of vegetarian (no dairy as well) options and the refusal to make simple substitution for a diner's dietary needs, Celeste is an affordable, neighborhood Italian restaurant for a unpretentious meal.
(3)Cee L.
Amazing! So amazing it inspired me to actually write a review. The prices are ridiculously inexpensive. I had the ravioli stuffed with spinach and ricotta in sage brown butter. It was not only the best Italian I've had in ages, but the best ravioli I've had in my life. Absolutely wonderful. Do not leave the UWS without savoring it, and tell your dining partner to get it too because sharing is way too difficult. Also has the mixed salad, which was solid. The eggplant rolls were good, too. I skipped dessert but the bread was divine. Went on a Monday at eight and had a twenty minute wait. A bit crowded, very understated, but so worth it. My new favorite restaurant in New York!!
(5)craig g.
5 stars? Really? For a neighborhood Italian joint with no sign, nowhere to wait inside and no reservations nor credit cards? Damn right. And why? Carmine. Well, Carmine and cheese. I have an official man crush on Carmine, but more importantly, I have a love affair with his cheese and wine cellar. All of the cheese, and much of the wine, he brings over personally from Italy where he owns restaurants as well. Even if you don't like cheese, order a small plate, just so you can hear Carmine's staccato background on each cheese. Enjoy!
(5)o o.
Average place. Decent food, OK service, and good wine. Cramped seating and loud. A decent option on the UWS for Italian.
(3)brian s.
I honestly can't give if five stars because it's not "...as good as it gets." However, I'm sure that in NYC, to get a meal "as good as it gets" would require spending hundreds, not a mere $53. But I'd rather spend the savings on other things then food. Two of us were visiting NYC from SF, staying on the UWS. We choose this place for dinner based on Yelp reviews. We weren't disappointed. It was exactly as described by others. It's non-descript on the outside with only a small, sign posted in the window informing passerby, this was "Celeste." We went there on a Wednesday night, saw a knot of people standing around outside. This suggested a long wait but the host said it would be about 10-15 minutes. In fact, it was less than ten minutes. We were seated at a table for two which is very small. The tables are either a few inches apart or not at all. What blew me away were the prices on the menu (posted in the window.) Compared to the other restaurants on UWS, these prices appeared dirt cheap! For those old enough to remember the old SF restaurant, I Fratelli, these prices harkens back to their menu. We ordered the calamari/shrimp appetizer ($10) which was outstanding. A bit greasy but very tasty. My partner had the pasta with shrimp in a cream sauce (forgot price) and I ordered the pizza with mushrooms, artichokes, prosciutto, etc, ($13). Both this too was good. However, the various toppings were segregated, so if you want these ingredients combined on one slice, you can ask if they can mix everything up. We each had a glass of wine. The total bill came to $53 w/o tip. All in all, it was a delightful evening out. As noted by others, it's crowded, noisy, the waitstaff is clearly Italian, but very friendly. We started up a conversation with the couple at the table next to us as we were curious about their dishes. It's almost impossible to not hear what your fellow diners are talking about as they're mere inches away! But this makes it a more fun experience. I'm giving this four stars because I would say that you can have a good meal here for half the price of most other decent restaurants/cafes/trattoria's in UWS.
(4)Neha S.
The first time I went I got the ribbon pasta with marinara and thought it was just OK. I was very confused as to why people stood and waiting forever to eat at this place - and not just on weekends but even on weekdays at 10 pm! The second time I got pizza and then I understood. Go for the pizza - you won't regret the wait!
(4)Peter L.
Please don't go here. The lines are long enough! =) Seriously though, for anyone who lives in the UWS, you already know that this is a hole-in-the wall type place that delivers SOLID Italian food. The pastas and the pizza are all great. The food is very true to what is served in Italy. Don't expect anything fancy here.. it's simple, rustic Italian food in a very cozy setting. If you want fancy or different... go somewhere else like Basta Pasta or Valbella (and pay much more money) and leave this place to the diehard locals and fans of basic Italian fare. The prices are very reasonable. The good and bad news is that the place doesn't take reservations. This means you can get a table there pretty easily if you dine on the early side, around 6pm. But it can also mean quite a wait if you try to eat there anywhere near 8pm on the weekends. On a side note, my friends from Italy who went to grad school with me in NY loved this place. One of them was from Rome, the other was from Milan, and they both loved Celeste and would go regularly. If it's good enough for the Italians, who am I to argue? Trust me. If you go, it's worth the wait. Not only will you get great Italian food, the bill won't break the bank like other places.
(5)Lizzie R.
I love love love Celeste!!! This place was recommended to me by some friends and I have to say.....I had a yummy apple walnut salad, a glass of rose wine, delicious and very filling ravioli SPECIAL, and shared dessert with a friend (mango sorbet....yummmm) and it cost me....drumroll please....$35 (INCLUDING 18% TIP). Are you kidding? Oh yeah....forgot to mention everything tasted GREAT...not good for the value....freaking great. I'm so full right now. And don't forget the bread basket...though....I wish the bread was less rustic and more "meaty" and buttery.....I also like garlic crunchies in my oil (am I the only one who likes it like this?). And the owner or host guy was a little cold but fair. The service was great.....but we also had a cute waiter. :) I can't wait to bring more friends up to this joint. I also like how strict they are with seating everyone only if everyone is present.....as the wait time is very reasonable even on a sat night. I love supporting my UWS businesses!!!
(5)Caitlin F.
Crowded, loud, chaotic and cash only. None of that matters because the food is consistently great. The roasted salmon and chicken cutlet are especially good. The pizza is always amazing, no matter what the topping is. And I've always had good luck with the pasta specials. Wonderful cheese plate and tiramisu too.
(4)Wendy L.
There's always a bit of a wait, but its well worth it. The restaurant is a nice cozy size, and as previous reviews point out, yes, it is cramped. Service was great and the food was sooo goood. The pasta tasted extremely fresh and homemade (I had the Paccheri Vesuviana) and the tiramisu was sprinkled with chocolate chips. This is a place I can see myself returning to and getting food cravings for. The price is absolutely unbeatable, but bring cash, no cards accepted here.
(5)Cait C.
I would give this place 5 stars because it really is that good. The food here is of the flavor and caliber I ate when I lived in Italy and would go out for a nice meal. Sidenote: Their ravioli with butter and sage is the best I have ever had. However, this place really gets crowded fast. The waiters get hectic and the customers get crammed in really tight. If you know you want this food though, nothing else will do!
(4)Vee V.
I had been walking past Celeste for months, when my bf and I decided to head there on a random Saturday night. When we got there, the line was out the door, and all of the tables were packed. We put our name down and decided to see if there was anything else nearby. However, I quickly realized the only place I wanted to eat was Celeste, and we headed back, and it was Definitely worth the wait... We squeezed into a tiny table in the middle of the room, and were quickly served bread and really yummy olive oil. We ordered a bottle of chianti (the wines are surprisingly inexpensive) and then moved onto the main course... I got the special, which was homemade pasta in a red sauce with mushrooms and capers.. yumm. My bf got the ravioi in sage butter, also good, but could have used a little bit of salt and a smidge more sage... First of all, its not often that a restaurant has a vegetarian special, if ever... even at Italian restaurants, theres always something else in the mix..but not this time! We ended the evening with some tiramisu...it was yumm! I love this restaurant because its understated, it has great food and choices of wine, and is not insanely expensive... unlike most of the places you will find out on amsterdam.. for a lively night with good food, definitely head to celeste.
(4)Tiffany R.
I love this restaurant! My boyfriend and I have been here twice now, and have had great experiences both times. Very tasty food and great service even though it is always really busy and you have to wait a bit. It's definitely work it though! Cozy atmosphere and very authentic. The owner is really nice and comes around and chats and helps out the waiters. I can always count on a great meal here, and great wine, at reasonable prices. It is cash only, so make sure you're ready for that, or stop at a nearby atm. Enjoy!
(5)Geni S.
I know a lot of other reviewers have knocked the service at Celeste, but that was actually my favorite part of the experience tonight! Yes, the waiters are very busy and yes, they're not the type to waste time delivering fake compliments all evening. However, my friend and I received incredibly quick, fun, charming and knowledgeable service by the entire staff, especially the host. The host (manager? owner?) must have stopped by our table at least 5 times to chit chat, poke fun, ensure we were enjoying our food, give probably the best wine recommendation I've ever received and make us promise we'd be back again. Perhaps sensing that I was South Asian, he even brought me some "spicy oil" to add to my pasta haha! The waiters also, while very quick and efficient, also consistently checked to make sure we were satisfied with our meal and the service. Unlike most places which deliver service with a fake smile, it was clear that the people working at Celeste genuinely love what they do and want you to love it, too. At some point, one waiter shushed all the tables so the whole restaurant would sing happy birthday to a woman next to us. Absolutely adorable. And yes, the food (AND WINE!!!) was great, too. :)
(4)Vanessa S.
The best thing about my trip to Celeste was the wine and the semi-close proximity to Grom (close enough to justify a trip there after dinner, but still ~10 blocks away...) We waited about 20 min. around 8 PM on a Tuesday night. The three of us split a margherita pizza (decent), mussels (good, but the broth was WAY too salty) and the pasta special of the day, which claimed to have crabmeat in it, but was hard to detect. Maybe it was the low lighting? Everything was certainly affordable and decently priced, but the service really knocked this place down. We asked for his help picking a wine - our qualifications were red, spicy and under $30. So it was only slightly annoying to have to remind him that we had said under $30 when he pointed out a $36 bottle, but for him to reply with "Well it's really not that much more, it's only $36" was just unnecessary. He conceded and recommended a $28 bottle, which turned out to be great. More downside as he rushed us through the ordering process and repeatedly and unsuccesfully tried to be funny (i.e. my friend asked us if we wanted to wrap anything to take home before they swooped in to clear the table, and he said "What, are you going to try to take home the shells?" referring to the mussels which we had clearly finished leaving no stragglers...yeah, no one laughed.) We definitely felt the rush being put on us to hurry up and clear out. Too many other places in the city I want to try (my bookmark list is ever-growing), not so sure if I'll be coming back.
(3)Kevin D.
I came here on a date and i was extremely impressed with the service and presentation. we ordered 3 pastas and a couple of appetizers and shared. the portions was generous and perfect for sharing. everything was delicious. the only downside to the restaurant is that its super crowded even on weekdays so prepare to wait!
(4)cyber t.
Decent pizza, crap service. I make better food than this from frozen stuff at Trader Joes. Honestly this place barely deserves a review.
(2)Sahara D.
I never knew about this place, and i would pass by it for 4 yrs, i went to h.s near by...My cousin suggested it or a lil dinner get 2 gether, and it was a good choice, very cute, cozy..dim lightening, got pretty loud.. it was around 6p when we got our table, on a monday night...around 7p it was packed!!!...we ordered the "cheese plate"...oh boy, if ur a cheese lover, u dont know nada until u try this..and the owner, who was formaly over weight...looks great now!...takes pride in his work and his cheese lol..its pretty great, he has a story for each cheese on the plate...if u have time get the 15 if u dont get 5 pieces haha...my dish was veryy filling, vingole...it was very good..great prices...CASH ONLY!!...and the desserts were excellent!!..
(5)Serena l.
Now that it's getting cold, I REALLY want to go back. I'm craving their Spaghetti Alle Vongole (they're generous with their clams). But can't wait to try other stuff. And, can't go without the cheese plate... though, the stinky, young cheeses, as tasty as they are, are not so good for a lactoid like me. (Thank you Michelle R. for so graciously introducing us to this joint... now when are we going back!?)
(4)Tyla F.
To be honest, I'd give this place 4.5 stars if I could, but it's definitely closer to a 5 than a 4. The only reason I'd downgrade it is because the person with whom I was dining received his entree, but my entree did not find its way to our table for about 6 or 7 more minutes (which is a lot when the other person's pasta is getting cold). That said, the food was awesome. We had a burrata and tomato appetizer, which was a special. It was more expensive than we expected, so that was a bummer ($14, when compared to other apps in the $8-11 range). Our entrees were great values though. Big portions and some of the best pasta I've had at a restaurant in a long time. I went to Otto recently, and I definitely thought Celeste's food was better. My friend had the vermicelli with clams, which was great, but it was even better after the owner came over and asked if he wanted "spicy oil" on it. Definitely request spicy oil! Evidently they used to always use it "but some Anglo-Saxons thought it was too hot." (If you can't tell, the owner, who is evidently always around, is pretty great.) I had Paccheri, which was in a tomato ricotta sauce. The wide, egg noodles, made fresh daily, were great and the sauce was perfect. We didn't spring for dessert, but I've heard from a reliable source that the tiramisu rocks. This place is definitely a neighborhood gem.
(5)Shivin K.
Bianca's cousin, good neighborhood italian!
(4)Chantae L.
This place is simple and delicious, exactly what Italian food should be. My favorite is the gnocci. The prices are reasonable. The servers are friendly and very helpful. Just remember that it's cash only.
(4)J K.
Have been here several times over the past few years and it is definitely my favorite Italian restaurant in New York. The carciofini e parmigiano is excellent, as is the gnocchi and margherita pizza. In addition, the prices are reasonable. It is often crowded but worth the wait.
(5)Henry B.
I have been passing by this place for years, often on my way to one of those beer pong frat boy bars (as another reviewer noted) and was always struck by how packed it was and how many people were waiting on the sidewalk to repack the place. Wow - I really gotta try this place sometime. Well that day finally came yesterday, as my wife and I were starving at the ungodly hour of 5pm. We passed by Celeste and a light bulb went off. Hey - let's try this place, its only just starting to get packed. We were sat right away by the owner, presented with water, bread and oil immediately and after a brief wait were presented with menus and wine list. My wife is pregnant so we didn't get to experience the excellent wine list's many bargain bottles - I had an Italian beer and a decent glass of Montepulciano (surreptitious sips from the wife - she confirms it was good but the poor thing has had like a total of 6 sips of wine in 8 months so Ernest and Julio's cheapest jug would probably taste just fine by her). We ordered the selection of Italian cured meats (Fortada I believe it was called on the menu) - prosciutto, salami and mortadella that night, and the spinach salad with apple, shaved parmigiana and lemon vinaigrette. This first course came out quickly. These paired really well together and the sweet apple versus tart lemon dressing with the richness and saltiness of the cheese and meat was really good. The meats were of excellent quality. After that, a simple pizza margherita. Of course there are better thing crust, Neapolitan pies in the city, maybe even in the Upper West Side. But this is right up there. With their touted 700 degree oven I thought the center of the pie could be a tad crispier but that's a bit of a quibble, in'it? So we experienced this place humbly but sometime in the distant future after we deliver our little bundle of life long responsibility we look forward to sharing a bottle of excellently priced and well chosen wine, diving into what look to be top notch homemade fresh pastas and perhaps hitting up some tiramisu. I'll report back in about 5 years, once we get junior into boarding school. Food: simple, fresh, excellent. Every neighborhood needs a place like this. Service: quick but busy, no indy attention. Very efficient on the night we went. Atmosphere: this place would be best on a crisp late fall early evening, smallish group, lots of wine, sharing everything. Warm room, good chattery buzz. Cozy, humble, neighborhood spot.
(4)Eric L.
This was a nice experience. It was like a gourmet sized portion but for the price of a more moderate restaurant, so if you are really hungry don't come here. with that being said, the food was cooked very well and tasted great. my friends all got different dishes and they all looked good and tasted great. the presentation of my meal was good, I got the filet minon with the potatoes and rosemary. It was good, the atmosphere was good, the seating is really close and tight. so if you have long legs or don't like touching other people or something weird like that you won't like this. I would go here again if it weren't on the other side of town from my apartment. i would recommend it.
(3)Scott R.
This Italian spot is as cramped and crowded as the morning subway but the food is better. On the appetizers, the Insalata Mista (Mr. Salad) is so-so. Go with the artichoke salad instead which has a great lemon/cheese/artichoke flavor. The thin-crust pizza is a great app for two or a meal for one. They use fresh mozzarella but the standout is the crust which has a nice char and chewiness to it. Much better than I remembered ( mysimon.com/9015-10970_8… ) The dish that won me over on this place is the Tagliatelle con Gamberi e Verza which consists of egg noodles, shrimp, cabbage, and pecorino (type of cheese). I'm generally not a pasta fan and I only gave this a try on a lark. Loved it. The pasta was cooked perfectly, the shrimp was cut up and juicy - reminded me favorably of crawfish. The sauce was light - olive oil maybe? And for $9.50? Fantastic. I like the spaghetti alle vondole (clams) a lot as well. Generous amount of pasta. Nice white wine sauce sprinkled with parsley. The gnocchi dish is cooked well but the tomato/basil sauce was kind of boring. If you're thinking of checking this place out, research or plan for a backup b/c this place is often packed. Spiga is only a 1/2 block away and is equal or better to this place but about 50% pricier. No delivery but you can call in orders.
(4)rachel c.
I went here a year ago and still dream of their authentic Italian goodness! Although it was crowded, the service was excellent, and the prices were more than fair. Celeste is a wonderful bang for your buck!
(5)Alex F.
Good Italian cuisine served in an extremely close - let's say, friendly - atmosphere. The appetizer was amazing, fried artichokes that were light, fresh, and tasty, served with fried parsley that was itself a wonder. The pasta entrees were good. For the price, it's a gem.
(3)Megan T.
first of all, a slight disclaimer: i havent been here in quite some time so my food memories might be a bit idealized but anyhow ... tables are very tight. CASH only. owner can be slightly annoying (is his accent real?!) but he is, all in all, a nice guy. if they're busy, staff can rush you thru dinner. BUT ... ravioli is great. gnocchi is amazing. havent loved the fish ive had here. i do remember loving the breaded almond chicken. the cheese plate was truly a breathe of fresh air. oh yes - prices are very reasonable.
(4)Joanna H.
If it's quality handmade pasta you want, then this is a solid neighborhood answer. If it's an evening to linger over wine, then think again. The staff will put major pressure on you to leave as soon as your food is cleaned off of your plate if you arrive on a busy night. A friend took me to this restaurant last Friday night, and I was more than happy with the prices ($7.50 for all red wines by the glass, pastas in the $10 range). After a crunchy raw artichoke and parmiggiano salad that I'm still thinking about, I had the dessert-like butternut squash ravioli (perfectly al dente pasta with a too-sweet filling and too-buttery sauce). We were enjoying out night out, and when we were asked if we would like dessert, I declined and asked for another glass of wine instead. My request was denied (I thought the manager was joking!), and after some back-and-forth, I was told that I was not allowed to order more wine unless I ordered dessert, too. The restaurant's logic is that this causes patrons to gab and linger all night when those waiting for tables could be served. Does this make sense? Yes. Is it off-putting? Yes. After this interaction, my friend and I were checked on at least two more times to see if we had paid yet (we weren't being THAT slow), and then I heard the manager say in frustrated Italian "non hanno ancora pagati" (translation: they still haven't paid). We quickly ran to the corner to grab cash, and got out! Would I go to this restaurant again? Maybe. If it was just for the food, my answer would be a hands-down yes. Service, however, was off-putting. If I make it back, I will plan ahead to wait outside in the long queue, bring cash, and run down the street for an after-dinner drink at a more welcoming establishment.
(3)deanna t.
Came here last night with my mom and my boyfriend and we were incredibly disappointed, especially since this place has 4 stars on yelp. To start, the place is really cramped. Your chair literally touches the chair of the person behind you which is not very enjoyable. We started with the fried calamari and the chicken livers as appetizers to share. The chicken livers were overcooked and we had to send the dish back. The calamari was chewy but the marinara sauce on the side was good. For our entrees I had the spinach and ricotta ravioli, my mom had the "tube shaped" pasta with ricotta and tomato sauce and my bf had the margherita pizza. The ravioli was light and enjoyable but if you do not enjoy the taste of sage, I would not recommend it. My mom thought the sauce on her pasta was a little too acidic but she liked that the pasta was cooked al dente. I thought the pizza was the best of the three dishes but it wasn't anything to brag about. The place is cash only which is a bit inconvenient. I thought the service was okay and the prices were reasonable, however I don't think I would go out of my way to come here again.
(2)Melissa M.
I am not very knowledgeable about authentic Italian cooking so when I didn't see chicken parm on the menu, I knew this place meant business. But thats what makes their cuisine so authentic, there are no American traces in their recipes. The place is crowded not tiny, like too many tables in a medium spaced area. Long wait, but a great opportunity to catch up with your friends while you do. Staff was very friendly and attentive. Will probably revisit again.
(3)Randy S.
Good solid food, never been disappointed. Especially love the fried artichoke and the artichoke salad. For the price, 4 .5 stars, service is 2.5 stars, but unfortunately, as other reviewers have posted, the service can be very rushed, they don't force you out but they really stand over you and wait for you to leave, so that's a little uncomfortable and can sometimes leave a bad taste in your mouth! Other than that, worth it.
(3)Mat R.
Great neighborhood spot! Authentic Italian food and remarkably affordable prizes. The pizza is so-so, but you can never go wrong with the pasta! Go also for the entertaining factor offered by the owner, who likes to cruise through the room, colorfully greet customers, and paternalistically reprimand the staff. Remarks: cash only; the wait can be long, but (depending on the mood of the owner) sometimes you can leave your name and come back after a beer in the neighborhood.
(4)Pj H.
Terrible service and VERY cramped. I don't get it. The food is aggressively bland. There is much better Italian food in the UWS.
(1)Cameron L.
Unexpected highlight of lunch at Celeste- the pancakes. When my friend ordered the pancakes, I couldn't help but wonder why anyone would order such an ordinary breakfast item at a restaurant known for their exquisite Italian cuisine. Turns out my friend made the best choice out of all of us. The pancakes are reminiscent of a really good french toast- the outer layer is crunchy and the inner layer is soft. It was so good I even regretted getting the tiramisu for dessert instead of just ordering the pancakes instead. The actual Italian food was great too- my shrimp and cabbage pasta had fresh noodles sprinkled with fresh olive oil- although the portions were a bit small. But the most memorable item here is the pancakes, hands down.
(4)Jacqui B.
Meh not good not bad crowded and cash only
(3)Brad M.
This place is fantastic! Unfortunately everyone knows now =( This is your typical neighborhood NYC restaurant. Small, tables close to each other, little loud, etc. If you're going on a nice day on Thurs, Fri, or Sat night. Forget it. Everyone else is going too and there will be a long wait. Also cash only and no real waiting room (people will be standing outside). If that didn't scare you away... GOOD! This place is authentic Italian food. The staff knows their dishes and specials perfectly. The food is all very fresh with the ingredients and flavors exploding in your mouth. Literally exploding. Pizza? Some of the best pizza in town. Pasta? Made fresh daily. You see where I'm going with this? Bread and olive oil come with the meal and are also delicious. Oh and I forgot to mention. It's cheap. An entree is between $10-$15 on the average. Not bad! I recommend going but not telling your friends. It's too popular as it is! Enjoy =)
(5)Joanne L.
FOOD: The food here is delicious! I always get the mozzarella with roasted peppers. The mozzarella is fresh and the peppers are flavorful! Great combination! My favorite entree is the linguine with clams. Most of their pasta (except the linguine) is made fresh, but that has never deterred me from ordering the linguine with clams. The manager/owner/host comes around offering spicy oil on your pasta. It's great and compliments the pasta well. For dessert, order the tiramisu! Definitely above average! SERVICE: The service is alright. The host usually underestimates the wait time. Last time, he predicted an hour and we ended up waiting for an hour and a half. CASH ONLY!
(4)Sarah T.
I've come here twice before (and loved it), but this past experience was one worth yelping. I went last night with a friend at around 9:15 pm and the place was packed. There was a very short wait and then we were seated by the front with a couple in very close spaced tables. There was one empty table next to ours. For about ten minutes, all we got was really dry bread and silverware, and no menu. When the waiter finally arrived (just as another couple was filling in the table next to me), he wouldn't start or give us a menu until the other couple was sitting down so he can cut down the time to announce the special to all three tables at once. Then, he took another ten minutes to come by and take our order. He took the order of the couple to my left first and got all their wine and things before they took our order. Then, our table. Then, the table to my right. But somehow...not only did the table to my left and right get their food before us, but we were also left waiting for about 15 minutes after they cleared our plates to deliver us the check. I had to ask a busboy for the check. All in all, the service was TERRIBLE. The pasta dish I always get (the egg noodles with cabbage and shrimp) was still delicious, but everything else pretty much ruined the evening.
(2)Evan H.
Cozy, Friendly, Delicious and Cheap. Four words I would use to describe Celeste. Meeting my wife's cousin on the UWS, I was tasked with picking a restaurant for dinner. After reading some reviews, I picked Celeste. I love Italian food and I always enjoy a small place with a small menu and can really do those dishes justice. As the waiter spoke the words "our special appetizer tonight is burrata cheese with tomatoes and basil" I basically stopped listening and started drooling. Burrata is one of my favorite cheeses so I obviously ordered that to start. My wife went wit the ever popular Artichoke Salad which was thinly sliced raw baby artichokes with parmesan shavings and lemon dressing. The buratta was excellent, creamy, rich and oozing olive oil all over my plate. The artichoke was also good, though its not my favorite vegetable. In picking my entree, I needed about two seconds. Handmade pasta is always a winner in my book, so i picked the Tagliatelle Con Gamberi e Verza. This dish is egg noodles with cabbage shrimp and pecorino cheese. Cabbage and Shrimp on an Italian pasta dish? Not usually something I see on menu (I need to find out what region this restaurant serves), so of course I had to have it. The pasta was fresh, creamy and rich for only having a little bit of cheese on top and very little sauce. The shrimp were already shelled and cut into small pieces, giving you shrimp in every bite. I tasted the Pasta and Clams in white wine sauce and the ravioli, but, my dish reigned supreme on this table. It was filled with succulent shrimp, buttery pasta and crunchy cabbage that made you remember he too was hanging out on your plate. Now, two appetizers, three entrees and three glasses of wine in New York usually costs over $100. Not here, after tax and tip, the meal was still under $100. But, remember, only cash here (I'm just gonna find a cash machine). With so few tables, and such great food, there almost always a wait, so be ready.
(4)Aria D.
wonderful place, friendly service... the food is so authentic and I never like Italian but this place is making me addicted to Italian food. Great atmosphere and will come back as soon as I come this area. Definitely !
(4)P L.
We made a silly mistake and went again...just to give it the benefit of the doubt. Our waitress forgot all but one thing in our order and we were asked twice if we were done yet and given the bill....before we got our entrees.
(1)Michael S.
I've read reviews that complained about the boss and his manners, but we found him to be exactly as he should be: a refreshingly direct Italian (from Vicenza in the North) running a restaurant which charges reasonable prices for very good food and wine in a city where many people seem happy to pay over the odds for mediocre food as long as the service is suitably obsequious. It's not a place to go if you want to linger over a meal, but if you want to eat authentic Italian food and try a couple of Italian wines without breaking the bank, it's definitely worth a go. They don't take reservations (or credit cards, for that matter), but you can count on them to free up a table pretty quickly. Celeste is not a New York restaurant, it is an Italian restaurant that happens to be in New York.
(5)Rachel T.
Amazing local and little italian place on the UWS. Came here last night with my boyfriend for a casual dinner and we were so pleased with everything. The service was excelelnt- came early but there was still a wait. We were told we could go grab a drink across the street and then come back and the held a table for us- we were seated immediately. It is small and a bit cramped but it almost adds to the ambiance of the place. We started off with the fried ricotta cheese- excellent. Came over a bed of salad in a fantastic balsamic. We tried one of the pizzas and I ordered a penne dish (pastas are made in house) with fresh mozzarella on top. Both the dishes were superb and tasted absolutely fresh and full of flavor. Prices were more than reasonable and I would absolutely come back.
(4)Melisa K.
Amazing spot. Feels like your in Italy with the authentic waitstaff. Bolognese is pefecto! Good prices and a definite not miss!
(4)Bryan P.
Great place. Small and intimate. We had a short wait for 2 people. More than that looked like a longer wait. No-nonsense staff, but friendly. Great food. Reasonably priced, including the wine and desserts. Specials we had were really good: pork ragu and a white pizza with prosciutto.
(4)Danielle W.
I am basing my 4 stars off of my meal: The Halibut, because it was absolutely delicious. My fish was cooked perfectly and it was tender and very meaty... I loved it. There was a caper white wine sauce on top to add a little umph to the dish and it was great. The spinach and potatoes on the side were both great. My potatoes were on the crispy side and they were really yummy. The table I was with was a table of 4: - one person had a salad - it was an app size but she had it as an entree. - anchovy pizza - looked yummy! but no cheese? - another pizza that looked yummy. It had artichokes, cheese, and prosciutto. Also looked good. All in All my fish was great. I will say that!
(4)Marina D.
Stopped going to Celeste because the service is horrendous and they don't value their customers. I used to love this place. Came here at least once on most weeks, and showed it to many friends. Yes, the owner is a bit of a character, the place is cramped, there is always a wait, and the service can be a bit rushed, but for the most part it all seemed well-intentioned, and the food was honest and good Until one night a few years ago I came for dinner with two friends. We had appetizers and had to wait a while for our entrees, but did not complain. I could not finish all of the pasta dish I had ordered and left some food on the plate. No one came for the longest time to check whether we were done with the main course - presumably because I still had some food on my plate. Amateur hour, but again, we just wanted to have a nice evening and didn't complain. Then finally someone came to take away the plates, and we ordered dessert. Five minutes into dessert, with our plates and coffee cups still full in front of us, this guy, either the head waiter or manager - the one who called everyone ragazzi - rushes over and says: we are going to need this table in, like, 5 minutes, so please leave, and walks away. I was in total shock. We should have just refused (to this day, I am annoyed that I did not stand up to this jerk), but we must have been too shocked, so we just gulped down what was left of our desserts and coffee and cleared out. I have not set foot inside Celeste since. Will never patronize a business that treats its clients so shabbily.
(1)Angela D.
The sad thing is, I was actually excited to check out this restaurant since the Yelp reviews had been so favorable. It's very unfortunate then, that the apparent owner of UWS's Celeste is not only racist but also a miserable bigot in general. So the story goes: My parents are in town from Shanghai, it's New Year's Day, and we sit down at a table by the front door for dinner. First the waitress rushes through the specials for the night and rolls her eyes when asked to repeat an item. Then the owner walks by and whispers to her that we can't understand English anyway and to not bother explaining further. Despite this, I bite my tongue and decide to not let this ignorant statement made by a shameless racist ruin our night... but then it gets worse. Before ordering, my parents ask to move over one seat to the vacant table next to ours as the wind from the opening and closing of the front door was bothering my dad. The same waitress says to ask her boss, the chauvinist. Once asked, we received this absurd response from him: "Absolutely not. It's against the health federation policy so no, you may not under any circumstances switch tables." At first I thought, "wait, this fool HAS to be joking because that's an insane statement," but no, with a straight face he turned around and walked away. Needless to say, we left immediately after. A $1 tip was left for the bread, since it's not the staff's fault their boss happens to be a tragic human being. I don't care how good anyone may claim the food to be at Celeste, there are too many lovely restaurants in this beautiful city to bring business to one run by an awful bigot. Lesson learned, never return to Celeste, ever.
(1)Erica T.
Without a sign stating the restaurant's name outside, this busy Italian eatery has the most wonderful home-made pasta and fish entrees -- always with very fresh ingredients. The restaurant usually crowded and a bit loud, but the quick service and delicious food makes it a destination that every upper west sider must experience.
(5)Leonor W.
One of the better restaurants in the Upper West Side. I had trouble locating the restaurant, but when I saw a crowd standing outside a door, I figured this must be celeste. The waiting time was about 10-15mins, but worth it. The restaurant is small but accommodates a large and lively crowd. Celeste boasts of a fire oven, and I must say the pizzas that came out of there looked simply spectacular. The prices are very reasonable. For two appetizers and two main courses the bill came to about 50 dollars with tip and tax. The menu is not vast but the items are all eye catching. I went for the special, a real bomb, spinach gnocci with four cheeses sauce, was a real palate pleaser. As started I would recommend the cured meats plate or the melanzane. Great restaurant, and good for parties of 2-4, a party bigger than that can take a while to accommodate.
(4)Vanessa H.
Just awesome food! Traditional Italian crust pizza! Handmade pastas! Service --- meh... But the food --- yay!
(4)John P.
One of my neighborhood favorites. Good food, reasonably priced. Its popular so expect a wait. Cash only.
(4)Ze W.
This place is absolutely delicious. I wanted a simple dish, so they made a delicious fettuccine bolognese. They also let us stay late after we had ordered a bottle of wine.
(4)Helen P.
The restaurant has a simple yet warm atmosphere. The place itself is kind of inconspicuous on the street, besides the groups of people waiting for a table. The pastas are very good and noodles are cooked to a perfect al dente. All the dishes are reasonably priced, which is a plus and the affordability does not mean they skimp out on flavor or taste. Try their homemade gnocchi or their pasta vongole! As a disclaimer, the food is really great but the service definitely needs improvement, so do not expect 4star service. CASH ONLY
(4)Danielle F.
ABSOLUTELY DESPICABLE. I cannot understand, for the life of me, why so many people have given this place 5 stars. The guy who works the door is such an awful person, we walked out before our food arrived. There's excellent Italian all over this city - SKIP THIS.
(1)Acacia Q.
If only I had an Italian restaurant, with this great of food and reasonable of prices, in my neighborhood. The tables are small, the place is crowded, the seating is intimate - bring cash, and expect to wait a bit. But my goodness, the food was spot on!! We split the prosciutto stuffed eggplant appetizer, the salmon entree, a pizza, and a bottle of white - I couldn't have asked for better Italian. And great wine for under $30 a bottle? I can't wait to return!!
(5)Chris P.
great value for money, in a competitive market.A little crowded, but terrific fresh food at a great value price. The chicken livers are a treat if you like offal. Didn't have one but the pizzas look delicious. Maybe next time....
(4)Cups O.
Summary: please do not take away my delicious food while I am still eating it! The food was very good and reasonably priced. I would especially recommend the gnocchi, which were perfectly cooked and overall really fun to eat. The fried ricotta was a bit like scrambled eggs, but I still liked it. Tried both the tiramisu and the chocolate mousse cake, and both were excellent, which I say as someone who is very fussy about desserts. Flavor, texture (both had multiple, distinct, well organized textures) and temperature all just right in both. As others have said, service is not good. It is fast, but they seem to be following some stupid rules. For example, I overheard one of the waitresses tell a party of six that if their seventh person showed up late, she would not be able to order because all of the table had to order at once. Also, I arrived to a mostly empty restaurant before my friend and was told I could not be seated until she arrived. This is understandable if it's busy, but it wasn't. Finally, tiny tables mean that your appetizer will be taken away when your main course arrives, regardless of whether or not you are ready. Overall, don't sit by the big windows in winter, prepare yourself for harried staff, and just enjoy the food!
(4)Katie F.
Ohhh, how I've missed Celeste. I recently moved back to the city, and this was one of my first stops for dinner out. This place does a great business, with crowds waiting for tables regularly. The wait isn't usually so bad, but that partially comes at the expense of a pleasant dining experience. The waiters are incredibly harried because there are so many tables to serve (and the tables are CLOSE -- packed in like sardines); the other night, a member of my party asked for a refill of the olive oil and the waitress muttered, "I don't have time for olive oil," and handed it off to someone else. The waitstaff isn't rude at all, they're very professional (the waitress was Italian, so I cut her some slack :P), but it does feel a bit rushed. On the other hand, the owner is very hands-on and comes around regularly to check on you and make sure you're OK. I ordered an almond-crusted chicken breast dish that arrived with almost nothing on it except the almond crust... it was one of those dishes where you have to combine other flavors on the plate to create the intended flavor palate. I guess I looked like I was struggling, because the owner stuck his head over and advised me to squeeze the lemon on it and then roll the salad on top. After that, it was delicious! The food is great, but don't be fooled: this isn't a relaxing dining experience by any stretch of the imagination. It's crowded and loud and a bit frenzied.... but it's delicious, which is why I keep going back. :)
(4)Chiara M.
This is my favorite Italian restaurants in NY. They have the best and original spaghetti alle vongole ever. Feels like eating at the beach in Italy :)
(5)Kim N.
Inconspicuous, but my favorite local spot for Italian nearby. Have brought various friends and family here several times, without ever being disappointed. Figured it was time for a warm review! Occasionally a long wait and rushed service, but the food speaks for itself, and is reasonably priced. Have enjoyed everything we've tried - especially the pasta and pizzas. Wine list is small but decent. The owner is great! You'll have to say hello - he's quite the personality.
(4)Alexandra R.
I like this place. Like it even more since it is a 5 minute walk from my apartment. Came on Saturday night at 8 and it was bustling. I think we waited about 15-20 minutes for a table (when I say "we" I mean my date, since he actually got to the restaurant at the agreed upon time...ahem). Small, cozy, loud, casual, real neighborhood-y feel. I went with the quattro stagioni pizza which was four different types of thin crust pizza; prosciutto, margherita, mushroom and one other I can't remember...a nice option for indecisive orderers. I think my favorite was actually the plain slice, they have got it down. My date had some thinly sliced filet dish, which he said was decent. Bottles of wine were very reasonable at around $28 and up. For dessert, we shared the limoncello tarfuto--lemon gelato with a limoncello center, covered with meringue sprinkles. It was was deLISH, tangy and refreshing, perhaps my favorite part of the meal. When listing off desert options, our waiter said... "and our lemon gelato...is made of ORANGES"...which we got a good laugh out of. The owner came by towards the end of the meal to check in and get our dessert order, and was perfectly nice, so I guess he must just have his moments that others have commented upon.
(4)Tommy Nicholas V.
Great prices in NYC. Wonderful artichoke salad - lots of cheese and crunchy lemony artichokes (raw). Tartufo dessert is a perfect finish to their great foods. Hot wood over cooking. Pissy little owner - all cash only. Otherwise, just a fine experience.
(4)Kevin C.
Celeste is celestial! This is a great UWS local Italian place. The environment is really open despite being a small place. Large windows, and large mirrors help create the "open" illusion. It's a really great atmosphere and a hopping place, expect a wait. The owner is really attentive, he walks around and speaks Italian. Such a great guy. He'll give you advice on pasta and tell you the true Italian way to eat it. Also, it seems that all the waiters speak Italian. It really gives this place an authentic vibe. My favorite thing about this restaurant is the mozzarella cheese! It's flat out delicious, soft, bouncy, and melt in your mouth juicy. I usually get the penne mo' mo' which is essentially marinara sauce w/ mozz. Simple, just the way Italian is meant to be. The freshness of the pasta and the cheese really stood out to me. I can't get enough of the mozzarella here. Rumor has it - the owner flies out to Italy every month to select and bring back fresh cheeses! Don't know if it's true, but the Celeste sure serves up some of the best cheese in NYC.
(4)Benny S.
This place is great. It has amazing food and is cooked and treated with care. The pizza is the best I have had in NY and the pastas are all delicate and taste like they were shipped from Italy
(5)Aline M.
I would give 4 stars for the food, but 1 for the service. My boyfriend and I had dinner at Celeste during our first stay in NYC in 2008 and had great memories. As we were in UWS, we thought we would try the place again. We both love Italian food and know it very well as I lived in Italy for several months and being from Switzerland, we get to enjoy the huge choice of fantastic Italian restaurants there. Service: Firstly, we learned about the cash only policy once we had the menu, so we had to order according to what we had in our wallet. Literally one minute after we were seated, a waiter came to ask if we were ready. The main waiter (maybe the owner?) never smiled and was even a bit aggressive when my boyfriend tried to stabilize the wobbly table. We had a constant feeling of being rushed and we later understood that the service was soon over. Food: I had a quattro stagioni pizza and my boyfriend ordered the ravioli al burro e salvia. We then shared a tiramisu. All 3 dishes were delicious. The pizza had a thin and crispy crust, the ingredients were tasty. The tiramisu had bits of black chocolate sprinkled on top, a very good twist on the classic recipe. Even if the food was really good, I wouldn't go back there as the bad service ruined the experience.
(2)S F.
CASH ONLY. Ended up here after a long day at the Natural History with Dinosaurs Museum. The prices here are amazing. Couldn't believe it. There are a lot of choices on that street but I'm glad I found this one. Hit them up for sure.
(5)Christine T.
Ah I love this place next time I'm trying the pizza. Yes, this place is CA$H only just FYI. The fried artichoke is to die for, not super greasy and heavy. I got the spaghetti bolganese which was the special for the day I was there and the sauce was super fresh. Yes you are crammed in the restaurants like sardines, I am starting to think in Manhattan where space is at a premium that seems to be the norm. The service is good although they do try to get you moved out quickly.
(5)Bunny J.
Don't come here! Stay away! Go somewhere else! I say this because your going there will only make the lines longer. The food is delicious. The staff is great- all Italian! They are patient with kids - but can also turn up the romantic vibe. I love Celeste. The drawbacks - the wait is always long...outside. It's cash only. It's cramped inside. And the chef does not usually like substitutions. So stay away. And never ever order the delicious gnocchi!!
(5)Anne S.
didn't eat there but tried!. Today was snowy and was there with my 3 young kids. asked for a table for 5. the manager said he had a table but wouldn't give it to me until my husband would be here, which i could have understood if it had been said in a nice way but he was not nice! no space to wait in the packed restaurant, i had to take my children outside, under the snow. Even the employees who were working with him seemed a little bit shocked by this behaviour. When my husband arrived 5 mn later, I refused to eat there and we went to an excellent indian restaurant that we all enjoyed!
(1)Karina L.
Piss crowded on a Tuesday night -- impressive. Unfortunately, we were part of the conglomerate of people waiting to be seated in this (really cozy) restaurant. Use the time to get cash for this cash-only place. Anyway! We had the arugula salad (with pine nuts), the ravioli with butter and sage, and the special of the day. All were delicioussss, although the best part of the meal probably was the lemon ice cream. Ah! We were intimately seated between this large foreign family and this other group. Somehow the server managed to toss our bread basket into the gap between our table and the neighboring one (and walked away without noticing). The little boy sitting perpendicular to me jabbed me in the arm a couple of times while feverishly playing some Star Wars game on his PSP. And they didn't give us napkins until we asked for them. But we got a new basket quickly, I like Star Wars, and I didn't notice the lack of napkins until a glob of butter drooled down my chin halfway through the meal. The food came quickly considering how crowded the place was -- and it made up for the long wait time.
(4)Debrin S.
Delicious, authentic, nice portions & very fresh. Suggestions: sexy cheese plate, artichoke salad with shaved Parmesan, gnocchi, Spaghetti a la vongole, butternut squash ravioli w sage cream sauce. Great bread! Crazy busy & usually packed. Might be a line outside. Waiters are knowledgeable but a bit rushed.Very small inside but in an intimate "watch your neighbor's eat "kind of way. Excellent wine list. Bathrms are typical NYC tiny. Overall- I luv it!
(4)Mary G.
Went there for dinner. I tried the gnocchi which was pretty good but not the best I ever had. My friend had the veal special (veal cooked in prosciutto) and it came with veggies and potatoes on the side. It looked really good and I was told it was scrumptious. I could eat all the gnocchi (solid serving) but the veal looked like much more food - I wouldn't have been able to finish that. I'm going back for brunch this weekend so hoping for greatness.
(3)Katherine B.
The food is great for the price, but good luck getting the attention of a waiter. That's just my experience the last two times I've been there. I like the cozy atmosphere, but we couldn't get the attention of our waiter after getting our main course, which is a bummer. Again, great prices and good food, but the lackluster service is a deal breaker.
(2)Bram H.
Good Italian food at reasonable price. Owner and staff is very friendly. Like all good things in NYC, this come with crowd. But let that not detract you from trying this place out.
(5)Richard R.
Came back for dinner with my 18 year old son. The place was abuzz. 15 minute wait for a table. A nice glass of Barbera, reasonably priced. The pizza was absolutely delicious, and the special of the evening, tagliorini with mushrooms in a tomato sauce, was terrific. The service was brisk, and I would certainly go back. Consistently one of the best pizzas in NYC, with a lot of other strengths to commend it.
(4)Jing W.
My new favorite restaurant in UWS! Great pasta and pizza!
(5)alli t.
This was my favorite dinner during our trip to New York. We visited after walking through the Museum of Natural History. Be sure to bring CASH! The artichoke salad was deliciously dressed w/lemon juice, olive oil and Parmesan. I enjoyed every bite of my tender gnocchi. It was tossed in a very tasty, smoky tomato sauce. Hubby had the best pizza in NY! It was a thin, crisp quatro stagioni with each topping owning a quadrant. The crust was crisp all the way through to the center. The man working the wood fired oven certainly had talent! This pizza was just like the non-tourist pizzas in Italy! We had all this, plus a glass of wine for $46. It was an excellent, reasonably priced dinner with excellent service. As other Yelpers have noted, the table widths are very small and the space between tables is very narrow. We almost didn't find this place. There's no large sign hanging outside, and several businesses are at the address. Look for the restaurant with the big glass greenhouse-like front..
(5)Sofia J.
I don't understand how this place received such great reviews! I live on UWS and visited this place because of the recommendations of some friends. Well big disappointment since I know true Italian food ( we visit Italy twice a year) The Pizza Marinara was very dry almost like a cracker with tomato sauce and my husband's home made pasta (special of the day gnocchi) was too salty and cold and cheese to feed an army. I guess that's what you do when you don't know how to cook: put extra cheese for flavor. This is not authentic Italian food this is authentic Americanized Italian food. Also did not appreciate the owner cursing loud one of the staff in Italian over the crowded tables. Seriously some of us understands and is not what we want to hear when we are eating.
(2)David B.
Though the food is very tasty here, the policies and management could use significant improvement. Actually, the woman managing was probably the rudest person we have encountered in a restaurant, and we eat out a lot. While waiting for my husband, who was 5 minutes behind us, in a restaurant that was more than half empty, she refused to allow me to order for my young children, who were famished and tired. Then she was rude enough to tell us that if we didn't like it, we could go elsewhere, which is exactly what I would have done if they weren't so hungry and tired. Unlikely we will be back.
(2)Amelia Z.
Celeste isn't bad at all... but... it left me frustrated. I went with a group of ten, and we all ordered various dishes. We noted that the portions were not uniform. Meaning, some people who ordered one dish got a heaping plate of pasta, while me and some others had five raviolis and a hungry stomach. I guess I should probably blame it on the fact that I'm used to Bronx Italian restaurants, where everything is drenched in marinara and mozzarella, and deep fried. Service was tolerable, but I do admit I LOVED the atmosphere. It's cozy and romantic.
(3)Samson P.
Food: Everything is delicious. Linguini and clams superb. Always get the pasta specials. They're always great. But honestly have never had a bad dish here. Olive oil served w bread is exceptional. Service: Only reason not 5 stars. Owner great and very present. He adds to the experience. Rest of staff is pretty fast but not very attentive. Never get refills on water. Or bread for that matter. There's usually a wait but Carmine moves it along. We think wait is worth it anyway. Tables much tighter than is comfortable.
(4)L D.
The owner was so wonderfully welcoming to my friend and I on a rainy night in NYC. When we walked up the door, we saw groups of people waiting and thought it would take forever to be seated. The owner came out and assured us it wouldn't be long at all and was just so friendly and interested in our happiness. I ordered the gnocchi and was very satisfied. The portion was great and it was just so authentic tasting! Best part? The entree was $10.50!! What? Am I serious? YES. We ordered a bottle of wine that was more expensive than our entrees totaled which was a great option. The owner visited our table once to check on our progress and it made us feel so special. He cares about the satisfaction of his guests. Nice bread basket for the table to start and we also ordered a simple spinach salad with lemon and walnuts to share. Very light and only $8.50. You can't beat the prices at this lovely Italian establishment.
(4)Kimberly S.
CASH ONLY! Is this place tiny? Yes. Can it get packed? Yes. Is it worth eating at a table the size of your school desk in elementary school? Yes! I tried this place on a whim as I was Yelping on my walk back to my apartment. After perusing the menu, I decided to try the tagliatelle con gamberi e verza. At this price, it has to be the one of the best pastas I've had. The staff was polite and friendly. My water glass never got empty even though I was sitting in what felt like a cubby hole in the corner by myself on a surprisingly busy Wednesday night. The tables are so close that I felt like I should join my neighbors conversation, but it still didn't bother me. I can understand putting that many tables in when a place is consistently busy. Now I was overhearing a discussion, if you will, between a patron and the manager (owner?). She wanted a table for 5 or 6, but she was by herself. He told her that it would be a 15 minute wait and that the entire party needs to be present. She walks back in and says that everyone is there, but maybe someone else is coming. He tells her the same thing again. She comes back and asks why he can't tell a couple to pay and leave, so she can sit and eat. He tells her that they are customers just like she is, and if they wish to linger and finish their wine, they can. I have been in restaurants where they have rushed me or dropped the check as soon as they bring the food like "hurry up", and it makes you feel unwelcomed. I was glad to see him stick up for those of us who like to sit for a minute and sip an espresso then leave. When someone wanted to go out to eat a few days later, I told him to take me here. The owner remembered me and sat me right away. What can I say? It feels like family.
(5)Nicole P.
Linguini and clams delicious! Service is great. They are happy to serve you. Great atmosphere. Crowded tables but that's just cause the food is so good and prices are low. A definite must go!
(4)Tessa K.
Simple. Cheap. Delicious. I went with two other people and we gorged ourselves on pasta, pizza, and wine. When the check came, we had to do a double-take bc we couldn't believe how cheap it was. We waddled out of there stuffed, happy, and drunk.
(5)Anna D.
I came here with a friend who lives in the area-this is totally her local Italian restaurant. After hearing her rave about it, I decided to come with her. Totally lived up to her A+ recommendation! It's a friendly, welcoming neighborhood restaurant. Apparently, the owner is almost always there, greeted my friend warmly as a returning customer, and was very welcoming to me. We split a bottle of $24 wine, which was really good and an awesomely fair price. I got the pasta special, which was some sausage, broccoli rabe, tagliatalle carb-y deliciousness and my friend got some shrimp pasta thing--also awesome. It was a Monday night, so not super crowded and we weren't rushed. Came at 7:30, left at 9:30. A great neighborhood find and the pizzas looked awesome, too! It also seemed like an awesome date spot--not too over-the-top romantic, but just the right blend of low-key coziness that makes you want to linger. If I ever date an UWS-er, I'll bring 'em up here.
(5)Anne K.
This place is a true gem. Unfortunately, it's also a very discovered gem, meaning if you're coming here on a Friday or Saturday, good luck getting a table. That being said, the food is phenomenal and extremely well priced. As is the wine. Every single time I've been here the owner has been wandering around the restaurant offering pieces of advice of which wine or which dish or even what parts of Italy you should visit. Maybe it's because of him or because of the small space, but Celeste feels very homey and welcoming. I haven't tried any of the meat entrees, but every pasta dish I've had has been simply delicious. Last night I had the butter, sage ravioli ($11, that would easily be $20 anywhere else. The pasta was the perfect combination of chewy and soft; the sauce buttery but not too much; and the sage added the perfect kick to what could have otherwise been a bland dish. The tirimisu was equally yummy and only $6. Honestly, the place is small and can get packed, but if you go with only one other person on a week night you will have no problem getting in (or drinking a whole bottle of wine with dinner - so well priced!) and you'll have a wonderful evening.
(4)Emmy D.
Hubby and I had been grazing all day and wanted something light to eat. We found this cute little place near our apartment that we were staying at in the Upper West Side. Its cash only so be prepared and no reservations. When you get there you may have to wait in line but it went quick and waited for about 15 to 20 minutes. I ordered their mussels and one of the best mussels i have ever had. It wasn't small or wimpy looking, but huge and meaty! Wow and dip the free bread they serve you with in the white wine sauce, I was content. Hubby ordered their selection of pizza which they serve you four different flavors. He enjoyed the porcini mushrooms with prosciutto. He also washed this down with a red wine. I really enjoyed this place and only set us back about $30. I would definitely come back and order their appetizers or salad and their fresh pasta. I couldn't help but look at what others were having and many got pasta. After my mussels I felt like I also should have had pasta too. Wished I wasn't full cause I think I would of enjoyed a complete meal here. Yum!
(4)Ryan B.
I don't know the exact reason I didn't care for this place. Maybe it was just overhyped for me. So many people had told me they loved this spot, but I just wasn't that impressed. I tried the gnocchi, and felt they were undercooked and the sauce was bland. The restaurant itself is very small. The seats are so close together that I felt like I was having dinner with the strangers sitting next to me. On the plus side, the service is very good. The waiter was very friendly and fun. People say what a great value this is, and at around $10 a plate, I guess I can understand why they'd think that, but the plates are small and I didn't find the food that great. I've heard so many good things about this place that I'll have to give it another try to make sure I just wasn't there on an off night, but it will be awhile until I come back.
(2)Malcolm G.
TOP NOTCH MANGIA Y BEVI My girlfriends quote "I've eaten Italian in at the Feast of San Gennaro, on Arthur Avenue, and overlooking Central Park-even in Tuscany. In New York City there is no shortage of Italian restaurants and every borough has its hidden gem; a place that's always packed, where the owner remembers the patrons and the food is always impeccable. Celeste is all this and more. Whenever a visit is suggested I never decline, even if it means trekking to the Upper West Side. The Tagliatelle Con Gamberi e Verza e Pecorino is so delicious; it's hard for me to order anything else. " I have to say that everything I have ever eaten from here has been delicious and executed to perfection. The owner Carmine is a gem and a throw back restaurateur who knows and recognizes his patrons and his personality is obviously fantastic because he has the same wait and kitchen staff for years.( hard to do ) The wine selections are always great. The menu though limited in selection is always perfectly executed. The deserts are all tasty , they make great espresso drinks as well. Bring cash they do not take anything else. Pray for rain when you go because there is always a five or ten minute wait but well worth it. As far as unpretentious authentic Italian fare in NYC this place is top 3.
(5)Alex N.
Came here with a out of town friend yesterday for an early dinner after a day of animal dioramas and dinosaur bones. When we arrived at 5:30, the restaurant was almost empty. By the time we were finished, it was almost full. We shared the fried calamari/shrimp, which although I have had better, were very good. They weren't overcooked and the marinara was excellent (although we actually preferred dipping them in olive oil from the bread). For my main course, I had the filet mignon, which was decent, although not what I was expecting. As it turns out, they thinly slice the beef before they cook it. I was totally okay with that. My only issue with the dish was that for my taste, the meat was a little overseasoned. The service was attentive, polite, and authentic. Can't really ask for more than that. If I had a complaint, it would be that there were just too many tables for the room. However, considering the prices, that's just apparently how they compensate. I can deal. Overall, I can definitely see myself coming back here next time I'm in the area.
(4)N H.
Mussel appetizer is delicious and they give you a generous amount. The pizza's are delicious. Cash only. Go early or expect a wait since they do not take reservations.
(5)Irm M.
Maybe it was my high expectations that spoiled the experience but I wasn't that impressed. I live in the neighborhood and pass Celeste multiple times a day. Every time, there is always a wait out the door. I always thought, "Wow this place must be amazing!" I came here with my family for dinner, their experience was much like mine. It was good, but nothing amazing. The settings are cramped, so don't expect a fancy night out. The napkins looked like dish towels and the decor resembled a diner more than that of a restaurant that Zagat rates a 24 on food. If the meal is incredible, who cares right?! The bread....crispy, the wine....large selection, calamari....fresh, pasta...al dente, sauce....homemade, chocolate mousse....rich, management.... authentic and personable. Yes it was all fine and well but I wouldn't wait an hour to eat there. I also wouldn't want to go out to a nice dinner there. It's more of a no frills type place that you go to for good food at decent prices. Expect to bump elbows with your neighbor here.
(3)Leanne R.
I LOVE THE WAFFLES! I didn't even desire any toppings after I had a bite of these waffles. The items I had were delectable and I came just before brunch began, so, lots of room not having to worry about getting shoved or tight squeezed meals. Will come back again.
(4)Cristina S.
Celeste has its problems. Yes, it's incredibly loud and crowded. Yes, the service leaves quite a bit to be desired. No, you can't make reservations (and the waits can be long) or play with plastic. But, the food is amazing and it's very reasonably priced. Two people can get starters, entrees, dessert, and wine for under $100. I generally order the chicken livers (amazing, amazing, amazing - I dream of these chicken livers now that I've left NYC) gnocchi, and cheese plate. The gnocchi is as close as you'll get to my Italian great-grandmother's. I've tried the thinly sliced beef dishes and had the pastiera and a couple pasta specials as well and everything has been delicious. I don't think you could go wrong with anything on the menu. Carmine's cheese plates are great...even if you can only hear and understand 10% of what he tells you about the cheeses.
(4)Vee L.
Went here with my family to celebrate my mom's birthday last weekend. I was expecting much more of a wait for a Sunday night, but we were seated less than 15 minutes after putting our name in. It isn't very clearly marked on the outside, but if you keep an eye out on the West side of Amsterdam you can't miss it. To start, we got the artichoke salad and the tuna salad. I much preferred the tuna but the artichoke was popular with the others so I'd say both are winners. For entrees, I tried the gnocchi, which was soft and had a delicious red sauce, as well as the Pollo Mandorlato which was nice and crispy on the outside with delicious almonds. I ordered the pasta special for myself - a yummy flat noodle with red sauce and shrimp. Everything we got was great and very reasonably priced. Most pasta dishes are around $10. I recommend this place!
(5)Sandee L.
Unless you are a local to the UWS, this restaurant may very well miss your radar, as there isn't a sign to announce it's existence. That being said, you will always know when you come across Celeste by the huge number of patrons waiting for a table outside of the restaurant. It's easily an hour to two hour wait during peak times and they don't take reservations. On my second visit, we went during off-peak hours and were seated immediately. Yay! The food is worth the wait! It's fresh and full of flavor. I've been here a couple of times and ordered the pizza margherita, spaghetti alla vongole, gnocchi alla sorrentino, and vitello al limone. For dessert, we had the tiramisu and torta di mele (apple tart). Overall excellent (although if you have to pick between the two desserts, pick the tiramisu)! Portions are perfect. - not too much and not too little. Cash only, and be prepared to love your neighbor: they really pack the seating area since it's a small restaurant.
(4)Holly H.
I will come back to Celeste for the house olive oil alone. It was midway between grassy & buttery, and with the bread could have been it's own meal. A friend brought our party of six here, and we all had a fantastic time. All of the pasta dishes made me smile, because the perfect amount of sauce was tossed in with each round, and the portions were appropriate, not the large-chain heaping that Americans have come to expect. The owner came by and personally introduced us to the offerings on the cheese plate. He was so engaging that I have no idea what cheese I was trying, but the experience was enjoyable all the same. Its a long wait, they only take cash, but a winning personality will gain you a very cool, intimate experience.
(4)Tiffany C.
My friends told me about this, it is great. It is kind of a hole in the wall. I would have never noticed it if someone didn't tell me how good it was. There is really no signs anywhere except for the one on the door. If you go, expect to wait for a seat. It is always crowded. The food is simple and good. I got the pasta with sheep cheese and something else (can't remember lol) but it was great. It was light and delic. I wasn't going to get dessert, but my friend insisted on getting something. We got the tiramisu, and let me tell you it was FANTASTIC! There were pieces of chocolate throughout it and it was just delightful, we were fighting over the last bites.
(4)Betsy H.
Love this place! I always end up here on Sunday nights. The wait may look long but I've never had to wait more than 20 minutes. The pasta is fresh & delicious and the prices are great. Cash only!
(5)Deeksha K.
Tried Celeste for a late lunch on a Saturday. It was reasonably full. I had the sage butter ravioli, there is no doubt that it was homemade and so fresh!! The sauce was perfectly balanced and the perfect amount. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it.... The great part about the pasta was that it was surprisingly light on my stomach. My boyfriend got the Quattro pizza.. The artichoke slice was really really good. Cannot wait to go back here to satisfy my Italian food cravings.
(4)Chris L.
How some restaurateurs have the audacity to charge 20+ dollars for some flour and tomato sauce is beyond me. How refreshing to finally find a restaurant that does it right! Not only are the dishes at Celeste reasonably priced and delicious, they hand-pull many of the noodles in-house daily. Though not NY style, their pizza is some of the best I've had in the city. The Tagliatelle con gamberi verza c pecorino dish (the one with shrimp and cabbage) is something I have never seen anywhere else, and highly recommend it. Oh, and if you like spice, throw that hot oil they offer on everything...it's heavenly. The space is small, the tables are cramped, and the wait is long...but it's all worth it. If you have out of town guests who want some good Italian food, skip the Little Italy tourist trap, and venture to the Upper West. Also, as everyone else has pointed out, Celeste is CASH ONLY.
(5)Caro T.
We order carry-out from here because the place is always packed, but we dined in last night because it wasn't very busy. The experience was not enjoyable, and we were hurried the whole meal. The waitress abruptly seated us by pointing to a table across the room and telling us to go "over there." Once seated, the she returned and told us and the table next to us to "listen up" to the specials as she recited them to us at the same time. The waitress returned later to take the order of the table next to us. The woman seated said she was waiting for a friend, at which point the waitress told her the restaurant had a policy of not seating tables until the party was complete. The woman pointed out that the waitress had been the one to seat her in the first place and said her friend was on his way in a taxi and would be there shortly. The waitress left to ask a manager and returned to tell the woman -- who had been seated for about 10 minutes, served water, and bread -- that she either needed to order for her friend now or get up. There were NINE empty tables in the restaurant. The woman got up, only to be seated again at the exact same table when her friend arrived. I ordered the margherita pizza, which was alright, and my partner ordered the pasta special, which had tagliatelle, shrimp, and vegetables -- a little bland with overcooked shrimp. They brought his food out significantly earlier than mine, to the point where he was almost finished by the time mine arrived (I told him to eat his meal while it was hot). Another woman in the restaurant sent her food back because it had been sitting out and was cold.
(1)Saran K.
Looked up this place on yelp as I had kind of a spontaneous date. The service was amazing. The waiter we had was very friendly and so was the owner of the restaurant(I think) who checked upon us(twice) during our dinner. I ordered the day's special pasta which was a seafood pasta which I dint like much because I am not really a big seafood fan. I wanted to try to so I did. My date had Ravioli and it was quite delicious. A very well maintained little place, i don't know why the health department would give them a B rating.
(3)J C.
Went on a Saturday night around 7 and got lucky with a table for 3 with no wait. The non stop incoming traffic while we dined never had to wait more than 10-15mins... We found the servers very attentive and the food great. The gnocchi was the table favorite and from looking at other group's orders we'll be back for the pizza. Prices were very reasonable for the quality.
(4)Abhishek C.
A cozy little Italian place on the UWS that is always packed and for good reason - the food is delicious and as close to homestyle as you can find in the neighborhood. My fiancee and I have been here twice and both times we enjoyed the pasta dishes, appetizers, and wine. The best thing about the place is the owner who keeps walking around chatting with everyone and adds a personal touch. I'm docking them one star, however, because the menu is very limited and hasn't changed in six months. There are three of each thing on the menu -- three pasta dishes, three appetizers, three pizzas. Granted, there are specials as well but the second time we went they ran out of the pasta special (?!). Between the two times we've been there, my fiancee and I tried all the pasta dishes on the menu and all the appetizers that look good, and we don't feel the need to go back. I'm docking them another star because in this day and age, they are missing two key ingredients: (1) reservations, and (2) credit card payments. The credit card thing I can understand, but there is no excuse for having people wait outside 30-45 min in the cold without offering a lobby to wait in.
(3)Yi C.
Terrible service! I arrived the restaurant earlier than my friend, and the waitress insisted that according to their rules (even with no waiting line outside!), if you come in later you can only order salads or desserts. That is, the waitress prohibited my friend from ordering entrees. Furthermore, her attitude is like a shit, she thinks everyone should follow their ridiculous rules. When comes to food, we ordered the pasta with garlic and clams. The noodle tasted soso. I am not sure other pasta. But for our order, I have to say, the reputation is over than it deserves. Overall, the service is like a shit. The food is not that good as I thought. I recommend that do not expect good service here.
(1)Joe F.
This is a great little Italian restaurant with delicious food and reasonable prices. The pizzas are one of the most delicious. The desserts Tiramisu is the best I ever had. Just make sure you go at a time which is off-peak as the wait time can be considerable (Celeste does not take reservations). We have out of town friends who always want to go there when they visit. The staff is accommodating for the most part though on one visit they were very abrupt and unfriendly.
(4)mumin k.
this is just an average restaurant. i went here with high expectations after reading some of the yelp reviews but was somewhat disappointed after having dinner here. We ordered the fried artichokes, the fried zucchini flowers and kalamari and neither of these were really good. everything was average. I ordered the halibut with spinach and potatoes. While the halibut was ok, the spinach and potatoes were absolutely tasteless. Overall, i would say this is an average italian restaurant. i definitely had much better than this.
(3)Gaby F.
Go with the flow at Celeste. Carmine is a genius; he knows more about Italian wine and cheese than most places have forgotten. The homestyle, yet immaculate dishes are served in a tightly packed, too say the least, restaurant. I have been going here for nine years and have yet to have a bad meal. But I have had plenty of heated discussions as to a wine's merit (Carmine hates that I like to drink white wine cold). What's good? Boy, I hate to say everything but.. My bankers are mussels when he has them (huge and flavorful), or the pizza special, whatever it is (split it, then move on to the Veal Piccante or Chicken Escalope)..oh If you are a cheese fan and want to put Artisinal and Picholine to shame, try the Grandiose Fromaggi: 18 or so cheeses, and a jam or jelly to compliment each. Carmine will tell you the province and story behind each cheese, but listen carefully: it sounds like a football commentary. A real art for sure. There are plenty of wines off the list in the back, so it's always worth asking what else they have, but state your budget. And remember, it's cash only. Sure it's packed, and Carmine can be abrasive in a big bear way, but it's way the best Italian 'trattoria' in NYC, or actually, anywhere really.
(5)Rob D.
Ordered the Quatro Pizza... the picture looked better than it tasted. It was good, but nothing special. My gf ordered the filet Mignon, which she enjoyed (the dish looks like grilled roast beef with potato). The fried artichoke appetizer was pretty good, but needed some acid to help bring out the flavors. We went on a Sunday night, and it was packed. I can see this place being good for take out, in as much as you are given about 1 square foot of space to eat in. The food is good, but their service is hindered by the fact that the restaurant is small and gets packed incredibly fast. You will get solid Italian food at an affordable price, but if your going to dine there expect a European and claustrophobic feel. We also ordered a pasta dish... I was still hungry after the pizza, it was pretty good. They have nice noodles, but just like all of the other dishes, the pasta was missing something... everything looked better than it tasted, I am not sure why. I don't think you'll be disappointed. It's not the best italian food in the city... but it's certainly affordable, tasty, and presentable.
(4)Jerome K.
Rank: B+. Great Italian food for the value (have been here for lunch and dinner). Cash only spot, but well worth the hassle. All of the pastas and pizzas are delicious. I have eaten at the likes of Babbo, Convivio (closed now), Del Posto, Maialino, Scarpetta, Motorino, etc and the food here is not as rich/heavy on the stomach. The Spinach Salad w/ Walnuts, the Mesclun Salad, the Spaghetti w/ Clams, the Napoletana Pizza (w/ anchovies), the Gnocchi, the Tagliatelle w/ Shrimp are all delicious. The main plates (the salmon, sea bream, halibut, chicken, etc) are decent, but not comparative to the pasta and pizzas. Go elsewhere for fish/meats.
(4)Arlene R.
THE FOOD IS AMAZING!!! I had the spinach ravioli and it was so incredible I can NOT articulate the taste! They use authentic imported products from Italy, the Italian owner is warm and very hospitable to all of his patrons. He has great stories and recommendations. Get there early because they don't take reservations and there will be a wait, but trust me good things are worth waiting for..... the desert cheese plate was so impressive I would've never imagined eating cheese for desert, but trust me step out of the comfort zone and try it!!!!!
(5)dante b.
4.5 Stars. This place is a little gem. It won't blow you away with novel recipes, but everything we had was perfect. We had the halibut and almond encrusted chicken breast, both delicious and perfectly prepared. Even the olive oil put to go with the (very good) bread was excellent. And the prices! We're from Cambridge, MA, and we expected Manhattan restaurants to be quite a bit higher than at home. We were very pleasantly surprised -- the prices were no higher than our favorite neighborhood restaurant at home. When we arrived the place was not yet crowded, and the service was very good. We wish they'd move to Boston
(5)Jesse G.
Food was amazing and is very affordable. Creative menu. Very Italian in a really good way and not necessarily 'heavy Italian'. The waitress was a bit flustered but attended to us often and made no mistakes. A bit more client service doesn't hurt. The host guy on the other hand was a bit too friendly with some odd anecdotes... Also, in the winter time if you're seated close to the door def bring a sweater or you'll be wearing your jacket half the time. But, in some - the food is amazing and I will be back.
(4)Jen K.
Had just indulged in sweets and was trying to eat as much as I could in my short amount of time I had left in NY. My friend suggested two local joints and I decided on Celeste since I wanted to finally try Italian food in New York and since there was a wait, I took it as a good sign. Luckily, turnover is quick (it was just two of us). Cash only though. Since I was curious what their artisanal pasta was all about I got their spaghetti with clams (sorry forgot the name but I believe Spaghetti Alle Vongole), which took awhile, they dish probably would have been better if they cooked it properly, sadly my pasta was before al dente and parts were hard and not cooked all the way through and some of the clams were a bit gritty. So I left a bit unfulfilled. Service was fine but not sure why our meal took so long especially since it wasn't cooked properly. The complimentary bread was decent but I liked the olive oil that came with.
(3)Andrew M.
All I can say is this-- I lost my iphone in the cab on my way there... and by the time I left, I didn't care. The food is that good. It is crowded. The portions are big, the tables are small, and there is no complaining about the prices.
(5)V U.
The food is gourmet and so affordable. Try the "Spaghetti Alle Vongole", I'm a fan. The service was also very good (and entertaining) too.
(4)Caleb E.
great place! be sure to order the artichoke hearts because it comes with a delicious helping of fried parsley. anything you order will be good but be sure to show up early! this place has a wait
(5)Lee F.
If you're looking for a leisurely meal with plenty of room, this is not the place to go. However, if you're looking for the most authentic Italian with the best food on the UWS, then I suggest you head over immediately. Many people write about how disarming the owner is, but I found him to be eccentric with only the best of intentions. The homemade pizza is delicious as well as the pastas - always cooked to perfection. The wait is worth it! And to be honest, they move their clients along pretty quickly inside - so it's not so bad. Bring cash - best bang for your buck on the UWS!
(4)Ann L.
Celeste is a quiet, unassuming restaurant, with no prominent signage or flashing lights to attract customers in search of their next delicious dinner. But clearly this place is doing something right, because every time I've passed by it, it's always been full of people. I finally decided to stop by and see what all the fuss was about, and I wasn't disappointed. As a lover of all things pasta, the menu looked absolutely heavenly. I ended up choosing the gnocchi with marinara simply because I felt bad that I had to keep sending the waiter away for more time to make my decision. If my stomach had its way, I would have wanted to try a little bit of everything. The gnocchi was fresh but not over-cooked, soft but with a little bit of spring to the bite. One star off for being cash only, because really, who carries cash? Great spot for dinner with friends, family, or a casual date.
(4)Cassanda C.
4.5 stars for this awesome place! I loved my salmon -- crispy, buttery, soft -- with sautéed spinach. So good. The service was ok, and the owner or manager (not sure which) came around a few times to check on us. All the waiters speak Italian (and English, too, of course). We experienced no wait for a table either! I would definitely come back!
(5)Christian P.
My YELP review of the week: I think this place is a bit overrated. I was curious to eat here because I often saw a line at the entrance of patrons waiting to dine even when the (very small/overly congested) restaurant was completely filled. To attract do many customers, I thought the food must be CRACK because there's nothing stellar going on with the decor. lol. Seriously, it really looks pretty low-budget in there. My assessment was correct (for the most part). The food is pretty good. I had the egg plant rolls, which I definitely recommend. I also had the Margherita pizza, which was on-point as well. However, as a person with a sweet tooth, these folks get a big FAIL for the ricotta cheese cake on their menu. I love ricotta cheesecake, and there's simply wasn't good. It wasn't fresh; it tasted as if it had been refrigerated for 2 weeks. Outta heah! I would have given this place 4 stars if the dessert worked and 5 stars if the ambiance was better. But as the owner pointed out to me, he just doesn't care for reviews, so it's not like he's reading this.
(3)Crystal N.
3 Stars for food. Service needs work. The owner needs to spend less time trying to charm his customers (one table in particular) and more time managing his staff. Also, the server was the worst, because he was no where in sight. The server assistants should be the servers. They keep the restaurant running. Needless to say we tipped the S.As 15% and 5% to the server.
(1)Stephanie M.
Perfect example of a place that needs half stars. I would give Celeste a solid 3.5.. rounded down because it was my first experience. Warnings-- (1) Celeste is CASH ONLY. I may not have noticed ,but there's not an ATM nearby so this is important to know. (2) We had to wait about 20 minutes at 9PM on a Thursday night to get a table for two. The restaurant was packed-- which is always a good sign-- but for large groups I think the wait can be lengthy so plan ahead. We decided to share two dishes-- the gnocchi and the veal. The pasta came out first followed less than 5 minutes later by the meat. Since we were sharing, it wasn't a big deal but could be annoying depending on who you're with. The food itself was pretty good. If we just had the gnocchi, I would probably be overall more excited about the meal. Was clearly homemade in a great garlicky red sauce. Nothing super-special but a solid standby. The veal, however, was a strange version of a piccatta. Not quite straight up lemon.. almost unsure how to describe the flavor of it. The potatoes and spinach it came with were better than the veal itself. Definitely want to try this place again and even encouraged my roommate to give it a go. The prices are great ($10 pasta, $15 entree) so even if you don't love it, it won't damage your pocket. Just remember your cash... Thanks to the boyfriend who found out after we got there that he was treating me to dinner).
(3)Kirsten S.
Celeste is a wonderful addition to my collection of favorite restaurants in my neighborhood. As my friend put it, the whole atmosphere is straight out of a movie: no sign outside, exposed brick, warm crowded room, close tables, the perfect amount of ambient noise, candles, an entirely Italian staff (accents and all), wine, a half-open kitchen, big windows looking out at the street, and an impressively lengthy memorized list of specials. If that's not enough to make you want to eat here, the food definitely will convince you! The food is all made from scratch, with the most sincere Italian flavors and the utmost pride in their ingredients. Here is what we got: Glass of Pinot Nero: smooth, warm, and easy to drink Butternut Squash Ravioli (a special): indulgent and just the right balance of sweet and savory White Pizza: lighter than any white pizza I have ever tried and loaded with veggies, plus a toasty crust Spicy Chocolate Gelato: very unique, made with pepper oil and cloves The bill came to about $60 for two people with a drink, entree, and shared dessert. Not cheap, but well worth the quality and quantity of food they provide.
(5)Carol S.
Adorable little place on the UWS! I came with a couple who come often and it's always great when the people recognize their regulars. We ordered a few of their appetizers -- some eggplant stuffed with cheese and a meat plate. Both were superb! My hubs and I each got a pizza and those were also very light and tasted very authentic Italian. You can tell that all the workers were very Italian. The red sauce was fantastic. I'm all about the red sauce so it was hit the spot. They have this pasta with clams and white sauce, very subtle yet tastey and unique! It's not very expensive but the place is packed. You couldn't turn around without elbowing someone next to you, so this isn't a great place for groups larger than 4. Service was excellent and quick! I can see how people would love coming here all the time.
(4)Bonnie P.
I went here at 5:30 on a Saturday and the place was actually packed. They told us (and everyone else waiting in line) it was going to be a 10 min wait, but it ended up being 25. The service was great. Everything was on the table about 5 min after we ordered which makes me wonder if the food was made earlier that day and then warmed up in the microwave. The food was good and decently priced, but I would never wait in line longer than I did to get it.
(3)Zaki L.
Great food, great atmosphere, and reasonable prices. Delicious Tiramisu.
(5)Michael P.
Very small hole in the wall place with authentic Italian food. There isn't even a sign at the door (or at least I didn't see one)--only a nondescript black awning that looks into the restaurant. The restaurant is cozy and candlelit so it is a good place for a date. I got the veal medallions which was good albeit the small portion size. My friend got the special pasta, which looked delicious. In a city with a million options for Italian food, Celeste is great in serving great flavor affordably without the frills.
(5)Anna S.
Had a wonderful meal here last night! Arrived around 8pm on a Thursday night and the place was packed but we only had to wait for a few minutes before a table was ready for us. The service was prompt but I didn't feel rushed. We ordered the spinach ravioli and the salmon. Both had wonderful flavor and were prepared with quality ingredients. Much better and less expensive than other Italian restaurants I've been to downtown. The space was tight but it didn't really bother me since the food and service were excellent. Looking forward to going back and trying the pizza!
(5)Sara S.
This is the real deal: Some of the best Italian I've eaten outside of Italy itself. The menu has dishes I've never seen anyplace else. I've been a bunch of times and never had anything less than superlative meals. If it's glitz and haughteur you want, look elsewhere. The owner and staff have created a famiglia atmosphere in their cozy, brick-walled space--regulars are warmly remembered and their children are lovingly indulged. As other reviewers have noted, the place is cash only, and is nearly always crowded. My suggestion: Stop at the ATM, then swallow your NYC-eat-only-after-8-p.m. pride and eat at 5:30, when you won't have to wait for a table. It WILL be worth it. And if you're lucky, you may have an Upper West Side-variety star-sighting: Nobel economics prize winner and New York Times columnist Paul Krugman is a customer. P.S. Try the Carciofi Fritti--fried artichokes + parsley...yum.
(5)Vajra M.
Amazing food, great value, very busy, cash only, no bookings.
(5)V W.
great family style restaurant. home-made pasta. staff is nice, but tries to rush you as it's inexpensive and they try to turn tables to make money. overall good experience.
(4)Manisha B.
First off, the food was very good, and I would have given this place 4 or 5 stars if the service wasn't SO awful. After being seated (as other people have mentioned, the room was very crowded), I noticed my water glass was dirty and asked for a new glass. I never got it. The waiter asked us to placed both our appetizer and main course orders at the same time, and our appetizers arrived soon after. About 45 minutes later, they came and took our appetizers away and asked us what we wanted for dessert. We then mentioned that we never got our main course, and the waiter made up an excuse about the kitchen being inspected and therefore slow. However, there were people being served around us who ordered after we did, and the waiter refused to admit his mistake of not placing our orders. I had a quattro stagioni pizza as the main course and an egglant appetizer which were very good. My party had two of the pasta specials, which they also enjoyed quite a bit. Regardless of the quality of the food, the service was so awful, I wouldn't ever go back.
(2)b s.
A local goldmine. Owner is host and always remembers a new face. Many of the menu items (especially the cheese and wine) are brought over from italy by this man. He will also tell you what to get without hesitation. Just ask. Food is simple, authentic and fresh. No reservations so be prepared to wait.
(5)Karen S.
Cheap, Amazing Food, Charming Staff So I have been here twice and equally amazed each time. The food is so fresh I don't think I can ever cook pasta again. I have stuck to the pasta dishes because they are just that good. I hope to venture out soon and I will let you know how that goes. Down Side: Cash Only (thats right they are that cool)
(5)Gina S.
I dined here last night at the recommendation of a friend who lives in the neighborhood. Food was very good, prices are great for Manhattan. Cons: teeny, tiny. Tables are on top of one another. Staff is borderline rude.
(3)James G.
was ok... the people i went with raved about it, but i found it just ok. typical trendy place where keeping it small and making people wait outside for 30 mins makes it more appealing. not my style but the food was good
(3)Denise D.
Another cheap eats fave. This is my go to spot after a late nigh class. The pizza is unmemorable. But the salmon is always done well and the roasted potatoes are disgustingly good. How do they get them to have an even golden crispy shell! I am amazed. I always order the same dish simply because it's what they do best, when I have ventured off the menu I am not as happy. So yes the Tagliatelle con Gamberi E Verza is a MUST HAVE. Go there just for this dish.
(3)Amy G.
Great food, friendly wait staff, reliable - great neighborhood go too! There is usually a wait, for this fab UWS gem., that does not take reservations & is cash only. Been eating here for a few years and never disappoints. To avoid the crowd, come early. Wait staff is friendly, owner makes you feel like family. Yum!
(4)tien n.
upgrading my review after eating at other italian places. i am not an uptown girl but celeste and their sister restaurants are really as good as it gets.
(5)Cindy M.
I' m french and I was saturday in this restaurant with my friend, and I found a cool meal that I take and there was too much sauce so I didn't like very much.
(3)suzanne i.
Do yourself a favor & do not go here if you are expecting decent service and nice ambiance because you will absolutely NOT find it here. The tables are tiny and you are practically sitting on top of the people next to you. The waitstaff pretty much ignores you; the owner makes random rude comments while strolling from table to table & everyone will try to pick up your tab before you have even paid & are still attempting to enjoy your coffee or dessert. Not a relaxing & enjoyable meal.
(2)Sarene L.
Was introduced to Celeste by an UWS-dweller friend last night -- I really hope that this restaurant wasn't in existence during the six years I spent living in the area, because if so, boy did I miss the boat on that one! As other folks have mentioned, it's cozy, it's cheap, and it's delicious! Totally worth it. I'm not kidding when I say it's cozy though -- they pack you in pretty tightly there. But on a cold and rainy night I had no complaints about that! It's cash only, which is fine, considering how low the prices are. Pasta entrees hover around $11 (and the pasta is made fresh on the premises!), and glasses of wine range from $6-$8. I had the baby artichoke salad, which was dressed in a light vinaigrette and topped with Parmesan. It was very tasty, but I feel the artichokes could have been cooked more -- they were actually too crunchy. For the main course I had the tagliatelle egg pasta with shrimp, cabbage and sheep's cheese. I'm embarrassed to say I ate the whole thing, but it was that good -- and filling :-) The lemon sorbet we shared was okay -- definitely had better. Overall, Celeste is a fun, convivial choice for a yummy, cheap dinner. Hope I'll be back on the UWS soon so I can return.
(4)K K.
I'm not a huge fan. It's okay, I suppose, but nothing special in my opinion. So many people on the UWS adore this place (as you may see from other reviews), but I do not get the fascination. I much prefer Gennaro's just down the street for my local, tiny, authentic Italian spot. The last time I was there was with a big party of my family (we couldnt get in to Gennaro) and a few of the bus boys were speaking in Spanish about my brother's wife, at the end of the table by my 8 year old and 12 year nieces, both of whom are fluent in Spanish. Why do some people automatically assume white folk cant speak Spanish? What does this have to do with my review of Celeste? Absolutely nothing, but it came to mind and I thought it was a funny story to include. At the end of the day, Celeste serves decent food, I just dont find it remarkable. Perhaps if this were located in Anytown, USA, it would be the best Italian resto in town, but in the "town" of Manhattan where there are so many top-notch Italian spots? I think 3-stars is appropriate.
(3)Ginger K.
Enjoyed a wonderful meal at Celeste this evening with two friends. They don't take reservations, and it is quite popular with the locals on the UWS. However, we only had to wait for about 10 minutes before we were seated. True, this restaurant is rather small and the tables are tightly placed, but we got a corner table for three which was perfect to view the goings-on and not feel too crowded. Food was very reasonably priced, especially for Manhattan. We shared a fire oven pizza with nice, thin crust and a selection of thinly sliced ham, mushrooms, artichokes, and cheese. Very tasty and hot out of the oven. Bread and olive oil on table were authentic and delicious. For entrees we had the gnocci, the spaghetti with clams, and the shaved filet mignon -- all were very tasty and in good portions. For dessert, the tiramisu was fantastic! We are all tiramisu fans, and we always get this dessert when we dine out. This tiramisu was definitely some of the best! The Owner came to our table to check on our meal and he was very agreable. Staff were mostly Italians who were attentive, but not overbearing. Meal for three came to $75.00 (no alcohol). We live around the corner and will definitely go back to Celeste, now a neighborhood favorite, for another enjoyable meal in the future.
(4)Ryan B.
This place is pretty wonderful. I had the ravioli special with an amazing italian cheese (whose name I cannot recall) and fresh brocolli-rabe. served with a heavy butter and cream sauce. Certainly wonderful for a cold winter night. I also split some filet mignon with the table, which was also done to near perfection. I would highly recommend this place. Beautiful food, extremely reasonable prices.
(4)Lois A.
Basic menu, good wine and surprisingly attentive service given how busy they are. Celeste has this no frills charm that is quite effective, in my opinion at least. I was in a group of 3 when I came and we sat by the window, lovely meal.
(4)Linda W.
Awesome food, glad we decided to try Celeste. The reviews are all true. You are literally on top of each other. We ended up chatting with the table next to us, so it's not always a bad thing, but do prepare for others to eavesdrop. The owner walks around, I can see how some of the previous reviews found him annoying. He seems to try too hard, he comes around, making awkward comments at times. I had the alla vongoles, and he asked if I wanted spicy sauce with it... Prices are very reasonable, around $10-15 for most dishes. We had for dinner: - Margherita pizza - tomato mozzarella and basil - Spinaci, Mele E Noci - spinach apples and walnuts with pecorino shavings and a lemon oil dressing - Ravioli Con Burro E Salvia - ricotta ravioli with butter & sage - Spaghetti Alle Vongole - spaghetti with imported clams in white wine and parsley - finished off with the Tiramisu - lady finger cookies with mascarpone coffee and chocolate We had way too much food, and all of it for $6. We will be back to try some of the other dishes. But beware, they get really busy. Even last night, when it was pretty cold, there were ppl outside waiting. Waiting for dinner on a Sunday night in freezing cold = not fun.
(4)Meagan M.
Comfortable laid-back atmosphere. Good waiters and service. Delicious food and nice size portions. The wait at 8:30 for three was about 10 mins. I got the Spaghetti Alle Vongole, as this was a favorite dish of mine from Italy. The spaghetti was too much to finish (as I remember being the case in Italy) and the clams were plentiful. My guests were all very happy with the decision to eat here.
(5)Madhuri S.
This place deserves 4.5 stars fresh pasta, good wine, simple but refined food. This a great place to have a relaxing dinner with friends, where you don't have to worry about whether you ordered the right bottle, or the right entree. There is a little bit of a wait, but its still by far not as exasperating to get a table there as it would be at a restaurant of equal or lesser quality somewhere downtown. It is CASH ONLY, but the area has all major banks close by. The food is fresh and comforting, and menu is not overwhelming as some italian places can be. Everything is affordable including the bottles. Its casual enough for groups, but intimate enough for dates.
(4)Zhanna P.
Blackboard deals come through once again - I clicked for the free bottle of wine without checking what restaurant, figured the free red will beat whatever bad experience I may have. There was nothing to beat though. The place, the food, and the wine were all wonderful. Turns out it's a lil' happening place, had to wait for about 20 minutes for a table. Once we were all seated, I could take in the ambiance. It's going for the quaint old-fashioned type of Italian-where-you-get-home-cooked-meals restaurant. Tables pretty close to each other, packed, brick walls, amazing smells, constant chatter... love it. The food was delish too: between the three of us we tried the gnocci, salmon and hiramasa (or similar fish). Excellentttt!! For the appetizer we split the recommended fried artichokes. Major disappointment. Note to self, just 'cause it's fried, doesn't guarantee flavor explosion. Not that I was expecting that from artichokes, but what we got did minimal to buzz up the taste buds. And they forgot about this order so we didn't even get it until the middle of our entrees. Which brings me to the service. The host seemed pretty observant in terms of seating people as promptly as possible (I think he's also an owner). Our waiter showed all the signs of a responsible thoughtful waiter but forgetting our appetizer, having to ask about 5 times before he sent over balsamic vinaigrette, AND telling us that the chocolate cake had no nuts, which in fact it did and my friend has major allergy reaction to nuts... yeah, that's pretty weak service. After we showed him a nut in the cake, he took it back and offered another dessert- we went with tiramisu that never lets down. Despite the few waiter hiccups, Celeste is a great place. I'll have to go back to try their famous pizza.
(4)MAURIZIO D.
In a city where everyone has gone mad about Neapolitan pizza. I rank Celeste right up there with Keste and Lucali. I loved the cheese selection as I am not a dessert person, but most of all I love the eager owner to took time to assemble a cheese plate with plenty of choices from Italy that were unknown to me. The place fills up quickly and I will opt to dine early or late there to avoid waiting for a table. My date tried the gnocchi and they were heavenly light. 2 salads, pizza, pasta a cheese plate accompanied by a bottle of wine was only $70. Great value!!!
(5)Janine G.
Celeste is one of my favorite Italian restaurants in NYC. It is a cozy neighborhood gem that features delicious food, reasonable prices, and friendly service. Upon arrival, you'll feel as though you're visiting a friend, even more so if you can't locate the faded printout functioning as the restaurant's sign. The wines are reasonably priced, the pasta is fresh, and the pizzas are crispy and authentic. Pay attention when your server reads the specials - often I just choose one of those and am never disappointed. A visit to Celeste is not complete without the artichoke salad, finished perfectly with tangy lemon and sharp cheese. Oh, and the cheese...get into it! The owner regularly jaunts to Italy to pick up new cheeses and they are spectacular. If you inquire about the cheeses, he might even drop some delicious accoutrements onto your plate, just for fun.
(5)harold a.
A great Italian place.Arrived around 9 in the evening and it was still full.Got a seat after a 5 minute wait. We had the calamari as an appetizer which was okay but the pizza and the pasta were delicious. Good selections of wine and don't forget to bring cash. Definitely we will be going back!
(4)Margaret M.
This is nice and cozy Italian restaurant with very comfortable sofas. I prefer to visit this place in winter to seat at the table near the window and to have a nice conversation with some friend. Nice atmosphere and really fine pizza, amazing range of cocktails. Really nice place to go.
(5)Melissa N.
First of all let me say that the food was EXCELLENT. I had fresh pasta with bolognese sauce which was exactly as good as the dinner we had in Italy a few weeks ago, honestly. Also had fruita di bosco sorbetto. The place itself, however is a completely different story. They literally give you rags for napkins, worn out menus that are falling apart and shed white paper pieces on you, and the staff is dressed altogether inappropriately. The host looks like he's going hiking and the bus boy wore a 'fcuk it' shirt that I found offensive. Plus, you are sitting all over one another in this cramped space.
(3)Jessica S.
There are so many great restaurants in NYC, especially on the UWS. The true indicator of great? What sets a restaurant apart from the others? The desire to go back. I have been here more times than I can count in my 6 short months on the UWS. Every meal has been fabulous! It's everything you think of in terms of a cozy, authentic, lively Italian restaurant in the city! A must! (p.s. my favorite dish so far has been the eggplant roll appetizer w/sauce, cheese and prosciutto).
(5)Kat W.
It's tiny and warm and if you don't time it correctly, you'll have to wait, but the food & the experience is worth it for this neighborhood eatery. Watch out for the fireworks exploding above your head when the owner angrily directs his family members in rapid fire Italian.
(4)Lisa P.
Celeste has that very busy and lively vibe of a place that everyone has chosen as their go-to neighborhood spot- for good reason. The atmosphere is cozy and warm, the wine list offers a ton of options for wines by the glass, and the food is excellent. Come prepared to get to know the people at the next table- to eavesdrop and be eavesdropped upon- because the tables are practically on top of each other. And to do the awkward table shuffle- you know, where you pull the table over to the side, turn your body, and try to be graceful as you slide in sideways towards your seat, all the while knowing that your butt is at your neighbors' eye level and trying not to knock over any wine glasses with your booty. The pastas and pizzas are great- we've been here a couple of times and have tried the shrimp with egg noodles, a mushroom tagliatelle that was the day's special, the paccheri (wide pasta tubes) with tomato and ricotta sauce (reminded me of a deconstructed lasagna with chewier noodles- yum!), the quattro staglioni pizza, and a grilled calamari that was the day's special (incredible- smoky from the grill, not at all rubbery, served over a tart lemony salad). My absolute favorite thing here is the limoncello tartufo (for all you Food Network Humor fans- can't you just picture Giada overenunciating that???). It's a ball of creamy lemon gelato with a limoncello center, all rolled in crumbs (the menu says it's sponge cake; I think it tastes more like crunchy meringue bits). It's cold, sweet, and refreshing- the perfect end to the meal.
(4)A.E. G.
Big disappointment. Tried this restaurant because of the paucity of UWS Italian. Heard great things, left realizing it was another americanized, bland typical UWS Italian joint, just with longer lines and servers with attitudes. Rather go up-town and get Pisticci.
(3)Marie C.
Amazing fresh pastas at reasonable prices. I've seen many people order the pizzas, but have not tried them. Cash only. Casual atmosphere. Unless you go during off-peak hours, this place is really crowded and loud. Seating is way too tight--they're pushing it. But it's some of the best pasta I've ever eaten.
(5)John T.
Had an absolutely delicious and cheap meal at Celeste last night with my girlfriend. We had to wait for about 10 minutes even at 10 p.m. at night, but it was definitely worth it. The freshly made pasta was great. I had the gnocchi and enjoyed every bite. We also had the fresh mozzarella and red peppers appetizer and both components were fresh and tasted great. It's cash only, but the prices make that a completely reasonable requirement. Most of the entrees are between $10-15 which means you can go eat, enjoy a full dinner and even some wine for a reasonable cost of a date night. I'd definitely recommend it.
(4)Viktor L.
Wonderful place. In a city like NYC its quite easy to go wrong in terms of eateries. Celeste is one of these places that you feel lucky to have ever come across.
(5)Chris A.
Pizza and Wine. The perfect combination. Come here if you like both, and you won't be disappointed. Celeste is a small, crowded, noisy little eatery on Amsterdam, in an area more known for frat-centric beer pong bars than great food. That said, the line out the door on most nights suggests something special inside. The wine list is notable. Where else in the city can you get a bottle of 2008 Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso for under $30? The wine list is excellent, and obviously leans heavily towards the italian. Go, and try something new, they have a large variety, and something affordable for every taste. The pizza is excellent, and of the thin-crusted freshly made variety. Their mozzerella is delicate, the basil fragrant, and the tomato sauce walks that delicate line between savory and sweet that so often unbalances what would otherwise be a memorable pizza. Their additions (I usually go for a "quattro stagioni" of artichoke, olive, prosciutto, and mushrooms or a "napoletano" with anchovies) are also excellent, and that coming from an italophile with years of pizza experience in Italy. Loses a star for 2 reasons which are, honestly, not that big a deal, but worth noting : 1) Cash only . . . . can be annoying and involve multiple atm transactions for a small group 2) A long line is standard. . . . they don't take reservations, which is not a bad thing per se, but oftentimes the wait is longer than the time quoted when you're put on a list
(4)Dimitri S.
Love it! The word has been out for years, with the eager diners waiting outside to be seated. From the pizza to the more traditional appetizers and entrees to the cheese plate, it is a terrific little restaurant, that you would find in the homeland. Though usually packed (lack of elbow room) it worth the slight claustrophobia. The strong waitstaff and nice wine list bring it full circle. It is one of the most consistent restaurants in the city. Consistently delicious.
(4)Rachel G.
This is definatly worth your money! I ordered a spinach & apple salad with walnuts as a starter and then decided to listen to a previous review and try the chicken liver. If your willing to try chicken liver this is the place to try it at...seriously delicious! My bill came out to $20 with tax and tip included! The service is pretty good if you can understand english with a thick italian accent...me & my friend could not and when we asked the waiter to repeat himself he decided to slow down and talk to us like we were 5. The restaraunt it very loud and you are sitting with random people next to you... but if your a fan of food...go for it!
(4)Eunirby I.
I have been going to Celeste with my husdband and daugther for a while now. We all love it. Great variety of dishes from Naples. Good wine list ,worth returning for more. Un ottimo ritrovo se si vuole apprezzare la cucina di Napoli, una varietà di piatti tipici locali davvero impareggiabili! Già dagli antipasti, numerosi e abbondanti, Ottimi vini e un posto in cui val sempre la pena ritornare! Grazie Carmine.
(5)Victor C.
Celeste is like the girlfriend you should have broken up with already. Like that girlfriend, perhaps there are one or two things you really enjoy about the relationship - use your own imagination, I'm not an explicit yelper. But as much as you enjoy those things - perhaps the inexpensive wine list or the authentic Sicilian energy in the tiny dining room - there are other things you continue to know just aren't right. You should pay attention to those things because, yes, they do indeed matter. For me, those things include: being packed shoulder-to-shoulder with your fellow diners; servers who continuously shout back and forth across the dining room and bump into you on their way past; not accepting any credit cards; an atmosphere that makes you feel rushed to finish, pay and leave; and inflexible "policies". This last one was my final and most significant disappointment. At the start of the meal, we wanted to order a bottle of wine, one that also happened to be served by the glass. Knowing this, I asked if I could first taste a small pour as it was not a wine I was familiar with. I was told, "No, we do not do this." Um, even though they'd already have a bottle open for those ordering by the glass? Okay... Then at the end of the meal, we wanted dessert. They offer two choices of gelato flavors at two scoops for $6.50, as well as two choices of sorbet flavors, also at two scoops for $6.50. I asked if we could have one scoop of gelato and one of sorbet - seems reasonable right? Again, "no we do not do this." Uh, why not? The owner/manager is a gregarious and omnipresent figure in the restaurant. So, when he came by to ask how everything was, I expressed my disappointment at not being given a modicum of flexibility with our dessert order. His response was dismissive and annoyed. He told us it was to protect people allergic to milk. Oh, of course, makes perfect sense. Is the food at Celeste good? Sure, it is good. But in the three times I've been there, I have never once found any dish to be great. And good food, when combined with service and policies designed to serve the kitchen rather than the customer, does not warrant five stars, least of all in this city with so many options.
(3)Tae K.
3.5 stars. My gnocchi was solid, service was attentive and good. Prices were also very reasonable. The owner was hanging around and offering conversation and taking orders and such. He was a nice guy and all, but I would've preferred to just dine without such interference. Overall, good value for the food.
(3)jessie c.
Celeste is a great spot if you are looking for a place with a few friends that won't break the bank. If you cook, you could make anything in there fairly easily but the prices are reasonable so it's not painful to have to pay for it! The staff are lively and fun and you leave with a good feeling in your heart...even if you aren't bowled over by what you ate.
(3)Saharat S.
None of the food was spectacular, but it was all very expertly prepared. I had a salmon that was perfectly spiced--flavorful without overwhelming the salmon. The dish was crispy on the outside and cooked to order on the inside. It was accompanied by spinach and roasted potatoes. The gnocchi was a little heavy on the cream for my taste. The spaghetti with clams was light and fresh. The ricotta cheesecake and tiramisu were enjoyable. The atmosphere was very friendly, family oriented, and cozy. The staff was attentive and seemed appreciative of our patronage. Overall, a solid selection of Italian food with very comfortable surroundings
(4)Jennifer L.
This restaurant alone makes me want to move to the UWS. Everything about it reminds me of being in Italy. I can't remember everything I have tried here; however, I can tell you that it has all been incredible. Pizza, ravioli, gnocchi -- everything is extremely fresh and homemade. My favorite was probably homemade hazelnut gelato. Mmmmmm. The owner and servers take great pride in their food/ restaurant and walk around and talk to the customers as if they are close friends or family. Come early, since this place tends to draw a huge crowd. Be prepared to sit closely to other patrons. Definitely try one of the specials of the day. And bring cash (they don't take credit cards). PS. The owner also has a restaurant in Italy - I think it is in Rome, but I am not sure of the name.
(5)Ian K.
Celeste may once have been my local no-frills Italian joint, but the excessive lines, inattentive service and mediocre food have taken it out of my rotation. Head to Celeste only if you are intent upon staying on the Upper West Side for cheap Italian. There is better, cheaper Italian food all over this city. In this day and age, the cash only policy is simply absurd.
(3)Amber C.
Every time I go to New York, I have to go to Celeste. In fact, I usually go 3-4 times every trip. The pasta's so fresh it melts in your mouth. Lots of great vegetarian options and an excellent wine selection. Really warm and cozy spot, and located in the best neighborhood of the city.
(5)Mariposa P.
Reliable neighborhood Italian despite the harried service and crowdedness. Let the owner tell you the story about how he brings over the cheese from Rome in his suitcase. Pretty classic.
(4)Sean C.
The salmon was decent. The menu not too extensive. Had a nice glass of wine. And the bread and olive oil they start you off with was of good quality. The tables are tight. The lady sitting next to us was very excited about the yoga class she was teaching in Utah next week. The waiter was shit. I learned about the specials when a different waiter told another table. Our waiter took our order, delivered the bill. He was worthless, and cost you a star. At least The bus boys were on their toes.
(3)Arielle W.
For the price you cannot beat this place on the UWS. LOVE the owner, who schmoozes with the customers while you're waiting and checks in to make sure it's all ok. We shared the tuna tartar special and meat plate for starters - the tuna was SO fresh and amazing I could eat it all day everyday. I had the pasta special, tagliatelle with mushrooms and marinara sauce - absolute savory deliciousness. It's a really small space, and loud, but it adds to the charm. I'm definitely going back whenever I can!
(5)Linea R.
Great restaurant! Cozy and unpretentious, delicious food at fair prices, and friendly staff. The prosciutto and melon app is fantastic.
(4)Mimo R.
FInally! A decent (and dare I say excellent) Italian place in the Upper West Side. It is always a struggle for us to dine well in our neighborhood because of the abundance of mediocre and overpriced places, however, tonight we decided to try this place and we're so glad we did! The restaurant was packed for a Sunday night, which is a good sign. Although it took the staff a little while to give us the menu after seating us, it was smooth sailing after that considering how delicious the food was. To start, we shared a margherita pizza, which was huge and so so good! Nice thin crust, crispy edge, chewy center, and bursting with flavor! Did I say huge?! For our entrees we had the monkfish stewed with tomatoes, potatoes and capers and the halibut cooked with capers and lemon and served with these awesome roasted potatoes and spinach. Did I say how huge all the portions were? I could finish only half of my dish. It was a pleasant value for the price. Not only that, the food was actually really great. I was happy to see the variety of fish dishes in addition to the pastas and pizza. We ended our tasty Sunday supper with tiramisu, which my husband declared was some of the best he'd had in years. This place is truly and authentically Italian. It was great to hear the waitstaff and owner speaking Italian, and fun to watch local Italianos coming in to say hi to the staff. We'll be back.
(4)Joanna R.
I came here mainly b/c it was the closest Italian restaurant to the American Museum of Natural History on a very BITTER COLD late afternoon/early evening. My thin spaghetti with clams was excellent. Only complaint was that it was slightly on the greasy side, but it came out piping hot -- just the way I like it. Hubby, unfortunately is stuck with the steak and potatoes b/c everything else has dairy or seafood. (Both of which he's allergic to.) He liked his steak but not the potatoes. I was the reverse. (I took a sample of his food.) I liked the fact that the food was very affordable for a Upper West Side restaurant. I did NOT like the fact that it's cash only. But I guess that's why it's affordable, huh? :P The owner (I think he's the owner) came by after we finished to ask if we wanted dessert. I think he was concerned that we didn't spend that much for dinner. I would have stayed for dessert or ordered an appetizers if it wasn't for the fact that we had to rush out to catch a train and we didn't have to leave NYC the next day (therefore no leftovers!) But as soon as we let him know that we weren't being cheap, he understood our situation. I like the restaurant overall, but I know hubby was not happy with this place (b/c of the food allergy thing) so sadly, we're not coming back. But I am leaving them with a 4 star rating b/c I like the food and service overall. :) Just make sure you come in about 5pm while the crowds aren't there. If you go in at say 5:30pm, you're S.O.L. b/c you won't get a seat and the food is well worth coming early for. And bring enough cash too!!! :)
(4)Ben F.
Meh. Mediocre food - I'm not sure what the hype is about. The pasta was good, sauce was bad. Bolognese was over-cooked. Would not go back.
(3)Blondie M.
I took a friend here for a cheap but delicious Italian and that was exactly what we got. The fried mozzeralla was light and creamy. My ravioli was tender and full of flavor. It tasted even better knowing that such rustic, homeade food was really affordable even in these poor economic times. But to say it's crowded is an understatement. Realize that dinner on a weekend might entail being stuffed into a table mere inches from another table. I couldn't even gesture. It was confining and chaotic, and we watched with sympathy as the servers hovered, danced and spun around the confusion with surprising grace. Our scandalous conversation had to be whispered and even then, we noticed our neighbors leaning in for more details. If there is atmosphere in this restaurant it goes unnoticed in a sea of bodies and tables. There are a few things to be said for a restaurant to be so packed to the gills. 1. The food is good and well-priced. 2. The owner doesn't care about your dining experience being pleasant. He just wants to make as much money as possible. We left after our entree in order to have dessert and drinks in comfort at a place down the street. We even ran for the first two blocks just to encourage blood to flow into our stiff limbs. I would gladly go back on a weeknight. Beware the weekend experience.
(4)Karla B.
Every time I eat at Celeste, I wonder why I don't go more often. I love its low-key, neighborhood atmosphere and no-frills approach to food. The tables are close together and for the most part communal, so you are sure to interact with your neighboring diners at some point, but the price is right and the wait usually does not exceed 20 minutes. I find the place charming in its simplicity. I have never been disappointed by the food at Celeste. The pasta is fresh and homemade (I particularly like their gnocchi) and the daily specials are always delicious. The pizzas are good, as well, but I think the pasta is exceptional. Also, be sure to order the fried artichokes to start; you won't be disappointed.
(5)Helena F.
Thanks to my Head Cheesemonger friend, I was able to taste 40 cheeses here! It was amazing, and Carmine gave us the info and how he made some of the cheeses. It was an amazing experience - GET THE CHEESE PLATE. Also the food is delicious, I got the grilled eggplant, my boyfriend got the gnocci, my friends got the pizza, and penne - each one was delicious. BUT, get a cheese plate - you won't regret it.
(5)Emily W.
Great pasta, adorable and cozy atmosphere, usually good service. We ate late once, and they were not the most friendly about it.
(3)K's mom K.
Food was fine but the awful service and unbelievably rude and discourteous owner spectacularly ruined it for us.
(1)Brendon T.
As countless others have said, the service here drags them down a star or two. However, if you're not in a rush and can adopt an amused, detached attitude about bad service (which I can never do when I'm expecting good service, but which I find to be quite fun if I'm prepared), this place can be delightful. Mostly very authentic Italian staff seem to switch off (I think we had five different servers) whenever it suits them, and pauses between attention paid can be LONG, even when your glass is empty. Also, the cash-only thing is a pain. On the other hand, in return for enduring the problems listed above, you get lots of great Italian food, cheaply. We enjoyed a vegetable fritto, tagliatelle with shrimp and farmer's cheese, and a lamb shank special. All were delicious; even the mixed salad was well-composed and perfectly dressed. Check it out - just make sure you don't have theater tickets for that night (or for the next).
(4)Elaine t.
The food here is for the most part simple but well-executed. Great pastas and the mussels I had here were excellent. The ravioli is also tasty, and well-cooked. For me, however, the overall inconvenience of the place outweighs the food which is good, but not amazing... The food is generally reasonably priced, but even though I live close, I hardly every come. It's a nice neighborhood place, but I wouldn't go out of my to eat here. The staff tends to be really socially awkward, and it's almost embarrassing to bring friends here. Also, it tends to get really crowded so it's often noisy and you almost always have to wait at least 20 minutes for a table. Oh, and make sure to bring cash.
(3)whit e.
We visited this cozy place at 7pm on a Sunday, where we encountered a worthwhile 10 minute wait. I ordered the fresh Ravioli stuffed with ricotta and spinach in a sage butter sauce. Eyes rolled into my head. My mates ordered the pasta with mushrooms and tomatoes (good) and the gnocchi (mediocre). We would all go back for sure. The service was prompt but a bit aloof.
(5)Ali A.
Be prepared to wait since this tiny Italian spot doesn't take reservations. And cross your fingers that the weather is decent because you're going to be waiting outside ... But the food is definitely worth the wait. Celeste is known for their fresh pastas, of which there are usually four to five to choose from. They also have good thin crust pizza and mussels provencal that are to die for. In addition to having great food, Celeste is also a great place to eavesdrop ... as a result of packing a handful of tables into its tiny space, you're going to get up close and personal with your fellow diners. But usually this is a lot of fun, especially if something awkward is going on at the table next to you ...
(4)Michelle S.
I absolutely love this place! The ravioli with sage and butter is to die for and there was a special I had twice with eggplant and homemade pasta and I crave it constantly. Everything is so delicious and homemade. The portions aren't huge and the place is pretty cramped but it really is an UWS gem.
(4)Yvonne Y.
Excellent tagliatelle which was quite al dente. It came w/ cabbage and shrimp and was just perfect. The anchovie appetizer was good also but I'd try something else next time. Waiter was very friendly and the host... just a pure jerk screaming at guests who dared walking into the restaurant to put their name down.
(3)Miranda S.
Celeste is a good find on New York City's Upper West side. Its traditional Italian fare similar to what you might be served in a trattoria in Italy - handmade, hearty, simple pastas and soups. Nothing fancy, but the food is very honest. The potato gnocchi with tomato sauce are pillowy, thick, and piquant with garlic (they lingered, I'll tell you that). The minestrone soup is one of the simplest I've ever had - potatoes, cabbage, carrots, and a lovely salty broth. Celeste also serves pizzas with an array of tasty sounding options. My husband went in for the mushroom, artichoke, proscuitto, and cheese pizza. It sounded great but was actually prepared in four quarters - one with each of the ingredients piled up separately. The sum of those parts would have been so much better together than they were on their own. Alas. Dessert was good. A New York style cheesecake, but tricked out for fall (pumpkin) and a very passable Tiramisu (heavy on the coffee flavor). We found out later that the owner makes his own cheeses in house - wish we'd known that because we might have ordered the cheese plate. Next time, I guess. Celeste is a little closet of a place - loud, warm, and crowded. The service was attentive and good-natured. The owner runs the front of the house and loves to chat. Our biggest complaint was our table by the door. Every time anyone came in or out we got a blast of the brisk NYC fall wind. But, the prices are great. Three of us ate and drank till we felt sick for $120 (including tip). If you arrive after about 7:15pm or so, you can expect a wait out on the street. If you arrive before that, there seems to be little to no wait. The perfect restaurant well-worth the 45 minute journey from Brooklyn? Maybe not. But, a great place for warmth and restoration in the fall and winter if you're already on the Upper West Side? Definitely.
(4)Lis A.
My Favorite Little Italian Bistro in NYC I've often wished that NY would have the kind of home-styled Italian food that the Boston North End offers but did not find such a place in NY until Celeste opened on the Upper West Side. Celeste soon became my favorite go-to Italian restaurant in NY. The pastas and everything they serve are extremely fresh and tasty. It's very small and cozy to the point where you are literally rubbing elbows with the next diner. They don't take reservations so expect long lines. Tip: They do take-out.
(4)v l.
Pros: Its ALL about the food-- Reliably great italian dinner Reasonably priced Nice range of italian staples + specials that are really fresh Cons: Overall experience is not tolerable.... Mind numbing noise (ROCK CONCERT levels) from overcrowded tables without any fabrics to absorb the sounds--every surface is hard in this cafe--literally no fabrics anywhere, to don't go here if you want to hear your table-mates; Not a relaxing atmosphere, at all. One feels hurried, deaf, and old! Questionable Cleanliness --Suspect things are not sanitary, saw a small rodent (mouse or rat) scamper across the floor near our table while dining Big EGO: Service, Management/Ownership wear their boisterous pride daily and one's dining experience reflects same--expect personnel to be shouting over one's head at another employee--reprimanding an employee for not doing something the way the owner wants it to be done, announcing something is ready for pick-up, or just laughing at something that is happening and owner wants to share it with employees--BTW--you'll feel as though you are in HIS SPACE... not that you are dining as a guest. It's more like being at a big family Thanksgiving dinner with a bunch of loud mouths you don't know...
(3)Elisa B.
I had a so-so impression of this place. The waiter was very rude ( one of the examples: "only a pizza and a caprese???" he asked, visibly annoyed that we weren't ordering more food), the place is kind of tight, the menu is very limited and they didn't have the salad I wanted to order originally (when why have it on the menu?). Luckily they partially redeemed themselves once our food arrived.Being Italian, I am VERY picky with pizza, and this was the best pizza I have tasted on this side of the Atlantic. Thin, not too salty, all toppings clearly made with fresh, good quality ingredients. Ditto for the caprese: although the tomatoes were - like most Winter tomatoes - somewhat tasteless, the mozzarella was fantastic. Also, the olive oil was fruity and delicious, none of that watery, cheap stuff you get served at many restaurants. And the prices were VERY affordable. All in all, a pretty good experience. I might go back if I'm in the area, but definitely NOT with children, even if they are as well-behaved as my daughters - because they are clearly not welcome here.
(3)AJ C.
By far our favorite Italian restaurant in NYC. It also doesn't hurt that it's just right up the block. On the multiple occasions we have been there we have tried everything from the flatbread pizzas, to the butter sage ravioli(yum!), to the thin sliced filet mignon( and it's a steal). Enrique, our usual server, is hilarious, and very well educated on the food and their extensive wine list. The fresh food is inexpensive, and always hot. My favorite thing besides, well everything else, is the LEMONCELLO TARTUFO! I know I cried the first time I ate it, and then I ordered another one. It is an explosion of lemony cool zest in your mouth. The frozen cake crumbs, the gel Lemoncello center, the thinly sliced strawberries and fresh whip cream, all of it, amazing! Just remember they are cash only and do not take reservations. But it is absolutely worth the wait!
(5)Jeni Y.
An absolute treasure trove of a restaurant. I love that most of the city outside of UWS has no idea of its existence. Celeste epitomizes the kind of restaurant you think of when referring fondly to a "neighborhood" restaurant. - Cozy and warm atmosphere with its brick oven and wooden decor, - Italian food that is consistently delicious and bursting with fresh ingredients, - Local crowd there to relax and wind down from a busy week. love it.
(4)jack d.
Super busy all the time and the tables are sooo close together and it STILL gets 4 stars. The food is fantastic. Definitely get a cheese plate if for no other reason than to have the owner come out and give you the rundown of what you're eating. If you can understand a single word the guy says, I'm impressed. But he's totally entertaining nonetheless. If you remember one thing from this review: artichoke salad. Its unique and wonderful.
(4)Glen L.
Had an excellent meal here. The pastas and ingredients used were very fresh and well-balanced. We left the warm restaurant feeling like we had just been served a home-cooked Italian meal. The staff was also quite accommodating. The place was packed on a Thursday night, but the wait was not too bad. Don't skip the tiramisu.
(5)Naomi H.
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(5)Andrew W.
Good italian fare for reasonable prices always draws crowds to this cash-only joint on the Upper West Side that doesn't take reservations. While living downtown, I often frequented Bianca, which has the same owner, but the feeling just isn't as good at Celeste. Unlike Bianca, where waiting guests hang out at Von, the winebar next door, everyone just waits like a herd of cattle outside. The staff here is friendly enough, but doesn't have that "I'm your neighbor" kind of charm and seems more interested in getting as many people in and out as possible. The food is still good and I'd recommend it as an option for a date on a budget or casual option for a small number of friends or family, but nothing really stands out here.
(3)Vivien L.
My favorite Italian place on the UWS. I absolutely love it! The people are awesome, the atmosphere is great (albeit a little hectic), the food is delicious...and the price UNBEATABLE. Where else can u get a delicious home made pasta dish for under $10??? The manager (co-creative directer) is from Northern italy and an amazing host. He makes he rounds to make sure everyone's happy, and if there is anything that isn't up to standard, he wants to know your feedback. My favorite dish is the vongole. My mom was in town and it's her fave too so I had to take her there. two thumbs up for her! Just remember to ask him for the chili oil when u get this. It take the dish up a few notches!!! :) Oh and home made tiramisu...the way it should be.
(4)Sumit D.
Cozy place, ok food
(3)Christopher M.
Not only is this the best restaurant on the UWS, or the best Italian restaurant in NYC .... it may very well be the best restaurant in NYC, period. It's always consistent, the price is right, and the wait staff is likable. Heart and soul is put into the food along with amazingly fresh ingredients and hand-made pasta. The ravioli dish is the best plate on the menu, and one of the best Italian dishes I've ever had. The Margarita pizza is phenomenal. Highly recommended. Do NOT skip dessert. The Lemoncello ball (can't remember the name) is to die for. So tasty.
(5)mike p.
Great food and wine served in a comfortable atmosphere reasonably priced. This is a neighborhood place and the regulars are catered to (as they should be) . Don't look for a sign there is none unless you count the 8x11 printed sign taped in the window instead look for the crowd milling around outside waiting for a table. This place is compact no bar to hang out just tables to hold the expertly prepared plates of food including wood fired brick oven pizza. The fish is very fresh and skillfully prepared as are all the dishes. The deserts are wonderful with gelato prepared in a imported machine remotely located because it would not fit into this. Give it a try you won't be disappointed.
(5)paula t.
Celeste has good pizzas. REALLY good pizzas. BUT... 1. The wait really sucks 2. They really squeeze you in there, you are pretty much locked into your seat until you are ready to leave 3. They take cash only, which sucks, too 4. I hate to be rushed when I am eating... Try to order take out from here, maybe?
(3)j p.
I wish nobody knew about it so I wouldn't have to wait outside so long! Love it and go all the time! Perfect neighborhood restaurant, really good food, good value. It's cozy, unpretentious, nobody rushes you. It is family run: the owner comes to take the orders and explain the specials on the menu. I always eat the specials, whatever they are, pasta fish or meat. Everything is fresh and tastes good. No cards. No reservations.
(5)E. A.
The food is excellent. Everything tastes fresh and authentic. The menu is small, which means they do a few things and do them right. Prices are unbeatable...I hate overpaying for pasta. A few things that keep it from a 5-star rating in my book: 1. Charismatic owner guy: Your experience at Celeste will be better if you're a woman and if you allow this guy to schmooze you a bit. Just a fact. He's Italian, and has lots of stories about his sheep farm and cheese cave in Tuscany or whatever, and how he smuggles cheese through customs to get it to the restaurant. I don't know how true any of his stories are, but if you pretend to listen and be impressed (and, as mentioned, are a girl), chances are you'll get a table quicker, get better service, and maybe a comp dessert or cheese plate or something. Good for groups of girls, less good for groups of dudes. 2. Cash only. Always a pain in my ass, but some people appreciate cash-only establishments, for reasons I cannot comprehend. 3. Small, no reservations accepted, long wait is likely. This doesn't bother me, but diners more fussy than I may have a problem with it.
(4)Luna K.
Magnifico! Delicioso! Splendido! I wish I knew more words to express myself in Italian in order to fully convey what I think of this place. I've been here numerous times, and I've yet to be anything less than delighted -- and stuffed -- upon leaving. There's a reason why this restaurant is always packed with a wait outside. The service is superb and the colorful owner always makes me smile. Celeste is what neighborhood Italian should be -- including the price. This is one of the best deals in NYC. Oh, and the gnocchi is possibly the best I've had anywhere. It even beats out my own family's recipe!
(5)Shari C.
ok, so ive changed my mind about celeste. last week i loved it and ended up going there 3 times (no joke!). My 2nd time there the waiter was werdily rude and i thought it was odd but brushed it off. The 3rd time there (with a party of 5) another waiter was completely rude and now I am not sure if I will return. The food is great and cheap!, but the waiters act like they are doing you a favor by serving you. You can ask a simple question and they will make a very weird comment back or snap at you. The 2nd time we were there the waiter held on to my change and I had to ask him for it -- which was very uncomfortable. i might even call the owner to complain. ugh.
(2)Joanna D.
Simply one of the best neighborhood restaurants. We went here last night for dinner and had a margerita pizza, artichoke salad, baked eggplant, and clams and spaghetti. Wow! Spicy oil on the spaghetti was perfect as was the roasted garlic flavor! Everything else was deeelish, I think need to go back tonight!
(5)Lisette S.
first of all remember CASH ONLY this was a delicious meal, I ordered the Ravioli and loved it. All of their food is quite authentically tasting so if you prefer Olive Garden this may not be for you. It is a very small place and is always crowded, it is definitely good to dine there a little early. Service: we waited a while for our orders and after we got them a couple sat next to us and got their order within 5 min. I don't know if it was the timing or not but that was one negative. Otherwise I want to go back because it was so delicious!
(5)Morgan P.
If you love vongole, then Celeste is without peer...even if you make vongole yourself, while you may do it as well, you still won't be able to do it as inexpensively. The pizzas are consistently good (especially the margarita), the salads are a tasty and the wines are very affordable. At your own peril, order the cheese plate for desert and have Carmine explain everything to you...but it's worth doing if you enjoy formaggio. The all cash policy keeps prices down. The only drawback being the proximity of your fellow diners...when crowded it can be very noisy and hard to have a conversation. But we love the place.
(4)Matt I.
If you want very good pasta cheap, this is the place on the UWS! The pastas are all wonderful. Having been there probably over 50 times over the last few years and i can say that I never had a bad meal there. Sure it crowded, loud, cramped, and you might feel rushed, but this is MANHATTAN. You could always eat in the suburbs if you want space and mediocre food. BTW, the secondi and pizzas are also terrific. And if Carmine offers you the cheese course try it!
(4)Johann B.
Very authentic Italian, simple and tasty. Service.... Well how to say this, very European service. There's usually a line for dinner, and they don't take reservations or credit cards.
(4)Libby M.
Really good food and great prices. Service is not great but the food makes up for it. Can't wait to come back!
(4)Jonathan G.
Passed the taste test for my italian girlfriend. Well done.
(4)Erika R.
I'm a displaced Bostonian living in Washington, DC. I miss true Italian food of the North End variety, I dream of sfogliatelle dancing in my sleep to the tune of That's Amore. Pasta piled to the ceiling is almost normal -- and having waiters yell rudely isn't a problem when it comes to Italian food. So after a long dry spell of Italian free living, this place was like a little drop out of my dreams. I had one of their ravioli dishes and almost had a heart attack (both literally and figuratively) from this food. It was delicious and simple Italian served quickly and kindly and man was it tasty. The rest of the weekend I think I was saying I love food, but the dreams of more good Italian had only just begun again. Back in DC I wonder how I can sneak back up to New York to eat.
(5)Elsa S.
Having been to Gennaro many times, and seeing Gennaro and Celeste compared often, I finally got to Celeste this weekend. Overall it was good, but I prefer the menu at Gennaro. We got our bread and olive oil which was fresh and delicious, in a normal way but I wish there had been more bread. Then we decided to get the cheese plate (10 pieces, $20) which was fun, although we couldn't hear 98% of what the guy was explaining about it, because it was loud in there. Still fun to try them all and compare our favorites amongst ourselves. For entrees, I had the roasted crusty salmon ($16) with potatoes and spinach, boyfriend had the gnocchi with marinara sauce ($12 I think?), brother had the filet mignon ($20 maybe?), dad had the house-made raviolis (also $12 I think). Everyone's food was good. All that plus two glasses of wine and two cans of coke came to $113 including tax, not including tip. Another table ordered pizza, which looked really good.
(3)Rachel H.
A great find in the Upper West Side. Agreed, the artichoke salad was amazing and the homemade pasta was delish. This place is definitely worth the wait!
(5)Joni K.
People might complain about the cash only policy or how close the tables are together, or the wait due to no reservations being taken. However, I see these things as contributing to the feeling that this is an authentic italian restaurant, and the cash only policy does help to keep prices low. We went last night, got a good bottle of wine for $30. We shared the artichoke salad which was SO good, and a plethora of textures. I got the special-- wild mushroom pizza. It was really good and so big I had to take some home. My companion got the bolognese special and it was really good. Service was great and everyone working there really does speak italian. The owner also comes outside periodically to check on those waiting, ensuring you that he hasn't forgot about you and giving you updates on the people sitting at the table designated for your party. We had a fabulous meal for 3 under $100 WITH a bottle of wine and an appetizer.
(5)Elizabeth O.
Not the most outgoing staff here. I was with my friend who has a little girl in a stroller and the first thing out of his mouth when we walked in was practically, "Strollers Outside." That's fine but you could say hello first. Sheesh. I ordered the ravioli with sage and butter which I love usually but here it was very heavy and oily and the pasta was too mushy. Wouldn't recommend that dish for sure. I have been here before for a red sauce pasta dish and it was better but nothing special per se. One thing is for sure, it's very cramped in there (thus the rule about strollers). They have tried to fit AS many tables as possible in there and it makes for tight spaces overhearing other's conversations (but that I am sometimes into so... to each his own). The mimosas were good and cheap so that is good ($5). I know this place is very popular at night but it's quite available for brunch.
(2)H M.
I love this place! The food is delicious. I count down the days until the fall and they add their butternut squash ravioli to the menu. It is to die for. The staff is rough and they hurry you along, but it is part of the charm and when its raining/snowing and you're waiting for a table, you are grateful for it. I love bringing out of town guests to this place!
(4)Kevin K.
There is a reason this place always has a line outside. The usual warnings...no reservations and cash only. I started with a mozzarella, tomato and basil salad which was excellent. My main dish was a filet mignon that was sliced paper thin along with steak fries. Both were outstanding. My wife had the char broiled salmon which was also very good. I saw lots of great pizza flying out of the wood fired oven and look forward to giving it a try on our next visit. I am a big fan of Genarro on Amsterdam between 92nd and 93rd. Celeste is right up there in terms of food quality and service.
(5)Deem A.
The timeline: 9:00 pm on a weeknight - I am really, really hungry but will only be fulfilled if I find the perfect pizza margherita to go with a really robust California zin. 9:15 pm - I have read through Italian, Pizza, UWS listings and keep returning to the enraged/enraptured reviews of Celeste. Partial as I am to Bellini's charred crusts, I call and happily order in Italian to a clear native speaker. I am told "quindici minuti" (15 mins). I decide to wait at the restaurant to see the crowds and the purportedly brusk owner and staff. 9:22 pm - I am handed a pizza in a box that is aflame. I race home to the decanted red and bite into a wildly fresh pizza. The crust is not quite charred enough, but they were so pleasantly surprised at my immediate arrival, and everyone spoke Italian, and I think they just boxed it so I would not eat the guests. I wolf it down and vow to eat everything else on the menu on each visit. 9:43 pm - I give in and Yelp, even though it is clear that I ate an entire pizza in a matter of minutes. Yes, it was jam-packed. No, it's not any more crowded than the typical UWS hotspot (including the incredible GETE). Yes, everyone speaks Italian, and the owner is at the door with a smile. Yes, I should have taken a picture of the lovely pizza before pouncing upon it. Yes, I will be back. Yes, I should see you there. Next stop, the gnocchi. In Los Angeles, this restaurant is called Spumoni, the Sherman Oaks one, and we call it "the crack house." I have found my Spumoni away from...home-ie!
(4)Kara K.
Great food, love the atmosphere, but slow service. I'm giving it 3 stars really only because of the service. This place feels(and tastes) really Italian. From the waiter to the atmosphere to the food. I had the salmon with spinach. Delicious! But took 30-40 min to be taken out. I also love how it's kind of hidden, no signs outside. You sort of have to know about this place to come here. And now you know!
(3)Gabriella K.
Fresh artichoke salad is to die for! Crunchy, cheesy, flavorful, fresh, generous-- definitely the highlight though everything is wonderful--plus, it's only like $10! Tight space and cash only though, beware!
(4)Kelli L.
Phenomenal. Went on a Thursday evening around 6. Not crowded at all. An hour later it was packed, but it didn't feel all that loud. We ordered the fried artichoke and parsley as an appetizer. My cousin got the ravioli--which doesn't look like ravioli at all, and instead looks like a crepe, but it awesome. I got the speciality pizza: white pizza with arugula and beef salami. I didn't think I'd be able to eat an entire pizza by myself. I was wrong. Fantastic. Then personally thanked by the owner as we were leaving. Great experience overall! The only downside is that they don't take credit cards.
(5)Roxane S.
Our party of six, plus an infant, had dinner at Celeste tonight. We showed up at around 9:00pm. The place was full but there was no line. Which was awesome. The owner, which by the way is very friendly and awkwardly funny, asked how many people were in our party and quickly proceeded to find us a table. We waited out on the street for about 10 minutes. He came to find us and kindly stored the baby's stroller in his car. Very thoughtful move , as we were debating where we were going to place it due to the fact that the restaurant is small and tight on space. With that issue resolved, we were led to our table, which as I said before was extremely close to the tables around it. This makes it very difficult for people to move around. So once you sit, you are basically stuck there till the end of the meal. I didn't really mind because it actually makes the restaurant feel cozy. A high chair was provided for the infant. Our table was set while we were seated at the table which we found annoying.The bus boy could not reach the far end of the table and we had to pass down water glasses, plates , napkins and utensils. It reminded me of lunchtime during my elementary school years. Very unprofessional. We were greeted by our waited , who handed us menus and gave us a rundown, in a very indecipherable italian accent, of the specials. We later heard him speak Spanish. We were given enough time to look at the menu. Our party ordered: the Penne Mo Mo,the Paccheri Vesuviana , the Ravioli Con Burro E Salvia and the pasta and sausage special. We were served one basket of a hard crust, soft center bread along with olive oil.We ate it right away. We had been walking in Central park all day and were very hungry. We asked for more bread and the waiter said he would bring more with our food. That's a first. Again I felt like an elementary school kid. Usually when I ask for extra bread the waiter simply brings out more. Used the restrooms and they seemed ok. Could use some better upkeep. Our food arrived about 20 minutes later along with the promised basket of bread. We were missing one dish though. Which got lost in translation, but was brought out about 10 minutes after. Now about the food. The pasta was hot and al dente. The sauces light, and not salty. The portions good size to satisfy your appetite without feeling stuffed. We cleaned out our plates. Our party ordered the tiramisu for dessert. A good size portion with light layers of mascarpone, coffee soaked lady fingers,and chocolate chunks and decorated with sliced strawberries and mint leaves. It had the right amount of sweetness, but not enough of the coffee. The waiters did seem in a rush to clean off the tables. We were offered our check before finishing our desserts. We did not try the wines nor the appetizers. We would return to this restaurant, but the staff needs training on customer service. The food is good and the prices are great. All our entrees were under 15 dollars.
(3)Maria K.
I love this place. The food is terrific, the prices are amazing and the service is great. It is our local standby, and you can't go wrong having a date or bringing people from out of town. Cash only.
(5)NW R.
Went on a Friday night at 9:30. No wait, service quick and food so good it was a religious experience. Perfect! Owner was working the joint and happy to visit with you or leave you to your meal. Time your visit and you won't have the downside of waiting.
(5)Natasha J.
At first, I was a bit disappointed; the restaurant is small and the interior isnt anything spectacular. Then the menu was only for brunch and very limited. Needless to say, I thought it was an unsuccessful trip. But, it turned for the better. The food came quickly and I was surprised by it. The food is surprisingly good and the perfect portion. It wasn't salty nor too saucy. It really was great; the pizza was cripsy but oh-so-light. The service was also good. They refilled the waters and were very friendly and warm. Great little place to go if your in the mood for some Italian. But it cramped so try to go early in the day and with a smaller group. The pizzas are worth trying.
(4)Gavin M.
The best olive oil. The best ravioli I've ever had (and this is after extensive travel in Italy). Chianti Classico '04 that was all quality, and an excellent eapreso to go finish it off. Absolutely superb.
(4)Jennie K.
Ambiance: Small and confined, but cozy and pleasant. Food: I ordered the egg noodle pasta and it was great, but not fantastic. Service: Waited for a while to be seated and it was quite painful since the weather was freezing (I went during the winter time) and the wait area is almost nonexistent. The male host was brusque and not very attentive. Also, this place is cash-only and does not take reservations.
(3)yellojak k.
Great local (UWS) place. the food is good & fresh, the place has a homemade feel and a good wine list. service is good and the owner is usually there to tell stories of how he hand carries cheeses in from italy. seating is tight, as is the rest of manhattan. drink lots of good red wine and be merry... at least thats how i've always left the place.
(4)Vanessa M.
What a delight! We arrived early (6pm) on Sunday night to avoid the rush, and were seated after only five minutes. The waiter was a playful character, and so many things on the menu looked good that we had a hard time deciding. My husband started with the popular fried artichokes, which were gorgeous and delicious. But I thought my shaved artichoke salad with loads of parmesan was even better! The entrees were also great, my husband enjoyed the special (steak over arugula) and I liked the monkfish. We topped it off with the delicious apple tart. All in all, the quality for the price was excellent. The whole experience was absolutely delightful, it brought back many fond memories of dining in Italy.
(4)Jason B.
I have been here a number of times in the last 6 months - overall I would say solid, if not exceptional food. I have usually gone with one friend or a date and never had to wait very long - maybe up to 15 minutes or so. I have had the Salmon and most recently the Halibut as I enjoy ordering fish when dining out. They are $15/$16 respectively and good, with sides of spinach and pan roasted potatoes. The pasta dishes are also quite reasonably priced and fresh. One downside is definitely a lack of personal space and twice I was seated near the restroom which is a high traffic area and this caused me to be repetitively jostled by passing waiters throughout dinner. Again, none of the food I have experienced here has caused a lustful reaction on my palette but Celeste consistently serves up a good, reasonably priced meal in a generic Italian eatery environment.
(4)Eran B.
It is crowded. It is loud. The air conditioner did drip condensation right on our table. But I love it despite (and perhaps partially because of) these attributes. To me this is a place that exemplifies what a new york restaurant should be. Owned by an Italian man with huge personality, and staffed by an Italian speaking waitstaff, this place is bursting with authenticity. You must order the cheese plate for dessert. Not only is it delicious, but the owner is very enthusiastic about it and he will bring it to your table and then describe each of the cheeses, in what order you should eat them, and which jelly or honey should accompany them. Even if you can't understand his thick accent over the noise of people enjoying themselves around you it definitely caps off the evening.
(5)James A.
Awesome Italian, a must-see stop anytime I'm in NYC.
(4)Bridget C.
I've been to Celeste several times and the food is lovely. Wonderful thin crust pizzas, rich pastas, amazing fresh cheese and reasonably priced wines. I always have a pasta dish, a shared pizza appetizer and a glass of wine and get out for less than $30. I want to like it, as I have friends who love it. But the rustic setup is so crowded and the service rushed that it is making it harder to go back. The seating is really tight, to the point that I would not recommend trying to get up mid-meal. The owner tries to be charming but was so busy that he walked away while my friend (who is a regular) was mid-sentence. I had trouble getting a waiter's attention to order a glass of wine. And we always, always feel pressured to finish our meal. The food and the prices are excellent but I'd be willing to pay a little more if I could order a coffee and drink it in peace. If that is not a concern, then it is worth checking out.
(2)Kimberly M.
This has become our favorite neighborhood go to on the UWS. The owner is always welcoming and friendly, and we love when we order the cheese plate and he explains each cheese in detail and how he brought them back by hand from Italy. The pasta is always cooked to perfection and the pizza is always delicious. They often have a pasta bolognese special...if you are lucky enough to be there for this definitely order it...promise you won't be disappointed. Finally, the prices simply cannot be beat!
(5)Scott Y.
Celeste reminded me of Genarro (Amsterdam between 92nd & 93rd) quite a bit. I have to give the nod to Genarro on this one, however. Celeste wasn't bad. It was actually above average. I just wasn't overly impressed with any one facet of my meal. If you're in the mid-80s, I wouldn't discourage you from trying Celeste, but I don't know that it is worth a trip. My veal saltimbocca special was somewhere between good and very good, but not spectacular. The potato side was just OK. I don't eat asparagus. So I don't know how that was, and the tiramisu was good, but could have been better. The individual parts all tasted good, but the cream was a little too heavy for my taste, which I felt overpowered the lady fingers.
(4)Jen W.
YUM! The pastas here are wonderful and always tasty. I like their signature pasta dishes and pasta specials better their meat entrees. There artichoke salad is additive. I sometimes go here just for their artichoke salad. It is a must have. Their wine selection is also pretty good and they would be happy to recommend something that will suit your palate. Just ask.
(4)Jessica F.
Delicious. Charming. Affordable. Authentic. I love this restaurant. It is perfect for dates. Be warned though... there is always a wait, and no place inside to wait. Dress for the weather.
(5)Anne C.
Okay, so I wasn't in the mood for pasta when I went here but even if I had been I wouldn't have liked it. First off, the server, who I suppose thought he was being "charming and funny", decided to tease me about not wanting a glass of wine. I forget exactly what he said, something about a glass of milk maybe? That was right at the beginning and immediately put me in a foul mood. I ordered a salad (Spinaci, Mele E Noci) and the lentil soup. The salad was disgusting. It was essentially a plate of spinach drenched in olive oil with four 3mm thick slices of green apple, five walnuts and a few bits of cheese. For $7.50? The spinach was so soggy with olive oil that I couldn't even eat it. Strike two. The lentil soup I'll admit was good - well seasoned, not too salty, fresh, but by then my experience was soured. Not sure it's worth going back, particularly since you always have to wait (~30mins or more).
(2)jen f.
omg YUM i've never liked mushrooms more got some special tagliatelle delicious tiramisu, too, of course - ideal also i was worried about the service mostly i was worried about my parents and the service but strangely it turned out to be my father's favorite dining experience in a long time one server spilled wine on a diner's coat what followed made me start loving the italian good people amazing food
(5)enjay g.
With so many wonderful places to dine in NYC, you really should not waste your time or money at Celeste. The food was, at best, mediocre and the pasta (we had the gnocchi and tagliatelle) was of diner-type quality (which is why folks do not order pasta in a diner!). The host was pretentious and rude (we, too, were asked to pay the check and move on despite us each having a full glass of wine left) and the place is so overcrowded it was stifling. Celeste was unpleasant, for so many reasons, and I am astounded that it has received so many good reviews.
(1)rox h.
Incredible and one of a small list of my favorite Italian restaurants in the city. Make sure you try the ice cream here, as they make it fresh every few days with a machine that dates back to the 1950's. Delicious, just don't bring a lot of bags or coats with you, there is hardly room to sit. But it is well worth it and add to the charm of Celeste.
(5)Christina Y.
I love my friend Michelle for taking my mom and I to this place! I was sorta irked for a minute when the guy wouldn't seat my mom and I while we were waiting for one more person. It was already getting late and there weren't that many people inside, so I was irritated. However when we got our food I was grateful and ecstatic that is was good and worth the wait. I ordered a simple penne with marinara sauce and fresh mozzarella. In these anti-carb times I had no shame in eating every single morsel. If my mom wasn't next to me I would have licked the plate. I unfortunately do not live in New York, because I would go to this place all the time. The prices are so humble for what you get. Italian food everywhere and around the world is so expensive. It was great to have great Italian food for a great price. Simple, tasty, and fresh is how I like it and Celeste fit the bill.
(5)Talullah P.
Amazing authentic Italian food. Yes, waits are long, cash only, but I wouldn't mind all that. The problem I have is the owner abusing his staff and cursing them out in front of the whole restaurant. So although I loved the food, I will never go back.
(3)Niki A.
Great pasta dish with cabbage and shrimps! Place with way too many tables for its size, we were almost talking to the guy sitting next to us... Service was good
(3)Catherine M.
Best italian food in the city! Especially the gnocchi (and I'm picky)! Yes it is small and crowded and you will most likely have to wait for a table, but it is totally worth it!
(5)Jerm C.
I adore this place. It's my friendly neighborhood trattoria, amazing prices, incredibly warm and friend staff. Food is good, not exceptional. Love the pizzas though!
(4)Julia G.
If you want the best pasta in NYC consider Celeste, but be warned. You will need to give your name to a rude and imperious man at the door. You will wait outside for a table (we waited 15 minutes at 6pm). The restaurant is crowded and noisy. The waiters are delightful but do not ask if you would like pepper for a salad, may bring you a wine other than the one you ordered (it is hard to hear and one of the waitresses has a little trouble with English), and may take your plate before you are actually ready for them to do so. BUT, the food is delicious and the waitresses are very nice. We started with an insalata mist that was light and tasty. I had a wide noodle with a tomato and fresh ricotta sauce that was good enough to make me seriously consider licking the bowl clean. My husband had gnocchi that was perfectly cooked (avoid Gennaro's gnocchi which is like mush) with a delicious 4 cheese sauce. If you love pasta, this is the place to go!
(3)Jesse S.
this place is a gem. really good food for the price, staff was fantastic. kind of neighborhood place you dream of finding. is it the best italian on the UWS, no. but you cant beat $10 per course for very fresh, authentic, tasty plates and a large selection of wines for less than $30/bottle.
(4)Chris B.
I have probably been going to Celeste with my wife twice per month for the last five years. In my opinion this is the best "rustic Italian" in New York. The pasta specials every night are consistent and usually superb. The gelato special is always excellent as well, always subtle and not too sweet. Lots of good wine options and all very affordable.
(5)Sarah E.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in New York. The food is delicious, home-cooked, and authentic and the prices are incredibly cheap for what you get. I have never suggested this restaurant to anyone who didn't like it.
(5)Kiki J.
yes yes yes! you are my NY equivalent of 2Amys pizza!! so good and very cheap. nice wait staff and diverse menu. i'll be back.
(5)Sharon D.
In all fairness, the food was good. However, this establishment has much to learn about courtesy. The wait staff, with the exception of the server who took our dessert order, were outright rude. We were entertaining out-of-towners who heard nothing but good things about this eatery. When we asked for a small amount of marinara sauce and some parmesan cheese, we were greeted with the most incredulous, eye-popping responses. How dare we offend their sensibilities by adding these adulterants to their food?!! We did manage to get the marinara sauce, but not the parmesan cheese. It seems to me that, if 5 people are eating to the tune of nearly $120, we should be served whatever we ask for. By the way, we still left a 20% tip, much more than we should have. We will definitely not be returning, nor will our friends, or theirs.
(1)Ken P.
one of my favorites in NYC!! amazing food, cute atmosphere, and cheap!!! i'm talking about dishes under 15.00 that fill you up!!! My favorite dish that I get all the time is the VONGOLE which is spaghetti with white wine sauce and garlic and clams, yum! all the seafood here is always super fresh, cash only!
(5)Fabio P.
I have been going to Celeste for years. Food is always delicious. The menu is not too long but whatever they serve is really good and well prepared. The wine list is awesome. Unfortunately, some of the waiters sometime makes annoying mistakes (especially during the busy weekend) and the tables remind me of the preschool size bench. Must try, if you love Italian.
(4)E S.
great food! bad bad bad service! if the food wasn't so good I rate this place -5 starts.
(3)Abby B.
This is the UWS best kept secret. Fresh homemade pasta, inexpensive, no reservationds. I only hope the lines dont get even longer with my review. Blows Genaro's out of the water. Get the tagliatelle with sheeps milk cheese? My fav.
(5)Amy J.
Mmmm - homemade egg noodles with shrimp and sheep's cheese was soooooo good! I ate until I was stuffed to the brim, and then we had homemade "in the basement" ice cream. Wow. And so reasonably priced -which is the best part!
(5)Rasha A.
Celeste is my husband and I's go-to Italian restaurant. We probably go there at least once a month and we've memorized everything on the menu. The food never fails to please and the prices are reasonable. Everything is fresh, simple and of good quality. We've tried to find a better authentic Italian restaurant in Manhattan at the same price point but have failed, so to Celeste we go! Its even better than some of Manhattan's more expensive Italian restaurants such as Lupa which was a big dissapointment. My favorite menu items include: the raw baby artichoke salad with parmesan cheese, the fried calamari (one of the best I've tasted), the spinach and pecorino salad, the spaghetti with clams, the paccheri with ricotta cheese and tomato, and the tagliatelle with cabbage, shrimp and pecorino cheese. My husband also likes getting the stracetti from time to time. I honestly found the ravioli a little too eggy for my taste the first time I tried it but I decided to give it another chance a few weeks ago and I really liked it this time. I'm not a big fan of the cheeses which the owner makes himself by the way because I find them a bit too strong for my taste but I suggest you give them a try! The pizza is really good but it doesn't compare to Keste in my opinion (I don't think anything does!) The olive oil is amazing- one of my favorites. Also the buratta cheese and tomato special is to die for and I definitely recommend ordering it if its available. By the way, the owner of the restaurant is a little bit of a character. He talks a lot to his customers and is definitely part of Celeste's dining experience!
(5)Dave S.
Classic "peasant" style Italian. It's god damn amazing. It's everything (in my humble opinion) a restaurant should be...except the no credit card deal. But who cares when the food is so good.
(5)Serena W.
I kind of hate this place. I don't care about it being crowded. I care that our waiters were dying to get us the f out of there as fast as possible and not even trying to be smooth about it. I hate the lousy service even though the guys working there were having the time of their lives screaming out things in Italian to each other. We had to ask for refills 3 times before we got any. The pizza was good but you can find better for cheaper in NYC and not have to feel so obviously hassled about it. Only thing memorable was the cheese on the pizza. Yeup, that was really good.
(2)A C.
I love Carmine and I love his cheese. Seriously, try the most original and interesting cheeses you will ever have this side of the Atlantic, and listen to Carmine's wonderfully lyrical theatrical descriptions of each one. Get it for dessert, but don't skip his homemade gelato. The rest of the food is always delicious, and quite inexpensive for the area. The wine menu also has a great selection. I really can't say a bad thing (well, sometimes the UWSers with their screamy kids are annoying, but I suppose you can't ban kids...). Go here! Well, really, don't...cause I want a seat.
(5)Jerry S.
Great food and great wine to go with it.
(5)Michael D.
I've been boycotting Celeste for 6 years because the last time I was there, they refused to seat us until the third of our three people party arrived. This in spite of a half-empty restaurant and the friend I was standing there with being on crutches (and it was raining!). So, six years later it seems that my boycott did not have much effect on their business. Went back last Thursday and it was packed. I can see why it's still popular. Prices are reasonable, the menu has a nice selection, and the host is very personable (not the same guy who made us wait years ago). We ordered a special pasta dish and one of the special "personal" size pizzas. as well as an appetizer special. The appetizer was asparagus with some kind of ham and cheese carelessly spread across the top. Without the sauce it would have been artless and very ordinary. The pasta was fair, but nothing spectacular. It did not have that delectable taste of freshly-made pasta, though they said it was fresh. Also- way too much zucchini in that sauce. The pizza, on the other had, was excellent (white pie with loads of cheese and prosciutto). The whole meal was very reasonably priced (as was the wine). From our experience, it seems the best reason to keep going back is for those pizzas. Really very yummy, though not sufficient for a whole, rounded meal. Service was rushed, but competent.
(3)Renee C.
To sum it all up: Terrific food, small and New Yorkish in stature, authentic Italian owner who has only one other place in Rome, Italy. Long waits, reasonably inexpensive prices, and cash only. But it's worth the wait. And you can spend the time running next door to the ATM that way. I agree with what others said, get the homemade cheese plate for dessert: it is absolutely delicious!
(4)C R.
When I come to NY... I have to absolutely visit this place. It's one of my favorite restaurants; It's on the UWS, not too far from my friends house. This is some of the best Italian food I have ever tasted and it's authentic. The prices are def right. Some of my fave dishes are the veal medallions w/potatos & spinach and the breaded chicken plate. The wines are good and tiramisu is to die for - the best. They only accept cash and there can be a wait. The place is small so you do feel a little cramped- nothing major- it's worth it. The only downside about this place is the annoying Italian guy who claims he's the chef and manager (whatever, then why isn't his ass in the kitchen where it belongs, instead of butting into the customers convo and helping himself to their wine, douche!) He walks around like he owns the place and I know he doesn't. He needs to get that stick out of his ass and back in the kitchen. Other than that, COME HERE, one of the better places in NY!!
(4)Barbara R.
The calamari and shrimp were light and crispy. The pasta was perfect. The atmosphere was authentic. And the service was super. I don't think I could have found a better place for our last night in NYC. Highly reccommend!
(5)C. D.
Nice music, a little too crowded...fried zucchini flowers, delicious.
(4)Rick G.
This cozy Southern Italian spot in the Upper West Side was not much better than mediocre. The meal was tasty, the service was decent, and the atmosphere was pretty loud and cramped - just like every other Italian joint in the city. Overall the experience was good, but nothing in particular distinguished this restaurant from the dozens of other similar offerings that pepper every Manhattan neighborhood.
(3)Meg M.
Try the spaghetti alle vongole and ask for the spicy oil. Fantastic!
(4)Andrea P.
I love Celeste. Yes, even though many times you have to wait (they won't seat you until your complete party is there), and you have to tell everyone that it's cash only so they're prepared. It is delicious. I almost always end up having whatever the special pizza is. My boyfriend loves the food but does complain that it's too small (it is small, and you are close to your neighbors depending on the table and if you have a lot of bags/coats/layers it's a bit of a hassle. It's one of my favorite UWS restaurants that doesn't break the bank. Their sister restaurant, Bianca in NoLita, is also a must go. That one has a little more atmosphere (feels like you're in Nonna's living room).
(4)Kevin L.
came here with my bf the other nite - i had the spinach ravioli w/ 4-cheese sauce (initially the fettacini w/ fried eggplant but they were out) & he had the chicken parm dessert saw the tiramisu but was kindda filled so next time - overall good service only con is that space is tight & small & CASH only but pretty inexpensive round $15
(4)Paul R.
I agree with the other reviews of this place. The food is "really" good and the place is "really" crowded/loud. I didn't have a waiter who was rushing me out, however, he did try to crack a joke every other sentence. I did have a "really" good salad and "really" good gnocchi. I washed it down with wine all for a "really" good price. Anyway, like a lot of places in this city, if you have issues with space/acoustic/service, go somewhere appropriate. If you want "really" good pasta at a "really" good price, go to Celeste..."really!"
(4)Alex K.
Wonderful establishment. The food is served in generous portions and is delicious. The prices cannot be beat on the UWS. The only disadvantages are that they do not take reservations, they do not accept credit cards and the restaurant tends to be pretty packed.
(5)Stephen J.
good italian food, but too many tables so rather hectic and crowded.
(4)Tenny P.
really can't go wrong here. super crowded all the time, but i suppose that's part of the charm. great italian at a reasonable price. a great place for the family on the upper west side - definitely a neighborhood hang out.
(3)Emily A.
I really wanted to write a RAVE about Celeste, because as I remembered it, it was really great and served authentic Italian dishes. And it was good, no doubt, but the experience was marred by a couple things. I will continue to go there because I think when it is good it is quite good, and also there ain't NOTHING on the upper west side--so if I have to go to dinner up there, at least there's Celeste. And the prices are very, very reasonable. To begin, the antipasto we had was exquisite: chicken liver crostini with balsamic vinegar--WOW. It feels more like a hearty, wintry dish but that doesn't really matter because it tastes so good, even on a hot July night--rich, decadent, a really particular and unique flavor. Highly recommended. Then the pastas--I had the Tagliatelle with cabbage and shrimp, not normally my favorite combo (is it anyone's?). I picked it because it seemed so NOT typical that I guessed it must have been someone's specialty, perhaps a recipe from a grandmother? Maybe it was, but Grandma--where did you come from that that was a treat? I mean, It was good, it was good, but still, I'm not going to be craving egg noodles with cabbage and shrimp again anytime soon. It's just kind of a satisfying but a little bit stinky dish. So--recommended, but not with 110% blazing enthusiasm. My friend had the very simple Paccheri with tomato sauce and ricotta, and was sorely, sorely disappointed. Honestly, there was so little pasta on her plate (problem #1), very little ricotta (#2) and it just tasted like something you'd make with last night's leftovers--not gross by any means, but not delicious, not satisfying. I'm all for simple and delicious, but this was just simple, and not much of it. The service was rushed, but I enjoyed the waitstaff's cheerful attitude. I also enjoyed when the waiter complimented my Italian multiple times. He even was like "No--but I thought you were Italian!". Sir, I am NOT! You flatter me, blue eyes. One last thing I'm enjoying is how I am ending this review on an extremely egotistical note. BRAVA!
(3)Cameron G.
Celeste is hands down the best Italian food I've had outside of Italy. It might also be among the cheapest. We had the artichoke salad, two orders of the lasagna special, two pizza margheritas, the spinach ravioli and a $40 bottle of wine for $123 + tip. It was incredible. Despite the huge crowd outside we weren't rushed at all (although it was a little crowded). Those complaining of the owner don't understand that, as others have mentioned, it's just his shtick and he really cares about his customers and the food. If the lasagna is available, get it.
(5)Lucy Z.
It gets four stars for charming service (and the food wasn't bad) - cute waiters and their faux italian accents. Someone accidentally spilled wine on my friend. A waiter ran over in two seconds with some type of spray stain remover and started dabbing my friend's thigh (waiter and friend both male) with enthusiam.
(4)chicka d.
I don't even know where to begin with this place. I am here visiting NY from SF with my boyfriend. We are staying on the UWS and showed up for dinner at 10:30 (they close at 11:00). The owner greeted us graciously, but the waiter cursed as we walked in the door. The entire time we were rushed through our ordering and then told we could not order pizza because it was too late. Umm....they don't close for another half an hour. The owner came over and told us about these special cheeses he "hand cured" himself that we simply must order. When the waiter came over for the third time to take our order we ordered the Italian meat plate, the "hand cured" cheeses and a spinach salad. We also ordered 2 glasses of wine, which the waiter took as an opportunity to condescendingly correct my boyfriend on the pronunciation. About 5 minutes after I ordered the waiter came back over and asked me what I ordered because he couldn't remember. Miraculously though the food showed up only about 2 minutes later. I was about to start eating when I realized we were not offered any bread to eat with our meats and cheeses. I POLITELY asked our waiter for some and he shook an empty bread basket at me and told me they were out. He realized that wasn't going to cut it and went to look for more. Then he threw a basket on the table and said, "It's not the freshest, but it's what we've got". WHAT?!!?!? How is that acceptable? I complained to the owner about the bread, being rushed and just general rudeness. He didn't care and made excuses for the poor miserable excuse for a staff. So I told him what he could do with his food and his restaurant and we left the place without dinner, all by 10:50, well before they close. We walked up the street to Bello Sguardo on Amsterdam & 80th. We had a wonderful meal and were treated very well. Not once were we rushed. Quite the opposite. It was wonderful, and they got my $115. In this economy every dollar counts. Why the hell would I spend my money in a place where I'm treated like garbage, I don't care what the food tastes like. However I certainly won't spend it on "It's not the freshest, but it's what we've got". No one should.
(1)Eugene T.
Cash only and staff has an attitude, but the food is very good.
(3)Elise K.
Great prices and great food! It's always crowded and quite noisy. The pastas I've had there has always been tasty. Check it out, but I wouldn't recommend this place if you have small kids or want a nice, quiet dinner out.
(5)Michelle R.
I LOVE THIS PLACE. Yes, it's crowded and loud and prehaps the service is a little rushed, but seriously, it's Manhattan. At around $7 for appetizers, $10 for pasta, $15 for entree, $5 dessert, and $30 for the most inexpensive bottle of wine, it's a steal. Everything is fresh and flavorful, and when I say fresh, the pasta was handmade in the restaurant that morning. The chesse and wine is brought (or rumored to be smuggled) in my Carmine himself from Italy. They have a small menu, but everything is done well. Come early or late to beat the rush, and don't try going with a group of 4 or more, it would be impossible to get a seat.
(5)DJ L.
I LOVE this place and will definitely go back. It's incredibly cozy and charming and the prices are very reasonable. The food is delish -- my party ordered the special Caprese appetizer as well as the Eggplant appetizer, and both were tasty. I had the special of the day pasta for my main course, which was flat pasta with crab meat, asparagus, and sundried tomatoes in a yummy tomato sauce. I practically licked the plate clean. I wish I had room for dessert, but I'll just have to go back for that next time. I also heard the pizzas are really great, so that's on my list for next time as well.
(5)Jeremy K.
On my recent trip to NYC, my dinner at Celeste was my favorite. Coming highly recommended from our clients, it had a lot to live up too. The dinner is actually hard to remember after having the best cheesecake I've ever tasted. But from what I do recall, the pasta had a fantastic texture and bologense sauce was subtle. At around $40 for three courses and a glass of wine, I heartily recommend making a stop.
(5)Barbara L.
Great little neighborhood find. Unassuming from the outside, charming, romantic & authentic on the inside. It took a while for our group of five to be seated, but good things come to those who wait. The menu has many delectable choices, and completely satisfied all of us. Vegetarian included. An authentic pizza oven turned out some fabulous looking pizza too. ( diners aside of us were Visiting from Italy & had pizza, which they were thoroughly enjoying) Items we ordered were the salmon(perfectly prepared and full if flavor) monkfish, (superb sauce on also perfectly prepared fish) clams with pasta,( homemade or artisian pasta, and fresh clams!, delicate delicious sauce) veal, & gnnocci. All were amazing. The desserts and coffee, ahhhh! Wonderful! The only drawback is it's cash only. Prices are very reasonable, wine selection is nice, service was perfect. It's a great little place for the whole family or a romantic dinner for two. Celeste is my new favorite neighborhood restaurant.
(4)Amy S.
This place is fantastic. It is very small, and subsequently very crowded. I ate there once around 5:30 though, to get some food before a show, and it wasn't so packed. The food is amazing, not to mention cheap! If my memory serves me correctly, it is a cash-only place.
(5)Tiffany S.
YUUUUM! Great food a a good price. One of the best restaurants in the area.
(5)Nicole B.
I have been wanting to try this little neighborhood spot with great reviews that is a critic's pick on NyMag for a while, but just finally made it up there last night. Went with a group of five late Saturday night, but they don't take reservations so we had a 30 minute wait which we spent at the wine bar across the street. Service was great (very entertaining), ambiance was good, and food prices were unbeatable. It is cash only, but who cares when you're paying $14.50 for salmon (and portions are big). We will definitely go back for the value, but the food was not a culinary revelation by any means. Solid neopolitan, go if you're in the neighborhood.
(4)Liz F.
Really very good, authentic, mostly Neapolitan food. Yeah, it's crowded and a little rushed, but you have to go there with the mindset that hectic can be fun. At their reasonable prices, I don't really think they're obligated to let you linger for hours. My favorite dish is the almond crusted chicken breast with salad. Follow the owner's advice: you have to have bites of the salad AT THE SAME TIME as the chicken. He's quite strict about it.
(5)Lynn T.
Fresh, melts-in-your-mouth pasta... In the words of Campbell's Soup -- Mmmmm... GOOD. Prices are fair, but it's cash only. It's a small place, cramped at times, and since it's the UWS, you're often found sitting next to kids. This cute neighborhood Italian joint is almost always packed, but it's worth it.
(4)Allen P.
well, we waited for 30 minutes in the cold outside until we got seated. The owner helped us pass the time with his stories about Italy. When we finally got in, the wait was well worth it. Altho the room was very noisy we were able to hold a conversation. The food was prepared so very well; our table had the pasta with clams, two pizzas, spinach gnocchi, and the scalopine filet mignon. all were excellent and the teens said the pizza was some of the best they've had in years. wine was great and prices all around very reasonable. Don't forget CASH ONLY.
(4)Kurt M.
There were very few drawbacks of this restaurant. The food was amazing and it was affordable. The only drawback was that it was incredibly cramped.
(4)Anthony W.
There are places worth going solely for the food, even if the atmosphere and service are execrable, but this is not one of them. As echoed in other reviews here, the owner of this place is one of the rudest I have ever encountered, and the service follows suit. Because there are usually lines of people outside he probably figures it doesn't matter. Someone referenced how 'entertaining' they found the guy and I suppose one person's entertainment is another's version of hell. The tables are close enough together that they should be considered 'communal.' Go to Gennaro's instead (10 blocks North) where they know how to treat people (and the food is impeccable).
(1)Mukund R.
Really nice Italian restaurant. A real nice change from the rest of the UWS joints.
(4)meredith p.
Now this is a great Italian restaurant. We love this restaurant - the vibe is casual yet energized. You must try the halibut and CHEESE PLATE. The owner schmoozes with everyone. Be warned - they don't take reservations and so you should be prepared for a wait.
(4)Jeremy W.
I have read all the reviews regarding the staff and the owner. I do not believe he is racist but I can see how the waiters and owners can come off as abrasive to people. Ex. Waiter says "no starters?" I say "we are going to get cheese plate later, so trying to save room." He replies "that has nothing to do with getting starters, you can bring the main courses home if you want and eat it later," I laugh and say its ok. Then I ask how large is one pizza to which he sarcastically says "10 inches, you can finish or no finish no matter." Then he says do you want tap water or bottle and I say "im sorry can you repeat that bc its loud in here." He says "in a loud and a little bit over the top tone, TAP OR BOTTLE." I laugh and say "tap is fine my friend." Honestly, this did not bother me one bit however i am aware that I am an extremely relaxed person and I tend to find the humor in everything. I understand other people would not have such patience with this type of service. The fact is that this place is very small and cramped, thus the wait staff and owner have to move fast in everything they do. I wouldnt characterize the staff as being abrasive on purpose, rather they are just a lil bit impatient. Ok enough with the techinal stuff, the point here is the FOOD. The food here is very good, pizza is fresh is perfectly cooked and the ingredients are very fresh. I had the white pizza with prosciuto basil and mushroom with parmesean on top. It was very good and I wouldnt scarfed it all down except I didnt want to seem like a pig. My friend had the ravioli with brocoli rabe, it was delicious as well. My only critique is portion size. Some of the pasta portions are very large and intimidating, however the ravioli dish was pretty small. If my friend had been starving she could have easily devoured the ravioli and had another entree. THe cheese plate was very very good, I recommend the 20$ cheese plate which comes with 10 cheeses to taste. The owner makes all his cheese fresh and according to him "depends on how much time and motivation i have." Last, place is cramped no doubt about that, not really suitable for large parties but for dates or small family dinners it is wonderful. No reservations accepted here so I reccomend either an early 5:30 is dinner or late dinner after 9pm. CHEESE PLATE IS A MUST!!
(4)Arlen P.
I met a friend here for dinner. Got there at about 7:30 on a weeknight and had to wait about 30 minutes for a table. Not bad though. The restaurant was very crowded and the tables are close together. Still, I didn't feel like I was sitting in people's laps, and it wasn't that noisy. I was able to talk to my friend without shouting and without straining to hear her. We both got pasta dishes, which were good. Even though it was crowded and there were people waiting for tables, I did not feel rushed. We were sitting at a table next to the glass area where they prepare food, and toward the end of our entrees, there was a small bug crawling along the outside of the wooden counter area that sort of grossed us out and ruined the peaceful, relaxing meal we were having. I was considering staying for dessert, but after that, just decided to get the check and go. The kitchen and food prep area is prob not the cleanest. CASH ONLY.
(3)Gene B.
I don't care if the food is inexpensive, the owner is rude and the food is mediocre. 3 of the 5 people dinning with us said their pasta dishes had no taste. Sorry, I just can't jump on the (Don't want to spend money so I'll fool myself into thinking this place is great) Celeste band wagon.
(2)Gourmet G.
This small and charming eatery is a neighborhood favorite for its delicious pizza, although the crust is slightly too thin for my taste. A group of four may want to share a bottle of wine and a number of small plates, such as eggplant rolls stuffed with prosciutto, mussels sauteed with white wine and garlic, tuna, tomatoes, red onions, and bread cubes in an olive oil-based marinade, or thinly sliced baby artichokes in lemon dressing. Those with a heartier appetite should try the best pasta dish in the house, which blends cabbage, shrimp, and sheep's cheese on a bed of fresh tagliatelle. It sounds like a disastrous combination, but surprisingly the ingredients complement each other beautifully. As in many Upper West Side spots, the service is casual and very friendly, and the prices are very reasonable.
(5)Anna F.
I love this place! Their food is amazing and the prices are beyond reasonable. Although it's a cramped space and there tends to be wait, it's still very romantic. They have some of the best gnocchi I have ever had.
(5)Frenchie B.
1 of my fave Italian spots on the UWS. Really tasty food for great prices. Massimo the owner does get VERY excited telling you about how he packs suitcases full of cheese every trip back from Italia. The spinach ravioli is AWESOME!
(4)Maiko K.
The menu is limited but I really adore some of their dishes. I love that they include small fried fish along with the fried calamari. The flavors are simple and delicious. I usually order the pasta dish with cabbage, shrimp and cheese. Considering how low the prices are, this is a gem on the UWS.
(4)Diana N.
i've eaten here a few times and brought different people with me each time and everyone seems to enjoy themselves. celeste is a pretty small restaurant, so get there a little early for dinner to avoid a wait. groups of 3 or 4 are optimal. the pasta is pretty tasty - i really like their gnocci. the pizza is so-so. service is pretty attentive, and they definitely play up the italianess.
(3)Emma H.
fresh fresh fresh pasta
(4)Li M.
I love their thin-crusted pizza! When all you've all is thick, cheesy pizza, this is a welcome change. The fried mixed seafood wasn't so great for me- but that's probably because my mother makes mixed seafood nearly every week. Everything else was perfect. And for a great price at that.
(5)Dan C.
obnoxious staff, rude and perfectly happy to berate and curse you out in public for asking for water. good luck there. food is good, but why bother dealing with that attitude?
(1)Joe S.
skip little italy and come here. its more reasonably priced and the food is delicious, simple and fresh italian. it gets crowded tho and u will most likely be jammed up against another table. the artichoke salad is awesome, skip the fried seafood..the homemade pastas are the best!
(4)Jaime S.
convincingly authentic & very charming restaurant. it is totally cramped and noisy but while ordinarily this combination would make for an irksome atmorsphere, at celeste it is somehow endearing. the restaurant is lively and they really want you to enjoy your food - which is amazingly fresh and is cooked & served by real italians.
(4)