Upper East Side Casual But Good

[jumpingfrog]

Will be eating on the Upper East Side (high 80;s) next week - not my territory - looking for casual but really good and not too noisy - prefer Italian but all suggestions more than welcome

[epcol]

I enjoy Vespa at 2nd between 84th & 85th, especially if the weather is good enough to be out in the back garden.
http://vesparestaurant.com/

[RussianGirl]

Ottomanelli on 93rd and Lex.

[pammi]

Centolire on East 82nd Street. We went to dinner there last wek and ate very well. It is the sister restaurant to Canaletto on East 60th. I 've never had a bad meal in either place

[epcol]

Where exactly is Centolire? I'm not seeing any listings for it on the internet and I'm up at 82nd between 3rd and East End a lot...

[MMRuth]

It's on Madison - but I think it's a bit north of 82nd.

[Deenso]

Sfoglia or Quattro Gatti come to mind for good Italian on UES.

[fdb]

Reservation is a must for Sfoglia for it only has a handful of tables.

[MMRuth]

Yes - and I have a wonderful meal there recently. Will reply with more after I run an errand.

[RCC]

Cippola Rossa - really casual, but good Tuscan dishes. As per the last time we ate there, it was BYOB only.

[keving]

Spigolo, 2nd at 81st....definitely need a reservation; great food!

[Deenso]

Yes! I forgot to include Cipolla Rossa. It's a tiny and casual place, no liquor license, very good food and quite reasonably priced.

[pbjluver]

my fav...Beyoglu
Turkish / Mediterranean

corner 81st and Third

[epcol]

Oh me, too! I was focusing on Italian per the OP's statement, but I love Beyoglu! The vegetarian platter has a great combo of mezzes.

[preppie foodie]

hi! jumping on both the cipolla rossa and spigolo bandwagons. Cipolla is still BYOB, super cheap, and also now has one further down on 1st ave, between 60/61st, west side of the street (opposite bed, bath and beyond)--just as good. Spigolo more expensive--definitely need a rezzie or you can gamble and hope for a seat at the bar. If it doesn't work out, the wine bar at Etats Unis is just around the corner on 82nd) .

[joelraven]

There's a delightful little Italian joint on 77th Street just east of 2nd Avenue, called Alloro, run by a husband and wife team who do a great job with creative takes on old favorites. Not your traditional southern or even northern Italian place, and well worth the try.

[preppie foodie]

hi, forgot to add this, though not italian, cafe d'alsace is very good and is on 88th/2nd. You can generally walk in without a problem if its just two of you.

www.cafedalsace.com