Hip Italian Restaurant Upper East Side--Can't Find it!

[gummo]

Hi all,

I live on the UWS, but while walking around on the UES a few weeks ago, I stumbled upon a hip Italian restaurant, most likely in the busy 70s or 80s, on Lex or 3rd (I'm 90% sure that this is where I saw it). I know this is vague, but I made a mental note to visit it, but cannot find it online or in person now!

The only description I can give is that the interior is almost completely white and fairly chic looking, and it's on a SW corner with a decent amount of windows. I think the door is on the street side (and not the Avenue side). And as I mentioned--it's Italian.

I know this is stupid, but if anyone can help, it would be so much appreciated! I just don't know the area well enough to recall or find it again! Many thanks!

[spitts77]

When I saw "hip" without reading the rest of the post I immediately thought of Mediterraneo on 66th and 2nd. All the waiters seem like European models and there is always a crowd inside and out. But awesome food. I've been there a million times and it always does the job. But now reading your post closely, I think it is definitely Per Lei. Went there last week and it was all white interior with glass windows. Almost looks like a conservatory from outside. It was good - not my fave Italian in the neighbourhood, but a nice place with very good service.

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Mediterraneo
1260 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10065

[pdb2009]

I passed by Bar Italia last night on 78th and Second. It was open on both the north and east facing sides of the restaurant. The inside was white and had some higher bar tables in the front. It looked very nice inside, however there was a lot of space and maybe 12 people inside, that place look empty. Also, there are good restaurants on the upper east side but I can't think of any "hip" restaurants.

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Bar Italia
1477 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10075

[smokeandapancake]

i think thats bar italia and if that is what you are talking about, i dont reccomend it.
www.baritalianyc.com

[gummo]

Thanks all. I'm thinking it's Per Lei...investigating this evening. Thanks again!

[smokeandapancake]

Bar italia is known for their "refreshing white washed restaurant"

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Bar Italia
1477 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10075

[MMRuth]

Spigolo?

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Spigolo
1561 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028

[beaulieu]

Perhaps Antonucci, 81st just west of Third, although the walls are pink. It's good.

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Antonucci
170 E 81st St, New York, NY 10028

[apples]

Maybe Per Lei on 71st and 2nd on the corner?

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Per Lei
1347 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10021