Upper East Side - Interesting / Noteworthy for dinner?

[bokomaru]

I'm meeting my parents for a casual weeknight dinner on the UES for geographic convenience. Anywhere that is particularly good that we should try? Price isn't an issue, but I'm not looking for something fancy or formal. Just a notably good meal. All ethnic foods are fair game. Should be reasonably vegetarian friendly. Thanks!

[lexismore]

I'm never sure if "vegetarian-friendly" includes fish/seafood. That being said, some of my favorites in the area are:

Wa Jeal - Some great Szechuan, although their executions of Americanized dishes are quite good too if not everyone is adventurous.

Gajyumaru - Traditional Japanese. I find their cooked dishes to be great, and interesting. Not a big fan of their sushi.

Inase - Traditional Japanese. Focus on sashimi/sushi - I find their $35 sushi set and their $60 "omakase" to be great, and among the best value I've found in the city.

-----
Inase
1586 1st Ave, New York, NY 10028

Gajyumaru
1659 1st Ave, New York, NY 10028

Wa Jeal
1588 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028

[hopegoode]

Thanks to UES Mayor on his rec on Om for Indian food. Brought a bottle of wine over tonight and agree that it is the best neighborhood Indian food we've had in all our years here. We'll take a chance on Veatery as well.

Noticed a new Turkish place, Agora, on 80th Street that is also permitting BYOB. Will give that a try and report back.

[UES Mayor]

These are my faves in no particular order:

Spigolo-inventive Italian-very deelish and not the red sauced type you might associate w Italian.

Om-great Indian

Ithaka-Greek w some of the freshest fish around

Veatery-former Saigon grill-same owner and food

Cafe D'Alsace-something for everyone-from salads to hearty winter fare.

-----
Spigolo
1561 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028

Ithaka
308 E 86th St, New York, NY 10028

Cafe d'Alsace
1695 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10128

Om
1593 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028

Veatery
1700 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10128

[terasec]

I can't recall the name,
But on the ues was a really tiny italian restaraunt.
Only had like 5 tables.
Was quite good.
Maybe someone can help with the name
Think it was in the 80's off of I think 2nd ave north side if the street.
Bellas? Marias?

[haraliyaviner]

SPIGOLO
Excellent Italian
1561 2nd Avenue (at 81st Street)
New York City
Tel: [phone]
www.spigolonyc.com
Moderate
HIGHLY RECOMMEND (Reservations suggested

)

-----
Spigolo
1561 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028

[apples]

I like the Mark

[foodwhisperer]

It's not fancy, it's not big, it's not gourmet. But San Mateo on 90th and 2nd, has great pizza,( i recommend the potato truffle pizza) and great panuzzo sandwiches, where they bake the roll for your sandwich while you wait. They have other things on the menu as well. I have only been there for lunch, but I know people who have gone there for dinner. Worth checking it out for a casual Italian meal. They have excellent espresso and cappuccino as well.

-----
San Matteo
1739 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10128

[gutsofsteel]

I really like San Mateo. But it can get crowded and close.

[City Kid]

Seriously, I am scratching my head. Just had dinner there and was prepared to love it, but I really don't get it. Meatball app looked scalding hot but was cold in the middle; white pizza with porcini and truffle oil was mushy and undercooked with literally a couple of stray pieces of mushroom; panuzzo with sausage and broccoli rabe was ok but also cold inside. We didn't feel like sending everything back. So disappointed. Next time it's Nick's or Little Luzzo.

-----
San Matteo
1739 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10128

[RCC]

Cardboard chewy and tough-to-cut crust was pretty much my experience with the pizza dinner we had a few months ago at San Matteo.
Our pizza with the supposedly featured ingredient, Parmigiano Reggiano, hardly had Parmigiano Reggiano on it and waitress acknowledged and had to give us a bowl of the cheese to sprinkle on to our pie.

-----
San Matteo
1739 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10128

[City Kid]

Interesting, RCC, I wondered if we were there on an off night judging by some raves I have read. Our experience was not a good one and not cheap given the quantity and quality.