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Experience a taste of authentic Italy at La Gioconda, a beloved New York establishment since 1993. Tucked away on a charming city street, this inviting restaurant and bar offers a culinary journey through traditional Italian flavors. Savor exquisite dishes crafted with passion, perfectly complemented by a curated selection of fine wines. Whether you’re seeking a romantic dinner or a lively evening with friends, La Gioconda provides an elegant and intimate setting for an unforgettable dining experience.
Longtime restaurant serving classic Italian fare & old-country wines in cozy, brick-walled quarters.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 226 E 53rd St, New York, NY 10022
Phone: (212) 371-3536
Website: https://www.lagiocondanyc.com/
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Order and Reservations
Reservations: lagiocondanyc.com
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Reviews
Catherine Yang
When we arrived early on a Thursday evening, we were the only guests in the restaurant. That didn’t last long, the dining room filled up fairly quickly. I’m not sure if that’s typical or if it was because it was the last day of Restaurant Week. Our server was attentive, and the owner was exceptionally friendly and welcoming.
I really debated whether or not to write this review. In hindsight, I probably should have spoken to the owner directly. My impression is that he may not regularly taste the food himself, because I find it hard to believe he would knowingly serve dishes that were this mediocre, particularly the desserts, which were pretty inedible.
We started with the stuffed arancini and the tomato-based mussels. The arancini was generously filled with short rib, which I appreciated, but the texture was extremely dense. It felt as though it had been packed too tightly, likely to keep the filling intact, resulting in an unpleasant mouthfeel. The mussels themselves were cooked properly, but they lacked flavor. The tomato sauce was thin and bland, missing garlic, herbs, and depth, honestly reminiscent of something poured straight from a can. A few simple additions like fresh garlic, herbs, and tomato chunks could have elevated it significantly.
For entrées, my friend ordered the short rib. While the meat itself was well cooked, it was served atop a mound of overcooked risotto. It was surprising to see risotto overcooked, especially given how quiet the restaurant was when we arrived. I ordered the veal scallopini with Gorgonzola sauce after seeing it on the menu and thinking the pairing sounded interesting. I enjoy both veal and Gorgonzola, but together they simply did not work. The cheese completely overpowered the delicate flavor of the veal. I ended up trying to scrape it off because the combination was that unpleasant. The veal itself was tender, but its flavor was entirely lost. My side of spinach was unevenly seasoned, overly salty on one side and completely bland on the other.
The desserts were, unfortunately, the low point of the meal. The pistachio custard was terrible, there was far too much gelatin, resulting in an off-putting texture, and there was virtually no pistachio flavor at all. It was green, and that was about it. The profiteroles were mediocre at best. The frozen ones from Costco taste better.
While the atmosphere is cozy and romantic, the food alone would prevent me from returning. It feels like the kitchen desperately needs new cooks, or at the very least, someone consistently tasting the food before it leaves the pass.
My confusion was that I saw great reviews, maybe they didn’t put their best dishes forward for RW. My theory is you’re not gonna put your best dishes forward to entice the customers to return, why even participate?
… moreI really debated whether or not to write this review. In hindsight, I probably should have spoken to the owner directly. My impression is that he may not regularly taste the food himself, because I find it hard to believe he would knowingly serve dishes that were this mediocre, particularly the desserts, which were pretty inedible.
We started with the stuffed arancini and the tomato-based mussels. The arancini was generously filled with short rib, which I appreciated, but the texture was extremely dense. It felt as though it had been packed too tightly, likely to keep the filling intact, resulting in an unpleasant mouthfeel. The mussels themselves were cooked properly, but they lacked flavor. The tomato sauce was thin and bland, missing garlic, herbs, and depth, honestly reminiscent of something poured straight from a can. A few simple additions like fresh garlic, herbs, and tomato chunks could have elevated it significantly.
For entrées, my friend ordered the short rib. While the meat itself was well cooked, it was served atop a mound of overcooked risotto. It was surprising to see risotto overcooked, especially given how quiet the restaurant was when we arrived. I ordered the veal scallopini with Gorgonzola sauce after seeing it on the menu and thinking the pairing sounded interesting. I enjoy both veal and Gorgonzola, but together they simply did not work. The cheese completely overpowered the delicate flavor of the veal. I ended up trying to scrape it off because the combination was that unpleasant. The veal itself was tender, but its flavor was entirely lost. My side of spinach was unevenly seasoned, overly salty on one side and completely bland on the other.
The desserts were, unfortunately, the low point of the meal. The pistachio custard was terrible, there was far too much gelatin, resulting in an off-putting texture, and there was virtually no pistachio flavor at all. It was green, and that was about it. The profiteroles were mediocre at best. The frozen ones from Costco taste better.
While the atmosphere is cozy and romantic, the food alone would prevent me from returning. It feels like the kitchen desperately needs new cooks, or at the very least, someone consistently tasting the food before it leaves the pass.
My confusion was that I saw great reviews, maybe they didn’t put their best dishes forward for RW. My theory is you’re not gonna put your best dishes forward to entice the customers to return, why even participate?
Rica Kraus
Had dinner here 2 days in a row. 10/10 in every way, with a great selection of wine, a cozy atmosphere, and an amazing owner. My husband, who’s vegan, also had a great time here. So happy to find this restaurant <3
… moreSvetlana
We stumbled upon this wonderful family-run restaurant during New York Restaurant Week. It was a wonderful experience with delicious food and excellent wine, carefully selected by the restaurant owner. All the best traditions of Italian cuisine were present, from homemade bread with real olive oil to desserts that melted in your mouth. A little gem, Gioconda, in the big city. We highly recommend it.
… morephoebe m
The lunch pre-fixe menu selections great! I got the burrata and the short rib risotto. I missed Italian food from my last trip to Rome and the atmosphere of this resto is so homey. Would recommend to family and friends!
… moreLoren Gutierrez
I can’t recommend this place enough! This was my third visit, and once again, the food and service were outstanding. We started with the bruschetta al pomodoro—so fresh and packed with flavor. For my entrée, I had the bavette al limone, which is hands-down my favorite dish here. The desserts were amazing, too. The owner is so warm and welcoming, he really makes the place feel special. I’ll definitely be coming back!
… moreLinda K Ryder
Always excellent. Always fresh with high quality options for all dietary preferences. Intimate space. Fabulous wine selection and the charcuterie boards could be their own meal. Try to eat here every time I am in town.
… moreVictoria Nikonov
My friend and I came here while visiting back in May and I’ve not stopped thinking about our meal since. We got the bruschetta and the insalatina tricolore to start and both were incredible. I’m not the biggest fan of bruschetta or salads but I devoured my share of both. They were so so good and flavorful.
I also ordered the calamarata ai frutti di mare and that was in its own league. The pasta texture was amazing, the sauce was so good, and the different seafoods complimented each other unexpectedly well. We ordered so much food and despite being so full already after our starters, we ate every last bite of our mains. I can not recommend this place enough.
… moreI also ordered the calamarata ai frutti di mare and that was in its own league. The pasta texture was amazing, the sauce was so good, and the different seafoods complimented each other unexpectedly well. We ordered so much food and despite being so full already after our starters, we ate every last bite of our mains. I can not recommend this place enough.
Avijit Das
Truly amazing! we tried 3 different items – eggplant, ravioli and another pasta, all of them were too good. Its a bootique style restaurant. nice little cute and cozy place for dinner in small group.
Try out and enjoy the delicacy.
… moreTry out and enjoy the delicacy.
ReedH
This was a nice neighborhood find serving up decent Italian at a great value. In terms of prices and portion size, it’s hard to beat. Both my starter of sausage and gnocchi main were nice. I didn’t care so much for the texture of the panna cotta, but all in all it was nice meal.
… moreElena Bogomolova
Oh what a lively spot!!!! We were bouncing between different restaurants near by, looking for some fun spot to have a dinner at. This one hit it all! The food, the atmosphere, the service! Everything is so lovely! Our server was so sweet, I absolutely live when my server is friendly and talkative, it makes me feel like I’m being taken care of. And the owner is very sweet too, he told us a lot about his business.
Food was delicious! We had some meat balls as an appetizer, they were absolutely delicious! Pasta was great! I loved everything about this dinner. Will definitely be back!
… moreFood was delicious! We had some meat balls as an appetizer, they were absolutely delicious! Pasta was great! I loved everything about this dinner. Will definitely be back!