There’s nothing more comforting than enjoying a giant bowl of pasta paired with red wine. The new, elegant Italian trattoria San Babila NYC is a spot where you can satisfy a craving for hearty pasta and enjoy plenty of splendid dishes that are elevated with a modern flair.
Located at 1355 Second Avenue (between East 71st and East 72nd Streets) in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood, San Babila’s mission is to create a welcoming setting where guests can start their day with freshly baked pastries or unwind in the evening with comforting Italian dishes and high-quality wines and cocktails. Well, they truly succeed in accomplishing their goal. Inspired by both the warmth of Southern Italy and the elegance of Milan, San Babila combines traditional Italian cooking with incredible hospitality in an intimate, yet luxurious dining setting.
The Knockturnal was recently visited during dinner and tasted multiple items from the menu. Led by Executive Chef Francesco Lamanna, a Calabrian native whose career spans over two decades, San Babila’s rustic Italian fare is made with the finest ingredients and is simply delicious. Try their excellent burrata and fritto misto of calamari, shrimp, and zucchini as appetizers, but the real star are their refined pasta classics showcasing Southern Italian flavors. Do not miss the rigatoni all’aragosta, which is served with fresh lobster, a light and tangy tomato sauce, squid, and bread crumble. The dish had a luxurious flavor profile that was both sweet and savory, yet not too heavy. Priced at $38, this is a great value. Another excellent pasta was the classic pappardelle bolognese that was made with beef ragu, parmigiano, and basil. Priced at $32, the wide, flat pappardelle noodles were perfectly cooked and complemented the slow-simmered meat sauce, which wasn’t too salty and seasoned well.
Beyond the pastas, try the meat and fish entrées. A highlight was the filet mignon. The high-quality, 7.5-oz, medium-rare meat was exceptionally tender and juicy. It literally melted in our mouths. Served with mashed potatoes, onions, and mushrooms, this dish was flawless. The branzino is also recommended. The dish featured a mild, sweet flavor from the fish, enhanced by carrots, broccoli rabe, olives, capers, and sun-dried tomatoes. The fish itself was flaky and succulent, while the skin was crispy and tasty.
There’s an extensive Italian wine list at San Babila, ideal for pairing with seafood pasta or truffle-rich dishes. We capped off our meal with pistachio ice cream and chocolate cake for dessert. These two sweet treats were delectable and must-orders, marking the perfect way to close our feast at San Babila. We had a great feeling of closure and satisfaction.
San Babila is a great addition to the Upper East Side neighborhood. The name of the restaurant takes its inspiration from San Babila the Bishop, a historical traveler whose journey from Turkey through Calabria to Milan mirrors the restaurant’s culinary path. This inspiring narrative lives within each dish that seamlessly weaves together a story of cultural connection and bold flavors.
The vibe at San Babila is warm and cozy. The intimate space accommodates 16 tables and 46 seats with a six-seat bar that blends sophisticated finishes with a welcoming neighborhood appeal. The restaurant features Italian Murano glass chandeliers, copper accents, emerald green tones, and a marble bar reminiscent of classic Italian architecture. The result is a space that feels both chic and luxurious.
From a romantic date night to a special celebration or a casual night out, the overall dining experience at San Babila is stellar. Go forth, and make a reservation at San Babila today. Everything is exceptional.
