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Nanni's Restaurant
Category: Restaurants Italian Italian
146 E 46th St(between Lexington Ave & 3rd Ave)
New York, NY 10017
Neighborhood: Midtown East
(212) 697-4161
- Nearest Transit:
-
Grand Central - 42 St (7, 7X)
Grand Central - 42 St (4, 5, 6, 6X)
51 St (4, 6, 6X)
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
- Dogs Allowed:
- No
23 reviews for Nanni's Restaurant
Review Highlights
"The wait staff is truly old school and friendly."
(in 7 reviews)
"The food is cooked to perfection and the pasta is fresh."
(in 15 reviews)
"...Nanni, a twin dish of angel hair pasta and handmade ravioli..."
(in 4 reviews)
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23 reviews in English
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Review from Regina B.
Ardmore, PA
10/4/2011
I found myself on a two day business trip to New York City this week with no traveling companions and no customers to entertain.
This left me with a dilemma. Do I stay and eat at the likely so-so hotel restaurant? Go to a predictable if middle of the road chain? Or do I do what one should always do in New York City - have a really good meal? I chose door #3 and am happy for it.
Thanks to you marvelous Yelpers and the beauty of an iPad app, I rather quickly located Nanni's Restaurant at 46th & Lexington, only a few short blocks from my hotel. I was seeking good old-school Italian, steeped in ambiance, in my mind picturing that corner restaurant in the movie "Moonstruck". Where is that restaurant, anyway?
I set off and found the place rather easily, thank goodness. The restaurant is long and narrow with no discernible hostess station or greeting area. I was told by the friendly coat-check attendant to just go on back and flag someone down.
I did, and two men of indeterminate age seated me right away at a small 2-top in a sea of other tables, thoughtfully seating me facing away from the kitchen door. This alone was surprising as most restaurants do not greet single diners with all that much enthusiasm.
The tables here are wicked close. I could reach out either arm and without fully extending it touch the diners at nearby tables. The decor itself is not that of the fabled "Moonstruck" restaurant. It is brightly lit, white and light wood, with painted friezes. Not overly tacky, not particularly evocative. Unfortunately, also not very sound absorbing. Between the flat walls, low ceiling, hardwood floors and the crammed tables, this place is VERY loud. Go there expecting to shout a lot. It's bad you know when the waiter has to get close to you and shout just so you can hear them. A tapestry or two hanging from the walls would go a loooong way in muting some sound.
They made a decent fuss over me, immediately clearing the second setting and rapidly producing a lovely, if slightly oily, bruschetta followed by a basket of lovely rustic Italian bread and butter. Warning: Unless you are super hungry OR a competitive eater, resist the urge to indulge in the bread. It's good, but not worth taking up room for what comes next.
After a short while, Gino comes to talk to me about my order. I ask about the Gnocchi, having had a genuine Abruzzese grandmother who hand made these many times. It is a high standard to live up to. I explained this, and he immediately greeted me with warmth as a fellow Abruzzese, knew the (very small) town my ancestors came from, and told me where he was from and the chef as well. He then insists I will love the special, Pasta a la Nanni, a twin dish of angel hair pasta and handmade ravioli stuffed with spinach and ricotta, bathed in a savory rose cream sauce as this is a 'true Abruzzi dish".
OK, I'm game. I order this. First, comes a seriously unremarkable salad. Fresh, yes. Also without much taste. The oil and vinegar were barely present. I wondered momentarily if dressing had been forgotten. I resorted to my salt shaker to give it enough taste to enjoy. If you're going to serve salad, give it a fair shake. it doesn't take much, really.
I'm slightly worried. The main course arrives. I take my first bite. I am in heaven. Really. The angel hair was done perfectly, with enough spring to hold the sauce while not being underdone. The sauce itself was delicious and unique - a truly savory rose cream, not cloyingly sweet like a vodka rose and not overly tomato-infused. I found myself eating in nearly slow motion, entranced by the flavors. The raviolis were definitely hand made, again not overdone. They served mostly to add complexity to an already abundantly flavored sauce as the bite of the spinach and warmth of the ricotta mixed in with the savory cream. I eat until I am stuffed and am grateful I will have the opportunity to walk some of this off.
Then I wait for the check to be presented. They refill my water glass. I wait. They take away my plate. I wait some more. I ask for my check. OK. They present me with biscotti and anisette puff cookies. Both are predictably YUM! I am then introduced to more of the staff as a fellow Abruzzese. I am hugged and my hand is clasped. I still do not have a check. Other checks are produced for tables, and diners leave. I wait some more. I ask again. The chef comes out to greet diners. I am beginning to wonder if I will ever be allowed to pay and go. Finally, a check is produced. Yes, it's expensive. It's also Manhattan and they do not skimp on ingredients here. I pay, then am sent off with many double-cheek kisses by practically everyone who works there.
I will be back. I will bring ear plugs and friends and my wallet. I have to take off a star because of the really blah salad and the endless wait for my check. I actually feel badly about that. -
Review from Marian M.
Manhattan, NY
12/19/2011
I brought my parents here when they were in town visiting and wanted to eat Italian food near their hotel. I had been to Nanni for a business lunch and thought I would give it another try.
The pasta and tomatoes are incredibly fresh and tasty. This is true, authentic Italian food. The meat dishes are a little pricey for just meat and a small side of veggies.
Overall, the food is delicious, but a little overpriced. Pasta - $19, Meat - $26+ -
Review from Emily Y.
Kew Gardens Hills, NY
7/21/2011
If you are looking for old school, upscale Italian food, this is a good place. The food is cooked to perfection and the pasta is fresh. Wine selection is good.
The wait staff is truly old school and friendly.
Great place for a date! -
Review from Emma C.
11/17/2011
Everything about this joint is old school. Elderly cute grandpas double as waiters here. Uptight white table linens and wooden chairs adorn a room the size of Nona's living room. I came here with a large group for a birthday, so the place does accommodate large parties. I've read the other reviews and it seems like this place is really for talking suits having a stuffy business meeting. I didn't enjoy it. It's definitely very expensive, with pasta dishes around $28. Meat dishes were $35. The waiter told us he would "take care of us" and pushed the appetizer special hard. Nothing about the meal was memorable. Salad was too salty, the meat and fish dishes were not spectacular. The bill came out to around $400 without tax/tip for 7 people. It turns out the "appetizer special" was $15/pp = $105. They charged us a $30 cake cutting fee without telling us beforehand. Total was $65/pp after tax & tip for a meal that I'd likely forget. Total pass.
-
Review from Rachel C.
Jersey City, NJ
8/24/2010
Yelp reviews, you never lead me astray, do you?
I had a business lunch at Nanni's last Thursday and haven't stopped thinking about it since.
The decor? cute and intimate
The service? old Italian men in suits yelling at my work colleague for looking at the menu during the specials. perfect.
The food? INCREDIBLE. I had the pasta special of the day (angel hair and spinach/ricotta ravioli) with the Nanni sauce. I can honestly say I have never had a better sauce in my life!
The price? high, but it was for business so I was off the hook. I wouldn't go except for special occasions. The non-meat entrees were $25 each.
Please go. and say hi to me as I'm considering moving in and never leaving. -
Review from C R.
New York, NY
6/11/2011
A friend that grew up in the city raves about this place. Old school Italian with cute grandfatherly workers. The waiter recommended the ravioli and capellini app with Nanni sauce. The two types of pasta go very well with the sauce while tasting different. Anyone else think Nanni sauce tastes like chicken tikka masala? Would probably taste great with naan. The lasagna is uber heavy. I could only take 2 bites. It can probably be shared with 5 people. Has a strong cinnamon flavor and a little sweeter than I'd prefer. The post-meal cookies and biscotti are yummy munchies. Go very hungry or plan on detoxing for the next week.
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Review from Kendra T.
Jersey City, NJ
6/7/2010
Hey Nannis Nannis Na... (old Italian song that played in my head as I enjoyed my dish).
Delicious is all I have to say, the lasagne was to die for with it's gooey, creamy cheesiness.
My old boss (yes I actually had a nice boss, once, who I actually keep in touch with) was in town with her husband to celebrate their anniversay and invited me to join them at Nannis. The concierge at their hotel recommended it. Had he not recommened this restaraunt I don't think I would have ever come across Nannis and thank goodness we did.
My boss had the pasta with Nannis sauce, I don't know who this Nannis is but she gets a high five for this sauce ( I snuck a taste). And of course always a plus on my list is warm bread earns an automatic star!!
The place is truly old school Italy, the waiters were all older Italian men dressed in old suit coats probably from the late 50's - 60's. The decor is certainly outdated but it adds to the charm and I felt transported to some of the restaruants I visited while I was in Italy.
You can tell many of the patrons have been coming here for years. I will definitely go back and invite my friends so they can experience the decadence of Nanni sauce.
All I can say is I want more! -
Review from peter c.
Secaucus, NJ
11/10/2010
I am flabbergasted by fellow yelpers. 4 or 5 stars for this joint? It's overpriced pasta that isn't even freshly made. They even have the audacity to call one of their dishes "linguine alla vongole" when they don't even use real vongole.
Everyone has been totally conned by the old Italian male servers. Look beyond the schtick and one will truly see how ordinary the food is. -
Review from Justin C.
Boston, MA
4/21/2008
Nanni offers up hearty portions of homestyle Italian classics and have surly and brusque but in-a-friendly-way old ginzo waiters. Real Goodfellas stuff.
The food is first class; I'm tempted to five star it but the food is really good though not great and it's kind of pricey. But, it truly doesn't get much better than this, especially for standard Italian pastas like Bolognese and Vongole. I've also eaten a Bucatini Amatriciana here that had to be the best take on that dish I've ever had. Divine! Their meat and fish dishes are incredibly rich, such as chicken topped with prosciutto in mushroom sauce. Hardly lunch time fare, but equally hard to pass up. Another slight criticism is that they can be heavy handed on the salt and olive oil, but usually it just tastes great and it's always a joy to eat here. It's a little treasure trove for midtown, little much more than a hole in the wall dishing out deliciousness. -
Review from Sherry H.
Brooklyn, NY
1/21/2010
My parents went here on their first anniversary. The same men are still working here, almost 35 years later.
We go here every year or so for big celebrations, and I love it. The best is their pasta with nanni sauce, which is a creamy pink sauce made with bacon in it. It's an amazing, complex taste in your mouth, and I order it as a main course instead of an appetizer. They serve it with angel hair and cheese & spinach ravioli (I'm pretty sure it's ricotta) and I use my finger to wipe the plate clean.
The restaurant can get noisy if it's busy, especially if there are large work parties (it is east midtown!) which is somewhat annoying. The tables are a bit too close together, but it's a small restaurant, so I'm understanding. The murals on the walls are very pretty, which I like, and really remind me of how much I miss Italy.
The waiters are charming and love to flirt, and one of the main reasons I love it there. They remember you if you go repeatedly, and treat us like we're family.
The salad is also simply delicious. Yes, the free salad that comes with your meal, simple iceberg lettuce, various toppings, and house dressing. It's pretty easy to mess up a salad, but these guys always serve it fresh and delicious.
They have those retro glass coke bottles, and if they happen to run out (most people there are ordering wine) they always run nearby to get me a new one, even if it's midwinter.
I guess the only major detering downside is that it *IS* pricy, so if you're on a budget I suggest just going there for the main course of pasta (~$22) and a soda or two.
I love this place, and can't wait to go to it next-- my brother lives next door, and if I did, my wallet would be completely empty all the time! -
Review from Charles R.
Conshohocken, PA
3/20/2011
I'm going 3 1/2.
Service was good, pasta was ok, sauce was very good, price.....high.
In reading the other reviews on here I noticed a couple things.
First of all, we were not offered free salads. Second, while the Nanni sauce is very good, I've had better pasta in NYC and Philly.
5 of us split the ravioli and angel hair with Nannis sauce, and an order of artichokes. It was the best part of the meal, although my son said his veal chop stuffed with fontina and prosciutto was excellent. I had Osso Bucco that was very average. Big portion, but not real tender. Other son had the Lasagna which he said was good. Daughter in law had the veal which was a little bland, and daughter had a special pasta that she liked.
Tiramisu was average, but the chocolate cake was rich and moist.
Bill for 5 of us with 2 bottles of wine was $450, plus tax and tip.
Good yes, great................no. -
Review from Nate B.
Chicago, IL
4/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Walking into the restaurant with three other young 20 somethings we immediately felt out of place. But despite the awkwardness we let the reviews speak for the restaurant and stayed. It was full of people 50 and up dressed in suits and day dresses. The waiter seemed to a disliking to us because we didn't order wine. He was rather rude and looked down upon us because of our age. But we were determined to try the Nanni sauce and I ordered the tortellini alla Nanni. It was very good. The servings were just the right size as well after having three smaller portions of bread and bruschetta. Overall the restaurant gets 3 stars due to the horrid treatment we got for being younger. If the food was not so good this would have been a 1 star experience.
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Review from Chris G.
New York, NY
3/4/2009
Not great interior decor, but the menu is pretty good and the service is excellent.
Get a dish with pasta and the nanni sauce. Its like GOLD!!! -
Review from Rich G.
New York, NY
10/8/2010
I've been around this area for a few years and never noticed this little Italian joint. The food was great and up to NYC's high-quality standards for Italian food. The must here seems to be the Nanni's sauce, which is one of the best I've had. Lastly, don't be shocked if the old waiters treat you as though they are doing a favor. Many places that have been around for a while have this as part of their charm.
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Review from Jolyon R.
Silver Lake, Los Angeles, CA
3/7/2010
I know it isn't a super hip or lavish looking place, but that isn't really their thing anyway. It's not a first date destination, as it can get loud and crowded. But if you want to go and just be in HEAVEN for fifteen minutes (longer if you can keep from wolfing it down... which I can't), take a trip to Nannis and order ANYTHING with their house sauce! They could throw my dish at my chest and leave me to lick it off my lapels, and it would still be hard to give them less than 5 stars on the merit of the house sauce alone.
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Review from Wayne Y.
Redondo Beach, CA
9/21/2010
I used to work in the neighborhood so this was my place for business lunches and celebrations. Practically everything was delicious and the service was always perfect. My favorite was a simple dish of linguine with white truffles. I remember having it one very cold winter day and it was the most delicious pasta dish I had ever had in my life. These days as I live on the west coast, I miss Nannis and and that dish very much.
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Review from William R.
Wilton, CT
5/24/2011
I went there based on the reviews and our group of 4 really liked all of the food. There were two pasta dishes and two veal dishes that were done very well. Contrary to an early review we got the free salad which was ok. Where we had a problem was in the service. We had ordered sparkling water and when the bottle was finished they proceeded to fill our glasses with plain water and also spilling that water on one of us. Also when we ordered the wine, the waiter returned with a different bottle saying the item we ordered was out of stock. It seems restaurants do not like to update their wine list. Again the food was very good but maybe a little on the high side for lunch.
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Review from Michelle H.
New York, NY
11/12/2007
This is a 4.5 star! The food is wonderful here! Service is great! The minus half point is for the ambience. For the prices, I would have expected a little nicer place, but it's cute I guess. It can get pretty loud though.
The food is very authentic. We started with a bruschetta (on the house), one was brought out for each person at the table. The bread was lightly toasted. They were a little heavy on the olive oil, but the tomatoes were perfect. There was also a basket of bread, but nobody at my table had any. I think we were saving our appetites. Most, if not all, entrees come with a salad. Standard, nothing to write about. But the entrees themselves were delicious. I had the red snapper in a red sauce, which I highly recommend. The snapper was fresh and cooked to perfection! The sauce was not overpowering and not lacking flavor. Also this came with a side of string beans. I went with two others and one had the veal with porcini mushrooms and the other had a chicken dish. Both really enjoyed their dishes. Extremely flavorful. Theirs also came with a side of string beans. Portions are generous. My friend, who ordered the chicken, and I could not finish our main courses. We were full so didn't even bother to look at the dessert menu, but two of us ordered some fresh fruit. They only had strawberries. But mini almond (I think) cookies and some sort of mini biscotti's were complimentary desserts. They were yummy!
The waiters are all a bit older and all dressed in white coats. The busboys all in black coats. They constantly refilled waters and other drinks. 5 for service.
This is a great place to go on an expense account or for a nice meal out. Entrees are $20 - $40. But definitely one of the best Italian food I've in the city. If you want a trendy place, this is not the right place, but if you want authentic Italian, this is a great option. -
Review from Steve S.
Merrick, NY
10/28/2009
I've been a customer for 30 full years now and Nanni's never disappointed. Pasta done perfectly. Excellent sauces. Overall consistently great food. The old school waiters complete the package.
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Review from kb j.
Northbrook, IL
5/20/2009
This is a cozy old-time place with waiters that seem like they've been there forever. They offer good, crusty bread and some nice fish offerings. I tried the salmon in a Barolo sauce (that was well matched with a Barolo) that was a special and would suggest it if it were available.
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Review from Jill S.
Buffalo, NY
1/22/2010
Let me first say...the food was FABULOUS. The service started well and quickly went down hill. The noise level was disturbing LOUD! I could hardly hear the person across from me. We opted to go elsewhere for dessert and coffee so we could relax in a quit atmosphere and have a conversation.
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Review from Rob S.
Detroit, MI
4/5/2010
Yelp is great and I try to be as serious as I can but in this case, I want to take a BATH in Nanni sauce!!! Antipasto was clams and fish then of course the pasta was un-real. The service experience was beyond great which added lots to the atmosphere. The meal was completed with the most perfect Branzino!! Light red sauce on that too...WOW
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Review from Larry W.
New York, NY
8/21/2009
Really excellent Italian food if a bit on the pricey side. The waiter made excellent recommendations once he finally remembered the specials: I had the linguini del mara (whatever seafood pasta called in Italian), bits of the chicken parmigiana, and some bites of risotto. The bruschetta that came compliments of the chef was also terrific, as were the cookies at the end of the meal. Nanni's ambience is definitely unique as the restaurant is...a room. It's been redecorated one time since the opening (ballpark - maybe less) and it definitely qualifies as old school. I think it may have been the best Italian food that I have had in New York but only by a liiiiiitttle bit. I will definitely go back when I can afford the prices ($28-40 per entree, with some pasta slightly cheaper).
