Set the scene.
Nestled discreetly along East 85th Street behind a brownstone façade draped in twinkling fairy lights, Amarena brings a taste of Rome–and the Amalfi Coast–to Manhattan’s Upper East Side.
Created by celebrated New York chef Julian Medina, known for his success in modern Mexican cuisine (Toloache, Coppelia), his newest concept is a bold pivot: a celebration of rustic Italian tradition with luxurious, contemporary flair.
Named after the beloved Italian sour cherry, Amarena exudes a balance of whimsy and sophistication in both its atmosphere and cuisine. Conceptualized and designed by Pablo Castellanos of Bruccolino Studios, the bi-level space features two distinct vibes. Downstairs evokes a breezy Mediterranean beach club, with sandy-toned walls and an ocean blue marble bar.
Upstairs, the mood shifts dramatically with deep red velvet banquettes, ornate lighting, and wood paneling. Across both floors, the marble-topped tables are set with Ginori 1735 plates.
Let’s break it down–wine, food, and everything in between.
The menu, rooted in Roman classics, is anything but predictable. Every meal opens with elegant suppli and antipasti like arancini topped with caviar and carciofi alla giudea–crispy baby artichokes paired with a zesty Calabrian chili and Meyer lemon aioli.
The carpaccio di manzo, a standout, features thin slices of prime beef with black truffle sauce and freshly shaved truffle, while the polipo (octopus with Japanese eggplant-cherry tomato fonduta with basil gremolata) layers textures and flavors with finesse.
Pasta dishes are a highlight, from the velvety carbonara antra–with bucatini, duck guanciale, duck egg, and pecorino–to the hearty orecchiette tossed with sweet sausage, fennel, and broccoli di rape. The campanelle alla vodka is truly exceptional; guests can even step this already-indulgent dish up with a heap of lobster.
The secondi offers all sorts of surf and turf. Branzino alla caponata is a triumph of seafood simplicity–served with Japanese eggplant, confit tomatoes, pine nuts, and capers. Meat lovers will gravitate toward vitello alla milanese or bistecca alla fiorentina served with roasted potatoes, Parmigiano Reggiano, and rosemary.
Desserts are equally evocative. The torta al limone–a Meyer lemon, olive oil, and pistachio cake with limoncello frosting–is like sunshine on a plate. Cioccolato–a chocolate cake layered with ganache–is heavenly and utterly decadent.
Drinks match the menu in spirit and imagination. The signature namesake cocktail–shaken with Verità vodka, Cointreau, amarena cherry syrup, and lime–is tart and refreshing. A lineup of negronis, spritzes, and martinis is available alongside a thoughtfully curated wine list, heavy on Italian vintages, and a smattering of Italian beers.
Final thoughts?
With its playful design, warm hospitality, and inventive takes on Roman and coastal flavors, Amarena invites guests to linger, sip, nosh, and savor as the Italians do.
Top Takeaways
Location: Upper East Side, New York City
Address: 151 East 82nd Street, New York, NY
Cuisine: Italian
The vibe: Amarena is an homage to Italy, with Roman flavors, sophisticated design elements fit for a metropolis, and laidback vibes and art that evoke a coastal beach club.
Pricing: $$
Takes reservations? Yes – Resy
Our favorite dish on the menu: The campanelle alla vodka is truly the best vodka-sauce pasta you will find anywhere.
Attire: Smart Casual
Hours: Amarena is open Sunday to Saturday from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
