Set the scene.
Nestled within the Kimpton Hotel Eventi, L’Amico is a culinary hotspot that’s been capturing the heart of New York’s Chelsea neighborhood for a decade. Chef Lauren Tourondel, celebrated for his refined take on Italian cuisine, combines meticulous culinary techniques with the warmth and spirit of Italy.
The restaurant’s design captures this duality–welcoming yet sophisticated, with the kitchen’s twin copper-clad ovens adding an elemental touch, filling the dining space with a warm, inviting glow and tantalizing aromas.
This mix of contemporary design and rustic charm mirrors the food itself, offering guests both elegance and comfort in one setting.
What can we expect from the food?
The menu is an intricate dance between tradition and innovation.
Here, handcrafted pasta is made in-house, pizzas are baked to perfection in the 730-degree ovens, and hyper-seasonal dishes change with the ebb and flow of the market.
Whether it’s the rich tagliatelle with truffle butter or the juicy veal and mortadella meatballs, every plate is familiar yet surprising. Everything is intended to be shared, as is any excellent Italian meal. Do not skip Secondi specialties such as Branzino, complete with Swiss chard, cremini mushrooms, and spritzed with Meyer lemons, or 7 Peppercorn Filet Mignon, served with smoked mashed fingerlings and roasted trumpet royale in a Barolo-based sauce.
Chef Tourondel has created a menu that speaks to his roots in rural France and his passion for Italian cooking, allowing the simple flavors of fresh, local ingredients to take center stage.
Be sure to round out the meal with a little something sweet–opt for their decadent tiramisu or two scoops of their homemade gelati or sorbetti.
Tell us about the drinks.
L’Amico’s bar program is as thoughtful as its food, with an extensive wine list that spans Italy, France, and California. Beverage Director Jason Hedges has curated a selection that showcases over 850 bottles, including rare vintages and artisanal producers.
For those seeking spirits, the cocktail list features Italian-inspired imbibes like the L’Amico Negroni, mixed with Diplomático Reserva Rum, Amaro Montenegro, and Select Aperitivo, or the beloved Hail, Caesar!, crafted with Legent bourbon, Dolin dry vermouth, Luxardo maraschino liqueur, Amaro CioCiaro, and orange bitters.
Final thoughts?
Whether a local or a visitor, L’Amico is a place where delicious food and great company are always on the menu.
Top Takeaways
Location: Chelsea, New York City (within Kimpton Hotel Eventi)
Address: 849 6th Ave, New York, NY 10001
Cuisine: Italian
The vibe: Sophisticated yet lively and warm, L’Amico combines Italian hospitality with New York flair.
Pricing: $$
Takes reservations? Yes – Resy
Our favorite dish on the menu: The pizza is truly exceptional–don’t miss the classic mozzarella di bufala or any of L’Amico’s other wood-fired creations.
Attire: Smart Casual
Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner: Breakfast: Monday to Sunday from 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM; Lunch: Monday to Friday from 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM; Dinner: Monday to Sunday from 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Brunch: Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM.
