Arte Café: Classic Italian Dining Near Lincoln Center

My history with this family-owned business is longstanding, beginning over 30 years ago when the owners and partners graciously helped launch my career as a graphic artist and writer. In those early years, I created several of their original logos and typeset menus. I’ve admired their authentic Mediterranean cuisine from the former locations—Arte Pasta (Greenwich Village), Pomodoro (Upper East Side), and Intermezzo (Chelsea)—Arte Café is located on Manhattan’s Upper West Side.

With Central Park, the city’s green heart, just moments away, it’s an excellent place to enjoy a hearty Italian meal after an active day or whenever you feel a pang of hunger. Furthermore, architectural enthusiasts will appreciate its placement near some of the Upper West Side’s most distinct and storied residences, such as The Dakota, a landmark whose gothic and German Renaissance style has captivated observers for generations.

The restaurant serves as a sophisticated pre- or post-show dining option for those attending a performance at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, the world-renowned complex that houses institutions like the Metropolitan Opera, the New York Philharmonic, and the New York City Ballet. It’s also a quick taxi ride to all Broadway theaters. Whether you’re in the neighborhood for culture, recreation, or simply enjoying the quintessential New York brownstone-lined streets, this spot offers a welcoming atmosphere and excellent cuisine.

This modern but old-world eatery announces itself with the simmering aroma of sauce (or gravy), a polite host, linen-draped tables, friendly staff, and the immediate, welcoming delivery of fresh, warm bread. This simple culinary tradition, a starter that has endured since biblical times, instantly makes the restaurant feel like home for all patrons. The kitchen, after all, is the soul of every restaurant and every home. The bread is served moist, savory, and warm, accompanied by a tiny can of the best Partanni Virgin Olive oil—perfect for dipping and starting your meal.

Veal Milanese has deep roots in Italy but also Austria. I was first introduced to this dish that is similar to Weiner Schnitzel. Its history dates back to a recipe created in 1134 in Milan with a veal cutlet. The modern version in the U.S. includes the option of veal or chicken —the cutlet is pounded to the thinnest it could possibly be, then breaded and fried or sautéed. This entrée is succulent and traditionally served with a side of arugula salad. On this occasion, it arrived with a few slices of avocado; while surprising with this fruit that is more Latin American than the country shaped like a boot, I enjoyed the new additional ingredient. I later learned that this dish was spread by Italian immigrants to places like South America, where it evolved into variations like the Argentinean Milanese.

Arte Café offers an assortment of pasta dishes including Spaghetti Carbonara made with Guanciale (Italian cured pork), Egg, and Pecorino Romano. Their Fusilli Norcia is a classic dish prepared with both sweet and hot Italian sausage and smothered in a rich pink vodka sauce. You may also want to indulge with their Taglierini Neri Con Granchio: Squid ink pasta with jumbo lump crabmeat, arugula and savory tomato sauce. For the vegetarians, there are other options including a delicious plate of Melanzane Parmagiana — eggplant served with spaghetti pomodoro. I’m sure that the chef can accommodate all dietary restrictions, allergies and preferences

This is my recommendation for a quick bite or a decadent feast. Arte Café also offers catering for in-house parties or office delivery. Skip the larger, corporate establishments that pose as authentic (especially those with attached supermarkets) and enjoy the real deal here. I believe that you will be impressed by the service, sated by your meal and looking forward to your next visit.