Elio's on the Upper East Side

Hope Campbell
Mar 31
2 min read

If you are searching for a classic Italian dining experience in New York City, Elio's is a spot worth considering. Known for its cozy atmosphere and high quality dishes, Elio's offers a menu that promotes all the classics with some hidden gems.

A Taste of the Appetizers

We started our meal by ordering a ton of different appetizers. The stuffed mushrooms, filled with parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs and bacon, topped with a light sauce delivered a rich flavor that paired nicely with the restaurant’s house bread. The baked clams arrived perfect temperature with the same savory breadcrumb topping that added texture. The show stopper was the fried zucchini. This appetizer was perfectly crispy without excessive grease. A nice light bite to start the meal. The only downside was the nonexistent marinara sauce, which would've elevated the experience.

Main Courses (Even Beyond the Menu)

A massive highlight was the chicken parmigiana, a dish not listed on the menu but available upon request. This off-menu option was delicious and should be an addition to their main menu. The chicken was coated in a crispy crust, topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. The perfect ratio of each element. It was evident that the kitchen is willing to accommodate special requests, which added a personal touch to our dining experience.

The chicken marsala was another standout, with a rich mushroom and wine sauce that complemented the juicy chicken perfectly. Also not a direct menu item, as they offer a veal marsala instead, but luckily they accommodated upon request for this item as well. Our veggie for the evening were green beans, fresh and simply prepared with garlic and oil.

Pasta with a Kick

Pasta lovers will appreciate the spaghetti arrabiata, which brought a heat without overpowering the other flavors and dishes. The sauce was well-seasoned, and the pasta cooked perfectly al dente. On special was the pasta alla norma, which included eggplant pieces in a flavorful tomato sauce. The combination of each ingredient was prominent and a great choice.

Atmosphere and Service

Elio's offers a warm, inviting atmosphere that is busy, but at the same time, comforting. The staff was attentive and friendly, making our dinner feel welcome and well cared for. The willingness to prepare dishes not on the menu, like the chicken parm, enhanced the entire experience.

Final Thoughts on Elio's

Overall, this experience was fantastic and I am so glad I had the chance to try their food. It was the perfect end to my birthday week!