Amarena

“Amarena is a gorgeous and delicious Italian restaurant that is tucked away under a staircase. As one of 82nd best kept secrets, the food is amazing and the restaurant feels extremely modern and upscale inside. The chef is not scared to take risks and they pay off, with immensely flavorful food that uses high quality ingredients. Highly recommend coming here and trying both the octopus and the duck, as they were both phenomenal.”

“They alerted me as I sat down at the crowded happy hour bar that they were down a bartender and apologized. The service was still exceptional. Nothing to apologize for! Most people were here for the HH specials- which are amazing- but I came not knowing about them. Had the HH red wine and HH squash blossoms. Both very cheap and very good. Finished with a great bread basket and the crab pasta. Will be back, HH or not. Wonderful staff, atmosphere and food.”

“Don't come too hungry, portions are normal , not American. The food is SO fresh, so tasty & so delicate. The house bread is PERFECT. Pastas are mouth melting. Very nice employees”

“Had a wonderful time with friends yesterday! Every single dish was absolutely phenomenal, from bread basket to pasta to desserts, we loved all of them, and the service was prompt and attentive. But $90 for a small plate of white truffle pasta and $45 for another small plate of lobster pasta? Probably not so worth it.”

“Food was good but the experience felt stressful. They sat a very loud group next to me even though it was a slow night with plenty of open tables. It’s the kind of loud behavior that gives Americans a bad reputation in Europe. The bread table with olive oil dip was excellent, and the mocktail selection was surprisingly strong. Burrata desperately needed salt. Cavatelli al Granchio was bright and perfectly al dente, but the Campanelle alla Vodka was disappointingly overcooked and mushy. Desserts — panna cotta and olive oil cake — were standard meh.”