Piccola Cocina
Ambiance
Nestled just off of Park Avenue in the heart of the Upper East Side, Piccola Cucina Uptown offers a warm and inviting atmosphere that transports diners stomach first straight to Sicily. The Mediterranean-inspired interior features rustic wooden accents, soft lighting—even during the day—and charming knickknacks displayed in wall inlays, all combining to create a cozy yet elegant dining environment.
Cuisine
Chef Philip Guardione's culinary philosophy at Piccola Cucina Uptown is rooted in his Sicilian heritage and a commitment to authentic flavors. Emphasizing simplicity and quality, Guardione crafts traditional dishes using high-quality ingredients, allowing the natural flavors to shine. His menu features classic Sicilian offerings such as Maccheroni alla Norma and Tagliatelle Verdi con Ragù di Cinghiale, reflecting his dedication to bringing the essence of Sicilian cuisine to New York City. Guardione's approach ensures that each dish provides diners with a genuine taste of Sicily, right in the heart of the Upper East Side.
My Favorite Dishes
PARMIGIANA DI MELANZANE tender eggplant layered with rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella
FUGASSA CON PESTO DI PISTACCHIO simple fugassa with pistacchio pesto
PAPPARDELLE AI FUNGHI PORCINI pappardelle with porcini mushrooms
CANNOLI SICILIANI Sicilian Cannoli (absolutely do not skip these!)
Photo Taken By Kendall Rao.
What To Wear
Business casual is the smart way to go, especially if you’re visiting for dinner. I visited for lunch and felt perfectly dressed in a capped sleeved top and flared jeans. Dress in an outfit that reflects the restaurant's elegant yet relaxed ambiance and you can’t go wrong.
Kid Friendly
While Piccola Cucina Uptown has a sophisticated charm, it is a welcoming atmosphere for families. The staff is accommodating, and the menu offers dishes that can appeal to younger palates (in case you have a pickier eater in the crew check out my article “How-To Get Kids To Eat New Foods” ), making it a great choice for family dining.
