BEST ITALIAN ON THE UPPER WEST SIDE
Before the southern Italian food can sweep you off your feet, the dining room at this Upper West Side favorite (opened in 2003 and named for a partner's daughter, Francesca) seduces visitors with its warm woods, open floor plan, luscious brown fabrics and soft light from custom-made iron lamps. Chef Kevin Garcia's straightforward menu includes daily specials (or piatti del giorno) and a three-course pre-theater offering, with choice of salad, entrée and dessert (buffalo mozzarella, pollo al mosto and gelati, for example). 'Cesca makes its expertly seasoned pork sausage in-house and offers rustic side items with which no paesano could find fault: brussels sprouts, roast potatoes and Tuscan herb fries, among others. If you've no time or money for a trip to Napoli, consider a visit to 'Cesca to sate the craving for a southern Italian experience. Full bar. Serving dinner nightly. Sun brunch noon-3 pm.
Where the Locals Eat Rating
Best Italian, Upper West Side
Top 100 Restaurant, New York City
"Chef Kevin Garcia serves simple, extraordinary fare at this Upper West Side favorite."
– 'Cesca website
"[An] urban trattoria, emphasizing honest, uncomplicated food with strong, clearly defined flavors. ... Energy radiates from the antipasto station by the front-room bar and an open kitchen overlooking the main dining room, but diners at the well-spaced tables and wraparound booths eat in tranquillity."
– William Grimes, The New York Times, 2003
"I was at ‘Cesca with just one companion: we didn't – to be honest – get to sample all that much food. But everything we had was a hit: the small veal-and-pork meatballs in chicken broth, a tweaked holdover from [former chef Tom] Valenti's menu; the huge, succulent sea scallops with caramelized cauliflower, capers and pancetta. ... There may not be as much of a clamor to get into 'Cesca as there once was. But there seem to be plenty of reasons to go."
– Frank Bruni, The New York Times, Oct 23, 2007
"This hearty Italian establishment is designed to convey equal parts elegance, bonhomie, and sheer bulk."
—New York magazine
" 'Cesca has what it takes to attract large, convivial crowds."
– Newsday
How Others Rate 'Cesca
The New York Times: ** (Very Good)
New York magazine: ** (Very Good); Critics' Pick
Zagat: 23 Food Rating (Very Good to Excellent)
Time Out New York: Critics' Pick