Nica Trattoria - City of New York

I had the best Sicilian food outside of Sicily that I've ever tasted, especially after touring the entire Sicilian island last year. The gnocchi was their standout dish, and it was absolutely incredible.

The food is exceptional, and the owner, Giuseppe, is quite a character! It feels like a five-star dining experience combined with the warmth of home. Everything is made from scratch and served with genuine care. It's the ideal neighborhood restaurant. We can't wait to return!

The evening started on a strange note when we arrived just behind one of the staff members before they officially opened. Instead of a friendly greeting, she simply stared at us as if we were out of place, making the whole encounter quite awkward. Then, the person who I assume was the owner was overly stressed during the ordering process and appeared to be micromanaging, which left us feeling exhausted by the time we left. It may have been heightened by the warm atmosphere, which seemed to add to the overall discomfort. Unfortunately, this experience means it won't be a go-to spot for me on the Upper East Side. It's disappointing because I had hoped it would be a favorite in the neighborhood.

One of our regular spots when we lived in the neighborhood. Food is always outstanding and the welcome is always warm.

Great food, great atmoshere. Highly recommend!