La Piovra

Around the Upper East Side, Italian spots tend to cluster near the avenues, but this one holds its ground a block east on 61st. La Piovra covers the expected—pasta, espresso, table service—while slipping in organic dishes and vegan options without fanfare. The menu leans into small plates and prepared foods, which makes sense for a neighborhood where people grab lunch between errands or linger over dessert after theater nights. Catering’s on the table too, though you’d only know if you dug past the usual dine-in and takeout lines on their listing.

Between the curbside pickup and outdoor seating, it’s set up for those who’d rather not commit to sitting inside. Lunch and dinner are the obvious draws, but the coffee suggests it’s not just a post-work crowd spot. For anyone mapping out options near Lenox Hill, the directions are straightforward—just don’t confuse it with the other Italian places packing the same stretch. Questions about larger orders or daily specials? They answer at (212) 256-0787, though the map’s usually enough to get you to the door.