Experience ‘Cesca…continental, comfortable, and world-class. At the heart of the Upper West Side’s transformation into a premiere dining destination, ‘Cesca serves equal portions of elegance and relaxed ambiance. Borrowing from New York Magazine restaurant critic Adam Platt, it is “very fine, though unrelentingly rustic”… an authentic dining experience borne of its founders’ Italian heritage and the pedigreed experience of its executive chef.

Chef Kevin Garcia presents simple yet extraordinary fare, offering a highly personal menu he describes as “interpretive Southern regional Italian cuisine”. Garcia’s insistence upon using the finest ingredients in his classical preparation continues to earn rave reviews from customers and critics alike.

Owner and Italian-wine expert Anthony Mazzola has created an incomparable list of Italian wines to complement your world-class meal. Through annual trips Mazzola continues to explore all the regions of Italy, keeping ‘Cesca’s menu fresh and exciting with new wine and food discoveries.

And, we’re now open for Sunday Brunch… another great way to treat yourself to the ‘Cesca experience! (Be sure to ask about the special “Sunday Sauce”.)

Menu

The comprehensive dinner and brunch menus richly reflect Anthony Mazzola’s Italian heritage, as well as Chef Garcia’s creative inspiration. Offering interpretive Southern regional Italian cuisine using the finest, freshest, and primarily local ingredients, you’ll experience dishes the likes of: Farro Salad with Pignoli; Goat Cheese Linguini with House Cured Tuna, Olives and Pepperoncini; Braised Pork Shank with Roast Vegetables and Acine de Pepe; Pancetta-Wrapped Calves Liver, and much more.

Imaginative, authentically Italian menus pair with an expert selection of fine Italian wines to create the complete ‘Cesca experience. Discover your new favorite spot on the Upper West Side… make plans to visit us soon!

Special Events

Onsite Events:

‘Cesca’s two private dining rooms have already become popular choices for special events. Whether you need a special space for a business meeting and dinner or an intimate setting for a family celebration, we will make the occasion memorable in the true ‘Cesca tradition.

NEW! Private Catering:

We are proud to announce our new catering services for special events in your home or at a private venue. Available for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, bar mitzvahs, and more, we bring the widely-popular ‘Cesca experience to you.

Please call Todd Whiteman or Liisa Haapa at 212-787-6300 for more details. cesca@cescanyc.com

Décor

Throughout the restaurant, plush velvet covers the chairs, bar stools, and invitingly-generous circular booths. Custom iron lamps and chandeliers add a dramatic tone, casting a soft light on the stenciled ivory-covered walls.

The bar area offers a welcoming, informal feeling−a roomy lounge with ample seating and a long, granite-topped bar. Relax and enjoy the customized bar menu as you linger over cocktails and a select choice of antipasti.

The path to the dining room leads past the wine room and the open kitchen. Here, the design aesthetic continues, with custom heat lamps, granite counters, and cast-iron details. Upon entering the expansive dining room, there is a strong pull to sink into one of the gorgeous circular booths and pore over the Italian-focused wine list.

‘Cesca…continental, comfortable, and world-class. Make it your new favorite on the Upper West Side. 

Facts