Lincoln Square Legends: Cafe Fiorello

The door to Cafe Fiorello (1900 Broadway between 63rd and 64th Street), a world-class Italian eatery that has been serving the Lincoln Square neighborhood for over 50 years, is adorned with the words “Welcome Home” written in elegant black script. This sentiment, this sense of belonging and comfort, is what makes Cafe Fiorello an integral part of the Lincoln Square community.

Situated in the heart of Lincoln Square’s Restaurant Row, directly across the street from Lincoln Center, Cafe Fiorello offers dining opportunities and a lively bar for visitors to enjoy from brunch to late-night closing times (10:00pm - 11:30pm depending on the day of the week). While the eatery has evolved with the times, it retains the authentic Italian cuisine and warm, inviting atmosphere that have characterized the establishment since 1974. Cafe Fiorello was the second restaurant opened by Sheldon “Shelly” Fireman, one of New York’s preeminent restauranteurs and the owner of the Fireman Hospitality Group, which owns and operates some of New York City’s most beloved restaurants including Café Paradiso (144 West 65th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam Ave) - another Lincoln Square favorite.

In a time of near-constant change, Cafe Fiorello continues to provide a taste of what General Manager Michael Vitanza calls “Old World New York.” For Vitanza, who has been with the restaurant for nearly a decade, the magic of Fiorello’s lies in its culture. “The atmosphere and feel of the restaurant is what I think the guests get addicted to and what has kept me here for so long,” Vitanza explains. “The place has been here for 50 years. It feels like the walls have so many stories; they seem to hug you. It’s a warmth that’s hard to emulate if you just open a restaurant and say, ‘I want it to be warm and inviting.’”

Part of what makes that warmth so authentic is the staff. Many employees have been with Cafe Fiorello for decades—one gentleman has been working there for over 30 years, and at least a dozen staff members have more than 20 years of service. This dedication contributes to the consistency and culture that regular guests know and love. Vitanza emphasizes that new employees are encouraged to learn from their seasoned colleagues. “We call it the 5-foot rule—any guest within 5 feet of you should be engaged with eye-contact and a friendly welcome,” he shares. “Even if guests walk in tired, grumpy, or upset, when they get that warm hello, it disarms them and you can see them begin to relax.”

The food, of course, is another cornerstone of Cafe Fiorello’s enduring appeal. The restaurant is famous for its antipasti bar, which greets guests with an eye-catching array of dishes. In addition to the antipasti bar, Vitanza recommends trying the meatballs, chicken parmesan, or the signature lasagna, presented in a unique open-faced style. For pizza lovers, the Margherita pizza—topped with dollops of homemade burrata—is a must-try.

For those planning to visit, Vitanza recommends making reservations as soon as you purchase your tickets for Lincoln Center shows. For a more relaxed experience, he suggests booking a table around 7:30 or 8:00 PM, after the pre-theater rush. Regulars know that this is a restaurant built on relationships, with some guests dining two or three times a week and one, in particular, visiting every single night.

“This whole place is built on regulars,” Vitanza says. “People have been coming here for 30-40 years. They want what they fell in love with—that taste of home.” Golden placards placed on the sides of Cafe Fiorello’s famous antipasti bar and throughout the restaurant pay homage to patrons who have been visiting the restaurant for decades, some of whom are household names.

For anyone who has never been to Cafe Fiorello, Vitanza invites them to experience what makes it special. During the month of February, visitors are encouraged to stop by for lunch and mention this article to Michael or his staff—who will personally welcome you with a complimentary glass of Prosecco, a small token of appreciation for being part of the Lincoln Square community. Cafe Fiorello also partners with one of our neighborhood garages, LAZ Parking (20 W 64th Street between Broadway and Central Park West), to offer discounted parking for its customers.

Whether you’re a first-time guest or a regular, Cafe Fiorello promises an experience that feels like coming home—a warm hug from a place where tradition and hospitality are celebrated every day.

Image - Cafe Fiorello's General Manager, Michael Vitanza, handing out cookies at the Lincoln Square BID's 3rd Annual WinteRamble. Photo Credit: Carlos Alayo