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Ulivo
Italian · Midtown South-Flatiron-Union Square, New York City
Restaurant in New York City, United States
Book with PearlThe Read
Sardinian Regional Precision
Price
$$$
Chef
Emanuel Concas
Dress
Smart Casual
Why go
Ulivo is a practical $$$ Italian booking in Flatiron/NoMad, strongest for group dinners, client meals, mixed-preference tables that need polish without a major splurge. Chef Emanuel Concas and a Michelin Plate signal credibility, but the main reason to book is centrality and flexibility rather than trophy-dining status.
About Ulivo
Ulivo is an Italian restaurant in New York City with a $$$ price level, chef/owner Emanuel Concas, smart casual dress code, Michelin Plate recognition for 2025. For planning, this is a New York City Italian booking to consider when the group wants a known cuisine, a higher price tier, operating hours that run from noon into the evening daily.
The recommendation is clearest for diners who want a direct Italian option. Ulivo's profile is concise: Italian cuisine, $$$ pricing, chef/owner Emanuel Concas, smart casual dress, daily hours that begin at noon and run until late evening, with later closing on Friday and Saturday. For comparison research, you can also look at Ai Fiori, Don Angie, Massara, Norma Gastronomia Siciliana, Novitá.
A straightforward fit for an Italian plan
For planning purposes, the main advantage is clarity. Italian is the cuisine, $$$ is the price tier, the restaurant is open daily from noon. That makes Ulivo easy to place in a New York City dining shortlist. The Michelin Plate recognition is also a useful trust signal, but it should not be overstated into claims about rankings, scores, tasting menus, or destination-only status.
For seat count, private dining, tasting-menu format, signature dishes, takeout, delivery, or dietary accommodations, confirm directly with the restaurant before booking. Within the Italian category, Ulivo can be compared with Ai Fiori, Don Angie, Massara, Norma Gastronomia Siciliana, Novitá, but the final choice should depend on the current needs of the party and the details each venue confirms at the time.
Book for the basics: Italian cuisine, $$$ pricing, daily hours
Ulivo's hours are Monday through Thursday from 12–11 PM, Friday and Saturday from 12 PM–12 AM, Sunday from 12–11 PM. That schedule supports planning from noon through the evening, but the hours alone should not be read as a special lunch program, brunch format, happy hour, or late-night menu. Treat the hours as operating information, not as proof of a specific meal format.
The dress code is smart casual. That is the safest guidance for a visit: dress neatly without assuming formalwear is required. The restaurant's $$$ price level is a general pricing signal; for exact prices, tasting-menu cost, beverage minimums, or group deposit information, check directly with the restaurant.
Use the full New York City restaurants guide if the brief changes from Italian to a broader search; New York guides for hotels, bars, wineries, experiences are better for building the rest of the night around the meal. Quick reference: choose Ulivo when the brief is a New York City Italian restaurant with $$$ pricing, smart casual dress, chef/owner Emanuel Concas, Michelin Plate recognition, daily hours from noon.
Planning details
- Location
- 4 W 28th St, New York, NY 10001
- Reservations
- Book on Resy
- Website
- ulivonyc.com
- Phone
- (212) 684-8000
The take
The Take
The Vibe
Ulivo presents a focused, small-scale take on Sardinian cooking in NoMad. The kitchen makes in-house pasta and leans on island techniques—bottarga, semolina pastries and wood-fire cooking—that give the menu a rustic, regional rigor rather than pan‑Italian generalities. It occupies a middle ground between white‑tablecloth formality and relaxed neighborhood cooking, so the room feels purposeful and intimate rather than flashy. The menu’s narrow geographic argument and steady reviewer base make Ulivo feel like a quietly serious, slightly under-the-radar find for diners who value ingredient-led, region-specific Italian food.
Best For
Ulivo works best for dinner-centered outings where provenance and preparation are the main attractions. Its position between formal and neighborhood modes makes it a reliable choice for date nights and intimate celebrations, and its modest footprint suits small groups who want to taste Sardinian specialties together. Expect a measured pace—the writing emphasizes thoughtful, ingredient-driven dishes—so plan for an evening meal rather than a quick stop. Reservations are advisable on busier nights given the restaurant’s size and reputation.
Ordering Tips
Prioritize the house-made pastas and the Sardinian signatures when you dine: the pappardelle with oxtail ragu and the Cannelloni al forno directly reflect the kitchen’s regional focus. Look for items that feature bottarga or the island’s semolina-based pastries when they appear; those ingredients are cited as distinctive to the menu. Start with a shared plate such as Prosciutto San Daniele and save room for tiramisu to finish. The menu rewards curiosity—order a few plates to sample different techniques (wood‑fire cooking, bottarga, semolina pastry) that set Ulivo apart.
Venue details
Ambiance
Romantic lighting with a warm, intimate atmosphere, though some guests note it can be poorly lit and loud.
Tags
Vibe
Best For
Experience
At the Table
- Dress Code
- Smart Casual
- Noise Level
- Lively
- Service Style
- Upscale Casual
- Meal Pacing
- Leisurely
- Capacity
- Medium
Signature Dishes
- Pappardelle with oxtail ragu
- Cannelloni al forno
- Tiramisu
- Prosciutto San Daniele
Planning details
Location
Recognition and awards
Also consider
Also Consider
- Massara, Italian, $$$
- Ai Fiori, Italian, $$$$
- Norma Gastronomia Siciliana, Italian, $$
- Novitá, Italian, $$$
- Don Angie, Italian, $$$
Restaurant context
How Ulivo compares with New York Italian peers
Ulivo is the middle-lane choice among these New York Italian options: more polished and expensive than Norma Gastronomia Siciliana, less of a splurge than Ai Fiori, and likely less reservation-driven than Don Angie. Book it when location and group agreement matter more than chasing the hardest table.
Massara is the stronger cross-shop if the table wants a more pointed Italian dinner at the same $$$ tier. Novitá is the closer comparison for a classic New York Italian night at a similar price level. Ulivo's case is practicality: central Manhattan, credible recognition, a format that works for business dinners or small celebrations.
If budget is the deciding factor, Norma Gastronomia Siciliana is the better value play. If the night needs more ceremony, Ai Fiori is the upgrade. If the group wants buzz and is willing to work harder for the reservation, Don Angie is the sharper target. Ulivo is the safer recommendation when the booking has to please several people without pushing into $$$$ territory.
Explore New York City
Around this place
Discover more on Pearl
Unlock the full Ulivo guide in Pearl, including awards, comparisons, FAQs, planning details, and nearby places.
Compare Ulivo
| Venue | Location | Cuisine | Awards | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ulivo | New York City | Italian | 2025 Michelin Plate | $$$ |
| Massara | New York City | Italian | Star Wine Lists 2026 · #12025 OAD Casual in North America Ranked · #2292025 Michelin Plate | $$$ |
| Ai Fiori | New York City | Italian | Star Wine Lists 2026 · #12026 Forbes 4-Star2026 OAD Top Restaurants in North America Recommended2026 Wine Spectator Grand Award2025 OAD Top Restaurants in North America Ranked · #2352025 Wine Spectator Grand Award2025 Forbes 4-Star2025 Michelin Plate2024 OAD Top Restaurants in North America Ranked · #250 | $$$$ |
| Norma Gastronomia Siciliana | New York City | Italian | Star Wine Lists 20262025 Michelin Bib Gourmand2024 Michelin Bib Gourmand | $$ |
| Novitá | New York City | Italian | 2025 Michelin Plate2024 Michelin Plate | $$$ |
| Don Angie | New York City | Italian | 2026 OAD Casual in North America Ranked · #182025 OAD Casual in North America Ranked · #172025 James Beard Award Semifinalists2025 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence2025 OpenTable Top 100 Restaurants2025 Michelin Plate2024 OAD Casual in North America Ranked · #92024 Michelin Plate2023 OAD Gourmet Casual Dining in North America Recommended | $$$ |
How Ulivo New York City compares with similar nearby venues.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I order at Ulivo?
Plan around Italian cuisine and check the current menu before you go. Use Ulivo's $$$ price level and Michelin Plate (2025) recognition as general planning signals rather than proof of any particular dish.
What are alternatives to Ulivo in New York City?
For Italian comparisons, consider Ai Fiori, Don Angie, Massara, Norma Gastronomia Siciliana, Novitá, along with other New York City dining rooms. Compare current menus, hours, pricing, reservation availability before choosing.
Is the tasting menu worth it at Ulivo?
If a set menu matters to your plans, confirm directly with Ulivo before booking. Key planning details include Italian cuisine, $$$ pricing, smart casual dress, chef/owner Emanuel Concas, Michelin Plate recognition for 2025.
What should I wear to Ulivo?
Smart casual is the dress code for Ulivo in New York City. Neat, polished clothing is the safest target; formalwear is not stated as a requirement.
Does Ulivo handle dietary restrictions?
If allergies or dietary restrictions are important, contact Ulivo directly before the meal and confirm what the kitchen can support.
