In translation, Per Lei means “For Her” and it is. Per Lei is the ideal date spot on the Upper East Side, but this whimsical and modern Italian bistro is not limited to just dates, it is the perfect spot for any trendy Upper East Sider to experience good regional Italian cuisine.
From the owners of Baraonda, this relative newcomer has a Miami sensibility with stark white and orange décor, the restaurant’s outside patio dining area is lined with large planted palm trees creating a tropical feel in uptown Manhattan. The walls are brightened with eye-popping modern art by Musa, the large colorful portraits of the female oversee the dining room from above.
The menu is expansive, allowing diners a variety of options from exquisite but not over done pasta creations to a choice selection of meats, fresh fish and chicken. While the chef’s usage of typical Italian ingredients are easily seen in menu item such as Pennette Al Tonno Con Olive Gaeta E Capperi Di Pantelleria (Penne with yellow fin tuna, Gaeta olives and Pantelleria capers), the menu also includes simple grilled fish and no fuss fare. As with many Italian meals, finding healthy and light menu items may be difficult to come by. But Per Lei’s evening specials which included a grilled orata (sea bass) with white wine and lemon and just a dash of olive oil allowed us a heart-healthy and tasty dining option.
The appetizers are generous in size, easily shared by two diners. The Buffalo Mozzarella appetizer was finished with an eggplant confit drizzled with olive oil and a dash of vinegar, a delicious melding of textures and tastes. Per Lei offers a wonderful selection of antipasti and salads to start. We also shared the appetizer special of the evening, a grilled octopus and calamari salad finished with a light olive oil dressing and greens. The prices are in line with neighborhood’s standards (appetizers are around $15 and entrees, $20-$30), but be careful of the specials. While the waiter makes the evening’s specials seem almost impossible to pass up, your bill will reflect that. (The Orata was $38 which they waiter did not mention as he ran down the list of ingredients.)
The winning combination of al fresco dining paired with fine fare and an ample wine list sets this Italian restaurant apart from the many others. Whether it is a first date, an -anniversary or an attempt to enjoy the fleeting moments of summer, Per Lei is a Per Fect Upper East Side option!
Per Lei Restaurant1347 2nd Avenue (between 70th & 71st streets)New York, NY 10021
212-439-9200 |
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