Campagnola — Restaurant in New York

We came to Campagnola on a recommendation to celebrate my partner’s 30th birthday, and it was terrible. This was one of the worst restaurant service experiences I’ve had. We were not seated until 30 minutes after we had arrived, which meant that it was 20 minutes after the time of our reservation. We were never updated during the long wait by the hostess or a person who appeared to be a manager on the floor. Shockingly, there was no acknowledgement of nor apology for the long wait when we were finally led to a table.

At the table, the poor service continued. We were a party of 2, but only 1 of us have a full place setting. The water asked for our drink orders…but did not provide a drink menu; I had to ask for one. My partner had to ask for his drink twice as no one bothered to bring it. Although the dinner menu clearly states that there are specials, we were not told about any of them. I had to ask about them when we were ordering our mains and the server acted like it was an inconvenience to provide them. Our server only vaguely paid attention to our table for the rest of the evening.

The food couldn’t save the experience because it was only ok. We ordered a veal chop and a steak. The steak, though cooked to the right temp, was tough and somehow tasted dry.

And the cherry on top is silly, but it matters because high quality restaurants routinely get things like this right. He didn’t get a candle on his dessert like every other person who had a birthday in the restaurant. So we sat and listened to someone else be sang happy birthday by the live performer with their candle and we had nothing but a lackluster experience a...

We were surprised to be offered to a reasonable time of 6pm on Saturday at Campagnola for a party of 5. My wife and I had celebrated an occasion there earlier in the year, and we were excited to return with her relatives from CA and Brazil. We then added another person to our reservation on the day-of, and we were still able to keep our reservation time. Amazing! This was in contrast to our previous experience which required patience to get a reservation- ah, the NYC Summers- allowing us locals to dine freely at places that will be undoubtedly bustling again in less than a month. The ladies drank wine- a few bottles of Pinot Grigio and Rose. A caprese was split for the table and brought out individually. I had the Pollo Campagnola with chicken, peppers, and sausage which was rustic and deep in flavor. (NOTE: there are pieces served on the bone- this was not mentioned) The staff were incredible, from the lovely maître d, the managers, the servers, and the back waiters and runners- all of them are clicking on all gears. The pianist playing with his backing karaoke track is the final piece that sends you to this “Am I in a movie right now?” kind of place. Love this place- an elevated yet humble Italian offering in the UES giving a true NY experience. Thank you for the beautiful service and we look forward to dining with you again soon. (My Boss’ boss was right to...

Campagnola on the Upper East Side has been around for decades, holding its ground as an old-school Italian spot where regulars and newcomers mingle. It’s a place that knows its audience—classic Italian comfort food served in generous portions, with a side of that timeless New York hustle.

The vibe? Think of a lively, cozy joint where the lights are dim, and the tables are packed close enough for you to hear the next table’s life story. The décor leans into that vintage charm with framed photos and a homey, Tuscan touch. It’s got a reputation for being the spot for special occasions, or just a long, indulgent night out.

Now, the food. While some swear by their perfectly cooked steaks and seafood dishes like the Linguine Mare e Monte, others might argue that some menu staples feel a bit dated for the price (expect to spend $50+ per person). That said, there’s no denying the comfort factor. The house specialties, like the Pollo Campagnola and Spaghetti Abruzzi, come packed with flavors and nostalgia, but you have to be in the mood for that heavy, old-world charm.

Three stars—for those who know, you know. Campagnola might be just right if you crave that classic NYC Italian experience, but it's not a place you go for innovation or subtlety. It’s about the atmosphere, tradition, and knowing exactly what...