Cucina Italian tavern — Restaurant in New York

I sometimes go here for lunch as per convenience and good lunch prices. However, today I saw a female waitress for the first time. When I walked in, she looked at me and asked in a surpsingly impolite manner "Can I help you?" I said "Yes, can I sit to have a meal? Can I sit there?" She said yes and never came to my seat. She kept on going to the table next to me but not me at all. After some time a male waiter realized I was there for a while and approached me and had to ask me if I was being helped, and I told him nobody, and asked for the menu. I added that I only had 30 minutes left from my lunch break as I had to go. I told him my order and asked for the same lunch menu I usually get. The food was brought by the female waiter, ~ I usually get offered cheese on top of my pasta, but sadly she did not ask me anything and left. After some bites I had to get going and asked for cheese to go along with a to-go box. The waiter brought the cheese and box and then asked me to leave the bill at the counter. This seemed odd, since I've never been asked to do this before. There were also just only 3 to 4 other customers in the restaurant, so unsure why she asked me to bring the bill to the counter but I did it anyways. Sadly, today I felt very unwelcome in a place where i usually feel like home. Although the service was trash, I will continue to come here as I like the food and will continue updating my review. By the way, the lunch costs usually $13 plus tax/tip, this time I was charged $19.60, unsure why I was charged a different price that I'm usually charged but I really hope not to have to go though this again.

Its disappointing that costumer service is something that this waitress has never...

Might I add the food, drinks, and service at Cucina's are normally top tier. However, on September 1, 2025, Monday my friend and I came into Cucina's for dinner & drinks and our service we received from Nefesh C. was horrible. Her attitude was very questionable. She didn't seem to be interested in wanting to serve our table, she also never came back to check on our table at all to see if we needed napkins, condiments, etc. My friend and I had to call on the manager as well as another server to assist our table which was her job regardless of how busy it may be. In addition, noticeably Nefesh C. who seemed to have predominantly black customers to service at several different tables she didn't go back to check on those customers (including our table) tables at all, but one table Nefesh C. had where all the customers were white, she checked on that table a few times who were sitting outside. That is very concerning especially since most of Cucina's customers on a regular basis are black. Last, when it was time to pay the check Nefesh C. took our money, but never brought back our change. We had to ask the manager to bring us our change. Assuming, Nefesh C. was under the impression she would receive a tip for her underperformed service. When the manager asked Nefesh C. how much was our change her facial expression displayed disgust and somewhat of an attitude for us expecting our change back. That was very displeasing. Cucina's is a great place with great vibes, but this service received was unpleasant...

A Hidden Gem in East Harlem – Cucina is a 10-Star Experience

I cannot say enough amazing things about Cucina on 127th Street in East Harlem — this place absolutely wowed me from start to finish. If you’re craving fresh, flavorful Italian food with heartwarming hospitality, look no further.

I stopped in during happy hour and ordered the Caesar salad with chicken cutlet added, and it was perfection. The chicken was golden and crispy, the dressing was rich and tangy, and the butter lettuce was so fresh and crisp it practically crunched with every bite. I paired it with a frosé that was the ideal balance of sweet and sour — totally refreshing and perfect for a sunny afternoon.

What truly elevates Cucina to a 10-star experience, though, is the staff. Sherwin, the host, delivers the kind of warm, welcoming hospitality that should win awards. His phrase “lunch Italian side” as he guided me to the outdoor patio was charming and thoughtful. And Erin, my server on the patio, was friendly, attentive, and on point the entire time.

Big kudos to the Chef — the quality and care in every dish are undeniable. Cucina has that magic combination of great food, great drinks, and genuine people who make you feel like you’re part of the family.

Highly recommend for a relaxed lunch, a romantic date, or a neighborhood happy hour hang. I’ll be back —...