From the moment I stepped into Eataly Caffè at Rockefeller Center, I was transported to a vibrant slice of Italy, right in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. This charming quick-service café, located at 1230 Avenue of the Americas, is a testament to Eataly’s commitment to authentic Italian gastronomy, delivering exceptional quality in both service and products that left me eager to return. The quality of service at Eataly Caffè is nothing short of outstanding. The staff exudes warmth and professionalism, embodying the Italian art of hospitality. Despite the fast-paced, grab-and-go format designed for busy New Yorkers, the team manages to make every interaction feel personal and welcoming. On my visit, the barista greeted me with a genuine smile, patiently answering my questions about the coffee blend while expertly crafting my cappuccino with a perfect crema. The efficiency is remarkable—orders are fulfilled swiftly without sacrificing care, and the dedicated Eataly Caffè app makes pre-ordering a breeze, allowing for seamless pickups that cater to the hustle of city life. The staff’s knowledge of the menu and enthusiasm for the products shone through, enhancing the overall experience and making me feel like a valued guest rather than just another customer. The products at Eataly Caffè are a love letter to Italian culinary tradition, crafted with meticulous attention to quality. I started my morning with a cornetto, freshly baked and delightfully flaky, paired with an espresso made from Eataly’s exclusive 100% Arabica blend roasted in Italy. The coffee was rich, aromatic, and perfectly balanced, rivaling the best I’ve had in Rome. For lunch, I opted for a slice of Roman-style pizza alla pala, which was a revelation—crisp yet airy, topped with high-quality ingredients that burst with flavor. The grab-and-go options, from vibrant salads to hearty panini stuffed with fresh mozzarella and Italian salumi, are thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented, making them ideal for a quick yet indulgent meal. The gelato, handcrafted by Eataly’s chefs, was a highlight—creamy, intensely flavored, and made with premium ingredients like Sicilian pistachios and Venchi chocolate from Torino. The curated retail section also impressed, offering Eataly’s Signature line of products, from extra virgin olive oil to artisanal pastas, perfect for bringing a taste of Italy home. What sets Eataly Caffè apart is its ability to marry convenience with authenticity. The 4,200-square-foot space, with its 42 dine-in seats, is designed to evoke the bustling charm of an Italian piazza, creating an inviting atmosphere whether you’re lingering over a coffee or grabbing a quick bite. The seasonal menu, with exclusive quarterly drops, keeps the offerings fresh and exciting, ensuring there’s always something new to try. My experience was elevated by the café’s attention to detail, from the sustainable sourcing of ingredients to the impeccable presentation of every dish. In short, Eataly Caffè at Rockefeller Center is a gem that delivers la dolce vita in every bite and sip. The exceptional service, paired with top-tier products, makes it a must-visit for anyone craving an authentic Italian experience in the heart of NYC. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, this café is sure to leave you savoring the moment—and planning...
Read moreEataly is a vibrant Italian concept that offers far more than a typical coffee shop. The variety is impressive—freshly baked pizzas, sandwiches, salads, pastas, desserts, gelato, and even gourmet chocolates. The displays are beautiful, and the food quality is genuinely good.
I ordered a flat white ($6.90) and a spicy salami pizza ($9.90). The pizza was delicious but had to be eaten right away after heating, which meant I had to eat standing up while waiting for my coffee, which wasn’t ready yet. Altogether, I paid $18 for a small pizza and a coffee, which feels quite pricey, especially considering the lack of table service and limited seating organization.
The main downside is the seating. There’s no system in place, so you often see one person taking up a table for four while others are left standing. I personally ended up spending about 45 minutes eating without a proper table. Tables are rarely cleared promptly, which only makes the situation worse. In the middle of the restaurant, there’s a big central display with a shared table, but it feels like wasted space. Smaller single tables would work better, especially since many people come here to work on laptops.
The concept itself is excellent, and the food and coffee live up to the brand. However, for a place charging nearly $20 for a quick pizza and coffee, the service and seating really fall short. A bit more attentiveness in clearing tables and reorganizing the layout would elevate the overall experience to match the Eataly brand name.
#AshCertified: 3/5 ✅ Great coffee & authentic food ❌ Pricey for what you get, service & seating...
Read moreThis is located at the corner of 6th Ave and 49th street. I was very excited to come here and even though we were glad we did, overall was okay. I know it’s New York and it’s located in very popular spot but everything is just overpriced. We got pizza and panna cotta but $16 for a slice of pizza and even panna cotta was basically $17 which is crazy to me. The panna cotta should be like $12 max. We enjoyed the food and we are glad we experienced that but once is good. We would probably go somewhere else to grab pizza and dessert. And I didn’t like we had to repeat our order at the cash register. Someone else already got our pizza order and put them in the oven but staff don’t really communicate so the cashier asked us what pizza we ordered….I don’t remember the name of the pizza! I’m glad I took a picture of the pizza I ordered.lol We had to make sure she got everything we ordered. She was very nice though. The guy who took on our pizza order was okay. He had no smile or whatsoever but it’s pretty common in the US and probably he was tired. Anyway, if you want to visit, you should visit this store once, but I think once would be good enough. It’s a new place so it’s clean and nice inside. Just $16-17 a piece is overpriced in my opinion even in NY...
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