ZipPicks Awards
Best Italian in Midtown East
Best Gluten-Free Restaurants in Midtown East
Best Date Night Italian in Midtown East
Master Critic Review
Bistango at The Kimberly
8.4
Nestled in the Kimberly Hotel lobby, this modern Italian destination has earned devotion from the gluten-free community with its dedicated allergen-free kitchen. Beyond dietary accommodations, the wood-fired flatbreads and homemade pastas deliver genuine Italian flavors in a cozy, candlelit setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Butternut Squash Ravioli, Fig and Speck Pizza, Squid Ink Lobster Ravioli
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Dedicated gluten-free kitchen preparing entire menu safely for celiac guests
Who should go: Gluten-sensitive diners and hotel guests seeking quality Italian
When to visit: Heated patio dining in mild weather or candlelit dinner
What to order: Gluten-free flatbreads, butternut squash ravioli, mascarpone cheesecake
Insider tip: The bread bar in the center serves freshly made gluten-free flatbreads with specialty toppings
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated parking. Street parking difficult in Midtown. Nearby garage options on 50th St. Subway: E/M at Lexington-53rd, 6 train at 51st St. Hotel guests have easy access from lobby
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy casual. Hotel lobby setting elevates expectations - nice jeans work but lean polished. Business attire common at lunch
Noise level: Intimate and conversation-friendly. Cozy hotel lobby setting keeps noise moderate. Outdoor patio offers quieter option in good weather
Weekend wait: 20-30 min without reservation. Brunch Sat-Sun can get busier. Reservations recommended but walk-ins welcomed
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait typically - popular with local business crowd but manageable. Reservations ensure promptness
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - many options including flatbreads, pasta dishes, salads, and vegetable-forward mains. Reviews praise the variety
Vegan options: Yes - accommodating with modifications. Grilled vegetables, salads, and pasta dishes can be prepared vegan. Staff knowledgeable about modifications
Gluten-free options: Check website for updated information
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice. Candlelit, intimate setting with charming hotel lobby ambiance creates romance without pretension. Moderate pricing ($$ range) removes financial stress. Heated outdoor patio perfect for warmer evenings. The wood-fired bread bar adds a conversation-starter element.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, walk-ins are welcomed. The intimate size means reservations are smart for weekend dinner and Saturday/Sunday brunch, but weekday lunch typically has availability. OpenTable reservations recommended for guaranteed seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Manageable for older kids who can sit through a meal. No dedicated kids menu, but pasta and flatbreads work well for younger palates. The intimate, candlelit atmosphere is better suited for date nights and business meals than family dinners with toddlers. Best for kids 8+.
Best For
Better for: The dedicated GF kitchen is unmatched in Midtown. Also ideal for health-conscious diners (antibiotic-free meats, sustainable seafood, seasonal produce) and those wanting an intimate hidden gem away from tourist crowds.
Skip if: You want a buzzy scene or large group celebration space. Also skip if you're seeking rock-bottom prices or traditional red-sauce Italian-American portions. The intimate setting doesn't suit boisterous parties or groups larger than 8