ZipPicks Awards
Best Italian in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Master Critic Review
Audace NYC
8.8
Audace sits on Park Avenue South with a glamorous dining room and rooftop-adjacent bar, channeling modern Italian fine dining through handmade pastas, elaborate pizzas and plated mains. It’s built for special-occasion nights where cocktails, skyline peeks and richly sauced courses all matter as much as the food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pizza Audace, Linguine ai Gamberi di Mazara, Tortello Cacio e Pepe Napoletano
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Design-forward Italian dining room with elaborate pastas, signature pizzas and rooftop-adjacent energy.
Who should go: Couples and small groups planning a splashy Italian night out.
When to visit: Prime Friday or Saturday seatings for full bar and rooftop buzz.
What to order: Pizza Audace, Linguine ai Gamberi, Tortello Cacio e Pepe.
Insider tip: Plan time for cocktails before or after dinner to enjoy the rooftop atmosphere.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very limited on Park Avenue South, especially after 6pm. Nearby paid garages are the most reliable option for dinner reservations.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy — jeans are acceptable, but most guests lean fashionable and upscale for night dining.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is easy at early seatings, louder near the bar and later at night.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation during prime time
Weekday lunch: No wait to 10 minutes on most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pastas, pizzas, and antipasti can be ordered fully vegetarian without feeling like afterthoughts.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable-forward pastas and sides can be modified, but it’s not a vegan-driven menu.
Gluten-free options: Limited — gluten-free pasta may be available on request, but cross-contact is possible in the kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the glamorous room, strong cocktail program, and shareable Italian dishes create a confident, romantic first-date setting without feeling too stiff.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights if you arrive early or late, but prime weekend hours almost always require a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children — the vibe skews upscale and nightlife-driven, better suited for teens and adults than families with small kids.
Best For
Better for: Special-occasion Italian dining, cocktails with skyline energy, and visually impressive pastas and pizzas in a glamorous setting.
Skip if: You’re looking for quiet neighborhood Italian comfort food, family dining, or budget-friendly portions without a scene.