By Gus Saltonstall
Last week, an Upper West Side Italian restaurant was among the new additions to the Michelin Guide for New York.
Sempre Oggi at 164 West 75th Street, near the corner of Amsterdam Avenue, was one of 16 eateries in the state to be added to the Michelin Guide, which means the premiere restaurant review organization is both recommending the restaurant and considering it for their 2025 awards.
Those awards could include either a coveted Michelin star or a Michelin Bib Gourmand nod for restaurants that don’t break the bank to eat at. That being said, inclusion in the guide does not necessarily mean a restaurant will receive either honor.
Sempre Oggi only opened last spring and is backed by restaurateur Robert Guarino, who is also behind Upper West Side eateries Playa Betty’s and 5 Napkin Burger.
Here’s what the Michelin Guide had to say about the neighborhood Italian spot.
“Cavernous and contemporary with gold busts enhancing the space, it’s Italian in every way, especially on the menu,” the Michelin Guide wrote. “While they have plenty of the usual suspects, these dishes are given a bit of flair (think fresh calamari with fresh herbs and crème fraîche). Order the rigatoni for a plate of house-made pasta interlaced with crispy guanciale and sauteed onion in a roasted tomato sauce, then for dessert, go classic tiramisu for an on-point iteration in all of its fluffy, creamy delight.”
Other menu options include tortelloni cacio e pepe, linguini with blue crab, parsley and lemon breadcrumbs, housemade stracciatella with beets and honey, almond crusted halibut, veal coteletta alla milanese, and more.
Sempre Oggi, which means “always today,” has a hyper-seasonal menu that changes daily based on what ingredients are the freshest.
You can find out more about the restaurant — HERE.
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There are so many good Italian trattorias on the UWS I haven’t gotten around to trying this one. Once I find a place I love I get lazy. Still haven’t been to Felice, on Columbus and 71st, and I only live a block away. What are people’s favorite Italian places on the UWS?
You hadn’t said, but please let us know what Italian restaurant you currently love. Thanks!
Definitely Felice!
Had a fabulous meal there last year. Didn’t realize until now how recently it had opened.
there are many decent Italian restaurants in our hood but this one is a cut above. And not ridiculously priced. I also appreciated that although we had an early table on a bust night we were never rushed
Been there 2x and it disappointed badly. Dumbfounded how it could have even gathered a notice by Michelin.
Completely agree. Horribly noisy. Food okay, but nothing special. I just don’t get the hype.
“Italian in every way”, including noise!
No-Loud restaurants are not Italian…All Europeans have too much respect for food and meals.
‘Noise’ ?? You’re talking about the vibe here in New York I hope! You cant hear yourself think never mind about actually having a two way conversation !! Eating in a restaurant in NYC these days and expecting to be able to hear what anyone at your table is saying is a total myth!! Horrendous! …Better off going to Europe! It ain’t that far away and especially worth the effort!
The food is strong and the space is attractive with good vibes. A cut above the typical mid Italian
Very nice, a bit pricey but worth it. Good ambience!
Well deserved- great food, service and ambience.
Congratulations!
I’m looking forward to trying it. That said, it baffles me as to why serious restaurants don’t have their wines listed on their menu pages, particularly Italian (and no doubt other cuisines) when wine is considered an intrinsic part of the meal. Sempre!
it’s Italian in every way, especially on the menu,” the Michelin Guide wrote. “While they have plenty of the usual suspects, these dishes are given a bit of flair (think fresh calamari with fresh herbs and crème fraîche).
Calamari with creme fraiche doesn’t exist here in Italy.
As an avid fan since last May, I’m glad it’s getting the recognition and also hope that it doesn’t get too super crazy. The noise level varies depending on where you sit and when you go. Re: service their experienced servers deserve five stars. Constantly good pasta, wonderful and innovative antipasti, decadent dessert, and a wonderful list of amaro if you are into digestifs.
I went when it opened and thought the space was lovely, but the food disappointed so I didn’t run back. We are blessed with other great options for Italian.
I believe those owners of 5 Napkin & Playa Beatty also own Nice Matin and they certainly do have the “Midas Touch”. The owner Bob at this place is so very warm and charming while the pasta I have had was to die for. Salute Sempre Oggi!
I’m sort of disappointed in most of the Italian restaurants on the Upper West Side, they all seem to have the same menu competing with each other and you know what else I don’t like, they never change the entrées on the menus! I find exploring downtown has a better menu choice of Italian restaurants, especially in the 20s.
There are so many Italian restaurants in the 20s in NYC, please let us know which ones you’ve liked, even tho they’re not in the UWS, they’re an easy trip downtown. Thanks!
Try Orto Mare.. it’s so wonderful hidden treasure. The food is magnificent, the sauces are all freshly made, delivery comes piping hot., I don’t like teramitsu but theirs is magnificent! This restaurant is the real find.
Waiting for Gray’s Papaya to be added to the Michelin Guide.
Micheln Guide is for food – which Gray’s Papaya isn’t.
Much like some others here, we find ourselves returning to the same restaurant over and over.
I would love to hear from others, what your favorite medium priced restaurants are on the UWS. Especially in the 80’s and 90’s.
Sempre Oggi is a welcome addition to our neighborhood. Excellent food, service and ambiance. Prices are reasonable.