by Linda Sheridan | Mar 23, 2026 | Dining
All photos by Nico Schinco.
Having only opened last month at the base of the MetLife Building, word has spread quickly about Giulietta, a lovely new Italian restaurant, designed with warm sunset tones and soft lighting that transports you to a Mediterranean coastline. On a recent Friday evening, the restaurant was filled to capacity with elegant, youthful diners celebrating the end of the work week.
From the team behind La Pecora Bianca, Giulietta’s sprawling 11,000 square foot all-day restaurant has three indoor dining areas, with an additional 6,000 square feet of dining space outdoors.
The extensive menu offers Italian signature dishes including Lobster Spaghetti “Fra Diavolo,” Chicken Milanese, Burrata di Puglia with heirloom tomatoes, and Neapolitan pizzas.
“Giulietta is our love letter to the Italian beach holiday—be it on the Riviera or the Amalfi Coast— an all-day escape built around bright, coastal flavors, effortless hospitality, and a sense of ease in the heart of Midtown,” said owner Mark Barak. The kitchen is led by Culinary Director Ed Scarpone—whose resume includes a decade with Daniel Boulud, leadership at Washington D.C.’s Michelin-starred Fiola, and five years as Corporate Chef for STARR Restaurants.
My best friend and I, celebrating her purchase of her new house, began our evening enjoying Affogato Espresso Martinis that were divine, with vodka, mr. black, creme de cacao, and vanilla float. It’s a creamier take on the classic cocktail, more to savor. There are many other tempting cocktail options, such as Life’s A Peach (amaro montenegro, creme de pêche, st. germain, apérol, prosecco) or the Zest la Vie (raspberry, reposado, bergamot, yuz) , as well as a wine menu, that will have to be tried on another occasion.
Next, we shared an appetizer of Fried Artichokes, with lemon aioli, that were perfectly seasoned and prepared, a taste of goodness to come. For our entrees, I went with the Chicken Milanese, generously portioned, topped with a balsamic vinaigrette, mozzarella and cherry tomatoes.
My friend also enjoyed a generously portioned Linguini Vongole (with clams), a classic dish from Naples, in a light, briny sauce of garlic and white wine.
Choosing a dessert was difficult; there were many delectable options, both of ours were heavenly. My friend had the decadent, must-try “Baci” sundae, with gianduja & vanilla soft-serve, chocolate sauce, and candied hazelnuts. I loved my berries with freshly whipped cream.
Beginning in April, The Giardino at Giulietta will introduce a seasonal outdoor Aperitivo bar and garden with seating for over 150 guests. A restored, original peach-colored Fiat “Spiaggina” parked in the main patio adds a chic, playful nod to the glamour of Italian beach clubs.
Giulietta is located at 200 Park Avenue. For reservations, visit giuliettanyc.com, or OpenTable.