A Taste of Milan on the Upper East Side

The Upper East Side (UES) is renowned for its upscale boutiques, pre-war buildings, and top-quality eateries. As a fanatic for good food and an honorary Upper East Side resident, I have explored a range of eateries in the area over the course of many years. None, however, are quite like Sant Ambroeus, an Italian dining experience based on Madison Avenue, on the UES. Celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, this restaurant is certainly not to be missed.

Sant Ambroeus’s extensive menu is perfect no matter the time of day; they are sure to have something to satisfy your cravings.* For their breakfast menu at the UES flagship, they offer lighter options, such as cornetto pastries, fruit salad, or their signature yogurt parfait — with a vegan yogurt option — topped with fresh berries and organic granola. They also provide a variety of egg-centered options, including a delicious build-your-own omelette with fresh vegetables, cheeses, and meats, as well as eggs Benedict, which can be served with ham or smoked salmon. If you would prefer to start the day off with something sweet, Sant Ambroeus has it all, ranging from their classic oatmeal, topped with seeds and fresh fruit, to griddle pancakes with a variety of optional additions, such as cinnamon. For those who are not breakfast people and would rather start their day off light, Sant Ambroeus has a fine selection of teas, coffees, and specialty lattes that are sure to put a spring in your step.

If you thought the breakfast menu was impressive, just wait for the lunch/dinner menu. This lengthy menu features an assortment of dishes that are suitable for herbivores and omnivores alike. Their list of appetizers includes classic Italian dishes, such as minestrone soup made with seasonal vegetables, a caprese that is built on a “Kumato tomato,” a dark, tangy hybrid variety of tomato, as well as thinly sliced beef carpaccio that is topped off with 24-month aged Parmigiano. Additionally, they offer a variety of fish-centered appetizers, including seared ahi tuna in a red wine vinaigrette, shrimp cocktail topped with fresh parsley, and yellowtail hamachi.

Sant Ambroeus additionally provides an abundance of fresh salads, ranging from a classic Caesar to a unique Ventresca tuna salad, as well as a hearty lentil salad, all of which can be topped with chicken, a boiled egg, or salmon for extra protein. The pasta menu is just as exceptional and features daily, house-made pasta that can be topped with anything from lamb ragu to Manila clams or fresh pesto. The main courses offered at this eatery are just as well-rounded and include Milanese veal, branzino, and their hallmark burger, to name a few. As for vegetarian options, they offer the classic eggplant parmigiana, as well as seasonal vegetables topped with whipped goat cheese, in addition to their many pastas and vibrant salads.

The menu also includes an assortment of sandwiches served as tea sandwiches or warm pressed paninis, as well as an arrangement of meats and cheeses presented on focaccia or home-baked crusty rolls. The menu finishes off strong with the dessert, coffee, and cocktail sections. The Italian-inspired dessert menu is one that can only be described as truly authentic, with traditional desserts such as Principessa — a sponge cake topped with marzipan — and tiramisu. Furthermore, a medley of fruit tarts appears on the menu, alongside flaky pastries and rich mousse.

You will never get bored of the dessert menu at Sant Ambroeus, especially since there is a daily selection of cakes and biscotti (cookies) that only gets better every day. The coffee menu has it all, from about a dozen options of coffee — ranging from multiple types of espresso to classic Americanos — to specialty lattes, such as the Cappuccino Viennese (essentially a cross between an espresso and hot chocolate) and the classic chai latte. I personally can speak on behalf of the chai latte as being one of the best of my life, which means a lot, coming from a chai connoisseur. Finally, the last of this very extensive menu is the cocktail section, which entails everything from dozens of liqueurs and spirits to spritzes and non-alcoholic drinks to wrap it all up. You may say whatever you like about Sant Ambroeus, but the one thing that cannot be denied is that you will certainly never run out of options here.

Walking into Sant Ambroeus, no matter which location you set foot in, is as if you are being transported right into the heart of Milan. The interior is characterized by warm lighting, rustic seating and refined wooden tables, as well as mustard, salmon, and green velvet accents that are reminiscent of the 1970s. The art is a thoughtful blend of vintage Italian paintings and sculptures that serve as an homage to the restaurant’s roots. The “Plate Wall” at their SoHo location, for example, is a symbol of Milanese hospitality and is exactly that: a wall of hand-painted plates to tell the story of their heritage and the connections made at Sant Ambroeus. Several of these plates feature logos of famous fashion brands and have just recently been updated for their 90th anniversary.

However, if you are unable to stop by and check out the stunning interiors and have a delicious meal yourself, options for delivery are always available on the Sant Ambroeus website. Additionally, if you are as impressed with Sant Ambroeus as we are, you can opt to use them for private events or catering. They do everything from cocktail receptions and dinner parties to corporate events and weddings. What they have to offer does not just end there; they also host private events, meaning that you can bring your celebration to select Sant Ambroeus locations, which can be booked through their website. Sant Ambroeus also offers a unique twist on catering with their new, beautifully packaged catering boxes. These elegant boxes offer restaurant-quality, ready-to-serve cuisine that is just as delicious as actually being at the restaurant itself. The delivery is White Glove, and setup services can optionally be offered by request. These signature boxes can contain classic Italian dishes for all three meals of the day, as well as the most important meal of all, dessert. Please check for order requirements and further details on their website. Whether you can make it into Sant Ambroeus to witness the intricately detailed interiors and spectacular food for yourself, or if you would prefer to use their services for private events or catering, prepare to be impressed.

Sant Ambroeus is an Upper East Side landmark, and it has come a long way since its humble beginnings. Originating in Milan in 1936, the restaurant began with two pastry chefs who sought to indulge the taste buds of Milan’s high society. The restaurant quickly gained recognition and soon became associated with the well-respected quality of Milanese culture. In 1982, the restaurant expanded into the U.S., starting with its UES flagship, where its popularity only grew. As of the present day, Sant Ambroeus has opened five restaurants in New York City, not including the several pop-ups in major hotels, with various others across the country and one in Paris. Each Sant Ambroeus restaurant shares a common goal: “an unwavering commitment to quality.” So, with that in mind, be sure to stop by Sant Ambroeus to join the celebration of their 90th anniversary, whether that be for their limited-edition Milano ’36 cocktail or to enjoy their many delicious, high-quality bites.

*The Sant Ambroeus menu is specialized for each location that they serve, so be sure to check out their website for menus, since this portion will follow their flagship menu on Madison Avenue.