Sometimes you go to a restaurant with few expectations and are pleasantly surprised. That was my experience when I had lunch at Amata, which in Italian means beloved. Amata is located at 209 E. 56th Street, and the food was marvelous!
Quaint and Lively
On their website, under story, Amata writes…
AMATA IS A VIBRANT YET COZY ITALIAN RESTAURANT SERVING DELICIOUS TRADITIONAL ITALIAN FARE WITH A MODERN FLAIR. In east midtown Manhattan, NYC, Amata boasts a large, splendidly decorated room with white linen service, sidewalk café seating, a quaint and lively bar, and a smaller intimate space for private events and functions. AMATA is the coming together of decades of NYC-based restaurant experience and decades of friendship, represented by restaurateur Jack Dorrian.
I agree, and here are some photos to show you around.

A street view of Amata Cucina Midtown NYC. Photo by Sora Vernikoff

Bar seating at Amata Cucina Midtown NYC. Photo by Sora Vernikoff

Dining area at Amata Cucina Midtown NYC. Photo by Sora Vernikoff

Dining at Amata Cucina Midtown NYC. Photo by Sora Vernikoff
Keep It Simple
I was moderately hungry and chose to keep it simple.
I ordered Broiled Atlantic Salmon with honey-dijon mustard sauce, sliced potatoes, and bok choy.

Salmon, potatoes, and Bok Choy. Photo by Sora Vernikoff
Delizioso! With salmon perfectly prepared, the potatoes and Bok Choy were a tasty accent!
For dessert, I chose Fresh Seasonal Mixed Fruits.

Fresh seasonal, mixed fruits at Amata Cucina in Midtown New York. Photo by Sora Vernikoff
Fresh and Delectable
Each berry was fresh and delectable. I loved it.
If you find yourself in Midtown, definitely check out Amata.
It won’t disappoint!
Readers may also enjoy our reviews of Sardi’s, TBar, El Parador Cafe, Chez Josephine. and The Butcher’s Daughter in Manhattan.