Il Postino Italian Restaurant by Restaurateur Luigi Russo has opened a new location on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, at 133 E. 61st St., according to a press release Wednesday. The restaurant is the “rebirth” (relocation) of the former 49th Street location of the same name.
The historied building’s exterior — once home to Nanni Il Valleto — was refreshed with orange awnings and inside, Il Postino offers leather banquets, crystal chandeliers, and dual fireplaces to complement its menu of pasta, fish, meats, salads, and accompaniments including truffles, figs, prosciutto, and buffalo mozzarella.
Carni offerings include Grilled Sirloin, Filet Mignon in port wine sauce, Lemon Chicken, Lamb with sweet garlic sauce, and several choices of veal, including Bone-in, Milanese, or the Double Cut Grilled Veal Chop — one of the best available, according to Luigi Russo.
“Nanni was one of the first in the United States to offer Italian food as it’s served in Italy,” Russo said. “At our new Il Postino location on the Upper-East side, we appreciate these same traditions, the way that I was taught to cook when I was only five years old.”
Il Postino’s Crudo Menu features salmon, tuna, octopus, oysters, baby cuttlefish, and sea bass — each dish brought to life with cold-pressed virgin olive oil from Italy, balsamic vinegars, fresh herbs, aromatics, and other Mediterranean spices.
“We’re bringing back the glamour of the 1950s & ’60s,” Russo said. “Il Postino has that elegant vibe without the pretentiousness. It’s become apparent hearing from friends and customers that those excited for the revival of New York City will enjoy the classic appeal of fine Italian cooking in a welcoming and opulent atmosphere.”
Il Postino is open seven days a week for dinner 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., 10:30 p.m. on Sundays, and lunch Monday through Friday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., with Saturday hours coming soon.
