A true New York dining room experience - bright, beautiful, and layered with character. Cecchi’s brings a mix of classic energy and modern polish, tucked into a sprawling space with subtle design shifts that create a new feel depending on where you sit. A best seller on their menu - the burger.
The Burger: Cecchi’s Burger (Honorable Mention). House sauce, American cheese, pickled green tomatoes, fries. A very thick patty, dense brioche bun, and heavy layer of American cheese make up the foundation here. The house sauce leans mustardy, while pickled green tomatoes bring acidity. The burger is served piping hot, with visible crisscross grill marks on the top bun. Super salty and crisp shoestring fries are piled high on the side, along with a vinegary slaw and fresh vegetables. I recommend leaving the veggies where they lie and eating this one as it comes. Portions are generous throughout.
Pro Tip: The full menu at Cecchi’s is strong across the board, with standout sides, cocktails, and desserts. The San Gennaro in a Blanket is the perfect start to any meal, and the extra-flaky onion rings are a must-order. The creamed spinach is another highlight, rich and well-executed. Cocktails are excellent, and desserts hold their own, rounding out a meal that's consistently solid beyond the burger.
The Occasion & Vibe: Date Night / Reservations Recommended. Cecchi’s hums with energy even on a Tuesday night. Whether you’re perched at the bar or tucked into a velvet booth, the atmosphere feels classic but never stuffy - perfect for a date night or celebratory dinner. Large art murals, a vibrant front dining room, and a tucked-away back room each offer their own atmosphere, making it a restaurant you’ll want to revisit again and again just to experience its different corners.
The Location: 13th Street & 6th Avenue.
Bonus Thought: Being one of their biggest sellers, I wonder if I caught the burger on an off night. Every other dish I saw at nearby tables looked incredible - it’s places like this that make me wish I didn’t have such a responsibility to the burger (at least for one meal).