As they say, if you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere. Casa Tua has done the latter, with locations from Miami to Paris. But now, it’s taken over the iconic space in The Surrey. While Cafe Boulud was beloved and fit right in with the Surrey’s old school Upper East Side locale, Casa Tua brings a new vibe. In fact, Casa Tua is part of a new of restaurants that makes the Upper East Side cool. With a slew of noteworthy new spots, the Upper East Side has essentially become the new Downtown. But does Casa Tua New York have staying power? This is the review.

Atmosphere

The Surrey was always an elegant space. But when they closed their doors, it was for a much-needed renovation. Today, The Surrey has never looked more elegant, and Casa Tua brings a European sensibility and hospitality to the space. The former Cafe Boulud is now the trendy lounge that is always full in the evenings. What was formerly the bar area is now the day-to-night Casa Tua restaurant. Both spaces have their own unique design, but are clearly part of a theme of classic-yet-contemporary chic decor. Both feel more like you’re in an elegant villa or home, which creates a more personal atmosphere.

Casa Tua has always had a knack for creating a vibe that is both higher brow but also comfortable and welcoming. They know how to just add that right ambience, driven by lighting and design, and that’s on full display at their new home at The Surrey. The restaurant is contemporary and warm, with modern art and an almost cheerful atmosphere. The lounge is more caramel and slightly dimmed, but either way, the people-watching is a highlight. Even if I have not one bite of food (more on that later), the vibe is such a highlight that 90% of my rating is based on the atmosphere. This is where to see and be seen on the Upper East Side nowadays.

Food + Beverage

For a place that is crushing it on atmosphere, the food is pretty decent. However, for full disclosure, if you read the reviews, the restaurant gets crushed in the cuisine department. I’ll break it down into the breakfast and lunch component, and then the coveted dinner spots. During the day, Casa Tua is a chill restaurant to drop in to for a solid omelet or simple salad for lunch. In the evenings, that’s where the kitchen get slammed and serves dinner to people who expect a lot. I think that’s where the disappointment comes into play. The decor and exclusivity set an expectation for an elevated dining experience.

I think everyone agrees that the food isn’t getting a Michelin star. However, a meal at Casa Tua is better than 80% of the restaurants in the neighborhood. Personally, if I’m not at Casa Tua for a work breakfast or lunch, I much prefer the lounge for dinner. They serve a limited menu of Italian specialties from the main restaurant — but I go for the sushi, which is a side dish to the scene for me.

Service

I’ve had nothing but the best service from the first night that I went to Casa Tua New York, shortly after it opened. However, I know that that’s not a consistent experience, even among my circle of girlfriends. I’ve heard stories of attitude from the hosts at the main restaurant, but I haven’t had that experience personally. It doesn’t surprise me, as the Upper East Side crowd can be intense. I most consistently eat and drink in the lounge area, and this is where the elegant European hospitality shines most. Not only is everyone really easy on the eyes, it’s nice to know that chivalry isn’t dead. They don’t take reservations from non-members (which is what I am). But the team always does their best to squeeze me in with friends for our usual drop-ins. Bartenders and waitstaff go out of their way for us whenever we come in. I know that hasn’t been the experience for everyone. But this is a place where the relationship between client and service staff goes both ways.

Overall: 8/10

For atmosphere alone, Casa Tua is one of my favorite neighborhood spots on the Upper East Side.

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FAQs

Q: Where is Casa Tua New York located?

A: Casa Tua New York is located in the reopened Surrey Hotel at 20 E 76th St, New York, NY 10021. 

Q: What are the hours of operation of Casa Tua New York?

A: The hours of operation of Casa Tua New York depend on whether you are dining at the restaurant or the lounge. The hours of operation of the restaurant are as follows: