Italian Mainstay Cacio E Pepe Opens Upper East Side Restaurant

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — After well over a decade downtown, the Italian eatery Cacio e Pepe has opened a second location on the Upper East Side, serving its namesake dish and a host of other specialties.

Founded in 2004 on Second Avenue in the East Village, Cacio e Pepe is known for its Roman pasta dish of the same name, which it serves tableside in a giant wheel of pecorino cheese.

It is co-owned by chefs Salvatore Corea and Guisto Priola, who both live on the Upper East Side and "saw a need to bring something new to the neighborhood," according to a news release.

The new Upper East Side location opened Monday at 1479 York Ave., near East 78th Street. The storefront was formerly home to the American restaurant Eastfield's.

"Thanks to the patronage of our loyal customers, combined with the generosity of our downtown and uptown landlords, we were able to do this during COVID," Salvatore said in a statement. "We want to spread joy to as many people as possible."

Other offerings include parmesan crème brulée, calamari stew and cauliflower veloutée. The restaurant has not yet received a liquor license, but is currently encouraging customers to bring their own wine and beer.

The York Avenue space boasts french doors that allow for a street-level "outdoor feel," as well as exposed brick walls and a marble-topped bar. Now open at 50 percent capacity, it can accommodate 25 guests, but is expected to go to full capacity on May 19 in accordance with eased state rules.

Cacio e Pepe is open for dinner Monday–Thursday, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday, 5 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, 12 p.m. to midnight and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Read more or make a reservation online.