Stories from the Lucciola table: Italian fine dining, wine culture, tasting experiences, private dining, and the people who shape our restaurant on the Upper West Side.
Lucciola Blog
Stories from the Lucciola Table
This is where we collect the ideas, dinners, wines, ingredients, and moments that define Lucciola. Some stories begin in the kitchen, others at the table, others in the cellar. Together, they reflect our way of thinking about Italian fine dining in New York City: with time, coherence, and intention.
All | Restaurant | By Chef MCM | Italian Food Culture | Wine | Wine Dinners | Events | Press & Awards
Private Dining in New York: Why Italian Food Turns a Gathering Into a Gift
In December 2025, Italy became the first country in history to have its entire cuisine recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. At Lucciola NYC, that tradition shapes every private dining experience — eighteen seats, one table, and recipes that belong to a heritage now formally worth protecting. From graduation dinners to intimate celebrations, this is Italian food as it was meant to be shared.
A Graduation Dinner at Lucciola NYC Feels Like a Private Party
Eighteen seats. A tasting menu by Chef Michele Casadei Massari. Lucciola on the Upper West Side is the graduation dinner in NYC that feels like a private party — intimate Italian dining for the people who made the degree possible.
Show Love for Your Mom. Bring Her To Italy, at Lucciola NYC
An intimate Mother's Day dinner at Lucciola NYC — eighteen seats, a seasonal Italian tasting menu, and an evening designed for conversation. Upper West Side, New York.
Treasure Your Mistakes: What Chef Michele Casadei Massari Learns Every Spring
How does an award-winning Italian chef choose where to eat in New York City? Chef Michele Casadei Massari of Lucciola NYC reveals his three criteria: ingredients, technical execution, and value — and the surprising role that past mistakes play in recognizing greatness.
The Allure of White Truffle: A Culinary Gem
Discover the allure of white truffle in our latest article, where we explore its origins, harvesting, and culinary uses. Lucciola is the first restaurant in the USA to feature white truffle on its menu. Come and enjoy the creations of Chef Michele Casadei Massari for a unique culinary experience. Book now for an unforgettable dining experience.
Parmigiano Reggiano: A Legacy Carved in Cheese
Parmigiano Reggiano: a symphony of complex flavors encased in a crumbly texture, embodying centuries of Italian artisanal tradition and culinary excellence.
New York, a dinner to save the Garisenda Tower in Bologna
Mortadella, Parmigiano Reggiano, and tortellini on the menu of the fundraising event organized by chef Michele Casadei Massari. Governor Bonaccini: "Bologna was the Manhattan of the past." It takes 20 million to get it back on its feet.
AUTHENTIC TORTELLINI RECIPE
Originating from Italy's Bologna region, tortellini pasta has a unique belly-button shape inspired by the goddess Venus. Authentic tortellini are crafted from a flour-and-egg dough filled with pork, mortadella, and raw ham. After being shaped, they're boiled in a flavorful hen broth. This timeless Italian recipe continues to delight palates globally.
Parmigiano reggiano cheesecake
I love Parmigiano Reggiano cheesecake for its exceptional flavor, luxurious texture, gourmet appeal, unexpected twist, and creative possibilities. It's a delightful dessert that always brings me joy.
