Sempre Oggi

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Sempre Oggi NYC Review | Modern Italian on the Upper West Side

Sempre Oggi: Always Today on the Upper West Side

On 75th Street, just steps from Central Park and the Beacon Theater, Sempre Oggi brings a philosophy of presence to the table. Its name means “always today,” and that spirit guides everything from the hand-rolled pastas made each morning to the daily-changing menus that follow the rhythm of the season.

The restaurant describes itself as “casually elegant yet rooted in tradition,” a place where Italian nonna wisdom meets the mindful restraint of modern design. Owner Robert Guarino and his team have created a space that feels both polished and warm—a neighborhood spot that also earns its place on lists like the Michelin Guide and the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence (2024). The wine program, recognized for its depth and quality, complements a menu built around peak vegetables, house-made focaccia, and ingredients sourced from New York farms and markets.

Dishes shift daily, but the kitchen’s voice is clear: a Sempre Caesar with little gem romaine and creamy dressing, housemade stracciatella with seasonal accents, or a pasta like fusilli with traditional pesto genovese. The brunch menu offers an Italian twist on weekend classics—Cacio e Pepe scramble, ricotta pancakes, or baked eggs all’Amatriciana—served Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 2pm.

Thursday nights bring Vinyl Night, when friend David Kastin spins records from his personal collection at the bar, starting at 8pm. It’s an analog counterpoint to the evening’s energy, whether you’re settling in after a show at Lincoln Center or winding down with a spritz. The bar also hosts a daily Aperitivo Hour from 4pm to 6pm, featuring market-driven small plates and cocktails like the signature Oggi Martini.

Sempre Oggi is a modern Italian restaurant that lives in the present—seasonal, intentional, and rooted in the belief that every meal is worth celebrating.