$$$$ • Siciliana • Midtown East
La Terra — Italian for "the earth" — is a warm, inviting Italian restaurant in Midtown East, rooted in the soulful flavors of Southern Italy. Founded by Puglia native and longtime neighborhood restaurateur Luigi Scarpelli with lifelong Midtown East resident Nicholas Ober, La Terra pairs tradition with a contemporary touch. Start with mozzarella-stuffed Polpette della Mamma, grilled Polpo alla Molese, or Fritto Misto, then discover house-made pastas including Orecchiette alla Barese and the signature Spaghetti all’Assassina — crispy, spicy tomato spaghetti topped with burrata. Fresh seafood, veal classics, Tuscan rib-eye, Italian desserts, a thoughtful wine list, and cocktails made with Luigi’s homemade limoncello complete the menu. Near Sutton Place and the United Nations, the brick-and-wood bar and cozy dining room welcome weekday lunches, date nights, family dinners, and gatherings with friends.
