Caffe Taci

My husband and I had a wonderful time at Tacci’s this past Saturday night. I literarily felt as if I had been transported to a European saloon. The food was French influenced — I had the french onion soup, red snapper, and apple tartin. Everything was delicious. It was so pleasant to hear live music by the talented pianist — I believe her name is Eeva. Different singers would come and put their notes on her piano and she would play music alongside their Opera singing. It was so much fun to hear both the well known and less recognizable arias. The singers were very talented and they created a lively, amusing, and engaging ambiance. Last but not least, the Italian brothers that host this evening — are just delightful. They warmly welcomed us to the restaurant, joined in the singing, and stopped by our table to make sure that we were having a good time. Since it was my birthday all the singers came to serenade me — which was really sweet and also a little embarrassing! In any case, I am so happy to have discovered Caffe Taci. Its a hidden gem in New York City and a wonderful way to spend a Saturday night in an intimate setting with good food, new friends, and Opera.

I had an amazing time! Food was great and so was the entertainment. Parking was difficult, but it’s Manhattan and we shouldn’t have driven. Great time last weekend!

Caffé Taci is going to be my new go-​to when I’m in the city. I’ve been telling everyone about it since we went… we had such a great time! It is a charming hidden gem on 54^th street, with phenomenal entertainment. We were looking for a late night place to get a few drinks, when we stumbled upon this place. Of all my times in the city I couldn’t believe I’ve never been here before!
These singers are among the best I’ve heard — they sing with such passion, we were truly mesmerized, and the acoustics are amazing. Leopoldo is a doll; he really welcomed us and made us feel like family. We sat upstairs until the show was over and then stayed for more drinks. The wine was flowing, and we were hardly keeping track of time when we realized it was 2 a.m.
I should note you don’t need to be an opera fan to enjoy this place; my boyfriend’s not big into opera but even he had a blast. We can’t stop talking about it! Everyone was so nice and the place itself is romantic and intimate, in a convenient location with a view of 54^th street. We will most definitely be back!

Good atmosphere and furnishings, and fine entertainment if you’re an opera buff, which unfortunately I’m not. The host was very congenial. Our party had eaten already, so I was planning on just having dessert and a beverage. But when I was seated, I was surprised to see a small card on the table noting that there was a $ 35 per person minimum on opera nights. So, be warned. (We reseated ourselves in the bar area, which has no minimum.)
Although I can’t assess the quality of the food, I did note on the menu that entrees range in price from $ 15 for a hamburger to $ 38 for lamb chops or filet mignon. Appetizers average about $ 15.
They do take credit cards now, though.

Really cool place if you like opera! Leopoldo is super nice and very welcome. It’s not recommended if you wanna talk to much but nice spot if you wanna listen new great talents for free! ;)

Caffe Taci and Opera is a place very near and dear to my heart. Never have I been treated so wonderful by the staff and owner, Leopoldo Mucci. My friend and I went on our birthdays and he seated us up front and had the opera singers sing to us and sing us Happy Birthday and all. I thought it was so special. How many people can say they have been sung Happy Birthday to by professional opera singers! The food was delicious and the staff, wonderful and friendly. Will be going back every time I visit New York!

Alas, I must agree with Victor L. that the only reason I give Caffee Taci four stars is because they accept cash only. And actually, I would be willing to bump that to four and a half stars because they do have an atm in the back.
I try to make it to Caffe Taci each time I am in New York which usually involves an hour-​long excursion on foot to find the place (Mercer and Waverly is not the most memorable of intersections).
Although I enjoy the food and wine selections, for me the main reason to come here is for the opera. On Friday and Saturday nights after about 8:30 or so, dining guests are treated to some truly spectactular performances. The acoustics in the restaurant and amazing, and each performance seems better than the last. Singers choose crowd pleasing favorites, lesser known arias, solos, duets, and as a finale I have twice seen them pull each performer on stage one-​by-​one as an added voice to a powerful rendition of the ever-​popular O Sole Mio.
The setting is close, intimate with, if I remember correctly, candles lighting small tables. The owner/​manager wanders through the crowd, greeting everyone, myself included, as an old friend.
Although I initially stumbled upon this place accidentally (hence the trouble with finding it easily again) almost two years ago and was seated without a wait, subsequent visits have proved Caffe Taci’s popularity continues to grow. I would suggest getting there early for a pre-​dinner cocktail in case of a wait, or try to make reservations.

Cash only.
The reason why i’m giving this 4 stars is because it is a perfect place for exactly when I want to go to well, that kind of place. They have simple, delicious Italian food with some more classic American fare (which I skip over, the fries aren’t much of anything). Its a cute, mid-​sized place with opera nights (which I’ve never seen but I’ve heard its quite boisterous) on weekends after a certain time, you can check it all out on the website.
I always go here by myself or with a friend just for a quick dinner early in the evening. It always fits the bill in that way. It was the first little restaurant I went to when I came to NYU and will always been one of my favorite little places. A sentimental favorite if you will. Close to my heart. but not as close as Ponderosa (seems to be a running theme in some of my reviews).
I suggest the pasta if you like your pasta softer like me, they aren’t much into al dente, but the Italian staff certainly is accommodating. I usually get something simple here like chicken or spaghetti pomodoro, it works everytime. Their salads are terrific as well, and fairly large for the money.
Its a place where simplicity really rules and its always a nice and relaxing dinner here, and inexpensive as well (although they raised the price a little bit from when I first started going, but hey inflation does that).