(English below) Abbiamo frequentato il Santa Chiara Caffè durante la nostra vacanza a Manhattan. Conosciuto per caso è diventato la nostra tappa preferita per la colazione e non solo. Locale raffinato, pulito ed elegante, in pieno stile italiano con vista mozzafiato sullo skyline. Personale educato simpatico e competente. Cibo e bevande di una qualità top a prezzi moderati. Ma vogliamo raccontarvi di più. Al Santa Chiara Caffè tra i nostri preferiti: cornetti, crostate e piccola pasticceria…davvero eccellenti. Gelati artigianali cremosi e gustosi. Nulla è lasciato al caso, anche i nostri amici a quattro zampe erano super felici di fare colazione con i bellissimi biscottini per animali. Una menzione particolare per Enzo best omelettist in town. Last but not least, il proprietario Cristiano, gentile, educato, professionale, simpatico e generoso. Un posto da non perdere, infatti non vediamo l’ora di tornare…aspettateci! ****** We bumped into Santa Chiara Cafè by chance and after it became our favourite place for breakfast but not only…it is clean and elegant in classic italian style with a great view towards the Manhattan skyline. The staff is nice, polite and very skilled. Food and drinks are top quality with modest price. However, we want to tell you more; favourite food, among the others, are croissants, tart and all the deliciuos small cakes. Not to mention the excellent homemade ice creams. Nothing is left to chance, also our pet friends were super happy to taste the eccellent cookies. Special mention to Enzo who makes the best omelette in town. Last but not least, the owner Cristiano: polite, kind, nice, professional and very generous. Highly reccomended place, not to be missed, we are looking forward to go back again…wait for us!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

My fiancé & I have been excited to try Santa Chiara, hoping it was a new walkable option for great coffee. Our first experience went very poorly. Stepping up to the cash register to order, the cashier couldn’t be bothered to look up from her phone, even when asked a question about the menu. Still distracted and not looking up, she responded with an answer that made it clear she had not heard the question. Once I clarified my Fiancés question ( which was -what did the very first item on the menu come with), the cashiers response was I don’t know. Not let me find out or hold on one minute, just I don’t know and silence. After a bit of awkward silence, a coworker from the back jumps in and explains the answer to the cashier. Moving on, I ordered the eggs, Swiss, & ham only to hear a few moments later that sorry no they were either out of eggs or were not making them.(1:15PM Saturday). Next she ordered Prosecco which is on the menu, the cashier had to step away to check if they still had any. Lastly, my fiancé ordered an Iced Mocha coffee. Big surprise, they don’t have that. By this time it was obvious things were going poorly, a nice co-worker jumped in and said that’s okay we can use some chocolate powder to make a mocha. We intended to sit for a little while to experience the new place, but by the time we finished ordering it felt like we were the inconvenience to the staff for walking into the empty shop and ordering off the menu. We took our items to go. The shop looks great inside and out, it’s obvious someone spent a lot of time and money getting it ready to open. It’s unfortunate that just a few weeks after opening it’s being represented to potential customers by such unprofessional / unenthusiastic service.

Just bought a $93 panettone, and the princess girl on the second stall from the entry showed attitude throughout the process, I know the owners are nice so I ignored her, went to pay, came back and she continued to give me attitude with 'here' for my panettone, then I asked 'you have a bag', she said 'here' and handed to me. I had to stand there awkwardly, open the large bag, put the panettone and left feeling disrespected as a customer when I spent $93 for a panettone that should be half the price or lower than that. I almost wanted to walk to the owner and ask for refund and not take the panettone but instead walked out. Next year, I won't be buying a panettone from here and just go to Eatley. Tip : Hire people who are respectful to the customer the same way they would want to be treated as a customer somewhere else or train them. Also, I read other reviews where the responses to dissatisfied customers are counter arguments, please STOP THAT as this feels disrespected twice. Acknowledge that they didn't have a good experience but gracious enough to share, and show how things would change in the future. Aside from this, their cafe interior and location are cute but service is a hit or miss. If workers are nice, they seem disorganized and figuring things out. A serious customer service training or management is needed at this place.

I was very excited to see a new cafe in the neighborhood. This place has been a regular for me since they opened up. I love their gelato (seems very fresh and made there). I was told to only go to gelato spots that have their gelato covered since air degrades gelato. Their croissants are also lovely (especially the pistachio one!). Everything seems to be made on site and from scratch. I haven't tried their other drinks only loose tea which have all been delicious. My only complaint would be the hit or miss service from the staff. Lukewarm customer service from the college students they hire but everyone else was very nice! Will keep coming back, can't wait for better weather to enjoy the outside seating.
Food: 4
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 5

Food is good…if you get the right order. I usually do not leave reviews but I am just so disappointed with the service especially for this price. First, they accept orders on Seamless but do not actually ACCEPT them so I had to re-order when we got there. Then, I specifically went for their tiramisu for Father’s Day because my dad loves it and ordered 5 of them…got home, opened the jars, ZERO/NONE/NADA tiramisu in all the bags…i don’t even know what these pastries are that is substituted in but they are hella sweet and my dad cant even have this…ugh!!!!!
Service
Take out
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 4
Service: 2

My wife and I have been to Santa Chiara multiple times and, while pricey, the food has been really good and it reminds us of being in Italy. However, most recently, I had to stop in to use the restroom and was met with very rude and confrontational individuals who made it a point to show signs that restrooms were for customers only and I was not welcome at Santa Chiara. I reminded the staff that I had been a paying Santa Chiara customer quite a few times and felt taken aback by how they handled the situation. Needless to say, there are plenty of good Italian options in LIC and I will not be returning to Santa Chiara.

Santa Chiara is the best hangout in Hunters Point. The atmosphere is cute and cozy, and they have Italian pastries like ricotta e pere cake and sfogliatelle which aren't sold elsewhere in this neighborhood. I especially enjoy the festivals that Cristiano, the friendly owner, puts together, like the panettone festivals and pizza festival. It is beautiful that someone is bringing authentic Italian culture to this part of Queens, and I'm looking forward to checking out their new restaurant across the street when they open.

I absolutely LOVE this place! If my three year old son could write a review he would give 10 stars. Cristiano the owner is the kindest person. My son and I are regular morning customers, he always treats us so well. He recently made custom macaroons for private party for me and took the time to make sure every detail of what I asked was perfection. The croissants are by the far the best made of any bakery I have been to LIC and I'm looking forward to when his new pizzeria opens up! Literally the best place

Santa Chiara is one of the best cafe in LIC, especially for the best hot chocolate with real chocolate. I always order hot chocolate and It’s rich, creamy, with intense chocolate flavor. They chop the real chocolate and make hot chocolate with them. Today I ordered avocado panini with sunny-side egg which comes with fresh salad. It tasted great! The cafe in general has a good vibe with amazing interior, great music and friendly staffs. I highly recommend!

The staff didn’t seem friendly (seemed annoyed that I was asking questions about the type of pastries) and didn’t give me my change. Thanks for the response, Cristiano. Perhaps your staff member was spread too thin and we caught her at a bad time. She was the only one behind the counter. The change was $0.83 and I felt petty asking for it at the moment, especially when there was a line and she needed to assist the next costumer.

This caffe should serve as a standard to which all other similar caffès have to comply! If you like to enjoy ALWAYS good and same quality coffee, amazing cakes and nice Italian wine, then this is the place to go! Interior of the cafe is amazing, outside space is amazing, spacious and clean. I feel like I am in Europe. Finally someone to open something that looks great, it’s comfortable and with all quality products!

This is the best gelato I have tried in NYC. It's so creamy and tasty. I had pistachio and nuccatella. The gelato is same as one from Italy! The place is so cozy and stuff here is so kind and welcoming. Will definitely come back to try more tastes.
Service
Dine in
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Gelato

Amazingly delicious and authentic Italian cafe. Beautiful location and interior. Highly recommend their cappuccino, fresh filled cannolis, affogado with their homemade gelato, and semifreddos- all to die for. Closed mondays. Also, they are on Too good to go to eliminate food waste! Staff are friendly- especially the young guy who makes the espresso!

Came here for drinks and pizza, both were good. Service was on point. Currently there are two different venues next to each other, so you have to order pizza from one and drinks from the other. Maybe they’re undergoing changes/a shift and will be resolved soon. Not sure. Overall good and I would return once the location situation is sorted out.

Recently visited this newly opened Cafe and had a very nice time. The location and views are amazing. The "eats" are delicious and the staff was very friendly. The owner, Cristiano (he introduces himself to everyone) is very friendly and he makes you feel like you are in Italy while you are there. I highly recommend visiting Santa Chiara Cafe.

I work at the UN, across the river 2 minutes by Ferry. I often go to this cafe for a break, because I feel like I'm back in Europe, the environment, the flavors, the style, have nothing to do with American cafes, all the same, entering Santa Chiara you take a trip to Europe . The coffee is the best I've ever tasted and the pastry is divine

i tried over the summer a variety of gelatos and they were all were amazing!!!!!!! i also tried the almond crossaint, the almond french toast and a ricotta bread and they were all very good! the staff is very nice and friendly and they have pastries for pets!!!! i'll definitely come back and try more stuff here, love the vibe!!

Worst place ever. They charge you 9 dollars for a tiny cone of the most mediocre gelato. Also, it was all melted, the quantity is less than one scoop, and they serve it in an ugly way. They don’t show the ice cream price and it’s confusing. The customer service was poor. If you like gelato, please don’t waste your money here.

By far the best gelato that I’ve had in NYC - you have to come here if you’re nearby! The place is very cute and on the smaller side but there’s also an outdoor area. The menu is pretty extensive with different options but definitely get the gelato. Can’t wait to come back sometime soon and try some other flavors out!

I’ve been to Italy and I’m 100% sure that their gelatos won’t melt in just a minute. The taste is great but you have to eat your ice cream so quickly and real gelatos don’t melt like this
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 2
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 4

Sono stata in vacanza è stato il Nostro bar preferito cornetti buonissimi anche il caffè personale molto attenti e cordiali servizio eccellente proprietario molto disponibile e simpatico anche vincenzo molto preparato e simpaticissimo
Meal type
Breakfast
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Great place. Authentic Italian dessert pastries. Always friendly service. Only thing I might suggest is a little more variety on the breakfast pastry side. They need something a little more filling than croissants without ordering something from the kitchen. I can't make this a regular thing for this reason.

The girl behind the counter was very sweet, and customer service was excellent! Nice place and I would visit again and recommend it to anyone! I read a few bad reviews that other people have left and ignore them because they seem like a bunch of narcissist and the type of people you can never please.

Went there today and was super disappointed. There were two types of jelly doughnuts, for Hanukkah, and I bought one of each. They were dry, as if from days prior, and quite overpriced. The staff was also unpleasant. Very disappointed and feel like I’ve been cheated. I will not be returning.

This place is so cute - we’ve been a few times since they opened and got the sticky bun and gelato. They are still adding to their menu and can’t wait to see what else they will offer. The staff is wonderful and the place has a great vibe whether you’re sitting inside or out in the patio.

Great Italian place. Coffee ☕ was excellent and staff were friendly. Superb location on the water and cozy Italian vibes. Highly recommended
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Cristiano is a force of nature. I tasted Santa Chiara ice creams at a catered event and he was super professional and had some of the best tastes I aver tried. Please open a joint also in Manhattan. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Dovevo andare a Long Island City per mangiare uno dei gelati più buoni mai mangiato ,ben amalgamato gusto perfetto per essere chiari strepitoso , da andare per chi ha la possibilità di fare un salto a New York

This place is MASSIVELY underrated! Super aesthetic coffee shop, great authentic Italian desserts, open until 10pm, super friendly staff, patio area, food, great views… What more could you ask for!!

Finally a proper Italian cafe on the east river water front! Sipping a cold glass of dry rose watching the sunset over the city felt like we were on vacation. Heaven. Can’t wait to try the gelato!

Cozy and friendly cafe where you can enjoy a lot of Italian classics. It also has whine and food for lunch and dinner. Try the hot chocolate, is so good... They also have baked treats for dogs :)

Most amazing service and ambiance! Has an upscale yet relaxed European vibe. The high quality gelato is supremely authentic. Music was also really nice! A great addition to the neighborhood.

A thank you and a smile would be nice. I didn’t feel welcomed. Ordered two drinks. One was short and instead of making a little more expresso, the barista added more foam.
Service: 3

My experience was not good in this Caffe, poor customer service and I was surprised to see that the same person that cleans the bathroom also makes coffee...not very hygienic in my opinion.

Gelato is authentic and delicious! Staff is so friendly and passionate about the product. The poor reviews left so far are inaccurate or inconsiderate to the fact that this is a new place.

I guess something is wrong that melted in seconds
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 1
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

This is the cutest cafe for brunch in the summer! Beautiful view of the water, good food, amazing coffee and good vibes :)
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

This place just opened up in my building. My wife and I had the orange basil sorbet. We never had this flavor combination before. It was delicious. I highly recommend visiting!

The prosciutto and mozzarella panini is debatably one of the greatest sandwiches I've ever had in my life. Great tea, tons of dessert and wow, the sandwich has me shook.

I bought a cookie for pets today! My friend’s puppy really loved it! It tastes good (I tried it and was good lol;) #cookie #cookieforpets #puppy #pets #dessert #LICcafe

Absolutely love this place. Whenever i visit my daughters from Scottsdale, AZ. we stop by for breakfast, coffee or drinks. Everything is delicious! Highly recommend it.

An amazing place to be at. Great food, drinks and desserts. However most importantly they showed true hospitality along with professionalism!! I wish them the best!!

One of the great cafes of queens. Authentic Italian espresso, desserts, panini, THE WORKS. Fabulous for casual business meetings. They will treat you like GOLD.

The Outdoor little seating are was nice. I am not sure I would stop back in here for food but I would try another coffee drink or have another iced latte here.

Delicious coffee and pastries! We are looking forward to the aperitivo hour as well. Don’t be deterred by the line, they just opened and its worth the wait!

Ny favorite place! Everyone is really nice and the food is excellent!
Meal type
Breakfast
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Very good quality gelato
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4

So excited for a Neapolitan coffee shop in the area!! The owners are very nice, nice outdoor area and doggie friendly! (They even have dog treats!)

Beautiful space, good outdoor seating and excellent coffee/espresso drinks! Happy this opened up in the neighborhood. Staff is also super friendly.

Amazing coffee and pastries. We quickly became regulars here and appreciate all the work they're putting in to run such an amazing cafe.

The food is AMAZING! The service isn't always the best though, which is why it's not a 5 star. Some people are wonderful, some less so.

The matcha latte was not good. Tasted very powdery. It was bitter as well, which I dont mind as much as the powdery taste.

Great food, coffee, and gelato! Staff is super friendly. Love coming here for coffee then walking along the east river!

Great - lol the bad reviews on here are clearly competitors. LIC finally has a solid coffee shop. Espresso is top notch

Service a bit inattentive and unfriendly.. Limited gelato flavors. Pistachio tiramisu a bit dry. Nice location.

Love this place so much ! European vibe and very delicious! So happy this caffe opened in our Neighbourhood.

Love this place! Especially when they have Musica Italiana playing, nice atmosphere- beautiful location!

Great new Italian cafe. Excellent desserts, awesome coffee and espresso drinks, and great gelato.

Amazing Italian cafe with a beautiful outdoor seating area. Great addition to the neighborhood!

Lovely atmosphere and service. The lattes here are amazing. Will def be coming back again

Nothing has taste in this place the coffee, the ice tea was bitter and its so horrible

Love having Italian pastries and espresso here! Fab view of the city as well …

Slow service, gelato was average, dirty tables left around for long periods of time

Absolutely amazing food, great service and a beautiful space indoors and outside.

The ice cream was amazing
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Love this place but what I loved the most was the staff. Tiago is such a light!

One of the best Italian gelato I had in the area.
Service
Dine in…
More

A beautifully decorated cafe. Great hospitality, coffee, wine, and desserts.

Best (and only?) cornetti al pistacchio in NYC. Beachfront vibes in summer.

Amazing staff. Crepes, coffee and gelato paradise. Awesome avocado toast.

Not only are they dog friendly, but they also have the cutest dog treats!

A beautiful place to relax and enjoy a bit of Italy on the LIC waterfront

I visit it every week... I really like coffee, sweets and ice cream...

Good coffee Good chocolate Great red velvet cookie With bad attitudes

Beautiful place. Great location and ambience. Feels like vacation :)

Good to have in neighborhood italian style cappuccino …

Great food, beautiful atmosphere Italian quality at its best

Delicious gelato! The paninis are also great - will be back.

Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

There is a nice attention to the quality of ingredients.

Cute place for small bites and excellent pastries.

It’s a little out of the way but well worth it!

High-quality Italian coffee and great service.

Incorrect hours posted & staff rude to locals

Below mediocre food for above average prices

Amazing pastry! Kindness and professionalism

Coffee, soup, panini, crepes, and gelato!

Everything about this place is amazing.

Realllllly good vegan hot chocolate.

THE VERY BEST OF THE BEST!!!!!!

Ottimo , tranquillo , cortese

Cozy place with nice view.

Great coffee, great vibes.

Qualità e bontà infinita

Gelato was excellent!

Favorite spot in LIC.