La Terra is a new chapter in classic Italian hospitality: rooted in tradition, refreshed for today, and grounded in a deep love of food and community. The name La Terra, Italian for “the earth,” reflects the soul of our cooking: honest, seasonal, and crafted with care.

At the helm is Luigi Scarpelli, a native of Polignano a Mare in Puglia, and a fixture in East Midtown’s dining scene for over 20 years. Many know Luigi from La Villetta and L’Angolo della Villetta, and may also remember his earlier restaurants Luna Piena on 53rd Street and La Vineria on 55th Street. At each of these beloved spots, Luigi built a reputation for warm hospitality, soulful cooking, and a loyal following that now returns to La Terra.

La Terra was co-founded by Luigi and Nicholas Ober, a lifelong East Midtown resident and hospitality enthusiast who partnered with Luigi to bring this new vision to life. Together, they’ve created a space that feels both elevated and deeply welcoming: designed with intention and built to last.

Located on First Avenue between 54th and 55th Streets near Sutton Place, La Terra offers refined Italian fare in a warm, intimate setting. Up front, a handsome brick bar with butcher block top invites guests to enjoy a glass of wine or aperitivo before dinner, while the cozy dining room beyond sets the stage for meals shared with friends and family.

At La Terra, we carry forward a legacy serving the food we love, to the neighborhood we love, with the people who’ve become family.