Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Food
Handsome Newcomer Upland Brings California Cuisine To Flatiron
By
Nell Casey
Published Oct 29, 2014
Modified Oct 29, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
courtesy Upland
View all 7
By
Nell Casey
Published Oct 29, 2014
Modified Oct 29, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
If restaurants were categorized solely by their looks, chef Justin Smillie and Stephen Starr's new spot Upland would be a shoo-in for Best Preppy Chic of the year. That's thanks to design by Roman and Williams—also responsible for Andrew Carmellini's looker Lafayette and the Top of the Standard—who did an excellent job translating Smillie's California origins for New York eyes, a task the chef has also taken on with city palates. With its health-minded and produce-oriented ethos, this "California" approach may seem like a bit of a departure from our deep fried paradise; that said, there's a lot of indulgence to be found here.
The jars of preserved lemons and artichokes lining the walls aren't solely for decoration; an appetizer of Crispy Artichokes ($13) gets dusted with preserved meyer lemon powder and some parsley. Meyer lemon shows up again in the House-Made Ricotta ($16) served with fresh anchovies and cucumber; the artichoke also complements a Spaghettini dish ($21) tossed with Jonah crab and fresno chili. Eggs are also big here, showing up with White Truffle ($33), chives and olive oil, plus a Bucatini alla Carbonara ($16) with pancetta, Clawhammer eggs, parmigiano and black pepper.
Earthier dishes include a Mushroom Salad ($17) stocked with three varieties of funghi in a burnt shallot vinaigrette and a Pappardelle ($18) topped with a spicy sausage ragu flecked with kale and ribbons of parmigiano cheese. Entrees—dubbed "Threes"—run the gamut from light (a roasted branzino or fish stew with gochujang) to super meaty, like the Roasted Lamb ($36) with confit carrots, dates, lettuce and a natural jus. Ballers can opt for the $68 Bon-In, Dry-Aged 20 Ounce NY Strip.
345 Park Avenue South at 26th Street, 212-686-1006; website
Tagged
flatiron
Justin Smillie
new restaurant and bar radar
stephen starr
upland
original
Nell Casey
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE food
Where are the cheapest drinks in NYC? A new report details the city's average prices.
The median price of a cocktail in the city is now $16, and $9 for a draft beer.
By
Hannah Frishberg
Published Oct 19, 2026
North African restaurants are rare in NYC. These 10 are the best.
Egyptian, Moroccan, Algerian and Tunisian food is delicious but underrepresented in the city.
By
Robert Sietsema
Food
North African restaurants are rare in NYC. These 10 are the best.
Egyptian, Moroccan, Algerian and Tunisian food is delicious but underrepresented in the city.
By
Robert Sietsema
10 dishes that demonstrate the delicious diversity of curry in New York City
By
Robert Sietsema
Frozen yogurt is back in New York City. So are the super long lines.
By
Sonia Rao
5 NYC banana puddings as good as Magnolia's
By
Hannah Frishberg
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .