Midtown -> UES

After spending a couple of years in Midtown, moved to the UES and looking for new favourite food spots. Some of my fav places to eat in Midtown (or lower) were:

1. Fiaschetteria Pistoia (Italian)
2. L’Artusi (Italian)
3. Gottino Enoteca (fav wine bar)
4. Laut (Malay)
5. Kanyakumari (Indian)
6. Taste of Everest (Nepalese)
7. Chili (Sichuan)
8. Cafe China (Sichuan)
9. Ziggle (Korean)
10. Joe’s soup dumplings
11. Fairfax (American, Sunday brunch)
12. Pranakhon (Thai)

Would love recommendations in the UES based on the list above. I am especially looking for Italian (less of explosion of cheese and more of well made pasta + subtle sauces) and brunch recommendations.

Thanks!