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Il Violino

4.6
4.6
1588 Reviews
$31 to $50
Italian
Top tags:

Il Violino was established in 1993 by the Mariani family. They are from Villa Santa Maria, a little town in the heart of Italy (Abruzzo) known as La patria dei cuochi (chefs from this town have been executives at the Vatican, the White House, embassies and top restaurants and cruise lines around the world). Il Violino has been one of the original Lincoln Center Italian restaurants and, in these days, one of the few still in operation.
The chef Vincenzo Mariani, formerly the executive chef at Monsignore (one of the top restaurant in New York City in the 70’s and 80’s), leaded the kitchen with his international experience and created an original and innovative Italian menu.
In 2009 the owner, decided to write a new page. The restaurant has been transformed into a Trattoria: a warmer and cozier ambiance, one of those that you can easily find in any small town in Italy.

Make a reservation

2 people
May 2022
Sun
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8:30 p.m.
Booked 25 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Cuisines

    Italian

  • Hours of Operation

    Lunch Tue–Fri 11:00 am–4:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–10:30 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (212) 873-2500

  • Website

    http://www.ilviolinony.com/

  • Payment Options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress Code

    Smart Casual

  • Private party contact

    Carmen Ortiz: (212) 873-2500

  • Location

    180 Columbus Avenue New York, NY 10023

  • Neighbourhood

    Upper West Side

  • Cross Street

    West 68th Street

  • Parking Details

    None

  • Public Transit

    1, 2, 3, B & C trains to 72nd Street, and the 1 train to 66th Street.

  • Additional

    Bar Dining, Beer, Full Bar, Late Night, Non-Smoking, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 1,588 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.3Ambience
  • 4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

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  1. RA

    RoyA

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall4food5service4ambience4

    good food and italian atmosphere, we would rather be sitted outside in the adjacent part and not in the gloomy inside

  2. SF

    SteveF

    Richmond

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service4ambience4

    Always excellent food, with welcoming service that always gets us out in time of the curtain.

  3. j

    jeff

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food4service4ambience4

    Excellent "old school," and accommodating local, and non-presumptuous. Happy to visit each time were in NYC. They're also very nice about their corkage policy.

  4. PF

    PeterF

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Consistently great Italian fare. My wife and I go there often and I also meet customers and work associates there for great business lunches/ dinners.

  5. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    180 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    180 reviews

    Dined on May 17, 2022

    overall3food2service4ambience3

    Unfortunately, food was not tasty. It was frozen/microwaved. This tends to make any protein dish tasteless. Salads may be the better choice.

  6. s

    sunshine

    New York Area

    547 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    547 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2022

    overall4food4service3ambience3

    The food is always reliable. This time the Caesar salad was particularly good complete with capers, a first. And the eggplant parm is terrific but why do they fool around with its pricing? Everything we ordered was as shown online except for this and do not understand why as it was $4 more than listed. Something seems wrong.

  7. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Always reliable- we dine there weekly

  8. RS

    RayS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We arrived late for our reservation and had a play to attend. The entire staff was welcoming and completely helpful. They made sure that our meals came quickly and the service was exceptional. By the way, the food is top notch. It was my Wife's Birthday and they started the night off in exactly the right way.

  9. LS

    LisaS

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Lovely Mother’s Day lunch outside. Delicious food and great service.

  10. m

    mike

    Cleveland

    8 reviews

    2.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2022

    overall2food2service1ambience2

    A very disappointing experience. Had the penne vodka. It certainly was very different from every other penne vodka I’ve had anywhere else. It tasted more like the sauce in Kraft Mac and Cheese. Minestrone was thin and without any pasta. Bread was dry. Oh yes The service was rude and awful.

  11. b

    brunat

    New York Area

    45 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    45 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience4

    We are grateful to the manager who changed our table. We sat outside bup when the sliding door was left open, we felt the cold air coming in. Otherwise, we always enjoy coming here.

  12. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We eat at Violino frequently- food and service are great. I especially enjoyed veal marsala. On other occasions branzino or salmon.

  13. SS

    ScottS

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Excellent Italian close to Lincoln Center. Braised lamb and the scallops were outstanding.

  14. FB

    FrancisB

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 3, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience4

    delightful bistro. delicious risottos. authentic Italian menu, tables with windowed views.

  15. UW

    UWSDiner

    New York Area

    234 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    234 reviews

    Dined on May 1, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Our outdoor table was ready when we arrived. We both ordered the seafood en bride and, as usual, it was delicious. Both wines we ordered were as described and very good value. And the service was very lovely. What could be better.

  16. MN

    MrNaples

    Naples

    48 reviews

    5.0

    48 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Dinner was very good. Noise from other customers was VERY LOUD. My wife and I had to lean into the middle of the table to carry on a conversation.

  17. c

    chrispy

    New York Area

    120 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    120 reviews

    Dined on April 24, 2022

    overall3food2service4ambience3

    This was not our first time here. Previous times we stuck to their pasta selections which were all very good. However, on this occasion we tried different things. The mussels by themselves where overpoweringly strong. We almost thought the first few were bad but they all tasted the same. Even the tasty sauce on the bottom didn't help. As an entree I tried the shrimp scampi with risotto which again was much too fishy tasting, including the rice. My partner had a chicken and sausage dish which sounded interesting but was not. Next time we will stick to their pastas with red sauce. Service was attentive even though we were seated outside with very few other diners.

  18. TA

    ThaliaA

    Raleigh

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 24, 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience4

    The food was excellent. The servers were very attentive and kept our glasses full, however at times the servers were overly attentive with a lot of interruptions to our dinner chat but eventually got the hint as to when to approach us for plate clearing etc. I am glad to support a woman owned business and will be back.

  19. B

    Bunbury

    New York Area

    17 reviews

    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Il Violino is a charming restaurant very close to Lincoln Center. There is a glassed in area and a darker, more atmospheric interior. During the Pandemic an outdoor "shed" has been added that is too noisy for me, but younger folks seem to like that. The fare is Italian and I have never had anything I didn't like in the many times I've been been there. Last night I had two appetizers, the buratta and Clams Oregenato. Both were delicious. My friend was very pleased with the Tricolore Salad and the Eggplant Parmigiana.

  20. JH

    JHS21

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Excellent food and service in a great outdoor setting.

  21. j

    jvansch

    New York Area

    57 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    57 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    It’s hard to beat Il Violino for pre-theater dining. Our dishes were delicious, their menu offers lots of options, service is impeccable - and we’re always able to leave ahead of the time we give them, to make our show. Their new outdoor dining options give three different spaces, all cozy.

  22. FL

    FoodieLV

    Phoenix

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Dined before the opera. Perfect timing thanks to our server. Everything was just as we hoped and exceeded expectations. Worthy of a reservation - great location!

  23. AW

    AntoniaW

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 22, 2022

    overall5food4service4ambience4

    Really awesome flavors and fresh ingredients- loved the food and service here!

  24. MK

    MKSt

    New York Area

    45 reviews

    4.0

    45 reviews

    Dined on April 20, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    Good food and nice crowd

  25. EM

    ElizabethM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Service, food, atmosphere - all was excellent! Highly recommend you try it.

  26. QL

    QuanLee

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Always good. Consistent. A perfect standby for dinner any night. Staff very very very pleasant and accommodating. Food is traditional. We love the place.

  27. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Amazing experience and food as always. Highly recommend, thanks to everyone there.

  28. JR

    JacquelineR

    New York Area

    78 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    78 reviews

    Dined on April 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    WoW! Food was fantastic. Will be back. TOP Notch service from start to finish.

  29. JS

    JeanS

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We loved being there again after not coming into NYC

  30. C

    Charlotte

    New York Area

    21 reviews

    4.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on April 14, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience4

    Service as always very gracious. Our 2 different shrimp pasta dishes were wonderful. Convenient for any thing at Lincoln center too.

  31. G

    Goldiek4

    New York Area

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on April 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Located in the Lincoln Center district, this charming, family-owned and operated restaurant is a gem. It’s the type of place where the food is delicious, the vibe is warm and the service inviting. As we live in a world that’s becoming increasing automated and impersonal, places such as this are refreshing havens to frequent, providing a scrumptious meal, satisfying wines and such heartfelt hospitality that you feel invigorated having dined there. I wholeheartedly recommend this trattoria.

  32. AS

    AlleyS

    New York Area

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 12, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience3

    Off to the opera. Good reliable place!

  33. JW

    JaredW

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 9, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5

    Delicious homemade pasta. Their outdoor shed has nice ambiance. Only real critique would be that the bread was just okay. Will definitely go back!

  34. L

    Luca

    Philadelphia

    29 reviews

    5.0

    29 reviews

    Dined on April 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    We usually try to catch dinner at ok violino’s when we go to nyc to visit our daughter. The food is excellent always prepared to our liking. I especially love the bucatini

  35. JL

    JordanL

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Il Violino is a consistent favorite in Manhattan. Been coming here for years, and I’ve never had a bite that was anything less than perfect. The scallops are phenomenal, as is the salmon. Must have cappuccino and dessert.

  36. m

    mray

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Il Violino is one of my long time favorites. Pre or post opera it’s always delicious and reliable. You are treated warmly and the food and atmosphere are delightful

  37. KB

    KarenB

    Detroit

    39 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    39 reviews

    Dined on March 29, 2022

    overall5food5service3ambience4

    Clearly short staffed, food was great

  38. E

    Edandmarj

    New York Area

    19 reviews

    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on March 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Excellent service and excellent meal.

  39. S

    Sally

    Richmond

    54 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    54 reviews

    Dined on March 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Had dinner with friends before going to the NY Philharmonic at Lincoln Center. Wonderful evening! Dinner was fabulous! Had seafood ravioli, the special of the evening and it did not disappoint! The Waitress was lovely and we had a very nice window table. Could not have been better!

  40. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Our of town guests

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitising

    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily

  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks

  • Screening

    • Proof of vaccination required to dine indoors

FAQs

Il Violino is rated 4.6 stars by 1588 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
May 2022
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
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18
19
20
21
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24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
8:30 p.m.
Booked 25 times today
Google Map for Il Violino

180 Columbus Avenue New York, NY 10023

Additional information

  • Cross Street

    West 68th Street

  • Neighbourhood

    Upper West Side

  • Hours of Operation

    Lunch Tue–Fri 11:00 am–4:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–10:30 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Italian

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Dress Code

    Smart Casual

  • Parking Details

    None

  • Public Transit

    1, 2, 3, B & C trains to 72nd Street, and the 1 train to 66th Street.

  • Payment Options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Additional

    Bar Dining, Beer, Full Bar, Late Night, Non-Smoking, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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