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.
Menu
Stumbled on this spot before an opera in 2029. We were running late and every other restaurant was fully booked. They squeezed us in at a “communal table” so we could eat before the opera. I was so impressed I looked them up before my next opera and wasn’t disappointed. From the “saving us from rushing and starving” to “plenty of time to relax and enjoy the experience” Il Violino has not disappointed. Would recommend to any one going to a show at Lincoln center
I have been going to this restaurant for many years......food and service never disappoints.
This visit was the same.......I had brought 2 friends....and my only negative comments.....its time for a paint job, a little sprucing up.
Our first time at Il Violino in many years. Our pastas were quite tasty and the service also good. Prices were reasonable. We will return.
A favorite for over 10 years. Always delicious food and great service.
Il Violino is great! Service and food delightful.
Very nice price fix meal before the opera. Waitress was knowledgeable Only glitch was special dessert was missing the ice cream (which none of us really needed)
Amazing service. Our waitress was super friendly and they pulled out a special dessert for a birthday. That was super sweet
We always enjoy the food and ambience at Il Violino. Our family and friends have been eating and drinking here for years. It’s always a pleasant comfortable experience. I highly recommend this restaurant. Location is also very good.
Great service, delicious food. Perfect for a quiet dinner.
A friendly, welcoming place to eat good food near Lincoln Center. Definitely worth a return visit!
Excellent service!
This place was really great. It’s warm, cozy with exceptionally fine food. When you make your reservation be sure to ask for a table by the window.
Excellent. Waitress was not our usual and not quite so good.
Nice place with so-so food. I had sea food risotto that was quite mediocre.
Excellent and friendly service with suggestions made. Given a sample tasting of wine to help with the selection. Short walk to Lincoln Center. Will definitely be back!
The food was excellent, the service incredible, and the sound level from other diners so quiet as to not be noticeable. I was disappointed, at first, that the Lobster Bisque was no longer available on the Christmas Day Pre Fixe menu, but the substitute Broccoli, Cheddar, Potato soup was so excellent that I didn't miss the bisque. I had the Lobster Ravioli, which was excellent, but my husband's Braised Lamb Shank was even better. They are having the same menu for New Year's Eve Pre Fixe menu as on Christmas Eve, and I highly recommend it.
I’ve been to this restaurant several times. The food is consistently good and the service excellent.
Did Christmas Eve dinner; their Prix Fix menu was great value and the food was lovely. Will be back for another visit!
We sat at my dream table by the window in order for my mom to look out on the city and see the Christmas decorations as well as all the people dressed for the holidays. The food was exceptional and that service was nice. Will definitely recommend to friends and will return! Thank you for making the evening magical for my family!
I think the owners have changed. Worst red sauce ever.
We had cheese and spinach ravioli with a delicious sauce as well as branzino fish with vegetables. I never saw my friend empty her plate with the sause and bread, but the restaurant could almost use her plate for a next guest. That says it all!
The food, the service and the ambiance are all excellent! Get a window table if you can.
We’ve dined here on many occasions and it’s always wonderful. I especially love the branzino, my husband loves the appetizer of meatballs and mashed potatoes. The desserts were delectable. We’ll be back!
Our go to restaurant before attending a play at Lincoln Center. Food and service consistently lovely. Restaurant looked very festive and we were greeted very warmly.
Not child friendly at all. They have rude staff and only have one high chair for the restaurant. Nowhere to put a stroller. Would not recommend for families with young children as it doesn’t seem to want to appeal to that market. Good for out of towners or people who are going to the movies across the street. Hate leaving negative reviews but have had really terrible service on multiple occasions and only moderate food. Wouldn’t go back again especially given the terrible service.
This was a birthday celebration. There was no attempt to provide any recognition to the celebrant.
If you're into classic NY vibes, this is the place for you. I've lived on the Upper West Side for over a decade, and Il Violino is, hands-down, one of the best restaurants in the neighborhood. The ambience is familiar and warming (a bit like being in the world's coziest human fish bowl), the food is dependably authentic and delicious, and the wine list is straightforward, yet impeccably curated. All of the long-time residents of the neighborhood can be found dining here, and there's a reason for that. Hard to beat.
Nice street corner Italian restaurant.
Stopped for a quick bite before going to the symphony! The food was amazing and will definitely be back!
Party of six , early pre-theater dinner.
Good food
Good service, good location for Streiker Center
First of all, the greeters and our waitress were fantastic. We loved the ambiance. Our waitress first checked to see if we would be attending a Lincoln Center show, which we were, and so she assured us that the timing would be perfect and it was. A couple of us had the scallop dish ( CAPESANTE:
sea scallops with spinach, vegetables julienne, caramelized onions, currants, & white truffle olive oil ) off the regular menu and we loved it, very unique and I would order it again! Another of us had the SALMONE : grilled or poached salmon, Dijon mustard sauce served with mashed potatoes & seasonal vegetables - delicious also. The last dish ordered was ORECCHIETTE BROCCOLI E SALSICCIA: broccoli rabe & Italian sausage ragu in a garlic & olive oil sauce which was loved but with the comment that it was typical of that dish, nothing new. Waitstaff was super friendly, kept our water and drinks coming, perfect.
Il Violino provides excellent service, large portions, and good value for the prices. Very reliable and worth the trip.
Decent somewhat generic Italian food. Tables very close to one another so it felt crowded and a bit noisy.
We were seated quickly and graciously, at the time we had reserved. Rustic bread slices were immediately brought to the table with olive oil. More later.
Food is very good with decent sized portions. The prix fixe dinner is a good deal for $45. We had a window table which is always interesting given the street traffic. Our waitress was new and a little hassled but very pleasant and conscientious. A good place if you are in the neighborhood.
Ordered the price fixe menu. Minestrone was more of a broth with a few vegetables. Caesar salad did not include anchovies as did the salad on the menu. Chicken parmesan was well prepared and tasty.
Very enjoyable dinner experience. Food was very good and service prompt and courteous.
the food is always consistent as is the wines by the glass list and it is always comfortable coming here for lunch or dinner.
Family in town for thanksgiving.
Loved the window seat. I actually liked the closeness of other people the vibe of the place. The customer were all different ages. My son and I enjoyed. Plus it was the holidays so it felt extra special
