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.
Popular dishes
Insalata "IL Violino"
Arugula, baby spinach, walnuts, strawberry & gorgonzola
25 reviews
Minestrone, Pasta e Fagioli or Soup of the Day
1 reviews
Pasta e Fagioli
classic Italian bean soup
16 reviews
Pastas at Violino are generally among the best in the city. Tonight upheld that standard. Also, their by-the-glass wine selections are very good, all quality Italian. Hard to go wrong here.
We sat outside in the lovely area totally outside the restaurant. I wanted eggplant parm, saw that it was not on the menu but requested it from waitress. She said of course, no problem. It was delicious. Then we shared a tiny cheesecake it was also delish ! This is a terrific neighborhood restaurant it was so nice to be back again after more than a year !
We ate outdoors and were very comfortable in spite of the cool evening. Our server and service both just excellent, as were our dinners. My husband had fish; I had chicken, mine with marsala sauce/mushrooms and tasty, recommended.
Very good food and very nice waiters! Slightly pricey but it’s New York!
Very good Italian food and good service.
Spaghetti and meatballs is delicious.
Very enjoyable and delicious food. Pleasant atmosphere.
Violino remains he warmest most inviting restaurant in the neighborhood. A pleasure in every way!
Beautiful outdoor setup. Had the lasagna which I’d highly recommend.
The meal couldn’t have been more perfect! The atmosphere was wonderful.
Great food and wonderful ambiance, highly recommend it!
Food preparation and presentation were first rate. Due to pandemic outdoor seating noise levels were subject to the avenue’s traffic density. However the food more than distracted us from that. Our entrees were superb and the risottos were perfectly prepared.
We are never disappointed with Il Violino whenever we go. This past visit was no exception. We were finally able to dine inside and it was like old times. The food and service, as always fantastic1 Glad indoor dining is back!
Marco is the best!
Always a winner!!
Food was outstanding. Server, a woman from Romania, was delightful. Will definitely be back when things return to normal.
First time. Very good
We enjoyed our pasta entrees and the service was attentive. We'll be back.
Il Violino was very good, as usual. I've introduced friends to it, and we have returned more than once.
Il Violino is one of my favorites for delicious food and proximity to Lincoln Center. The atmosphere is pleasant - I like to sit by the window on the porch. I had carpaccio and the tricolore salad which is always super delicious in all its simplicity. For dessert I had some of the best biscotti I've had in a long time and the Moscoto. The perfect finish to a delightful meal.
Good homemade pasta. Delicious tiramisou. Very pleasant efficient waitstafff
Poor service and an exceptionally long wait for the meal.
Il Violino is one of the staples of the UWS. The food is consistent and the staff is friendly and accommodating.
Best place to have Brunch or lunch before the Ballet, Opera or a Show. The food and service is always excellent. Also fun for people watching.
I love the lamb shank entree.
The food was delicious. service was very good as well. we sat on the outside part of the restaurant which basically is a set of tables for two on each side of a wall with a tiny space for walking in between. Restaurant has charm but way too tight.
Loved our waitress never felt rushed food was delicious and met a lovely couple next to us. Will.definitely come back!
We love this neighborhood restaurant for us.. we are always greeted with Avery nice welcome - service is attentive and most pleasant - and we always enjoy the food ... so we are often there and never disappointed !
Loved the fettuccini and shrimp main course. Very convenient for any performance at Lincoln center.
Food was good. Service was not very attentive but it was pre theater so maybe a little more hectic than usual.
Exellent service. Very good veal dish. Varied menu and good wine list.
Cute place. Clearly a popular neighborhood spot. Packed before Lincoln Center shows. Came for my reservation but table wasn’t ready. After ten minutes we sat at the bar and got great service there. Food was nothing special, and around 33% more than similar dishes at comparable restaurants. There’s nothing wrong with this place, but there’s nothing compelling to draw me back there either.
Great pre fixe brunch. Service is good and they dnt rush you to leave.
Delicious classic Italian food in a cozy little space. Mussels were especially delicious and the pasta was incredibly fresh. Neighborhood gem.
Service was poor
Okay Italian food, fresh and swiftly served, in a spot near Lincoln Center. Don't expect a gourmet experience. (Think: lotsa tomato paste.) However you should easily make your curtain time: they really move the food. It's crowded. Best to reserve in advance.
The service and the food are always good here, and the location near Lincoln Center is really convenient if you are attending a performance.
Lots of good choices, wonderful homemade oasta dishes and very gracious service. Also very convenient for attendance at Lincoln Center
Guests were seated at table. When I arrived early I was seated at another table. After twenty five minutes server apologized and realized we had been seated at separate tables. Not good customer service
Overall a very good local neighborhood restaurant.... service very good and everyone in our party enjoyed there meals without and complainants..... had a reservation at 5 arrived a couple minutes early and table was waiting.... will be back.
Excellent service and food. A bit pricey, though. Otherwise, wonderful. Thank you.
FAQs
Il Violino is rated 4.9 stars by 1415 OpenTable diners.
Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable. Due to local restrictions, this restaurant may not be accepting reservations at the moment.