Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
Interior - Il Violino, New York, NY

Il Violino

4.7 (2110)
$31 to $50
Italian
180 Columbus Avenue, New York, NY 10023

Make a reservation

A photo of Il Violino restaurant

Il Violino

4.7
$31 to $50
Italian
Upper West Side

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 17 times today

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood gem
  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
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.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Tue–Fri 11:00 am–3:45 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
  • Location
    180 Columbus Avenue, New York, NY 10023
  • Neighborhood
    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, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

Menu

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at Il Violino.

4.7

4.7
(2110)
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Il Violino shines as a "real neighborhood gem," offering "amazing food" and "wonderful service." Diners praise its "delicious" Italian comfort food and "charming hospitality." With a prime location near Lincoln Center, it's a "go-to" spot for concert nights. Consistent quality, "generous portions," and attentive staff make it a favorite.
2,110 Reviews

  1. Anne Marie

    San Diego4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We visited on the wildly busy night of 31 Oct 2926, which was both Halloween night and the eve of the NYC Marathon. Maitre’D was very accommodating to a last-minute addition of 1 person to our party, even amidst the happy chaos. The menu was extensive with something for both vegetarian & carnivore alike. The food was as expected: Solid Italian classics, and good portion sizes. One member of our group felt the Orecchiette pasta dish (sausage & broccoli rabe) was rather bland and asked for Parmesan to perk it up, which our excellent server provided with a smile. The Chianti Gabbiano was a good value and managed to please everyone at the table. A lively and fun Halloween dining experience in a friendly and nicely decorated place. Grazie!

    Is this helpful?

  2. Bernard

    New York City27 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great local Italian restaurant. Perfect for Lincoln center pre theater 5 minute walk!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Babette Gold

    New York City27 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on October 30, 2026

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    I do like this place and it has a nice cozy vibe. However, what I ordered was just not good and I’m not sure I will go back there. It was the shrimp oreganato. One of the shrimps tasted off and the rest was just sort of mushy if I do go back, I would definitely order the pasta.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Frederick Gold

    New York City35 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on October 29, 2026

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A real neighborhood gem! I get there several times a year — when the staff remains the same year after year they are doing something right!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Alina Gold

    New York State1 review

    5.0

    Dined on October 24, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing food! And wine! Really good vodka pasta and ceasar salad. Chicken cooked perfectly too and good service.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Ronnie Gold

    New York City14 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on October 18, 2026

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    As always, a dependably good meal. Swordfish special was very nicely done. Gnocchi al pesto and veal scaloppine were tasty.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Nicholas

    New York City1 review

    4.0

    Dined on October 8, 2026

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The beginning of a great dining experience began at the door and carried all the way through Dessert!

    Is this helpful?

  8. Christina Gold

    New York City55 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on October 5, 2026

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    We and our guest really enjoyed the whole experience.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Joshua

    New York City9 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on October 5, 2026

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    Consistently very good all around. Service a bit off vs previous. Server difficulty w/English. Seemed reduced staff as took time to attract attention when addt'l service required. Our fellow was hassled.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Elaine

    New York City7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 2, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always amazing to see the wonderful professional staff. The service is always outstanding as usual.

    Is this helpful?

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Tue–Fri 11:00 am–3:45 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
  • Location
    180 Columbus Avenue, New York, NY 10023
  • Neighborhood
    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, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

FAQs

Guests commonly describe portions as generous and ample, some dishes are even portioned well for sharing.

Il Violino is a perfect choice for a pre‑theater dinner, many guests pick it before or after Lincoln Center performances; if you prefer it quieter, Monday evenings have been noted as less crowded.

Yes, Il Violino is family‑friendly: guests describe accommodating children, helping a picky eater, and hosting family brunches that include kid‑friendly options and non‑alcoholic choices.

Yes, Il Violino is a lovely pick for date night: guests mention its cozy, intimate dining room and several special-occasion visits, alongside a solid wine list and attentive service.

Il Violino feels like a warm, old‑school Italian trattoria, cozy and welcoming, with light classical music and intimate window seating that’s great for people‑watching.

Smart casual is the guide, think polished but relaxed; many guests dress up a touch for nights at Lincoln Center or for birthdays and other celebrations.

Yes, Il Violino offers enclosed outdoor seating, giving you an al fresco option when the weather’s pleasant.

For a standout visit choose Sunday brunch, Il Violino serves weekend brunch Saturday–Sunday 11:00 am–4:00 pm and guests praise the Sunday brunch; for a quieter dinner, Monday evenings have been described as less crowded.

How FAQ content is generated

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. New York City
  4. Manhattan
  5. Upper West Side

Make a reservation

A photo of Il Violino restaurant

Il Violino

4.7
$31 to $50
Italian
Upper West Side

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 17 times today
Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2026 OpenTable Australia Level 22, 357 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo