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Rossini's Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Rossini's Restaurant
8.4
Open since 1978, Rossini’s is a classic Murray Hill dining room where baked pastas like the house lasagna share space with veal, seafood, and live piano on many nights. It’s a go-to when you want old-school Italian formality, white tablecloths, and a lasagna that feels built for special-occasion dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baked meat lasagna, Veal scaloppine, Linguine alle vongole
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.9
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Long-running white-tablecloth Italian where lasagna fits into a classic lineup.
Who should go: Traditionalists craving piano-accompanied Italian and baked pastas.
When to visit: Prime evening hours when the dining room and piano are lively.
What to order: House lasagna, tableside tiramisu, a veal or seafood entrée.
Insider tip: Request a table in the rear dining room for the full old-school atmosphere and best acoustics for the piano.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive in the evenings; nearby paid garages within 1–2 blocks are usually the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy — jackets and collared shirts fit right in, jeans are okay if styled upscale.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — piano adds ambience but you can still hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a very short wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pasta dishes, salads, and vegetable sides work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited — some pasta with marinara and vegetable sides can be adapted, but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Limited — a few naturally gluten-free entrées like seafood and meat dishes, but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the live piano, polished service, and intimate lighting create an elegant, romantic setting that feels special without being overwhelming.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights or early evenings, but reservations are strongly recommended for weekends and peak dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens than young children — the formal atmosphere and menu lean toward adult tastes and quieter dining.
Best For
Better for: Classic old-school Italian ambiance, live piano nights, attentive white-tablecloth service, and celebratory dinners centered around baked pasta and traditional entrées.
Skip if: Choose a more casual Italian spot if you want fast service, lighter pricing, or a modern, high-energy dining room.
Rossini's Restaurant
8.9
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Birthday & Celebration Central
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Rossini’s is a long-running Northern Italian restaurant in Murray Hill with white tablecloths, live piano on some nights, and a menu of veal, seafood, and pastas that appeals to multi-generational families. It works especially well for birthdays and visiting relatives who want old-school New York Italian in a room that still welcomes kids.
Must-Try Dishes:
Veal Parmigiana, Linguine alle Vongole, Tiramisu
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 9
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Old-school Northern Italian institution with live piano and big-plate classics.
Who should go: Families celebrating milestones with traditional New York Italian dining.
When to visit: Weekend evenings or holidays when the piano and celebratory energy are in full swing.
What to order: Veal parmigiana, linguine alle vongole, classic tiramisu.
Insider tip: Mention birthdays or anniversaries when booking; staff often lean into the occasion with extra attention and pacing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive in the evenings; nearby garages on 3rd Avenue typically run $18–$30 for dinner hours.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy — jeans are fine if paired with a polished top, but many guests lean toward classic evening attire.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during peak dinner hours but still comfortable for conversation, especially away from the piano.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation; longer on holidays and celebration-heavy nights.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a very short wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple pasta, risotto, and vegetable-based antipasti options.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with modifications, but not a dedicated focus.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some naturally gluten-free seafood and meat dishes; pasta substitutions may be available but cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s better for a relaxed, traditional date than a trendy one — great if you want classic romance and conversation over buzzy nightlife energy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches and early dinners are your best bet; weekends and celebration nights almost always require a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — best for school-age kids and up who can enjoy a longer meal; the staff is accommodating, and many families celebrate birthdays here.
Best For
Better for: Old-school Italian charm, piano-accompanied dinners, and multi-generational family celebrations done with polish and consistency.
Skip if: You’re looking for ultra-modern Italian, plant-based dining, or a fast, casual meal.
Rossini's Restaurant
8.7
Rossini’s is a long-running Northern Italian institution in Murray Hill where white tablecloths, live piano on select nights, and veal and pasta classics set a grown-up date-night tone. It’s the move when you want old-school New York Italian with warm, attentive service and room to linger.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tortellini alla Rossini, Veal scaloppine specials, Tiramisu
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Old-school Northern Italian with live piano and classic hospitality.
Who should go: Couples wanting vintage New York Italian charm.
When to visit: Saturday evenings for piano or early weekdays for quiet.
What to order: Tortellini alla Rossini, veal entrées, tiramisu.
Insider tip: Reserve a piano night and request a table away from the door for a cozier feel.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Limited metered street parking on surrounding blocks; garages within 2–3 blocks are the most reliable option after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jeans are fine with a polished top or blazer; many diners dress up for dates and celebrations.
Noise level: Low to moderate early, moderate on piano nights — still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer on live piano nights
Weekday lunch: No wait typically; quick seating is common
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple pasta dishes, antipasti, and vegetable sides can anchor a full vegetarian meal.
Vegan options: Limited — a few pasta and vegetable preparations can be modified, but not a dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free mains and salads available; pasta substitutions may be limited — best to ask your server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s romantic without being intimidating, with attentive service, soft lighting, and a comfortable pace that encourages lingering and conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weekdays or very early evenings, but weekend dinners and piano nights strongly favor reservations.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who can handle a sit-down meal and classic Italian dishes; not ideal for toddlers due to the quieter, slower-paced atmosphere.
Best For
Better for: Classic Northern Italian cooking, old-school hospitality, live piano ambiance, and celebratory date nights.
Skip if: You want modern small plates, trendy cocktails, ultra-casual dining, or strict vegan/gluten-free menus.