ZipPicks Awards
Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Best Outdoor Dining Restaurants in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Master Critic Review
Villa Berulia
8.1
Villa Berulia is a long-running, family-owned Italian-Croatian restaurant in Murray Hill, known for old-school hospitality, generously sauced pastas, and hearty mains served in a softly lit dining room. It feels more like a neighborhood living room than a scene, with regulars returning for decades for consistent plates and personal attention from the owners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Osso buco over risotto, Shrimp or seafood buzara, Housemade strukli (baked cheese dumplings)
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Family-run Italian-Croatian spot with decades of loyal regulars.
Who should go: Diners craving heartfelt, old-school European comfort food.
When to visit: Weeknights or early weekends before it fills with regulars.
What to order: Osso buco, seafood buzara, house strukli.
Insider tip: Mention if it’s your first visit; staff often guide you off-menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive after 6pm; nearby paid garages within 2–3 blocks are the safest bet.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual—jeans, sweaters, and relaxed date-night outfits fit right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate—easy to hold a full conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a very short wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several pasta dishes, salads, and sides can be made fully vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—mostly adaptable pastas and vegetable-based starters with advance notice.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some naturally gluten-free proteins and the kitchen can accommodate pasta swaps when available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it's intimate, unpretentious, and relaxed, which helps conversation flow naturally without pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights and early evenings; weekends are tighter after 7pm and a reservation is recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for well-behaved kids—portions are generous, pastas are crowd-pleasers, and staff are accommodating, though it skews more adult in vibe.
Best For
Better for: Old-school hospitality, hearty portions, and a true neighborhood feel over trend-driven Italian dining.
Consider Alternatives If: You want cutting-edge Italian techniques, a lively cocktail scene, or a buzzy, see-and-be-seen crowd.