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Tony's Di Napoli (Times Square)
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Tony's Di Napoli (Times Square)
8.0
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Family Friendly Favorites
Birthday & Celebration Central
Comfort Food Classics
Southern Neapolitan family-style dining with old-school Italian American ambiance featuring chandeliers and checkered tablecloths. Over 20 years of serving gargantuan portions of chicken parm and spaghetti with meatballs has earned a loyal following.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Parmigiana, Spaghetti and Meatballs, Veal Francese
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Theatrical family-style service with enormous portions meant for sharing
Who should go: Groups, families, fans of classic Italian American red sauce
When to visit: Pre-MSG events or Broadway shows
What to order: Baked clams, chicken parm, meatballs
Insider tip: Half portions available at lunch—still feeds two comfortably
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Discounted parking at Meyers Garage on 43rd St between 6th Ave and Broadway; street parking available but challenging in Times Square
Dress code: Casual - jeans and comfortable attire perfectly acceptable, crystal chandeliers add elegance but atmosphere is relaxed family-style
Noise level: Loud and lively - convivial pre-theater energy; request downstairs seating for quieter, more romantic experience
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation during peak hours; reservations strongly recommended via OpenTable
Weekday lunch: Typically seated quickly, especially for half-portion lunch specials (11:30am-2pm)
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - extensive sides, pastas, and vegetable-forward dishes available for sharing
Vegan options: Yes - multiple options including pasta with marinara, vegetable sides; staff accommodating with modifications
Gluten-free options: Yes - GF penne pasta available; many protein dishes (steaks, chops, grilled chicken) naturally GF; not a dedicated GF kitchen so cross-contact possible
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal unless you both embrace boisterous family-style dining - the loud, communal atmosphere and giant shareable platters don't lend themselves to intimate conversation. However, if you request downstairs seating (quieter, more romantic), it can work for couples who enjoy abundant food over formality.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Challenging during pre-theater hours (5-7pm) and weekends - the 400-seat dining room fills quickly. Reservations strongly recommended. Walk-ins may get lucky during lunch or late-night (post-10pm menu available), but expect waits during peak times.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely kid-friendly - the loud, celebratory atmosphere means no one notices noisy children. Family-style portions make it easy to share, kids love the massive meatballs and chicken parm, and staff is accustomed to accommodating families with birthday celebrations.
Best For
Better for: Large groups of 4+ seeking maximum food value, birthday celebrations with theatrical flair, families with kids who want classic Italian-American favorites in generous portions near Broadway or MSG
Skip if: You're a party of 2 seeking intimate conversation, want refined modern Italian cuisine, have severe celiac (shared kitchen), or prefer individual plating over family-style sharing
Tony's Di Napoli (Times Square)
8.3
Large red‑sauce platters and a bustling, high‑energy dining room make this spot a reliable choice for families or larger groups looking for familiar Italian‑American comfort food near Times Square.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Parmigiana Platter, Baked Ziti, Meatball & Sausage Combo
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Family‑style portions and lively group‑friendly ambiance steps from Broadway.
Who should go: Large families or tourist groups wanting hearty red‑sauce Italian.
When to visit: Early dinner or group lunch before shows.
What to order: Chicken Parmigiana Platter, Baked Ziti, Meatball & Sausage Combo
Insider tip: Split the big platters — bring leftovers for next‑day lunch.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited; consider nearby parking garages ($20-30). Valet service is not available.
Dress code: Casual – jeans and a nice top or casual dress are perfect.
Noise level: High - conversation can be difficult during peak hours, but manageable at quieter times.
Weekend wait: Expect a 45-60 minute wait without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, but reservations are recommended for larger groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - a variety of pasta and vegetable options are available.
Vegan options: Limited - a couple of vegan pasta and salad options, but not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Yes - dedicated gluten-free options, including pasta and pizza, with separate prep areas.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a first date, as the atmosphere is lively and noisy, which may hinder intimate conversation. Consider visiting during a quieter time or choosing a more romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? While you can get a table without a reservation, it's not recommended, especially during weekends or before shows. To avoid long wait times, it's best to book ahead, particularly for larger groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - perfect for families with children, especially those in need of hearty comfort food. High chairs and a kids' menu are available.
Best For
Better for: Tony's Di Napoli excels in serving large portions of Italian-American comfort food in a family-style setting, making it ideal for large groups or tourists looking for a hearty, satisfying meal close to Broadway.
Skip if: If you're seeking a quiet, intimate dining experience or if you're looking for innovative Italian cuisine, you may prefer other options in the area.