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Arno Ristorante
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Arno Ristorante
8.3
A Garment District institution since 1984, this white-tablecloth Northern Italian delivers classic dishes with uniformed waiters and old-world hospitality. The rolling dessert cart, extensive wine list, and flexible private dining spaces make it ideal for business occasions and celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tortellini Bolognese, Pollo alla Limone, Calamari Fritti
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: 40 years of white-tablecloth service with classic Northern Italian cuisine
Who should go: Business diners and those seeking old-school NYC Italian
When to visit: Pre-theater dinner or power lunch during the week
What to order: Fresh pasta, veal scaloppini, dessert from the cart
Insider tip: Request the mezzanine for a more intimate experience
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Central Parking System located directly across the street; street parking available Saturdays. Excellent transit access—1/2/3/7/N/R/Q/W to Times Square-42nd St or B/D/F to Bryant Park
Dress code: Smart casual—the tuxedoed waitstaff and white tablecloths set an elegant tone, but no strict dress code. Concert-goers in artist gear welcome for MSG events; business attire common at lunch
Noise level: Varies by seating—can be lively with tables close together during peak hours; request the mezzanine for quieter conversation. Some reviews note it's surprisingly quiet for Midtown
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation on Saturdays (closed Sundays); reservations recommended especially pre-MSG events
Weekday lunch: Usually seated quickly; power lunch crowd keeps it busy but reservations honored promptly
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—eggplant parmigiana is a standout, plus pasta primavera, vegetable sides (broccoli rabe, asparagus), and multiple pasta options. Staff knowledgeable about vegetarian selections
Vegan options: Limited—can accommodate with vegetable dishes and pasta modifications. Discuss with server
Gluten-free options: Yes—GF and whole wheat pasta available upon request. Not a dedicated facility but staff can assist
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent—TripAdvisor reviewers praise the 'impeccable service and romantic ambience.' The old-world charm, uniformed waitstaff, and famous dessert cart create a memorable evening without the pretension of newer spots. Request mezzanine seating for intimacy
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes—multiple reviews note being seated quickly without reservations, even on busy nights. However, for pre-theater, pre-MSG events, or groups, reservations via OpenTable are strongly recommended. The restaurant has 90% regular clientele so walk-in tables can fill
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—reviewers praise bringing kids ages 9-16 for 'fine dining practice.' Staff accommodates families warmly, sings happy birthday with custom-plated desserts. The classic menu (pasta, chicken, eggplant parm) appeals to younger palates. Better suited for older children who can appreciate the white-tablecloth setting
Best For
Better for: Business entertaining requiring reliable old-school service and flexible private dining (10-300+ guests), milestone celebrations with the famous rolling dessert cart, pre-MSG concert/game dinners with no dress code hassle, and anyone seeking 40 years of consistency over trendy newcomers
Skip if: You want trendy/modern Italian, prefer intimate neighborhood trattorias over large Midtown spaces, need Sunday dining (closed Sundays), or are seeking cutting-edge cuisine—this is classic Northern Italian comfort, not innovation
Arno Ristorante
7.6
An old-school Northern Italian dining room that delivers classic date-night formality—white-tablecloth energy without needing a special occasion. It shines when you order traditionally (veal, pastas, a bottle) and let the service cadence slow the night into a proper meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Veal Limone, Gnocchi (pesto), Tiramisu
Scores:
Value: 6.6
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: A classic, formal Italian room built for slow, candlelit meals.
Who should go: Couples who like traditional fine-dining cadence.
When to visit: Saturday dinner for the full experience.
What to order: Veal, gnocchi, tiramisu.
Insider tip: Go entrée + dessert; over-ordering dulls the pacing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site valet. Limited street parking; nearby paid garages within a few blocks are the most reliable option, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy. Jackets and dresses fit the room well; jeans are acceptable if polished.
Noise level: Low to moderate — quiet enough for full conversation, with a formal dining-room hush.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; reservations strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a short 5–10 minute delay.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pasta and appetizer options; not a separate menu but workable with guidance.
Vegan options: Very limited — possible with advance notice, but not the kitchen’s focus.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some naturally gluten-free mains; pasta substitutions may be available but ask ahead.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want classic romance over trendiness. The formal service and calm pace make conversation easy, but it’s better for an intentional dinner than a quick, casual meet-up.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights or early evenings, but weekends are reservation-driven. Walk-ins do best at off-peak hours or at the bar while waiting.
Is it kid-friendly? Technically yes, but it skews adult. Best for older, well-behaved kids who can sit through a long meal; no kids’ menu or special amenities.
Best For
Better for: Traditional Italian fine-dining cadence, polished service, and a classic date-night atmosphere that feels timeless rather than trendy.
Skip if: You want a lively, modern vibe, small plates, or a fast meal — newer Italian spots or wine-bar-style trattorias will feel more aligned.
Arno Ristorante
8.1
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
A classic Northern-Italian room with an old-guard Midtown feel—white-tablecloth energy, dependable service, and a menu that stays close to traditional comfort. It’s a strong family choice when you want a quieter, more formal dinner without going full fine dining.
Must-Try Dishes:
Risotto (seasonal), Veal or chicken Milanese, Tiramisu
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Old-school Northern Italian comfort with steady pacing.
Who should go: Families who prefer classic, quieter dining
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for calm service
What to order: Risotto, Milanese, tiramisu
Insider tip: Ask for the day’s specials—often the best value.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Street parking is limited and difficult after 6pm; nearby paid garages on West 38th–39th Streets are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy. Jeans are fine if polished; many guests wear business or business-casual attire.
Noise level: Low to moderate. Easy conversation even during dinner rush.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; shorter with an early seating
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait outside peak business lunch (12:30–1:30pm)
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple pasta, risotto, and vegetable-driven starters are available.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with simple pasta or vegetable dishes, best if discussed with the server.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some naturally gluten-free mains and salads; gluten-free pasta may be available but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you prefer calm, classic settings. The quiet room and polished service make conversation easy, though it’s more traditional than trendy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights and at lunch, but reservations are recommended for weekend dinners or groups of four or more.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for school-age kids and up. The menu suits classic tastes, and the room is calm, but it’s less ideal for toddlers needing space or noise tolerance.
Best For
Better for: Quieter, more traditional Italian dining with reliable pacing and service — especially appealing to families and business diners who value comfort over flash.
Skip if: You want a lively, modern scene, bold experimentation, or a casual drop-in vibe; newer Italian spots nearby will feel more energetic.
Arno Ristorante
8.0
An old-school, white-tablecloth Northern-Italian room that’s ideal when you want a quieter, more formal date without going full tasting-menu. Stick to classics—risotto, a seafood main, and a composed dessert—and you’ll get the best blend of comfort and polish.
Must-Try Dishes:
Risotto (seasonal), Branzino or seafood main, Tiramisu
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Classic Northern-Italian formality with Midtown reliability.
Who should go: Couples who want a quieter, traditional room.
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for the calmest service.
What to order: Risotto, a seafood main, tiramisu.
Insider tip: Ask for the day’s specials—often the best-value picks.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Street parking is very limited in the Garment District; nearby garages are the most reliable option, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy. Jeans are acceptable, but collared shirts, dresses, or tailored outfits fit the room better.
Noise level: Low to moderate — easy to hold a full conversation without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; reservations strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or minimal wait outside peak business lunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetarian-friendly pastas, risotto, and vegetable sides.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with modifications, but not a strong vegan destination.
Gluten-free options: Some gluten-free accommodations available; best to ask the server about pasta and sauce options.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you want calm, polished, and conversation-forward. It’s more classic than trendy, which works well for relaxed, low-pressure first dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights or early evenings, but weekends and prime dinner hours are risky without a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids. The room is formal and quiet; better suited to adults or older teens who can handle a traditional dining setting.
Best For
Better for: Quiet, traditional date nights where service pacing and classic Italian comfort matter more than buzz or trendiness.
Skip if: You want a lively, modern scene or a casual, high-energy Italian spot — newer Ninth Avenue restaurants will feel more dynamic.