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Arno Ristorante
ZipPicks Awards
Best Italian in Garment District
Best Romantic Restaurants in Garment District
Best Family Friendly Italian in Garment District
Best Date Night Italian in Garment District
Master Critic Review
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