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Il Monello
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Il Monello
8.6
Reopened in Turtle Bay after a storied history dating to 1974, this fine dining destination near the UN features Executive Chef Jaime Chabla's refined Italian seafood and steaks. The garden patio and private dining rooms host diplomats and discerning locals alike.
Must-Try Dishes:
Potato-Crusted Sea Bass, Veal Chop Milanese, Chicken Il Monello
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.9
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: 50-year legacy reborn with garden dining near the United Nations
Who should go: Diplomats, romantics, and seekers of refined Italian seafood
When to visit: Garden season evenings or intimate weeknight dinners
What to order: Potato-crusted sea bass, fettuccine al ragù, tartufo
Insider tip: The diplomatic corps favors outdoor tables on Sunday afternoons
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - typical Turtle Bay difficulty near the UN. No valet. Nearby garages available; consider taxi or subway to 51st St (6 train) for easier access.
Dress code: Casual elegant - OpenTable lists 'Casual Dress' but the white tablecloth ambiance with starched linens and leather upholstery calls for smart attire. No shorts or flip-flops.
Noise level: Quiet and intimate - reviewers specifically note the 'quiet atmosphere' perfect for conversation. Dim lighting and refined setting absorb sound well.
Weekend wait: Reservations strongly recommended - rated 4.9 stars with 239+ OpenTable reviews. Book via OpenTable or call (917) 675-7491. Garden patio tables fill quickly in season.
Weekday lunch: Easier to secure a table. Lunch served daily 12-4pm. Walk-ins often accommodated, but call ahead for garden seating.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection - multiple pasta dishes, risotto options, salads (Il Monello salad with goat cheese/pears, beet salad), and vegetable sides like broccoli rabe, asparagus, mushrooms.
Vegan options: Accommodations available - listed as vegan-friendly on OpenTable. Speak with server; Italian cuisine is dairy-heavy but kitchen can modify dishes.
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free options noted. Seafood and steak entrées are naturally GF; ask about specific pasta alternatives.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Exceptional choice - the dim lighting, white tablecloths, touch-assisted table lighting, and quiet atmosphere create perfect romantic conditions. The garden patio in season elevates it further. Refined without being stuffy, impressive without trying too hard.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but risky, especially for dinner or garden seating. The restaurant has a 10-minute grace period policy for reservations. For best results, book ahead via OpenTable or call (917) 675-7491. Bar seating may be available for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Better suited for older children (12+) who appreciate fine dining. White tablecloth setting with elegant glassware and leather upholstery. No kids menu, but kitchen can accommodate simpler preparations. Private dining rooms work well for family celebrations.
Best For
Better for: Romantic evenings and special occasions requiring sophistication without pretension. The garden patio is a genuine hidden gem near the UN. Private dining rooms (Tuscany and Wine Cellar) host 25-75 guests for weddings, birthdays, corporate events. 50-year legacy with USDA Prime dry-aged steaks and refined Italian seafood under Executive Chef Jaime Chabla.
Skip if: You want trendy scene-making, loud energy, or budget-friendly dining ($50+ per person before drinks). Not the spot for quick casual meals or large boisterous groups in the main dining room.
Il Monello
8.2
Tucked on a quiet Turtle Bay block, Il Monello is a white-tablecloth Italian spot with a 1970s pedigree, known for old-school hospitality and generously sauced pasta and meat dishes. The room skews intimate and low-lit, attracting neighborhood regulars, small celebrations, and lingering date nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Veal chop Milanese, Branzino with grilled asparagus, Frutti di mare over housemade pasta
Scores:
Value: 6.4
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Old-world Italian fine dining with attentive, throwback service near the UN.
Who should go: Couples or small groups craving classic Italian.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners for a calmer, more intimate room.
What to order: Veal chop, branzino, a shared pasta like frutti di mare.
Insider tip: Let the staff steer you toward nightly off-menu specials and wines.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on East 49th; rely on nearby paid garages along 2nd/3rd Avenue.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—collared shirts and elevated attire fit the room.
Noise level: Low to moderate—easy for intimate conversation, especially at smaller tables.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation; the room is small and fills quickly.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—primarily a dinner-focused restaurant; no typical lunch service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several pasta and vegetable-driven plates can be prepared meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited—kitchen can adapt a few dishes but options are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many dishes can be prepared gluten-free and staff is used to accommodation.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its low lighting, attentive service, and classic Italian warmth create an intimate atmosphere perfect for a relaxed first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes—early evenings or late seatings offer the best chance; prime hours typically require a reservation due to the small dining room.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—well-behaved older children are fine, but the setting is geared toward adults and quiet dinners rather than family dining.
Best For
Better for: Classic, throwback Italian hospitality and intimate date-night ambiance compared with more modern Midtown Italian spots.
Skip if: You want avant-garde Italian, fast-paced dining, or a large, buzzy room with contemporary energy.
Il Monello
8.2
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Comfort Food Classics
Revived on a quiet Turtle Bay block with roots dating back to the 1970s, Il Monello leans classic: branzino, veal and chicken Parm, and handmade pastas like cacio e pepe and fettuccine al ragù. The white-tablecloth setting skews grown-up, but courteous service and straightforward flavors work well for families with older kids.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cacio e Pepe bucatini, Frutti di Mare linguini, Branzino with simple vegetable sides
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Old-school Midtown Italian with polished service, big plates, and a neighborhood feel.
Who should go: Families with older kids craving traditional pastas and steaks.
When to visit: Early dinner seatings for a calmer, more relaxed pace.
What to order: Cacio e Pepe, Frutti di Mare, classic Parmigiana with sides.
Insider tip: Mention if you’re sharing entrées; the kitchen will often split plates neatly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Turtle Bay; meter spots open up after 6pm but fill quickly. Nearest garages are within a 2–3 block radius on 50th and 51st Streets.
Dress code: Smart casual—collared shirts, blouses, and dark denim are common. Lean slightly dressy for evening visits.
Noise level: Moderate; white-tablecloth setting allows for easy conversation except during peak weekend dinner.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes without a reservation, longer for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait; business lunch turnover keeps tables moving.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection—several pastas and salads can be prepared vegetarian on request.
Vegan options: Limited—most dishes contain dairy, but simple vegetable pastas or salads can be adapted.
Gluten-free options: Several dishes can be made gluten-free; kitchen accommodates requests but does not have a dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its quiet, classic ambiance and attentive service suit a more traditional, grown-up date night, especially if you prefer a calm dining room over a scene.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually on weekdays and early evenings. For prime weekend slots, booking ahead is strongly recommended, especially for groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids and teens—the menu is straightforward and staff are courteous. The formal setting is less ideal for toddlers or very young children.
Best For
Better for: Classic Italian execution, polished service, and a calm neighborhood atmosphere that’s more refined than nearby crowd-heavy trattorias.
Skip if: You want trendy, modern Italian, a casual environment, or extensive vegan options—other Midtown spots specialize more in those lanes.