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iL Punto Ristorante
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
iL Punto Ristorante
8.8
A Hell's Kitchen stalwart since 2004, owner Antonino Pecora has built a devoted following with house-made pastas, exceptional seafood, and the signature Insalata Gelato featuring tomato gelato. The intimate three-room setting with full bar creates a genuine Italian trattoria atmosphere just blocks from Broadway.
Must-Try Dishes:
Insalata Gelato, Lobster Ravioli, Lamb Chops
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 9
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Signature tomato gelato salad and 20+ years of consistent quality
Who should go: Theater-goers seeking pre-show dining with authentic Italian flair
When to visit: Opens at 5pm perfect for pre-Broadway dinner
What to order: Insalata Gelato, lobster ravioli, chocolate soufflé
Insider tip: Ask for Antonio's wine pairing recommendations from the extensive list
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small lot directly next door on 38th St (closes 10pm); several garages within 2 blocks. Street parking available after 7pm weekdays. Subway A/C/E to 42nd St-Port Authority nearby
Dress code: No formal dress code—casual to business casual welcome. Jeans fine for pre-concert or theater dining
Noise level: Moderate to lively when busy—cozy three-room layout means back corners are quieter for conversation. Can get bustling on weekends
Weekend wait: Walk-ins often turned away; reservations essential via OpenTable/Yelp especially pre-theater
Weekday lunch: Dinner only (opens 5pm)—no lunch service
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—menu clearly marked with multiple pasta and appetizer options
Vegan options: Limited but accommodating—staff will work with you to modify dishes; call ahead for best results
Gluten-free options: Yes—clearly labeled menu with GF pasta cooked separately. Staff knowledgeable about allergens
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent—guests consistently praise the intimate, welcoming atmosphere with cozy rooms, attentive service, and romantic vibe. The full bar, extensive wine list, and house-made pastas create a special evening without pretense
Can I get a table without a reservation? Risky, especially weekends and pre-theater times. Walk-ins are often turned away during peak hours. Book via OpenTable or call ahead—staff are accommodating if you're running late
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families welcome and staff noted as thoughtful with children. Comfortable for families celebrating birthdays; broad pasta menu appeals to younger diners. Best for kids who can handle a slightly longer dinner service
Best For
Better for: Theater-goers wanting authentic Italian 3 blocks from Javits with owner-operated warmth and 20+ years of consistency. The signature gelato salad and house-made pastas deliver creativity beyond typical Hell's Kitchen red-sauce joints
Skip if: You need lunch service (dinner only from 5pm), want a large trendy scene over intimate trattoria charm, or require extensive vegan options without advance coordination
iL Punto Ristorante
8.1
A grown-up Italian room with a strong wine-bar backbone—excellent for a classic, sit-down romantic dinner that doesn’t chase trends. The best orders lean traditional: house-made pasta or a composed entrée, plus a dessert finish that keeps the night feeling like a real outing.
Must-Try Dishes:
House-made Pasta, Veal Milanese, Tiramisu
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Classic Italian cooking with wine-bar energy in a proper dining room.
Who should go: Couples who want traditional Italian.
When to visit: Early evening before theater crowds.
What to order: House pasta, veal, tiramisu.
Insider tip: Ask what pasta is freshest that night—then commit.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Limited street parking; nearby paid garages are the reliable option, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy. Jeans are fine if polished; many guests lean business-casual or date-night attire.
Noise level: Moderate. You can comfortably hold a conversation, even during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; reservations strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a short 5–10 minute delay.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes. Multiple vegetarian pastas, salads, and vegetable-forward starters.
Vegan options: Limited. A few pasta or vegetable dishes can be adapted on request.
Gluten-free options: Limited but workable. Gluten-free pasta is sometimes available; best to confirm with the server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The calm, grown-up dining room and classic Italian menu make it easy to relax and focus on conversation without feeling trendy or chaotic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes, especially early evening or on weeknights. Prime weekend dinner slots are much smoother with a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat. Well-behaved older kids are fine, but the room and menu skew adult and date-focused rather than family-centric.
Best For
Better for: Traditional Italian cooking, attentive service, and a true sit-down date-night or business-dinner feel compared to trendier Midtown spots.
Skip if: You want a buzzy, scene-driven restaurant, ultra-modern Italian, or a fast, casual meal.
iL Punto Ristorante
8.2
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Family Friendly Favorites
Date Night Magic
A full-service Sicilian-leaning spot with a celebratory streak—big flavors, generous hospitality, and enough menu range to satisfy both picky eaters and seafood people. Best for families who want a real sit-down meal: order a house pasta, a seafood main, and split dessert.
Must-Try Dishes:
House-made pasta (daily), Seafood entrée (seasonal), Pistachio tiramisu
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Sicilian-leaning cooking with owner-driven hospitality.
Who should go: Families doing a celebratory sit-down
When to visit: Early dinner before Midtown rush
What to order: House pasta, seafood main, pistachio tiramisu
Insider tip: Tell them you’re sharing—courses land more smoothly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Street parking is limited and tough after 6pm; several paid garages operate within a few blocks on 37th–38th Streets.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but many guests lean dressy for celebrations and date nights.
Noise level: Moderate. Lively during peak dinner hours, but conversation is still comfortable at the table.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; longer for larger parties.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a short wait during the noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes. Several pasta, salad, and vegetable-forward options can be ordered meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited. A few vegetable-based pastas and sides can be adapted, but not a dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Some options available. Gluten-free pasta may be offered, but the kitchen is not gluten-free—flag needs clearly when ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you want something a bit celebratory without feeling stiff. The room has energy, the menu is familiar enough to order confidently, and service helps pace the meal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights or early dinners. For weekends, holidays, or groups, a reservation is strongly recommended to avoid long waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes. Best for school-age kids and up—plenty of approachable pastas and flexible ordering, though it’s more of a sit-down dinner than a quick kid stop.
Best For
Better for: Celebratory family dinners and group meals where you want attentive, owner-driven hospitality and a broad Italian menu that satisfies different tastes.
Skip if: You want a quick, casual Italian bite or a very quiet, intimate room—lighter trattorias or smaller date-night spots may suit better.
iL Punto Ristorante
8.4
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
A Sicilian-leaning, full-service Italian room with a warm, date-ready glow and a menu that’s broad without losing focus. The best move is a shared starter, a standout pasta, and a seafood or meat main—then split dessert and let the room do the romance for you.
Must-Try Dishes:
House pasta (daily specialty), Seafood main (ask the server), Pistachio tiramisu
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Sicilian-leaning hospitality with a polished, date-friendly room.
Who should go: Couples who want a real sit-down Italian meal.
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for smooth pacing.
What to order: A starter, a house pasta, pistachio tiramisu.
Insider tip: Tell them you’re sharing courses—timing improves noticeably.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Street parking is limited in Hell’s Kitchen; nearby paid garages on 9th Ave and West 44th–46th Streets are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy. Dark jeans are fine, but most couples lean polished for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate. Lively room energy, but you can comfortably hear your date without leaning in.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer during peak celebration hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a short 5–10 minute pause.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes. Several pastas, vegetable antipasti, and salads work well without feeling like afterthoughts.
Vegan options: Limited. A few vegetable-forward dishes can be modified, but this is not a vegan-focused kitchen.
Gluten-free options: Moderate. Gluten-free pasta is typically available, and several mains are naturally gluten-free—confirm with your server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The room feels warm and intentional, service helps guide pacing, and the menu gives you safe-but-impressive choices without overthinking.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights if you arrive early or late, but weekends and prime dinner hours are reservation-heavy—book ahead if timing matters.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids. The vibe skews romantic and celebratory; better suited for teens than toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Dates that want warmth and generosity—broader menu range and more celebratory energy than quieter, minimalist Italian spots nearby.
Skip if: You want ultra-intimate silence or a tightly focused regional menu—choose a smaller trattoria or fine-dining Italian instead.