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Il Tinello
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Il Tinello
8.6
A 35-year tradition of Northern Italian excellence continues at this East Side outpost. Owner Benny Bello delivers white-glove hospitality with tableside flambéed bananas foster and complimentary grappa, making every guest feel like family.
Must-Try Dishes:
Veal Milanese, Shrimp Scampi Il Tinello, Crab Cappellini
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 9.3
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: 36 years of tradition with owner Benny personally greeting every guest
Who should go: Couples celebrating milestones and old-school Italian devotees
When to visit: Special occasions or intimate weeknight dinners
What to order: Veal Milanese, homemade lasagna, tableside bananas foster
Insider tip: Benny offers complimentary grappa after dinner—accept graciously
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Street parking difficult in Midtown East. Nearby garages available - book ahead via SpotHero. Near Grand Central (4/5/6/7/S) for easy subway access.
Dress code: Smart elegant - this is old-school fine dining with white-jacketed waiters. Jackets appreciated for men, no jeans. Think Rat Pack-era sophistication.
Noise level: Quiet and intimate - reviewers specifically note you can 'converse easily without competing with noise.' Soft standards music in background. Perfect for meaningful conversation.
Weekend wait: Reservations essential - 75-seat restaurant fills up fast. Book via OpenTable or call (646) 682-7284. Walk-ins possible early at the bar only.
Weekday lunch: Easier to secure a table. Lunch served Mon-Fri 11:45am-4pm. Still recommend booking for special occasions.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good options - dedicated Legumi (vegetable) section, pasta primavera, caprese, risotto dishes. Kitchen is flexible with modifications.
Vegan options: Accommodations available - listed as vegan-friendly on OpenTable. Speak with server for best options; Northern Italian cuisine is dairy-heavy but they'll work with you.
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free options noted as available. Proteins and vegetable dishes are naturally GF; ask about specific pasta alternatives.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Ideal - the intimate 75-seat room, quiet ambiance, and attentive (not intrusive) service create perfect date conditions. Owner Benny's personal touch makes you feel special without being over-the-top. Tableside presentations like Caesar salad add romance without pretension.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Risky, especially Friday/Saturday. The bar seats about 10 if you arrive early. Better to book ahead - they're rated 4.8 stars with 680+ OpenTable reviews, so demand is real. Call (646) 682-7284 for last-minute requests.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids (12+) who can appreciate a formal dining experience. This is white-tablecloth fine dining with tableside flambéed desserts. Not ideal for young children or those needing kid-specific menus.
Best For
Better for: Milestone celebrations where you want to feel like family, not a number. Benny remembers repeat guests and where they sat. Tableside showmanship (Caesar salad, Bananas Foster, complimentary grappa) creates memories without corporate stiffness. 38 years of tradition in an intimate setting.
Skip if: You want trendy or modern Italian, scene-y vibes, or a casual atmosphere. Closed Sundays. Note: steep stairs to dining room - not ideal for mobility issues. Price point is $$$$ so not for budget-conscious diners.
Il Tinello
8.3
Il Tinello delivers dependable, home‑style Italian fare with handmade pastas and a warm wine‑list — a comfortable, unpretentious spot perfect for a cozy date night. The service and gracious atmosphere make it a reliable choice downtown of the theater district.
Must-Try Dishes:
Homemade pasta carbonara, Chicken parmesan, Tiramisu dessert
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Decades‑long tradition of handmade pasta and solid service
Who should go: Casual couples looking for a relaxed dinner
When to visit: Early evening on weeknights
What to order: Carbonara, chicken parm, tiramisu
Insider tip: Ask for a cozy corner table for a quieter meal
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available for $12, limited street parking after 6pm
Dress code: Smart casual – jeans are okay, but lean dressy for a nicer vibe
Noise level: Moderate – can easily hear your date's conversation
Weekend wait: 45-60 minutes without a reservation
Weekday lunch: No wait typically
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several pasta and vegetable-based dishes
Vegan options: Limited – 2-3 options available upon request
Gluten-free options: Yes – separate prep area for gluten-free dishes
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – the cozy atmosphere and intimate setting make it perfect for a first date, with comforting food and attentive service setting a relaxed tone.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It's possible, but it's highly recommended to make a reservation, especially on weekends, as it gets busy in the theater district.
Is it kid-friendly? It’s not specifically kid-focused, but older children are welcome. The atmosphere is more suited to couples and adults, making it a better choice for a relaxed family dinner rather than a children-centered outing.
Best For
Better for: Il Tinello offers a more relaxed, comforting date-night experience with authentic Italian classics in a cozy setting. It's ideal for couples seeking a dependable and intimate dinner spot.
Skip if: If you're looking for a more trendy or upscale Italian experience with modern twists, there are other places that might be better suited for that vibe.