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Murano Ristorante
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Murano Ristorante
7.9
Milan Licul's 40-year-old nameplate returns to Manhattan with refined Venetian cuisine featuring fresh seafood and handmade pastas. The elegant amber lighting and Murano glass accents transport diners to Northern Italy's lagoon country while Executive Chef Cesar Dutan blends French techniques with Italian tradition.
Must-Try Dishes:
Saffron Risotto with Bone Marrow, Grilled Octopus, Pappardelle with Wild Boar Ragu
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Revival of legendary 1980s nameplate with Venetian-inspired cuisine and elegant glass accents
Who should go: Those seeking refined Northern Italian near Four Seasons hotel
When to visit: Weekday lunch for quieter ambiance or special occasion dinner
What to order: Daily seafood specials, saffron risotto, Venetian classics
Insider tip: Ask about the chef's off-menu Venetian specialties from the Veneto region
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet or dedicated lot. Nearby garages on E 56th/57th between Park and Lexington run $30-50 evening. Street parking very limited in this corporate corridor. Subway (N, W, R, 4, 5, 6 to 59th/Lex) recommended.
Dress code: Smart casual to business attire. Listed as 'casual' but the elegant Venetian atmosphere with Murano chandeliers skews dressy. Jeans acceptable at lunch; blazers and polished looks fit better at dinner.
Noise level: Quiet - acoustics allow easy conversation. Multiple guests note it's ideal for business discussions and intimate dinners. The 3pm off-peak window is particularly tranquil.
Weekend wait: Reservations recommended via OpenTable. Restaurant still building clientele - tables often available same-day but call ahead Saturday.
Weekday lunch: Rarely a wait. Popular with Midtown East professionals. Special lunch menu offers good value for the quality.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple options including mixed mushroom risotto, Cappellini Primavera, various salads and antipasti. Kitchen accommodates requests.
Vegan options: Available with modifications - salads, vegetable dishes adaptable. Call ahead to discuss; staff described as accommodating with dietary needs.
Gluten-free options: Yes - options available per OpenTable. Kitchen will adjust preparations; confirm specifics about cross-contamination when booking.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice. The warm amber lighting, Murano glass chandeliers, and quiet acoustics create natural romance without stuffiness. Tables are well-spaced for privacy. The bar seating with skilled bartender Bolivar offers a more casual option if full dinner feels too formal. Four Seasons guests nearby use it as their go-to.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes - the restaurant is still building its clientele and rarely packed. Walk-ins frequently accommodated, especially weekday lunch or off-peak hours like 3pm. For Saturday dinner or groups, OpenTable booking is wise. Private 'Masquerade Room' available for parties of 30+.
Is it kid-friendly? Better suited for teens and up. The fine dining atmosphere with Murano glass and formal service isn't designed for young children. No kids menu. For a family celebration with older children who appreciate sophisticated dining, it works beautifully.
Best For
Better for: Refined Northern Italian with Venetian flair in a quieter, undiscovered setting. Chef Dutan's French-influenced technique elevates classics like the grilled octopus and saffron risotto with bone marrow. The private dining room handles corporate events that nearby steakhouses can't match with this level of elegance. Four Seasons proximity makes it ideal for hotel guests.
Skip if: You want a buzzy scene or proven neighborhood institution - this is a 2024 reopening still establishing itself. Closed for lunch on weekends. Not ideal for casual pizza-and-pasta family outings or anyone seeking Southern Italian red-sauce classics.
Murano Ristorante
8.3
Murano Ristorante leans into Venetian elegance with Murano-glass-inspired touches, a polished bar, and white-tablecloth Northern Italian cooking. It’s ideal for couples who want a refined, lingering dinner with serious pastas and a deep wine list.
Must-Try Dishes:
Polpo grilled octopus with cannellini beans and peperonata, Roman gnocchi with wild boar ragù, Branzino with salsa verde and lemon
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Venetian-inspired fine dining with a candlelit room, strong cocktails, and serious primi.
Who should go: Couples wanting refined ambiance and a long wine-driven dinner
When to visit: Later seatings after 8pm for a quieter, more romantic feel
What to order: Polpo, Roman gnocchi, branzino with salsa verde
Insider tip: Ask for a table away from the bar if you prefer hushed conversation.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Midtown after 6pm; nearby garages on 52nd and 53rd typically run $25–$35 for the evening.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jackets not required, but polished outfits fit the room’s white-tablecloth formality.
Noise level: Moderate — you can hold a low-voice conversation, especially in later seatings away from the bar.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; prime 7–8pm slots usually booked out.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait, though the dining room is quieter and service more streamlined.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several primi and contorni are naturally vegetarian, and the kitchen can adapt some pastas.
Vegan options: Limited — expect 1–2 composed dishes plus customizable salads; call ahead for more substantial options.
Gluten-free options: Yes — gluten-free pasta is available on request, and many seafood mains are naturally GF.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the candlelit room, measured pacing, and attentive but unobtrusive service create an atmosphere that encourages conversation without pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly — walk-ins are sometimes accommodated early (before 6:30pm) or late (after 9pm), but weekend prime times almost always require reservations.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — older kids or teens comfortable in a formal setting will be fine, but there are no dedicated children’s menus or amenities, and the ambiance skews adult and romantic.
Best For
Better for: Luxurious date-night pacing, polished wine service, and refined Northern Italian cooking with standout pastas.
Skip if: You want a casual red-sauce feast, larger portions at lower prices, or a high-energy, bustling dining room.