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Rossini's Restaurant
ZipPicks Awards
Best Lasagna in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Best Family Friendly Italian in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Best Date Night Italian in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Master Critic Review
Rossini's Restaurant
8.4
Open since 1978, Rossini’s is a classic Murray Hill dining room where baked pastas like the house lasagna share space with veal, seafood, and live piano on many nights. It’s a go-to when you want old-school Italian formality, white tablecloths, and a lasagna that feels built for special-occasion dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baked meat lasagna, Veal scaloppine, Linguine alle vongole
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.9
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Long-running white-tablecloth Italian where lasagna fits into a classic lineup.
Who should go: Traditionalists craving piano-accompanied Italian and baked pastas.
When to visit: Prime evening hours when the dining room and piano are lively.
What to order: House lasagna, tableside tiramisu, a veal or seafood entrée.
Insider tip: Request a table in the rear dining room for the full old-school atmosphere and best acoustics for the piano.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive in the evenings; nearby paid garages within 1–2 blocks are usually the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy — jackets and collared shirts fit right in, jeans are okay if styled upscale.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — piano adds ambience but you can still hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a very short wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pasta dishes, salads, and vegetable sides work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited — some pasta with marinara and vegetable sides can be adapted, but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Limited — a few naturally gluten-free entrées like seafood and meat dishes, but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the live piano, polished service, and intimate lighting create an elegant, romantic setting that feels special without being overwhelming.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights or early evenings, but reservations are strongly recommended for weekends and peak dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens than young children — the formal atmosphere and menu lean toward adult tastes and quieter dining.
Best For
Better for: Classic old-school Italian ambiance, live piano nights, attentive white-tablecloth service, and celebratory dinners centered around baked pasta and traditional entrées.
Skip if: Choose a more casual Italian spot if you want fast service, lighter pricing, or a modern, high-energy dining room.