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Villa Berulia
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Villa Berulia
8.1
Villa Berulia is a long-running, family-owned Italian-Croatian restaurant in Murray Hill, known for old-school hospitality, generously sauced pastas, and hearty mains served in a softly lit dining room. It feels more like a neighborhood living room than a scene, with regulars returning for decades for consistent plates and personal attention from the owners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Osso buco over risotto, Shrimp or seafood buzara, Housemade strukli (baked cheese dumplings)
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Family-run Italian-Croatian spot with decades of loyal regulars.
Who should go: Diners craving heartfelt, old-school European comfort food.
When to visit: Weeknights or early weekends before it fills with regulars.
What to order: Osso buco, seafood buzara, house strukli.
Insider tip: Mention if it’s your first visit; staff often guide you off-menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive after 6pm; nearby paid garages within 2–3 blocks are the safest bet.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual—jeans, sweaters, and relaxed date-night outfits fit right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate—easy to hold a full conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a very short wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several pasta dishes, salads, and sides can be made fully vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—mostly adaptable pastas and vegetable-based starters with advance notice.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some naturally gluten-free proteins and the kitchen can accommodate pasta swaps when available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it's intimate, unpretentious, and relaxed, which helps conversation flow naturally without pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights and early evenings; weekends are tighter after 7pm and a reservation is recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for well-behaved kids—portions are generous, pastas are crowd-pleasers, and staff are accommodating, though it skews more adult in vibe.
Best For
Better for: Old-school hospitality, hearty portions, and a true neighborhood feel over trend-driven Italian dining.
Skip if: You want cutting-edge Italian techniques, a lively cocktail scene, or a buzzy, see-and-be-seen crowd.
Villa Berulia
8.2
Open since the early 1980s, Villa Berulia is a family-run Italian-Croatian restaurant in Murray Hill known for warm hospitality, hearty plates, and a softly lit dining room that feels more like a neighborhood living room. It’s where regulars bring family for birthdays, graduations, and multi-course celebratory dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Osso buco, Seafood buzara, House strukli
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Decades-old Italian-Croatian spot where owners still greet many guests by name.
Who should go: Families and longtime friends gathering for comforting celebratory dinners.
When to visit: Weekends or holidays when the room is full of regulars celebrating.
What to order: Osso buco, seafood buzara, house strukli dessert.
Insider tip: Mention anniversaries or birthdays when booking; the staff often adds extra personal touches.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited metered street parking nearby; garage options within a few blocks on 2nd and 3rd Ave. Street parking becomes very difficult after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but many guests dress slightly elevated for celebrations.
Noise level: Moderate and lively during peak hours—conversation is easy at the table but the room feels festive when full.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially during birthday-heavy prime time.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple pasta, risotto, and vegetable-focused starters are available.
Vegan options: Limited — a few pasta and vegetable dishes can be modified upon request.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free mains and salads available; substitutions are possible but no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you want a warm, low-pressure setting. It’s cozy and intimate without feeling trendy or intimidating, making conversation easy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights, but weekends and holidays are risky. Calling ahead is strongly recommended, especially for groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes. Older kids do well with the pasta-heavy menu and relaxed service style. It’s better for family celebrations than toddler dining.
Best For
Better for: Heartfelt hospitality, old-school comfort, and genuine celebration energy compared to flashier Midtown Italian spots.
Skip if: You’re looking for modern Italian fine dining, cutting-edge plating, or a late-night scene-driven crowd.
Villa Berulia
8.5
Villa Berulia is a family-run Italian-Croatian dining room in Murray Hill where white tablecloths and old-school hospitality now extend to a permitted sidewalk cafe. It’s the rare outdoor option where you can linger over seafood buzara or osso buco and still feel like you’re at a proper special-occasion restaurant.
Must-Try Dishes:
Osso Buco, Seafood Buzara, House Strukli
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Classic Italian-Croatian white-tablecloth dining with a rare full-service sidewalk setup.
Who should go: Couples and families celebrating with hearty old-school plates.
When to visit: Prime-time weekend dinners when the cafe feels most atmospheric.
What to order: Osso buco, seafood buzara, house strukli.
Insider tip: Book an early outdoor seating if you want quieter, slower-paced service.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only and very limited; expect to circle or use a nearby garage if arriving after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jeans are fine, but many guests opt for date-night or celebratory attire.
Noise level: Moderate — outdoor tables still allow for easy conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially for sidewalk tables
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — pastas, salads, cheese-forward dishes, and vegetable sides are easy to build a full meal from.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable-based pastas and sides can be modified on request.
Gluten-free options: Yes — several seafood and meat mains are naturally gluten-free, plus some pasta substitutions when available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you want classic romance over trendiness. The outdoor cafe feels polished and intimate without being intimidating.
Can I get a table without a reservation? You can try, but outdoor tables fill fast on weekends. Early evening walk-ins have the best odds; after 7pm it’s usually a long wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for well-behaved kids, especially at earlier evening seatings. It’s more family-friendly than it looks, but still feels grown-up.
Best For
Better for: Long, luxurious outdoor dinners with true white-tablecloth service — most nearby patios skew casual by comparison.
Skip if: You want a quick, budget-friendly outdoor meal or a high-energy bar scene instead of a lingering, celebratory dinner.