Opened in 1994, Nicola Marzovilla's warm and welcoming restaurant has been a favorite for more than 18 years for those in search of hearty, delicious Italian specialties. Its celebrated menu draws on the regional cuisine of the Marzovillas' homeland, Puglia. Nicola's mother, Dora, prepares hand-rolled fresh pastas daily. The restaurant is famed for its all-Italian wine list (expertly selected by Marzovilla), and the adjoining Enoteca offers lighter food and by-the-glass choices as well as a nightly happy hour from 3-8pm. I Trulli is a popular destination all-year round: diners can sit by the glow of the main room's rustic fireplace in winter, while in the warmer months are treated to the lush splendor of one of Manhattan's finest outdoor garden spaces.
"The experience was as usual - outstanding. We had branzino and lamb chops. Both were excellent. It was my friend's birthday. I mentioned it but nothing was ever done. So we went elsewhere for dessert."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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"Another wonderful experience on Mother's Day. Even though there was a fixed menu, there was no problem getting one of their regualr desserts with nutella for my daughter. Food was exceptional."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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"Always a pleasure, service and staff are all on their game and try their hardest to get you to enjoy your experience!"
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, notable wine list, kid-friendly, romantic, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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"The team does a great job and we have become friends, and I will continue to come back. Excellent food and a superb selection... The staff goes out of their way to be courteous and helpful... Excellent wine list."
Dined on 3/21/2013
Special Features: good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem
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"This was my first experience with I Trulli, and I had read amazing reviews on Open Table, so I made the reservation. I opted for specials. The Boston lettuce Caesar salad was unremarkable, but there was plenty of it, close to half a head of lettuce. i appreciated the fact that it was not overdressed. For a main dish, I chose Spaghetti with grape tomatoes roasted garlic and basil. The pasta was good, perfectly al dente, but the sauce of tomatoes and roasted garlic was bland. The wine recommended by the waiter was quite good, but at $15 a glass, overpriced. The service was very attentive."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: kid-friendly
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"This is my third diner at I Trulli. I continue to be impressed. The pasta is superb. Our other entrees were also of very high quality. I will continue to frequent this is a very good restaurant."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"We had a very nice dinner. Ambiance, food and serves deserve solid 4 stars. Linguini special with wild mushrooms was especially good. We even ordered a second round!"
Dined on 04/20/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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"A tried and true Italian cuisine favorite in the hood...sit by the fire in winter, enjoy the garden in Summer or have a casual evening in the bar room."
Dined on 03/20/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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"Food was excellent, and with the help of the sommelier we were able to pick a wine from Puglia that was a wonderful complement and reasonably priced."
Dined on 04/16/2013
2007
Special Features: notable wine list
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"This was not the first time we have dined at I Trulli and it certainly won't be the last! Always a memorable experience. We were a party of four and everyone had a fantastic dinner made even better by the attentive staff. Can't wait to return!Lorraine & Hale"
Dined on 04/12/2013
2011
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"I don't live in NY, but have been to I Trulli over the years several times, and it never disappoints. The food, wine, service, ambiance are always executed very well and in an unpretentious manner. On his most recent I had one of the specials which was a smoked duck sausage pasta dish which was different, more interesting, and better than my expectations. Although this may sound like my expectations were relatively low, they were not which made the experience a very pleasant surprise (again). There were six in or party and all were either locals or travel to NY frequently. This was their first, but will not be their last visit to I Trulli."
Dined on 04/04/2013
2002
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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"Great selection of classic Italian dishes with a twist. The food is inventive and the options are impressive. Portions size is standard for New York but you won't leave hungry. The service is attentive without being overbearing and the tables were not crammed one on top of anther which was nice."
Dined on 03/18/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list
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"Living in New Jersey, we unfortunately eat at I Trulli only a couple of times a year, but are always welcomed as if we were regulars. From the person who takes your coat and brings you to your table to every member of the wait staff, you feel as if everyone is genuinely glad you are there. A restaurant can have great food and wine and even a wait staff that is knowledgeable and well trained, but this kind of concern and interest in their customers can't be taught, it comes from the owners' "DNA", and is what makes I Trulli so special.
Of course the wonderful Puligiese specialities that remind my wife of her family's cooking don't hurt !"
Dined on 03/22/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 24 for I Trulli
Overall rating
(Outstanding)5/5
OpenTable Diner
Food
(Outstanding)5/5
Service
(Outstanding)5/5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)5/5
Noise Level
Energetic
"It is a lovely southern Italian RESTURANT and I would return"
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"Excellent food with a unique combination of menu items. The amount of options was almost overwhelming but there is truly something for everyone and it was all expertly prepared. Service was quick and attentive without being overbearing. Easily would go back again."
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, notable wine list, special occasion
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"This is a great restaurant for authentic regional Italian cuisine with a range of interesting and diverse dishes. As tourists from Australia, we found this to be great value for money, especially the portion sizes and wine. I'd recommend it more for parties of 4 and above than an intimate dinner for 2 (on a special 40th birthday, as was our case) but the quality of the cuisine and convenience of the location were superb."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"Our party of 8 enjoyed a variety of menu items nd two fantastic wines. The hand made, home made pastas and the branzino dishes were especially well received. Nicola and his attentive staff made our group feel very welcome indeed. This is one of our favorite restaurants and it always delivers beautifully."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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"Traditional italian food but top products and top execution. This was recommended to me by Italian food enthusiasts. This is consistently good over time. It is also worth saying that the noise level is very reasonable - and this is rarely the case in New York City."
Dined on 03/12/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, great for lunch
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"A group of 4 of us enjoyed a wonderful evening, highlighted by the fish (sea bass and swordfish) and pasta (orecchiete and bucacini) dishes. I think the wine selection is extensive and by itself offers a reason to return (i.e., in order to try another from the list!). We were seated in a large room that included 2 large groups; those groups seemed to have a very good time but did not negatively affect our experience."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, special occasion
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"Perfect spot for a Friday night double date - staff gave great recommendations and my entire party were licking our plates - everything was fresh and delicious. Not too noisy so we were able to really enjoy conversation with each other. Can't wait to revisit when it gets warmer to sit in enclosed garden area!"
Dined on 03/08/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"This restaurant was completely overrated - and I am NOT that hard to please for Italian food. The burrata was horrible - just dry cheese on bread. The octopus was dry, the sausage was poor. The only okay part of the meal was the pasta - and how hard is it to find good pasta in New York City? I definitely would not try this place.
If this restaurant had any sense, they would refund me for the better part of that wasted meal. The only worthwhile part of it was the red wine, which was surprisingly good considering how bad the food was."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2011
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"Has always met my high expectations over a long period of time. What restaurant let's you see the ladies hand making the orecchiette in the kitchen alcove next to the bar right at the entrance a touch of Europa)in the old style. Very appetizing."
Dined on 03/07/2013
2005
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"Hadn't been for some time, but found that I Trulli didn't disappoint. The welcome was friendly and warm, the food delicious, and we-four of us--could actually hear each other talk. Not only good food, but a lovely, convivial, evening."
Dined on 03/06/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"The two times I have come here for lunch, the food has been phenomenal. I've had a fish special, which was very tasty and this last time I ordered the Pollo - Roasted Chicken, Potato Puree, French Beans and it was heavenly. The chicken was roasted to perfection, flavorful, juicy, my mouth waters just thinking about it.
The restaurant was a bit noisy during lunch, but it could've been the next table talking loudly, and there were a decent number of tables being occupied. The service was great and I definitely recommend coming here."
Dined on 03/05/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch
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"We've been coming here for a while now (my girlfriend lives close by) and we've never had anything but exceptional food and service. Nicola truly has something special here and we love it."
Dined on 03/03/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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"Truly enjoyed our meal at I Trulli. Enjoyed the regional specialties (eg Burnt Flour pasta) and the nicely-cooked Branzino. Particularly appreciated the excellent recommendation for the wine. Quiet enough for good conversation, but energetic enough for buzz. Not inexpensive."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
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"Had the restaurant week lunch and enjoyed the hospitality, food, and service. The portions were generous and interesting. The noise level allowed for easy conversation. The service was attentive and well paced. We look forward to a return visit."
Dined on 02/01/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion, great for lunch
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"I Trulli is a terrific restaurant featuring an excellent menu and very attentive staff. I've been going for years - the food and the ambiance make it a keeper on my list."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, special occasion
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"Tried and True...I returned with friends after an long absence and was pleasantly surprised that it was even better than I remembered. My only disappointment is that it feels more like Italy when the waiters have their roots in the old country."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"food here is great and their tasting menu of puglia has great options and is well paired and ordered. highly recommend the brasato and the rabbit ragu orecchiette both are delicious"
Dined on 02/17/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"Ambiance was probably the best thing about the visit. The food was good but not outstanding - the mini calzones where nowhere near as good as we thought they would be from previous reviews - very doughy with very little ingredients inside. My main and the appitizers though were good and tasty - but portions were on the small side. The service though was not so great, maybe it was just our waiter, but again nothing of the standard we had read up on from previous reviews. We felt rushed by the waiter and when my wife explained the Risotto had too much saffron in it - which was overpowering the rest of the dish,there was no effort to rectify, but she was told it was just the way the dish is, even though it was clear she was not happy??"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic
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"Overall a very nice dining experience. The service was very attentive and well-paced. The food was well prepared and had many choices specific to the Apulian region of Italy which was a nice surprise - I was particularly thrilled that they had pannelle on the menu - a childhood favorite of mine."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
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"I selected this restaurant for Valentine's Day, and my girlfriend and I had a really nice experience. We were never rushed, and the place was full. The pre-fixed menu had something for everyone, and the service was very good. There is also a separate bar area attached to the restaurant, which looked nice."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2008
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic
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