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Erminia Ristorante Reviews List

Erminia Ristorante

Erminia, opened in 1982, is New York City’s most romantic restaurant. Obtaining some of the Zagat Survey’s most highly rated scores for food, service and décor each year, the Roman influenced Italian food is second to none on the Upper East Side. Forbes Magazine twice selected Erminia as its number one Top Pick for food. Most diners agree that the original concoctions prepared here will win the hearts of all those who come to experience the fare. The Swiss Alps cabin-like atmosphere accents the rustic feel at Erminia.
See more Erminia Ristorante details
73 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
4.2 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5
(73 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 73 reviews
5 stars
(33)
4 stars
(27)
3 stars
(8)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(3)
Food 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
Service 
4.2 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5
Ambiance 
4.4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.4 / 5
Noise Level
1.6 / 3
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • romantic(54)
  • special occasion(40)
  • neighborhood gem(39)
  • fit for foodies(25)
  • notable wine list(9)
  • great for lunch(2)
Erminia Ristorante Reviews List
Review 1 for Erminia Ristorante
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Lovely Restaurant!

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/13/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Erminia is a small family restaurant with very good food and great service! Lovely atmosphere! Would definitely go back again.!"
Dined on 5/13/2013
Special Features: romantic
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Review 2 for Erminia Ristorante
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Quaint

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/11/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
4 / 3
Energetic
"Food very good. Wait staff aloof, unpleasant, rushed ordering, recited specials upon our sitting down, never said thank you for dining, we felt very unwelcome"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 3 for Erminia Ristorante
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Outstanding

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/09/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Treated like family. Excellent food. Personable staff. Unique atmosphere"
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 4 for Erminia Ristorante
Overall rating 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5

Bad service, Bad food

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/08/2013
Food 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We ordered at 10:00PM and the apetizers arrived at 10:50 (50 minutes where no apologies were expressed or anyhing. Did I mention I ordered Mozzarella di Bufala? -Nothing that needed a lot of cooking) and one of them was not what we had ordered, so we had to wait for another 10 minutes. 20 minutes after finishing our appetizers, the entrees arrived. Mine was a bad Fetuccine alle Vongole whose Vongole tasted like canned clams. Instead of offering any apologies while we waited, the waiters focused on talking and make jokes among each other and serving wine to their friends in other tables. In conclusion, a bad and expensive restaurant in our neighbourhood, we will never set a foot in again. Why does Zagat rates this restaurant with 25?"
Dined on 5/08/2013
Special Features: romantic
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Review 5 for Erminia Ristorante
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Very good and unusual food and wine

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/07/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"This is not the typical neighborhood Italian. Sicilian specialties are featured including vegetable antipasti, unique pastas and a secondi featuring unusual accompaniments. Extensive wines by the glass featuring grapes and blends from Sicily. Highly recommended."
Dined on 5/07/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 6 for Erminia Ristorante
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

romantic and intimate

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/02/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
4 / 3
Energetic
"May this Upper Eastside hideaway remain the same forever..all 7n of us hae made a date got return in a monthtogether to enjoy our experience at Erminia"
Dined on 5/02/2013
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Review 7 for Erminia Ristorante
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Always the best

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/01/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Nick and team do a wonderful job making everyone feel comfortable and at home. The food is spectacular and the ambiance is too. Always love this place."
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 8 for Erminia Ristorante
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Definition of fine dining

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Definition of fine dining in an intimate setting."
Dined on 04/22/2013
 2008
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 9 for Erminia Ristorante
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Quiet. Intimate. Old world

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Quiet. Intimate. Old world charm and a wonderful meal. The perfect place to celebrate an important anniversary."
Dined on 04/16/2013
 2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 10 for Erminia Ristorante
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Wonderful place for two on

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Wonderful place for two on special occasions."
Dined on 04/16/2013
 2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 11 for Erminia Ristorante
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

This is a lovely restaurant

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"This is a lovely restaurant with fabulous service. The food is very good, but not great."
Dined on 04/06/2013
 2005
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Review 12 for Erminia Ristorante
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

a little over hyped

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Nice Italian restaurant, but a little over hyped. Food was decent, but always felt a little rushed and like the waiter was put out when I asked him to repeat something."
Dined on 04/06/2013
 2012
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Review 13 for Erminia Ristorante
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Erminia reminds us of why

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Erminia reminds us of why we dine at restaurants."
Dined on 04/05/2013
 2011
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 14 for Erminia Ristorante
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Annie and Jeff 's incredible find

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"We are early eaters. Made a reservation. We're greeted warmly and given the best table in the house. Pepe told us about the specials and we
Followed his lead. Started with a stuffed mushroom appetitizer. Beyond good. Sipped on our Cali Chimney Rock Cab which was perfectly paired with our lamb and worked really well with my Med. sea bass. Dessert was tiramisu for him and Tartufo for me. Oh my gosh! Both incredible. Everything was incredible. Pepe Helped me figure out how to make Tartufo when I get home.
What a night. Lovely restaurant, fun and charming wait staff. Romantic setting. I give it 5 stars.
"
Dined on 04/03/2013
 2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 15 for Erminia Ristorante
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

This was our first visit to

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"This was our first visit to Erminia and we had a wonderful experience. The service was outstanding and all four people in our party loved their choices. The restaurant is small, charming and intimate and was a beautiful backdrop for our birthday dinner."
Dined on 03/27/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 16 for Erminia Ristorante
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Not cozy and romantic!

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"We were SO disappointed with our experience at Erminia. We remembered our previous dinner with friends so differently - cozy and romantic with delicious food. On Saturday we entered the restaurant and were seated at a table which was SQUEEZED between surrounding tables - we were constantly bumped by neighboring diners and wait staff. There were 2 other tables of 6 on the opposite wall - who were incredibly noisy- we had felt we had to shout to have a conversation at our table. My friend had Chicken Francese -- too much lemon and I had Chicken Rotolo -- way too salty. Our reservation was 7:30 -- by 9:30 it was obvious they wanted us to leave as there were people waiting for a table. The noisy table of 6 was still there -- being noisy"
Dined on 03/23/2013
 2012
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Review 17 for Erminia Ristorante
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

A great Italian Gem!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
"Had a wonderful dining experience at this great gem on the UES. The food was delicious, especially the buffalo mozzarella-roasted peppers appetizer, and homemade fettuccine bolognese. The owners and staff were extremely attentive and personable. Will definitely go back again!"
Dined on 03/16/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 18 for Erminia Ristorante
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Good but Overrated

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"A friend of mine recommended this restaurant and she usually has pretty good taste. After doing some reading on it (years ago) I became curious about what made it "the most romantic restaurant in NYC." Overall I thought the restaurant was overrated. The waiter did not seem like someone who should be in the service industry. However, there were two older male servers who seemed much more interested in service (too bad they were not serving me). The food was good but nothing to write home about. I have also been to other restaurants that I would say have more charm and therefore a more romantic atmosphere. The experience was not bad but the restaurant is overrated in my opinion."
Dined on 03/07/2013
 2012
Special Features: romantic
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Review 19 for Erminia Ristorante
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

outstanding

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"This was a ride uptown but well worth it. Food wonderful and would not hesitate to return."
Dined on 03/02/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 20 for Erminia Ristorante
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Always fabulous food & impeccable

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Always fabulous food & impeccable unobtrusive service!! Every dish is wonderfully prepared & tasty from appetizers to dessert."
Dined on 02/25/2013
 2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 21 for Erminia Ristorante
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Price little higher than anticipate

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Price little higher than anticipated Food and service very good"
Dined on 02/23/2013
 2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 22 for Erminia Ristorante
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

I had heard good things about

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"I had heard good things about Erminia. Unfortunately we had a bad waiter who didn't tell us all the specials, so couldn't order what we heard other people at other tables order. We also saw other tables receive the nan and matzah like bread that looked good - ours was burnt. I don't think the waiter we had wants to be a waiter - he looks like the head waiter's son who was probably unemployed and his father put him to work. But if you get a good waiter, I'm sure the experience is better."
Dined on 02/22/2013
 2008
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Review 23 for Erminia Ristorante
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

We visited over President's

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"We visited over President's Holiday weekend 2013. The restaurant is intimate, ambience romantic, food and service impeccable. I will go back every visit to NYC. We had a beautiful bottle of Chianti, the best tiramisu and tartufo I have ever tasted, and the food was divine. Make sure to book reservations ahead of time, with only a dozen or so tables, you won't get in without advanced reservation."
Dined on 02/15/2013
 2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 24 for Erminia Ristorante
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Our favorite Italian Restaurant

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"the food was excellent. great romantic spot. will go back again!
sherry white
"
Dined on 02/16/2013
 2013
Special Features: romantic
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Review 25 for Erminia Ristorante
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

A delightfully outstanding

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"A delightfully outstanding romantic restaurant, with wonderful food and presentation, excellent service, a quiet and comfortable ambience."
Dined on 02/13/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 26 for Erminia Ristorante
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Erminia was a little too crowded

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Erminia was a little too crowded and noisy for a romantic Valentine's Day dinner. Going at a less busy time would probably be better."
Dined on 02/13/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 27 for Erminia Ristorante
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

If you are looking for an

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"If you are looking for an intimate dinner with your significant other this is a perfect place. Ambiance, waiters, and food were wonderful. Would definitely go back there. If you are searching for a romantic place to impress someone, this is it."
Dined on 02/12/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 28 for Erminia Ristorante
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Fair food, great ambiance

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Fair food, great ambiance and services!"
Dined on 02/02/2013
 2012
Special Features: romantic
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Review 29 for Erminia Ristorante
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Atmosphere is very quiet and

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Atmosphere is very quiet and charming. Tables are nicely spaced, but small size of restaurant limits privacy. Food was outstanding. Service was good. Wine list is very expensive. I asked waiter to choose an Italian wine for us and what he choose was expensive, not good and not worth the price."
Dined on 01/21/2013
 2006
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 30 for Erminia Ristorante
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

The food is excellent!!. It

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"The food is excellent!!. It is pricy but worth it. The service is very good with very attentive waiters. It is a small but kind of romantic place with candles on the table that give a sense of intimacy."
Dined on 01/23/2013
 2013
Special Features: romantic
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Review 31 for Erminia Ristorante
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

One of our favorite restaurants

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
"One of our favorite restaurants for special occasions. A real old school Italian restaurant with wonderful food, service and ambiance."
Dined on 01/19/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Erminia Ristorante
Based on the average of (42) ratings-only reviews
Overall 
4.2 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5
7 out of 8 recommend this product
Food 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
Service 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
Ambiance 
4.5 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.5 / 5
Noise Level
1.6 / 3
Moderate