Il Violino was established in 1993 by the Mariani family. They are from Villa Santa Maria, a little town in the heart of Italy (Abruzzo) known as La patria dei cuochi (chefs from this town have been executives at the Vatican, the White House, embassies and top restaurants and cruise lines around the world). Il Violino has been one of the original Lincoln Center Italian restaurants and, in these days, one of the few still in operation.
The chef Vincenzo Mariani, formerly the executive chef at Monsignore (one of the top restaurant in New York City in the 70’s and 80’s), leaded the kitchen with his international experience and created an original and innovative Italian menu.
In 2009 the owner, with the help of his young cousin from Venice, decided to write a new page. The restaurant has been renovated and transformed into a Trattoria: a warmer and cozier ambiance, one of those that you can easily find in any small town in Italy.
"Went here with my Daughter after a long separation. Everything was perfect! The food was delicious and the service was very professional. It was Mother's so all the staff wished me Happy Mith's Day when the came to the table and the owner "treated" us with after dinner Lemon Cello. Will definitely return."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, scenic view, late-night find, special occasion
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"Il Violino has twice so far served us very good dinners with pleasant, accomodating service in a timely way. I think it is a fine choice for dinner before events at Lincoln Center. I liked sitting where I could watch the action on the street yet still be warm and well fed!"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"Although my family had eaten here before, this was my first time. Il Violino did not disappoint! The bread was great, the salds were excellent, and my chicken armigiana was amazing. Did I mention that the Montepulciano was outstanding! The service is very good but not crowding. The atmosphere is inviting, cozy, and friendly. I would definitely come back here next time I am on the UWS."
Dined on 04/25/2013
2006
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic
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"Had some friends in town and of course took them here, our favorite neighborhood italian restaurant. Had a great bottle of wine and amazing food. Never disappoints. Their homemade linguini is my absolute favorite. Can't stop coming back...for the food and friendly staff!"
Dined on 04/18/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"The occasion was a get-together with dear friends from Europe after many years. We got so distracted before our visit to Il Violino that we were 2 (two) hours late. The staff at Il Violino laughed it off, were very gracious. Here again, we had so much to talk about that our lunch stretched into close to 2-1/2 hours. No problem, we were left alone, only checked upon and refilled once in a while. We had a marvelous time. Oh, the food was delicious, and the sidewalk scene très New York! The glory of this Violin is not its sound but its glassed-in around-the-corner verandah, comfortable in every season."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2007
Special Features: great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, scenic view, great for lunch
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"We made a reservation for pre-theater dinner based on previous reviews and were not disappointed. Warm service and good food, especially enjoyed grilled vegetables and seafood main courses. We will be back!"
Dined on 03/23/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"So impressed with this local find. Would recommend it to anyone for a date night, dinner with good friends, a visit from the parents, or a solo night out before the movies. The service was exceptional - over-attentive at times, but exceptional. I will be back! A lot!"
Dined on 03/22/2013
2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
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"The seafood soup was tasty but much too salty, but the chicken parmigiana was excellent. Fast, friendly service, very pleasant staff, very good food. Recommended when you're in the Lincoln Center area."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"My wife and I had dinner at Il Violino before a Paul Taylor Dance Co. performance at Lincoln Center. We share dinners and started with a fresh and vibrant Trecolore salad, followed by a pasta special: penne with chunks of eggplant (the preparation we prefer). Our entree was also fresh and well prepared, a delicious and moist Branzino (two pieces of a type of sea bass), served with steamed seasonal vegetables as requested. We also had an ample glass of Pinot Grigio. And we closed with lemon ricotta cheesecake, accompanied by decaf latte. Service throughout was attentive without being intrusive, and everything was prepared as requested: the steamed vegetables instead of sautéed, for instance. Ordinary food, but made special by the chef."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"While the service was prompt, it was indifferent. The food was only of moderate quality and the owners or Maitre D' seemed totally indifferent or slightly unfriendly. There appeared to be some regulars who were doted on. The prix fixe offered a decent value but, again, was only average at best. They charged $2 extra to put three anchovies on an undistinguished Ceasar salad."
Dined on 03/13/2013
2006
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"food and service were great. No waiting for our seats although it was crowded. We've been there several times when we visited Manhattan, and will continue to go there every chance we get. Terrific place for after a Lincoln Center concert or opera."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2010
Special Features: kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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"We had a great dinner before theatre. The service is A+, very friendly and efficient. The homemade pasta is a winner, as is the gelato. We enjoyed the salads as well."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"We were seated right next to the door and the cold draft made it a bit uncomfortable. Other than that food was delicious, as always. This is our go to restaurant every time we are near Lincoln Center."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"my favorite neighborhood italian place...their homemade linguini is so delicious! We love to come when they have the eggplant parmigiana special. And the braised lamb is also one of our favorites. The owner and his staff are so very nice!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"Kind of perfect location to go for a drink or dinner before opera / concert etc at the Lincoln Center, also for post event hang out. You might meet musicians performing in the Lincoln Center. Food is tasty, still you get a great value for your bucks."
Dined on 01/25/2013
2011
Special Features: late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic
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"Hadn't been to Il Violino in about two years - and it will be longer than that before I go again. The quality of the food has deteriorated. We had calamari for appetizer. A little soggy. I had linguine with mixed seafood. The pasta was like paste, the shrimp were tough, the other pieces of seafood - salmon and calamari - were not exciting. Other diner had a spinach salad with mozzarella and walnuts. Dull."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2011
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"We were seated immediately, had wonderful, friendly service, great food, pleasant ambiance and were out in time to catch our curtain at the Met. Highly recommend."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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