Il Cantinori Reviews

Visited on Friday 20th feb we had a fab nite stunning food, eaten many restaurants In Italy mainly florence this place ranks with them all fantastic service and a good attitude to customers requirements definitely going to call back on our next visit In 2016

This restaurant came highly recommended. We asked for a specific waiter who was not working the night we visited. So instead the manager gave us their newest waiter. Does that make sense? Orders were consistently wrong and delivered to the wrong person. Bill,was wrong and the. They lost their copy and chased me down as I was grabbing a cab which made a mediocre experience even worse. We won't be back.

Can't go wrong with Il Cantinori. The food is excellent, the atmosphere is great, staff was very good. Overall an excellent experience and solid and reliable option. Very warm space.

Tucked away on E10th, this neighborhood Italian restaurant is one of the best place to enjoy food and company for a relaxing evening. food is so good and love their homemade pasta especially.

We were told about this Tuscan restaurant by a couple seated next to us at the Cafe Carlyle. They said it was the best Italian restaurant in NYC. How could you turn down that recommendation! We never heard of it, so we made a reservation. It's hard to rate it as "the best", but it was pretty, pretty good. It's located in Greenwich Village and has been there since the early 80's. Some describe it as "old school" in a positive way. We wouldn't disagree with that, and it doesn't take away from how good the service and food truly is. The interior is cozy with intimate atmosphere. There is a front seating area and also a back seating area. If you like crowds and listening to chatter, you may want to ask for a table in front area. If you like a more intimate atmosphere (like us), ask for one in the back. That couple we met at the Cafe Carlyle highly recommended one of us order their "Three Sisters" pasta. You have to ask for it because it's not on the menu. I did order it and it was a great way to sample three of their menu pastas all at once. Of course, you can order direct from the menu, and our server was very good about offering substitutions. We did order an appetizer that included salami w/ cheese squares and red sauces on separate plates. It wasn't a wow dish, but certainly traditional. To accompany our appetizer and main dishes, we ordered a very nice Keith Harig cabernet suggested by our server Freddy. He was excellent throughout our dining there. I ordered their Caesar Salad w/ anchovies, which was delicious. That item was a meal in itself. In fact, all our orders were a generous portion. So, bring a big appetite with you. My wife had an Insalata w/ mixed greens. As I mentioned, I had their "Three Sisters" special. My wife had the Pollo Arrosto (half chicken with potatoes). Again, it was a huge portion. Somehow, we managed to find room (rather I did) for some dessert: their Gelato Combo of three scoop balls of pistachio and strawberries. This dessert was relatively smaller which was perfect. If you are interested in some traditional Tuscan food at a not so popular and advertised location in Greenwich Village, I don't think you will be disappointed.

Service was helpful, with a great wine neither of us knew before. Food excellent, location convenient for me, welcoming!

Very warm and welcoming restaurant...our reservation for 7 became 9 and finally became 8 ...not a problem or a frown from anyone in the place...nice menu with addition specials...only negative was no prices given on the specials unless asked...would definitely go back

So you have searched the World for a restaurant where you are immediately Welcomed... Where you feel the presence of the Sunday dinners your Mother prepared with love...Where you can relax and enjoy a remarkable array of Classic Italian dishes. You've been everywhere...but you've been nowhere until you find yourself IL Cantinori!!

I was here with my husband celebrating our anniversary. I hadn't been here in quite a few years. We had a table in the front room. Our waiter was terrific & very friendly. I couldn't decide between the pumpkin ravioli or the veal for my main course so he suggested the veal with a side dish of the ravioli. Both were delicious. I started with a grilled, wild mushroom salad that was heavenly. My husband had some kind of steak (boring) but he is a carnivore. He said it was delicious. Two tables were celebrating someone's birthday & both tables sang. It's that kind of a friendly place. We had a wonderful & memorable evening.

I'm visiting New York from London, and had booked il cantanori based on the fact we love Italian food, and it seemed to have great reviews. However. If you're in anyway aware f what Italian food is supposed to taste like, this is a no no. An expensive no no! The flavour combinations were completely off. All the food was incredibly sweet and lacking any complexity at all. The waiting staff were rude and unhelpful, however, the manager (an Italian) agreed that the food wasn't up to the standards you get in London. He said 'Americans have a different palate, this isn't Italian food' he then comp'd my awful starter and sent us a tiramisu.

I'm a New Yorker but now travel between NY and Asia. Over the years I have visited Il Cantinori and always rated it very highly and so was looking forward to having dinner there. However, I was there last night and think that will be my last visit. It has slipped a lot. If you are a tourist visiting New York, my advice is that you can do a LOT better in terms of food and pricing. It appears as though there are more tables than ever in the front part of the restaurant so each time a patron or waiter walked by, chairs were jostled....simply too many tables/chairs for the space. I ordered from the Restaurant Week menu and it was good value in terms of the price for three courses. The rollatini as a starter was excellent but the filet of sole was overcooked. The chocolate cake for dessert was good but the coffee really no different than what you would get at a diner... really not up to what should be served in a good Italian restaurant. The prices on the a la carte menu are very high. We felt rushed initially... we had barely finished our first course when the main dishes arrived... the server was unable to serve them since the first course dishes had not been removed. Overall the service was poor... very perfunctory without any graciousness. However, what was MOST annoying is that there were two tables which were very loud... they had obviously had a lot to drink which is fine (we've all been there) but we learned they were "regulars" and so were generally seated in the back of the restaurant but not that night. The staff was very chummy with them (probably good tippers) and there were lots of hugs and Hi-5's between the diners and staff. Great, but the rest of us were miserable since it was impossible to have a conversation at our table of 4 because of all the whooping and hollering. One of my fellow diners commented to the manager that this type of behavior was unacceptable since it interfered with the ability of everyone else to have a pleasant dinner. The manager was fairly rude and said something to the effect of, "What do you want... it's a restaurant". In summary.... Il Cantinori is squeezing too many tables into too small a space and management is taking its eye of the ball when it comes to ensuring that everyone, not just the regulars, are enjoying a quality meal. It's expensive but don't think it's reflected in the quality of the food/service. And don't go if you have any interest in conversation with your fellow diners!

Italian done right with flawless service, a creative menu, amazing food, and an upscale atmosphere. A great place for foodies and if you want to impress your guests with a great restaurant choice!

We were walking by the area and just "googled" restaurants near us and this was one option. We usually walk in and decide if it will be or not for us. We walked in, loved it and it was delicious. We were there at an odd time (3pm) so only a couple of tables were filled up but the service was great. They have more specials than menu items. A lot of options. They can cook risotto which ever way you want it and many of the dishes you can ask for variations. Very flexible and superb. The food was fresh, different, and full of flavor. We talked a bit with the servers who were delightful. One of them, an older man who has worked there for a while seemed a little uptight at the start or maybe not in the mood but it was great getting to know them and to share stories. They have gorgeous fresh flowers all over the place and all the way into the restrooms. This was a fabulous accidental find! Would definitively go back!

Had a very pleasant evening here. Quiet restaurant with very good service and food. Staff are really nice and friendly our waiter was extreamly good. We had a very nice dinner there is a lot to choose from and the food was very good.

Overly crowded, I couldn’t move backwards half an inch without banging in another customer’s chair. Very noisy, to the point that it was hard to have a conversation among our group of four. The food is not Italian, risotto and pasta were overcooked and swimming in creamy sauces that I have never tasted in Italy. Lot’s of garlic that makes everything taste the same. Service was friendly and attentive, and cocktails good.

Quick early dinner - amazing Italian food - very much part of the neighborhood - Can recommend the spinach gnocchi with marinara sauce and the wine our waiter selected was wonderful

We've been to Il Cantinori several times, most recently in December 2015. It is a classic New York restaurant located just south of Union Square. The food is consistently excellent - I most often order one of the daily specials.

We had a beautiful evening and dinner at Il Cantinori on Saturday night. This restaurant is lovely and very spacious for NYC dining.. We started with the Burrata and the Portabella Mushroom Appetizers which were so tasty. Everyone ordered delicious entrees; Chicken Piccata, Lobster & Pasta, Sausage, and Veal Chops.. We enjoyed the chianti and some wonderful desserts; cookies, tartufo and coffees. This is a special restaurant for a special occasion in Greenwich Village, NYC.

For NY the ambiance here is newer and nice. A little formal. The food was great but the service was a little stuffy and our waiter was not very friendly. And you are expecting a good tip? I was there with my daughter. Probably would have cowtowed to us a little more if my husband had been with us. My $$$ is as good as my husband's. Ha.

Tomatoes with Bread - cant remember the dish name, but excellent Chicken liver was amazing! All food very high quality

Have eaten here now 6 or 7 times in the past few years. The food and service are always excellent. Very good Italian wine list at fairly reasonable prices.

We chose to eat in front room although a sidewalk table was available. They started us out with a complimentary appetizer. It along with our main dishes were excellent. We looked at the dessert menu but nothing really caught our eye. They brought out a plate of small cookies which were actually perfect!. The service was excellent beginning to end.

In one word, terrible. My husband is Italian so I can confidently say this is NOT Italian cuisine. The pasta was swimming in the pasta water, the combinations were seriously strange and everything was covered in flaked garlic. We complained and the waiter simply said he would pass on our complaint to the chef. The bill came without any discount. We went as I’m a big Sex and the city fan, but so so disappointing. Awful

2 of us came on Tuesday and we got the table facing the street! Restaurant is very pretty and the food was really good! Very high quality Italian food! We really enjoyed the broccoli rabe appetizer with cured beef. Totally great value!

Just had dinner here and couldn't wait to get back to the hotel to write a review. This meal was amazing! Small menu, but it all looked great. My wife had the chicken special. Fontana cheese and mushrooms wrapped and rolled in a pounded chicken breast. It was in a wine sauce. Very tasty. I had the salmon in a mustard sauce with green beans. I ordered it medium rare and it was cooked to perfection. Melted in my mouth. The ambiance was great. A bit energetic, but not overbearing. Service was very good as well.

Great menu selection, at somewhat reasonable prices. Nice room but a little crowded and noisy. Good wine selection and nice bar. Not unforgettable but worth the stop. Food is tasty and fresh without reaching the top, but very decent overall. I will go back.

We received a fabulous welcome upon entering. We had a round of drinks at the bar while waiting for the others in our party. The dining area was comfortable and pleasant. Then we waited and waited. It took some time to order what turned out to be very good food. It was almost like we were forgotten there in the far corner of the room.

More welcoming and comfortable space than most restaurants. The style is welcoming and the fresh flower arrangements are most uncommon. Roses on every table and large floral designs are noteworthy—see photos. There are front and back dining spaces with a bar in between plus a small dining / party room in the basement. Diners tended to be clumped in tables near each other with lots of open tables elsewhere. This seemed like undue crowding, but it was tolerable. Our waiter and his team were helpful. The menu is extensive. While this is an “Italian” restaurant and the food was very good, I would describe the tastes as more continental, except for the pastas. So this is a very comfortable place worth returning to enjoy. It is pricey even by NYC standards.

Absolutely Fabulous! I don't think I need to go into detail on this. It's Italian, and it's all delicious. Nice atmosphere and a great wine list too. From the app's to dessert - all excellent. We will be back. Be sure to make reservations.

Lovely and timeless evening. The waiter was so helpful and attentive and accommodated a meal that was off menu. The restaurant setting is low lit, cozy and great atmosphere. Would definitely recommend!

My wife and I (mid sixties) visited Il Cantinori in late January 2017 while on an extended holiday in NYC, visiting from Australia. As such, it was during "Restaurant Week", which seems to go for two weeks? It was highly recommended by our daughter. It is located at 32 East 10th Street, which is about 50 yards east of University Place, between that and Broadway. It is therefore an easy 5 minute stroll from the 14th Street/Union Square subway (4,5,6,L,N,Q,R,W) - other subway stations for other lines are quite close by as well. The restaurant is unimposing from the street, but upon entry, a wonderful space is revealed. The setting is pure Italian. Dark tiles on the floor, cream "stucco" walls, timber aplenty in ceiling and decor. The space has a front seating area at the window, stretching down to the central bar and kitchen area, with an even larger area for tables at the rear. Both areas are equally comfortable and appealing. On our visit, a massive floral arrangement adorned the bar. The whole place is very attractive. For the bulky cold weather coats, coat check is available in a secure area. MaitréD' Frank advised that the first half of January is the quietest time of year, though the whole year is generally busy. As such, I would say bookings are advisable, and "OpenTable" works well. If you want things to be a bit quieter, then we would advise eating earlier, perhaps 6pm to 6:30pm, and probably through the week. We found it to be quiet enough to have a conversation easily, with the tasteful background music enjoyable but unobtrusive. It's only my perception, but I'm thinking that when the place is full, the noise level could be high. That is not said as a criticism, merely a comment - the same could equally apply to most restaurants in NYC. The menu is comprehensive Italian, everything you would expect, with an accompanying wine list, which should also satisfy most tastes. There appeared to be no "by the glass" written wine menu. The waiter happily explained what was available, and the wine turned out to be superb, however, the cost per glass was an unknown. I could have asked I suppose, but that seemed a bit crass - perhaps listing "by the glass wines" would assist? We opted for the "Restaurant Week" menu, giving 4 choices each for appetiser and main (Entree), and 3 for dessert. The meals were wonderful. Some restaurants skimp on the "Restaurant Week" options - the menu description sounds awesome, the reality less so - not so at Il Cantinori - meals were very nice. The wait staff were professionally very competent, and extremely friendly, while remaining discrete. Frank told us that they have been operating in NYC for 33 years, so "we must be doing something right". We would wholeheartedly agree. Two other restaurants are on our "must go to every time we visit NYC" - Loeb Boathouse in Central Park, and Cafe Luxembourg. We can now add a third - Il Cantinori. Wonderful.

I enjoyed a repeat visit after having been away from Il Cantinori for a long time - way too long in fact as its just as good as I remembered it. Classic Italian dining in the heart of Greenwich Village on 10th Street. Judging by those around us pretty much everything on the menu continues to delight. excellent home made pasta and very good meat and fish. Because we only had a couple of glasses of wine each we didnt get to enjoy anything from the extensive wine list but we can come again soon for that. My colleague enjoyed the rack of lamb and I had the veal as a main course. Portions are large and delivered hot! We had no room for dessert but I can recommend the coffee - its good and strong.

I have been here for dinner several times, and it has always been very good. More recently, I needed a place for two separate client dinners (15 people). Il Cantinori does this better than any other restaurant in town. They have a beautiful private dining room/wine cellar, and the waiters could not have been more lovely and professional (we had Pedro one night, and Eric the other night). We were served a four course dinner, and they did not skimp on portions, creativity, and quality. My guests were cozy and felt very special to be treated to such an intimate dining experience. I will certainly go back to Il Cantinori the next time I want to impress my clients.

Was there for dinner with a friend a few days ago. Nice place, great atmosphere, friendly staff. Good service when you arrive, basket of bread, some charcuterie. So all the "accessories" were great. Challenge was that both, starter and main dish were just average. Had caprese salad as starter which was tasteless. Tomatoes where not great and the rest very basic. My main dish was the scampi and it was simply a few scampi in tomato sauce.....absolutely basic, and something that you would expect in a cheap Italian takeaway. All in all, not a great exprience

I was aching for a good, authentic Italian meal last time I was in NYC - and this was suggested by a friend. Walking in, the atmosphere is intimate and warm, with amazing flower arrangements that just give it that little bit extra in ambiance. Our server was fantastic, very attentive and helpful with suggestions for wine and the menu as well. We had an assortment of starters including the calamari, ribs, and caprese salad - all very good choices. Of our group, the veal seemed the standout of the entrees ordered, but the ravioli was good and the pasta that I ordered al dente, was served just as I wanted. We enjoyed the staff and the night we were there - there was a very good buzz and we all really enjoyed the meal. This is not a cheap restaurant, and they can really rack up the charges depending on how expensive you want to go with the drink and wine. We went all out, and it was about $100/person with 3 shared starters, 4 entrees, numerous drinks and 2 bottles of wine.

We enjoyed our dinner at this rustic, Italian restaurant because of the fresh pasta dishes, good wine selection, and excellent service. My only knock was that the prices seemed high, however, overall quality was a match. We sat inside on the summer night we visited, and there were outdoor tables available too. Fresh cut flowers on the tables were a nice touch. Many customers seemed to be regulars since there were a lot of friendly hugs and handshakes between the patrons and hosts/staff. Given the high quality dining experience (and high prices too), I'd come back for a very special occasion.

Saturday night in NYC is a special event for sure, but what makes this place great, is that you can make a reservation and it will be held for you. The ambiance starts with a tomato pomodora that is warm with fresh basil and served with their crusty bread, and very lovely bottle of extra virgin olive oil. No rushing as we enjoyed perusing the menu and hearing the specials, but my heart was set on their home made pasta parpadelle with sweet and hot sausage meat. Cod fish was freshly accented with capers and was as fresh as being caught that morning. There are so many choices in this area, however, we love this place as it is walking distance from our favorite church the Grace Church right around the corner which hold very specials concerts under the direction of John Maclay and 150 voices. ,Pricey yes, but to us it was a very special night with exceptional service thanks to head waiter, Victor and staff.

There are many restaurants in NYC where it is not about the food. For some reason they continue to be popular and fun even though the food is just ok. This is one of them. OMG is it fun...you feel like you are in a restaurant of the moment, even though the moment started 30 years ago. Instead of Warhol fabulons there are more families with strollers now, but it retains a very New York vibe. And there are some great dishes - mostly from the pasta list. The bar is a fun place to sit and talk. People table hop and speak knowingly to the maitre d'. The waiter recites the specials while scanning the room. And you remember that you came to New York for just this kind of experience.

This place is literally out of a sex & the city episode (Carrie's Bday). The atmosphere is classic NYC on TV - front opens to the street. Huge bouquets (people size) of flowers flow throughout the restaurant creating the most amazing floral scents. Food is to die for. I had the burrata appetizer. It's like fresh mozzarella but with a creamier center and served with a dollop of pesto and prosciutto. It blew my mind. Dinner was fantastic - sliced ribeye, veal Milanese, and sea bass (with perfect green beans). The tiramisu was exquisitely creamy and just the right amount of sweet. Will definitely be back! Alec Baldwin was there too - not that I can promise you he'll be on the menu :)

Il Cantinori receives superb reviews at different sites, and we felt we had to try the place. Maybe because of the last minute reservation, or because of the table we got, or just time of the day, we did not feel the great ambiance. The dining room we were in was somewhat dark, but not romantic, and did not give us the warm feeling. Servers were friendly enough and certainly professional. As for food, every dish was reasonably good, but maybe because of the high expectation, Il Cantinori didn't impress us.

I went here on a business dinner in August. It’s an unfussy solid interior with attentive waiting staff and a solid menu. Have a generous wine list and a good menu of Italian food. I had a wonderfully made risotto with zucchini which I recommend. Good portions and well made food with attention to detail and care. Recommend it as solid interesting location for a dinner. Also had, on the day, a very interesting specials list. Well worth a limit.

We really enjoyed this ver quaint small Italian Restaurant! Fresh local salad greens, delicious pasta and fresh salmon were just wonderful! The ambience is so great!!

I celebrated there my birthday . Good food, friendly staff and free glas of champain for a birthday .

First time at Il Cantinorii. Food and service was superb. Two dinning rooms with a bar in the middle that separates the two. My wife and I shared as a starter the Pappardelle Alla Butterra (home made noodles with crumbled sweet and hot sausage, green peas and a pink sauce) it was excellent. I had for my main the saluted shrimp with garlic, spinach and cherry tomatos and my wife had the red snapper with capers, black olives in a light tomato sauce, both were very tasty! Bar is nice to start the evening off, bar tender makes a nice espresso martini.

This place is darling. Very unpretentious and just feels like you walked in off the via veneto in Rome. The pasta napolitano was just perfect, carpaccio superb. The bartender, Austin, so friendly and attentive. This is staple and was the setting for Carrie Bradshaw's birthday episode!

If you want to get away from the crowds and the crazies in NYC then go here. The food is excellent, the service is superb, the pasta is delicious. Great wine. I really enjoy the atmosphere. I want to go back and eat in the bar on a quiet evening.

We went there with a big party (20+) with a pre-arranged choice of entrees and they just couldn't handle it. I was there for two hours and had to leave before I got my entree. In the course of two hours, I managed to snag one piece of bread and a small piece of parmesan. They did keep coming back, however, to fill our wine glasses to the top and ask if we wanted more bottles of wine. Kind of annoying. We might have had more to drink if there were some food to along with it. In general, a pretty depressing and unpleasant experience.

Well prepared dishes and attentive service in an attractive room. The outside tables in front are lovely in the right weather.

If I ever go back to New York, this is a must visit again! My sister, 2 nieces and I went to New York for a girls week. This restaurant was one of the highlights of our trip. I noticed one reviewer said the owner and staff pay more attention to their regulars - we did not find this to be so. Frank, the owner stopped and talked to us several times during our meal. He even came to tell us that Alec Baldwin had come into the restaurant. The carpaccio appetizer was delicious. We couldn't decide between 2 pasta dishes and a fish entree, so we ordered the 3 entrees and told them we are going to split them so each of us could taste. The plates came out already split, each getting a portion of the 2 pastas on our plate with the fish in the middle. Absolutely delicious homemade pasta. If pana cotta is on the desert menu, you must try it. I have never had one so smooth & silky. Frank and Aldo, our waiter, even posed for a picture with us. Fabulous service and made us feel special! A wonderful experience for our first time in New York!

This is lively dining experience that still manages to feel like home. The service is friendly, the food superb. And look for the gorgeous floral arrangements.

We had an amazing dinner experience. Right around the corner from NYU on a lovely street with great ambiance. We ordered three different entrees, all were exquisite. The pastas are homemade!! Service was outstanding. We will return every time we visit out child.

I have been reading reviews of this restaurant and wanted to try it for sometime. Am I sorry it took so long to make the time. From the moment we walked it, the staff was friendly and welcoming. Although the room in the back where we sat was lovely, I would suggest requesting a front room table next time. The wine list was extensive and the waiter was very helpful with an appropriate suggestion as they didn't stock my red wine of choice. The menu was simple, classic Italian but every dish was complex with flavor. We started with the grilled calamari over zucchini which was grilled to perfection. The buffalo mozzarella and tomato salad as well as the eggplant rollatini were very fresh, For the main course I ordered the pasta with peas and crumpled sausage which was so perfectly made. The rigatoni was all dente and the sauce was perfectly mixed with not too much of one flavor. Although it could be a heavy dish, the amount served was just enough. In addtion, the apple tart and the flourless chocolate cake was very good although flourless chocolate is not a favorite of mine. Along with our coffee and tea, the waiter brought us some cookies and biscotti. I'd recommend il Cantinori to anyone for pretty much any occasion... in fact it may end up being my go to recommendation spot for the foreseeable future.

We had dinner with friends and it turned out to be a very special evening. Food , Service couldn't have been any better. Worth the visit. Victor was out waiter and could not have been more accommodating.

Situated in quiet neighborhood on 10th st........ Despite no reservation, we were happily seated as it was still early on a Saturday evening. Excellent suggestions for wine, specials and dessert. Entree's were delicious......nice homemade pasta's.....cooked perfectly. Waitor was charming (a story or two from the "old country") and spot on but not obnoxious. Fine Port selection to finish it off. Quiet,dimly lit atmosphere. Perfect for our anniversary dinner !

We were here to celebrate my wife's birthday, and loved the whole experience. Fantastic service, some of the best pastas (I recommend the Pappardelle alla Buttera) I've eaten in a restaurant and a great atmosphere all along. We really enjoyed it a lot. Expensive? Yes, but it was worth it on a special occasion like this.

A wonderful place to spend an evening. My husband said his meal was the best pasta dish he has ever had and we've been to Italy many times. We were celebrating my son's birthday and without me even saying anything...our server was very attentive..he brought a small dessert plate to him at the end of our meal with a candle in it. Next time we are in NY we will definitely eat here again.

This beloved Italian restaurant consistently takes care of all diners in the restaurant. The loyal regulars know Frank and top-notch crew will serve wine, fantastic Italian dishes, and can accommodate even the GF diner. The pappardelle is a must - very gorgeous and glutenous; the snapper always amazes; and if lobster is on the specials, make sure one is at the table. We have gone w/ our special friends year after year after year. We love this gem. Kudos Il C team. Grazie Mary/Ned/Lee/Robert

10/17/13 From start to finish, outstanding! Such a warm and friendly maitre'd, lovely bartender and incredibly attentive and pleasant waiter and service staff. Four of us had the snapper special, Bronzino, or veal saltimboca. Everything was perfectly delicious! I LOVED the flowers, gave our evening a special, celebratory feeling. BTW, I have never been so pleased to take time and write a review. We loved the restaurant.

If this is NYC's best Italian restaurant, I feel pity for the NY-people. The food was really not that good and if you have been to Italy, you will know that. It was not bad, but if you look at the price vs what you get, the price point is too high. We had the polenta, vongole-squid-ink-pasta and the pheasant. Polenta was blant, pheasant was dry and taste was so-so. The vongole pasta was nice. And about the service. We are two 30yo and the waiter thought that we wanted a cheap dinner. His mood changed when he knew we were going to do a $200 dinner. The location and ambiance was nice, but I would not go back.

We read reviews of Il Cantinori and decided to try it during a recent trip to NY. It has a cozy feel and, as another reviewer noted, reminds one of the small trattorias in Italy. We were greeted warmly and seated in the back room where the noise level low enough to encourage conversation. That is a definite plus since so many restaurants these days are incredibly loud. Our server was informative, initially engaging but we did feel a little rushed as our orders came out very, very quickly. We had the feeling that turning over the tables is a high priority. That said, the food was delicious, especially the veal with balsamic and the wine list did not disappoint. The fruit tart we shared for dessert was the least memorable part of the meal. We did notice that all the tables around us were served a tomato dish that looked like a topping (for bruschetta?) to go with the excellent bread. We hadn't received that and as we were already half way through our entrees, didn't say anything to our waiter who, after we ordered kind of ignored us. To be fair, it was busy. The restaurant caters as much, or perhaps more, to locals so it doesn't feel touristy. However, we were left with the impression that more attention is paid to regulars than others. I don't want to infer that we were disappointed with the food and we would likely return, especially if we were staying in that area. Be prepared for either a long, expensive taxi ride from midtown or take the subway.

Great place for dinner with friends or family. Last visit was with my friends. Great food, atmosphere and service. The host Frank is great and very attentive. The house pasta dish is delicious. Great appetizers and desserts too. We will definitely be back.

Every time we visit New York we find ourselves making this one of our evenings. We always have excellent foods and really great service. We believe this is a hidden gem that has a lot of the locals which speaks volumes for why we go.

My daughter really likes this place so we went when I was in town. I thought it was average in every respect. We had a wide variety of dishes and none of them were the least bit memorable. The pasta, sauces, seafood -- all decent but nothing better than that. The wine list was fairly priced but the selection wasn't anything to write home about. If you want a fine Italian meal in NYC, this isn't the place I would go.

Weekend trip to NY with family visiting from the UK and some friends from Atlanta. The restaurant was recommended by a friend in NY. We had a great time. The food was fantastic but above all the service was top notch. One of the owners joined us for a drink at the end of the evening and we got to learn a little about the restaurants history. Great story. Highly recommended.

Went there for the Restaurant Week. I would say it was good Italian food but not excellent as we expected. We did the tour of restaurants in that period and we expected a bit more from it...

A cozy Italian restaurant with outgoing staff. While we has a short wait at the bar, the staff showered us with culinary morsels and over-sized glasses of wine. It's a tiny place, but we were fortunate to get a table in the back room. Perfect. The Branzino was perfectly done and boned to perfection. Good wines available.

If you had to pick one restaurant to dine at every time your in NYC this would be it. No pretense, just great food. Owner caters to the East Village neighborhood he's been in for 30 years, and it gets better with age. We shared the seafood pasta in a blush sauce and the freshness of the ingredients was exquisite. We both ordered the veal saltimboca prepared perfectly. Don't miss this gem!!!

Spent new years eve here this year and it was just the perfect evening. Understated celebrations, attentive and friendly staff, wonderful food - and no overinflated prices just because it was NYE. would definitely return when I'm back in New York

Il Cantinori is, by far, my absolute favorite Italian restaurant in the city. We went for my birthday dinner and had a bit of a rocky start. We arrived early for our 8 pm reservation and they were able to seat us right away however, the woman seated behind me had had too much to drink and knocked a bottle of vinegar off her table which was slowly creeping toward my seat. She refused to get up so the staff could clean it up, so the restaurant graciously found us a wonderful table in the back. The food at Il Cantinori is terrific. We had a bit of a pasta sampler to start and our entrees (calves liver and the branzino) were sensational. I don't normally order dessert, but husband had ordered a cookie plate which they brought with tiramasu and a candle. The atmosphere is cozy, almost like going to dinner at a friend's house, and very welcoming. We were catered to by one of the owners who made sure our experience was good...it was more than good. I have been going to this restaurant for over 20 years and it has never disappointed. Definitely a must do in the city and we will go back.

The food, the wine, the atmosphere, the service all exceeded my expectations. thank you for a wonderful meal.

Friend and I went to restaurant during restaurant week. It was not crowded when was entered and given a very nice table near the front where the windows were open. Greeted very warmly by the host. Waiter was very efficent. We ordered off the restaurant week menu. Appetizers and entrees were very good with nice size portions. Their sautéed spinach is amazing! And desserts were great. We ordered glasses of wine and they were very nice pours. Noise level permitted my companion and I to carry on a conversation without shouting. A very pleasant evening.

If you are attending an event at the Grace Church this is the exceptional restaurant to eat at. We did not have a reservation, but yet they fit us in as we were on our way to The Choral Society and Orchestra annual Christmas concert .www.thechoralsociety.org. Plan ahead and make a reservation which we had not done, as we did not expect to get to NYC so quickly, but when we arrived, there was no hesitation to accommodate us. The service was first class, waiters took the time to explain the dishes offered, the room was very cozy with brick walls, and fresh flowers, and I was impressed with the food quality as well as the decor. The pasta dishes were insanely divine, the brocccoli rabe appetizer was enough to be split, the fish was very moist, and please save room for their deserts.Their pasta is homemade. Their olive oil was unfiltered and very green which complimented their bread. Drinks were high a martini for 17, but then again, its Manhattan, so get ready. Truly lovely and first class. enjoy!

My son moved in across the street from Il Cantinori. I was impressed with the open front that the place has. Stop in for dinner. It was excellent. The atmosphere is very cozy and relaxed. The waitstaff very professional with an in debt knowledge of the menu. The food and wine absolutely outstanding. Try the homemade pasta.

Overrated scene. Big name. Nothing much more. Celeb thing. Past its prime I think. Beautiful interior. Up and coming neighborhood.

The food is great here. The specials change each day, while the normal great menu remains the same. The wine list is extensive as well. What is special here is the service and the beautiful ambience. In the summer, they open up the doors and you can dine on the terrace. Further, its great for vip watching. A big film star was dining right near us.

Had a wonderful lunch during NYC Summer Restaurant week that exceeded all expectations for fine food, great service an super value. Can you imagine starting with a generous plate of Norwegian smoked salmon, followed by a delicious perfectly prepared Filet of Sole with capers and white wine sauce and topped with a sinful sweet to end the meal for $25. No way you say. YES WAY !!. Add a glass of perfect Pinot Grigio and this outstanding dining experience is complete. Great service with a caring wait staff happy to make suggestions and make sure you have a wonderful meal. Try and snag table #1 .

This is a beautiful restaurant. Whether you are seated in the main dining room or in second back airy dining room with its soaring skylight (or in the few tables outdoors in the front of the restaurant) the ambiance is one of refined elegance and graciousness. And the food and service perfectly match the lovely environment. The menu is concise with nightly specials. For starters I had a hen of the woods salad, one the the evening's specials and my husband the carpaccio. We both had fish (salmon and snapper) which were each delicious; there were numerous other items that sounded intriguing. The menu was very appealing without "trying too hard" with dishes with one too many ingredients. Service was attentive, friendly and professional. All resulting in a memorable evening and dining experience.

The cuisine is terrific, only overshadowed by the wonderful staff. We have been regulars here for nearly 30 years and Frank and crew treat us like family. They are genuinely kind people and talented professionals. You won't be disappointed!

My wife and I were in NYC for the weekend and had tickets to a show on Saturday night. We decided to skip lunch and do an early dinner at Il Cantinori, down on 10th street. It had been several years since we last visited but our memories were all very positive. And we were definitely not disappointed. I had muscles as an app and a wonderful shrimp scampi. My wife tried a Caprese salad and a thick linguini with ground pork entrée. We both finished every bite. the service was superb, timings were as we like them and the signature giant floral displays were as beautiful as ever. We arrived early and got to walk around Washington square too, which was fun. We didn't realize the restaurant was immediately adjacent to NYU.

Everything about this place is awesome...its location (Greenwich Village), its staff (from Domenico, the outgoing bartender from Siena to the team of servers who anticipate your needs), to the fresh flowers that adorn the Restaurant where only regulars who eat here nightly are permitted in the front room, to the food (amazing house made pastas to the best damn lamb chops you will ever eat and awesome homemade gelatos and desserts). Seriously, in a city full of good restaurants, do NOT miss eating at Il Cantinori. The pasta is all house made and you can truly taste the difference....the lamb chops are out of this world as are the seafood dishes. I went with a buddy who is a top executive in NYC and he told me that he has been to the restaurant at least 50 times in 10 years but he has not eaten in the front room because it is reserved for local families who eat here every night or almost every night of the week! I did not feel slighted in the least bit when we were led to our table in the back room, which is full of fresh cut flowers and also very charming. The service is on point at this place as the staff are attentive but not overbearing. You will not have a better meal in NYC!

We went here because it was part of Rest. Week, so a $38 prix fixe at a pricey restaurant like this was not to be passed up. Food was delicious, service was attentive and we were made to feel very special the whole time. (I was worried we'd be treated like second class citizens taking advantage of the prix fixe) Wine was great, the desserts were to die for.

We have been going here for 20 years. The crowd has gotten younger and louder, but the food is always good and creative. If they don't know you, you are sent to the back room-- take it-- it is quieter, cooler and more room. The host is a bit snooty, so just get by him and ignore him as he ignores you. Wine selection is great, Branzino whole is the best as is there pastas. Don't rush, even if they let you know it is time-- not at these prices- say and enjoy!!

Il Cantinori isn't the 'new thing', rather, it's been around for over 20 years. No red sauce to be seen. Delicious Northern Italian food--the basic menu doesn't often change much, but they have specials every night. Look around the dining room and you'll see lots of happy people, many of whom are from the neighborhood I imagine. Ask for a table in the back room. The tables are quite close together,. but our recent meal there did not feel rushed or crowded. Service was attentive but not intrusive. Excellent wine list. And if you like fegato alla salvia, theirs is the best in town.

I went to Il Cantinori as part of a small group during a friend's bachelorette weekend. While the front room with its large open windows overlooking the street was lovely, we were happy to be in the back room. It was cozy and well-suited to good conversation. From the moment that we sat down, we felt special - the waiter brought us a delicious bread basket and red dipping sauce as well as another starter before we'd even ordered our drinks. A member of our party is allergic to nuts, and the staff was extremely accommodating - they brought her bread that they knew was nut-free on a separate plate, and served the pesto on the side of one of our appetizers. There were four of us, and after digging into appetizers, we decided to order three entrees to split. We figured we'd just pass dishes around, but the waiter brought out four dinner plates, each with an equal portion of the three entrees we'd ordered. This made it much easier to dine politely and make sure everyone got to try everything! All of the food was excellent, but I really enjoyed the branzino because it was so light and flavorful. Also, the pappardelle alla buttera was fantastic - the texture of the noodles and combination of flavors made it stand out from the typical pasta dishes I've had at Italian restaurants. After we'd finished our meals, the waiter came out with panna cotta - he explained that they usually serve cookies with nuts in them, so he thought this would be better for sharing around the table. We all really appreciated the thoughtful service throughout the meal and I'd highly recommend Il Cantinori to anyone seeking a special night out in an inviting atmosphere.

A wonderful combination of great food, lovely ambiance, and extraordinary service....tucked away on East 10th Street, this Italian outpost is well worth the trip downtown.....ask for Domenico...he's the best waiter in town!!

Il Cantinori is the New York Italian eatery you've always imagined, with locals sitting at the front tables spilling out onto the sidewalk, flower arrangements the size of furniture, New York-Italian waiters accommodating your every need, and fresh, tasty Italian food. After you're nearly bursting from enjoying the freshest buffalo mozzarella, juicy tomatoes handmade pasta or fresh fish, you'll still want to have saved room for dessert.

This is restaurant is another NYC institution of honest ingredients and cooking. The room decor is high beamed, brick walled with sky light warmth in the back, inviting bar central, front room round tables or two tops that face a giant -often open window. I have been coming here since 1997- the food has stayed consistent all these years, the service friendly- willing to create dishes that may not be on the menu- Our spinach-egg-broth soup was Filled With Tradition. Our claves liver cooked Perfectly. Cheese cake for dessert hit the spot. Looking forward to trying their sister restaurant- Greek food. The owners wife -amazing energy, keeps a watchful eye. This restaurant is ‘home fine dining’.

Just visited it, hope the review will be of help. Good things: + location + interior: not fancy yet cozy, not pretentious yet inviting, stylish, warm, italian + polite service (not equal to good, please see below) Bad things: - overrated - went there because of the famous Sex & the City scene, but also because of some great reviews, recommendations, "the place where Tom Cruise, Bechkams, Bradley Cooper visit" etc. etc. - was constantly interrupted by the waiters to be asked if it is all well and to confirm food was good. While I trully appreciate the care and the service, I also appreciate piece and quiet while eating and enjoying my beloved ones company - Most importantly: FOOD: Completely, totally, helplessly mediocre level. I do not visit fancy restaurants often, but I do it once in a while and I can say when food is excellent, good, bad, or just "nothing special". I live in Barcelona where in one of the expensive restaurants they serve me Caprese salad with melting in the mouth "Bull's heart" tomato, divine olive oil dressing and pesto, while in Il Cantinori I got dry caprese with absolutely tasteless tomato. Price in Barcelona: 16 euros, price in Il Cantinori - 18 USD. In terms of fame and popularity the NY restaurant of course wins. - Main courses: Good taste, close to OK. I am trully challenged to understand what defines this place as special in terms of food. I could not say of course it was bad, but the only thing I would remember from it was actually the desert. - Most people were already gone, we were one of the last ones, waiters were finishing their shift and all of sudden my glass of wine was unexpectedly taken with 2-3 sips still in it, probably because they were in a hurry to close. When I pay 18 USD for a glass of wine I expect to finish it, until the very last sip. All in all, restaurant is OK, cozy and romantic place. Definitely not worth the price (170 USD for 1 salad, 2 main courses, 2 deserts, 2 wine glasses).

Went on a family dinner to Il Cantinori last Friday night. Earliest reservation we could get was 8:45. The restaurant was busy but we got seated within 5 minutes of arriving. Our waiter was attentive but quick. We were treated to ham, cheese, and a salad with bruschetta quickly. Our appetizers came out and were super tasty. The list of specials was immense and did not disappoint. The waiter was great but not overbearing. The wine was good. (we ended up ordering 2 bottles). We left shortly after midnight with full and happy bellies. Truly, this was the BEST meal we had in our 3 days in NYC!!!!

A hi end Italian restaurant w top service good food and an upscale Village environment. If you sit up front the sound on a busy evening can be deafening but it is quieter in back. You pretty much can't fail for ant occasion at this restaurant.

Based on a number of reviewers' reviews that I reviewed, I decided to come here one Thursday night with a group of friends. REVIEW. Ok sorry, anywayy.. we were seated in the back room and geez was it tight back there! The tables were so close that I could have dined at 3 tables simultaneously. Aside from this small gripe, everything else about the restaurant and wait staff was positive. They do a very nice job of giving the restaurant a genuine Italian feel. And although the majority of the staff was not Italian, they all seemed to speak Italian fluently. We ordered a few bottles of wine throughout the night and had a bunch of apps to start. Everything was delicious, especially the gratis homemade tomato mixture. I could slurp that through a straw for lunch everyday and be the happiest guy alive. For the main course I ordered their filet of sole. It was awesome but unfortunately it only lasted about 8 bites. Even after eating dessert (biscotti, which was the bomb!), I still felt like I had not eaten a full meal. And by no means am I a big eater. All in all, you will definitely enjoy your meal. Just order an extra appetizer so you don't leave hungry!

Neighborhood restaurant with great Italian food and warm service. You know food is good and authentic when you see known celebrities having dinner!! A variety of pasta and sauces makes you want to go back for more.

The main waiter and his two assistants were charming amidst a packed house. There was no rush. Allowed to enjoy our wine, then our courses arrived with appropriate gaps. Our lobster pasta dish was excellent with a great deal of lobster (no skimping). Delightful evening. Nice vibe.

We've dined here for years and keep coming back. Food is superb and service is excellent. Simply well prepared Italian food. Atmosphere is classic but not pretentious.

Il Cantinori is one of the great Italian restaurants of New York City. Situated in NoHo, near Union Square, this restaurant is on a quiet street, tucked into the middle of the block. From the moment you enter you are in a cozy but classy place, with tables lit by candle light and the amazing smell of Italian herbs coming from the kitchen. You just know that the meal will be good. That sets the tone for the entire meal. Our server greeted us almost immediately and took our drink order. An assortment of italian breads can shortly after the server left to fill the drink order. They served this amazing pomodoro tomato sauce on a dish to each of us. It was not like a bruschetta topping but more like a very savory chunky tomato sauce with parmesan cheese. The temptation was to ask for more bread and more tomato sauce, but we resisted. For the appetizer we ordered the Calamari Alla Griglia. It had a light dusting of Italian breadcrumbs and cooked to perfection and topped with cherry tomatoes. It was lighter than most calamari that I've had. It was not chewy, which is a red flag for me. It was fresh and crisp. Two of us ordered the Tagliolini Neri Alle Vongole E Carciofi (Black squid ink pasta with clams), one with red sauce (special order) and one with white wine sauce. The white wine version was a bit flat. The red sauce version exploded with flavor. It was absolutely delicious. One of us ordered the Mediterranean fish special. I can't recall the name, but it was mild, not fishy, and was really tasty. The person in my party that ordered this said they would definitely order it again. For dessert we shared a cheesecake round with raspberry sauce. It was the perfect size to end the meal along with a snifter of sambuca. The glass came with 3 coffee beans, as all GOOD Italian restaurants will serve it. 3 is good luck and we certainly had good luck with this meal. I'm giving Il Cantinori 5 stars and adding it to my NY favorite restaurant list.

Once upon a time, way back in the day, this was a truly outstanding Italian Restaurant. Many years ago ownership changed hands and the dining experience plummeted. Recently, we heard it was getting better and we should try it again. We went for lunch during restaurant week and it was pretty good so we tried dinner with another couple. Big mistake. No one greeted us at the door as we entered, we had to track down someone to help us to our table. Arriving first, we had a reservation for four but were seated at a table for two. It went downhill from there. The waiter captain was courteous and professional, the rest of the staff was poorly trained, surly, unobservant and disdainful. Plates were plopped on the table with less grace than our local diner. Two of our party ordered the special salad appetizer of sauteed wild mushrooms, but received some other vegetable appetizer instead. It took us some time to get the attention of the staff to point this out. The chef admitted his mistake and out came not two, but one plate of mushrooms for the two diners to share. The poached salmon entrees were overcooked and dry. A special pasta entree was gluey and unappetizing. To top it off, one of the waiters repeatedly bumped into the back of the chair of one of our guests without a word of apology. After the fourth time, she turned and asked him not to do that. Unfortunately, his response was rude denial, then every very time he passed by he would glare at her. The food was disappointing, but the staff's attitude, lack of attention to diners and their service was beyond unacceptable. A very disappointing evening indeed.

It's all in the details. Friendly coat check, helpful server, great bus staff, good pacing, vibrant but not noisy. I could go on... Food was excellent. Veal medallions perfectly prepared, rich and bright with great balsamic counterpoints. Wilted arugula was a pleasant surprise. This appetizer was graciously split for two. Raviloli cooked with cream mushroom sauce were al dente and full of flavor. Cocktails were nicely rendered but pricey (Heads up if you are having a couple) A great experience.

We have been going to Il Cantinori for some 30 years, first with our children, now with our grandchildren...this is a very elegant place, where one can have a decent conversation, no loud music and therefore no loud voice from the customers. Food is superb, beautifully plated , served by staff who is professional, well trained and polite. My grandson commented on another restaurant in the Village who could where waiters could not be more rude and was really impressed by our waiter. Thea pastas are perfectly al dente, the fish and meat dishes also delicious

stayed in New York for 4 nights with friends to celebrate my 60th visited il cantinori on sat 25th, fantastic food great staff made my night a memorable one to savour, thanks every one.

My friend Alex booked us a private room for a celebration. Wow, what a meal. and what an experience. our waiters were awesome -- two guys from the Dominican. And the food was outstanding. We really felt like we got a special experience from the crowd at this local find.

A spur of the moment choice last Friday led to such an outstanding meal that we returned on Saturday. The calamari was unbelievable. The carbonara was equal to what I enjoyed in Rome a few months ago. Do yourself a favor and visit !

Il cantinori Italian. A little too much garlic for me. The service was great. The food appeared to be authentic Italian. We were just not fans of the dishes. To each their own. It’s worth a try if you have not been there

I reserved here in advance and glad I did as it was full. It is definitely a locales place which I love to get to the heart of any place. The food arrived quickly and they were really accommodating as we explained we needed to eat quickly as it was 1pm in our heads (from travelling). The risotto was a little under but still tasty.The only thing I can say is it did take about 1-2 mins before we were acknowledged when we arrived but dont let this put you off still a great restaurant and good value for money for New York.

We have been going to Il Cantinori for years so I was totally shocked by our last visit. Based on the menu description of what I ordered, I expected an ethereal spring dinner of artichokes roasted in the Italian style (appetizer) followed by a delicious lamb pasta dish. What I got was a can of artichokes (yes, canned) poured on top of some undressed arugula with all of the sloppy can juices. That was followed by some overcooked fettuccine in a lamb sauce that looked worse than dog food (and I suspect tasted worse although I have never tried dog food). Horrible! Totally disgusting and really a disgrace! And at over $150.00 per person I have a right to be angry. What happened to this place? Based on the experience, it will be a very long time, if ever, before I return. I just have to add that the service, as usual, was impeccable and the wine we ordered was very nice and reasonably priced.

A beautiful room with a lively clientele and beautifully prepared food. The service is exquisite and professional. Menu choices are broad and well prepared. We had hen of the woods mushrooms to start with osso bucco and lamb. All amazing. The room is filled with casual diners all having a great time. It's a fantastic find in the NYU neighborhood.

Omg what a find super staff management bar staff waiters I can't say enough food and wine the best a well equipped bar and the staff Ling serving part of the family made me feel at home super thanks so much stayed with my friend until the end met the manager so lovely Thanks everyone brilliant !!! I'll be back definitely Wonderful

It is getting more and more difficult to find an authentic Italian restaurant in NYC. The food does not have freshness and lightness and the excellent ingredients that you expect in a good Italian restaurant, even a cheap trattoria in the student section of San Lorenzo in Rome. My first dish was an eggplant roll, OK but not inspiring at all. The beef cut that was advertised "a la fiorentina" of course had nothing to do with the fantastic bistecca fiorentina that one enjoys in Firenze, it turned out to be a rather regular steak that was covered with Rosmarino. Not bad, but not inspiring other. The cannole was not Siciliano, the ricotta was the wrong ricotta, did not have the heavenly lightness of the real thing. Disappointing.

Pedro provided us a great wine recommendation that wan not too pricy. The papparadella alla buttera and the peppercorn filet just awesome. We were all extremely happy to visit this classic again

Il Cantinori leaves a long lasting impression year after year. The classic italian food there is exceptional. Good wine list. Great service. Not cheap, but for a good reason - everything they make tastes great. Definitely try the fish; salmon, grouper, branzino. Il Cantonori is upscale, but laid back. Make sure to reserve a table in advance. Perfect place for a date, or a family dinner.

Il Cantinori has stood the test of time. I used to go there when I lived in NYC many years ago and returned during my recent visit. The food is still excellent! Service was great too. It is expensive, but not outrageous for New York. The restaurant was full and a bit noisy, but not too bad. If you are looking for a very quiet place though, this might not be it. If you want excellent pastas and Italian food, and an ambience that is part NYC and part old Italy, look no further.

not sure i've ever written a negative review on TA before but i'm afraid i have to here. first the good news: lovely street, pretty restaurant, fairly roomy tables and an occasionally attentive wait staff. now the bad news: food average at best and very expensive for what you get, VERY loud and an occasionally absent/inattentive wait staff. The specials were fine but just as easy (and tasty) to prepare at home for a fraction of the cost, mains very average. we shared a dessert which was ok but nothing special. all in, i was really disappointed - had high expectations that just weren't met. other reviewers on this site and elsewhere have clearly enjoyed it. we did not. perhaps we went on an off night... but the turn around would have to be pretty dramatic for me to recommend it. sorry

Friends and I decided to eat here during Restaurant Week and were so pleased we did. It is quite large inside with 2 dining rooms, the one in front where the bar is and where the lighting is soft and intimate and one in back which is much brighter. Table settings have crisp white linens with a small vase of roses. The tables are very comfortable and large so that a group of 4 people have plenty of space. They ordered the Rollatini Di Melanzane and I had the Bibb salad, we all ordered the lemon sole in a lemon, white wine and capers sauce followed by the Hazelnut Ice Cream sandwich which does not look like any ice-cream sandwich that my friends and I had ever seen. The food was delicious, the fish was so moist and tender, it just melted in one's mouth. But the Hazelnut ice cream sandwich was one of the best desserts my friends and I had ever had. The service was so efficient but unobtrusive and the waiters did wait till we all have finished each course before taking the plates away and bringing the next course. And we never felt rushed. It was a memorable afternoon and I hope we'll be dining here again soon.

I was looking forward to trying Il Cantinori for restaurant week. Overall the food was good but I think my expectations were high from reviews and its reputation. I would put it between average and very good. I suspect ordering off the regular menu would have been a better choice as the restaurant week menu was not that great. I had the Bucatini al Amertrica and it was really good. The thick spaghetti was homemade. My friend had the flat iron steak and it was average. She wished she had gotten the same dish as me. The braised short rib appetizer was good but I probably wouldn't order it again. I will try this again though to see if it is as good as I hear. Service was very good. One comment - too many flowers - the smell overpowered the food!

What a pleasant surprise! Italian Great atmosphere - coming from Europe I may say the level of "noise" was very friendly;) Seems like a "local's" place as outsider you feel very welcome. Great staff and bar - drinks are excellent. The menu will not help a fast decision - truffles and amazing recipes fill your imagination and any choice will work well - I can tell as our table ordered several. Since my first visit, I came back again in December - same same and consistent - love it, recommend it! B

What a lovely time I had with my friends/colleagues! The food was delicious, the service was very efficient and the ambiance is great! And the fresh flowers on show! Well, wow! This is worth coming to see on its own!

Wife & I took our daughter here after she was inducted into New York Bar. Great service & food was terrific. Went early & got first seating, so we had the entire place to ourselves for a spell. Definitely worth a try. One of the all time great places.

This elegant, yet homey Italian restaurant is tops in NYC. The service is excellent, the food is extremely well prepared and beautifully presented and the restaurant combines a fun experience with a very stylish NYC vibe. I even hesitate to give a review as I worry it will be harder to get reservations!

Our party of 4 had a very nice meal and experience during the holiday season. Il Cantinori is a small restaurant featuring Tuscan-style cuisine. The kitchen established its Tuscan credentials by offering an amuse bouche of pappa al pomodoro (a traditional Tuscan bread and tomato soup that was one of my wife's favorite dishes during our trip to Italy a couple of years ago) - served on a plate instead of the usual soup bowl (this version was slightly thicker). For apps, two of our party opted for beet salads, the third ordered the sausage special and I ordered an appetizer portion of the pasta special - a spaghetti Bolognese. We all enjoyed the apps - the sausage was very flavorful, with a little bit of char and smoky flavor, and the pasta was very nice, cooked al dente with the right amount of Bolognese. For our main courses, two of us ordered the snapper special and two of us ordered the veal chop. I found the veal chop to be good, but nothing special (I was surprised that it was not offered "Florintine-style"), the rest of the party seemed to enjoy the veal and the fish. Desserts were tasty, but we were probably too full to give them their due. The wine list had a reasonable selection at a variety of price points - we started with a bottle of Moscoto d'asti (have to have fizz during the holidays!), which may have been a touch sweet for a starter (my choice) and then moved on to a 2008 Barolo, which while very young, was still delicious. Pricing seemed to be typical fine dining mark-up. Service was very good and we never felt ignored or rushed. We stayed at our table for about 2 and 1/2 hours. Dinner with taxes, tip, 2 bottles of wine and a couple of after dinner drinks was about $175 per person (about $60 of that was the wine). We would go back.

Went to Il Cantinori with family in the Village; excellent choice. Hard to find anything wrong with this place, an icon for great food in the City. Handled our wide ranging family with ease, True Tuscan flavors and dishes. Been open since sometime in the 80's so building their reputation. As for favorite dishes, our party of six all had great meals: penne w/ salmon, gnocchi, the quail with ham and arugula, carpaccio, etc. All wonderful. If you love Italian, this is your place.

Took my wife here for her birthday, it was recommended by one of my friends who is a restaurant junkie. All I can say is that this place delivered! The decor was great, definitely sit in the back of the restaurant with the mural on the wall and simulation windows. Very cozy atmosphere. I'm giving this place 5 stars because of the food, just setting that up front. There are of course other very modern restaurants in NYC, but this was by far the best Italian i've encountered in NYC. The tomato sauce dish you receive as soon as you sit down was to die for. I wanted a second helping. I had the Pappardelle which was just amazing. The service I have to say is OK, the waiter I had was a bit pompous, but we got our food, he left us alone to enjoy dinner, I was just blown away by the food. Loved it!

We had this dinner as part of a bachelorette and friends weekend. With 15 friends and family from all over the U.S. Coming together for a surprise this place was perfect. We had appetizers and drinks at bar and the service was over the top since we did get there at 5:30 it was not crowded. Our table in the back was perfect for conversation and the service was top notched. It did get crowded,but our servers kept us satisfied throughout our meal. They accommodated some gluten free requests and educated us on the ingredients and preparation of the food as questioned by some of our party. I have eaten in the Village before and rate this food quite high on the list. Some of our meals were salmon with pasta, filet with green beans and boneless chicken breast. The portions were perfect and all plates were empty. Our dessert was an assortment of chocolate chip cookie, pistachio in chocolate ring plus tarimusi beautifully displayed all on individual plates for all guests. The front of the establishment opens completely and creates an inviting atmosphere. We will return when in the city.

il Cantinori is my favorite restaurant in Greenwich visit! And yes I am a huge fan of Carrie Bradshaw and "Sex and the City" but equally a fan of the delicious Italian fare and wine. The staff is amazing and always friendly. I've dined at il Cantinori several times and although Carrie Bradshaw ended up alone on her 35th birthday, it was a great birthday spot for my friends and my "Mr. Big" 👠

It's all about the food, baby ... With our last kid off to college last September, my wife and I moved into a NoHo loft and have been trying out the neighborhood restaurants. We look forward to NYC's Restaurant Week because it allows us to sample various places without spending a fortune. Il Cantinori is the highlight of this year's event. Other places we tried left us disappointed or ambivalent. Most try to scrimp a little on their limited Restaurant Week menus. Not Il Cantinori. We booked a table for lunch. My wife started with the Carpaccio di salmoni. It was perfect (we share). Buttery smoked salmon on top of super fresh greens with onions and capers. I had the Bresola con rucola which was just as fresh. Visually perfect presentation. My wife had the Ravioli al funghetto for her entree. Perfect homemade pasta with a delicate, wonderfully flavored mushroom sauce. I had the Filetto di sogliola allla mugnaia which is probably the best filet of sole I've ever had. Perfectly prepared, cooked and presented. We ate indoors in the front room. Staff is impeccable. We were greeted with enthusiastic warmth. Waiters and servers were friendly, efficient, polite and unobtrusive. The bartender prepared one of the best manhattans I've ever tasted. The room is plain but well laid out. Plenty of space. Spotlessly clean. Not too loud. Old school menus with elegant service. Lots of neighborhood patrons. This is at the top of our list of places that we'll introduce to our sons when they come home.

I have always remembered this restaurant as a favourite from early 2000s, when the restaurant was top of my list for business entertaining and offered delicious Italian fare in a vibrant NY neighbourhood environment. This eve I requested a reservation last minute and it was granted, for which I was grateful. Unfortunately, the experience was rushed, no fun, and food was meh. The dining room is so dark it is impossible to read the menu and the tables are very crowded. We needed a minute to review wine list and felt rushed to get in and get out. We were served a complimentary generous basket of bread along with COLD marinara for dipping. I understand room temp marinara when served with hot appetisers, but there was nothing hot on the table other than cold tomato sauce. Additionally, they brought salumi and diced cheese squares that looked and tasted like originated from an Oscar Meyer Lunchable package. We ordered lemon chicken, grilled artichoke salad, and ribollita …all very plain and disappointing for lack of any flavour. Our food was served immediately upon ordering and not hot. Food is overpriced and mediocre at best. I felt taken advantage of and given a bum’s rush when I had wanted to treat my mother and sister to a lovely dinner. I can no longer recommend and will not go back.

Friend and I were both celebrating our birthdays here! We had a lovely table and our server was just fantastic! He reccomended a fantastic Pinot Noir. I had several items on the menu and it was all fantastic. Great cozy spot in the heart of the Village. We will be back! Thank you so much for the wonderful Italian hospitality!

I am only guessing that Monday is the chef’s night off. And the chef took the salt, garlic and herbs and the expediter with them. How else to explain the stale cold bread and bland tasteless pasta with frozen vegetables I recognize from a medley in my grocer’s freezer served as pasta primavera for $31.00. Branzino is mangled in the de-boning done in the kitchen and equally unseasoned. The poor dead roses in the small vase at each table are wilted and browning at the edges,trying to hide in the dark room. I don’t know if it is an artistic statement or just leftover flowers from the week before. I took a photo but they are too sad to post. Servers hover together near the kitchen door eating and drinking and successfully avoiding our eyes when we need them. They also avoid entering the kitchen which explains why the kitchen staff come out in their plastic apron and dirty towel on their shoulder to deliver plates all evening. If you are on a bland diet nothing will hurt you here but otherwise you might give it a pass.

lovely restaurant conveniently located in village close to Jade hotel very good service, delicious food, lots of extras typical of tuscan restaurant

I've been coming to Il Cantinori for many years and LOVE this restaurant. The food is simple and superb. Delicious italian menu, great wine, wonderful staff - I'm sure it will continue to be a favorite for many years to come!

The staff was so welcoming and fun! Great food and spirits. Loved the special attention to detail on my birthday with yummy champagne, special drinks made by the famous Dante, birthday song sung by the staff and a beautiful atmosphere with filled with roses, seasonal arrangements and just the best place to dine in the city!!!!!!!!!!

We dined here with friends, who are regulars here so we had the attention of the staff. The service was friendly and efficient. The food was excellent. I had the liver which was perfectly cooked. The fish my wife had was moist and fresh. The complimentary tiramisu was superb. I’ll be back.

Hidden in the East Village area of Manhattan is Il Cantinori. Inside you find a lovely restaurant and Bar. The rear room is spacious and the noise level is low. The menu is extensive filled with italian favorites and a host of specials. The chef cooks the food perfectly. They will also make changes to you dish upon request such as changing the type of pasta you want. The service is wonderful. The waiters are attentive, the busboys are equally efficient in clearing you table. The end of the evening is a wonderful selection of coffees and desserts. There iks no rush to have you leave. A wonderful experience.

it is way way to expensive, the food is not so bad but it is not worth the price period. My friend (female) almost threw up, She didn't like almost anything.

Genuine care, great food and seamless service. Celebrated an important family birthday with close friends and delighted with everything. Food was really delicious and this was consistent, course after course. We are a close family and were treated like we were part of theirs

Frank will make you feel at home the minute you walk in the door. Whether you are there for business or pleasure or both, Il Cantinori delivers. The food is fresh, well prepared northern Italian food. While they don't have an extensive wine list, what they have works very well with the changing menu. The place is really a gem, very much worth going to and also wont break the bank.

it was fantastic ! Great food the Pappardelle Alla Buttera was heavenly , the service was perfect our servers name was David L. ask for him . The restaurant is beautiful I would tell everyone go !

The ambience was lovely, it was lively without being too much. The bar is a cool spot to sit between two huge stunning floral arrangements. I sat with a friend at a table in the back room, it was quiet enough. Food and service were exceptional. We had the Burrata to start, fabulous! Followed by green salad and then we both had veal Milanese - veal medallions, I'm not sure it was on the menu but my friend has dined there before and said we could ask for them, they were to die for. Would absolutely recommend.

The service is out of this world, attentive, fun and charming without being too pushy especially for the Europeans that like to be left alone when they dine. Stylish, elegant, the food amazing!!! Ask for half of the portion when ordering main as the portions are typical American- very big . Expensive but a fine dinning it is. Highly recommended.

Hadn't been to Il Cantinori in a while on a visit to New York... Went back this time and it didn't disappoint. Excellent as always. Great service, food and ambience. A must go!!

Met up with close friends for a fabulous meal in a lovely and quiet room. Had a corner table and we could conduct a nice conversation without raising our voices. Attentive wait staff and a nice and concise menu with enticing specials. A very enjoyable meal in every way.

Had the pleasure of eating here on New Year's Eve. It was so good we immediately booked a table for the following Saturday evening. The food, the buzz, the fun! Wonderful service. Terrific food with a huge selection of dishes. On the second evening we were served by Frank who is the best waiter in the Tri-State area! ;-) I will definitely return and in the meantime, do your taste buds a favour and eat here!

Excellent service, a prompt kitchen and great food made this visit worth repeating. The lamb, while expensive at $52, is outstanding as were the Branzino, Spugna, Salmone Al Vapore and Cernia Cartoccio. The Cesare salad was decent and while everything was expensive the sparkling water was clearly over priced at $12.

Great food and excellent service. The private wine cellar room was the perfect place for our group birthday celebration. The staff was incredibly attentive and professional. Highly recommended!

Nothing special! I am not sure what all the hype is about but this restaurant is just mediocre and not worth the premium. The staff was very warm and friendly and deserve the extra star. The food is nothing special for New York.

I celebrated my birthday at Il Cantinori last week. It's been at least 10 years since I dined at this restaurant. The atmosphere is pleasant - especially over the summer when the front doors and windows are opened to the street. Request a table in the front room (there is a darker back room as well). The service is very good and the staff is quite accommodating. Good wine list and wines by the glass. Delicious bread! The menu is good albeit a bit pricey. My pesto risotto with shrimp was outstanding! Truly delicious and a nice sized portion. My daughter's penne with tomatoes and mozzarella was amateurish and should not have been on the menu - it was an insult to the restaurant (we should have returned it but didn't). It was very poorly prepared. The salads with avocado and anchovies were decent. We skipped dessert and had gelato across the street. The restaurant is nicely decorated and attracts an upscale crowd. A major celebrity sat right next to us. So bottom line - nice restaurant, great location, food is decent - there are much better Italian restaurants in NYC.

We loved the atmosphere, very romantic and private. The food wasn't really what I was expecting. I thought the appetizer and main course were just okay. Nothing special. The dessert was delicious. Overall, we enjoyed the experience but I've had better Italian food.

Cozy, authentic Italian restaurant. Three of us had lunch here and the food was excellent. The waiter and staff were so friendly and warm. I had the Rollatini Di Melanzane appetizer and the Rigatoni Buttera. My friend had the Pollo All' Amalfitana and the panna cotta for dessert. A memorable, fun lunch.

I have been to Il Cantinori many times over the last few years. It's always good. The restaurant is well laid out and very comfortable cozy atmosphere. I have been here on dates with my wife and alss have brought clients here and dinner with friends. They will try to make you anything you want even off menu. In past I have asked for Veal Parm and it's amazing, pounded flat fills entire plate. This week I ahd Shrimp Parm, also not on menu and it was delicious. You really cannot go wrong with anything you want. Our last trip for 4 came to about 500 with tip. That included about 9 cocktails. Will be back over and over again.

More than a welcoming environment, let's focus on the hospitality and the cuisine. My first visit was pre-Covid. I was taken by the especially comfortable and lovely venue. This visit we were all focused on the hospitality, especially in the back dining room. We were taken care of like long lost friends and we were counseled on the menu and more. The selections we picked were one better than the other. A couple of starters, with a tomato palate stimulant that followed. The Pappardelle with sausage, peas etc was simply outstanding--worth the visit by itself. Main dishes of chicken with lemon & sage, swordfish and halibut made us all happy. With a couple of desserts and an order from the bar & wine list, we couldn't have been more pleased. A special evening. We wouldn't change a thing. Higly recommended

What a wonderful restaurant. The service was impeccable. The appetizers were great. We shared a salad and calamari. Cheese and salami were a great addition. For dinner we had the rib steak special, pappardelle with sausage and the veal Marsala special. Every entree was better than the next. The evening was topped off with the ice cream covered in chocolate. Very friendly staff made for a great atmosphere. Can’t wait to go back.

First time here after dining in this area for years. I was interested in their interpretation of Tuscan fare, more specifically, the food of Florence. Right off the bat, I noticed Ribolitta on the appetizer menu. This is a common item on the menus in Florence - it's a wonderful bread thickened hearty vegetable soup/stew. The version here was good, but nowhere near as exquisite as the soups I've had in Florence - not quite a knock on Il Cantinori - after all we're on East 10th St, NYC, not Italy. After that minor letdown, the rest of our meal was quite good - the grilled whole branzino was excellent - perfectly cooked - deboned and presented with a light butter sauce. The gnocchi was white and green - the green infused with basil. It was accompanied by an intense tomato sauce - the combo was great, the gnocchi was light as a feather. Wine pours were generous and service was professional and unobtrusive. The tab for 2, including apps, mains and wine was about $150 - not a bad deal in NYC.

Tuscan all the way and not resting on its decade old laurels. Staff very well trained and sophisticated.

Lovely Italian food. Fabulous waiter. Off the boat Italiano with a wicked sense of humour. Great night. Highly recommend. ❤️

What a great place , everything is superb. The food is exceptional and the specials every time are fresh and varied , you rarely need to see the menu. The staff are exceptional , knowledgable about their food but always with a smile on their faces and have the time to chat. That against a back drop of an always full restaurant. Can't speak highly enough of the whole experience every time

The restaurant is very pretty. The pasta was good - I had gnocchi which was very good, and my husband has misto mare. His was good, but he said not extraordinary. The scallop appetizer was the standout of the meal. The service was just okay. It was prompt and competent, but I agree with some other reviews that it had a strong tone of indifference.

Going here with a half Italian wife and a daughter that lives in Italy seems tricky. But we were absolutely not disappointed! We dined here during restaurant week, very nice menu to chooser from, delicious food, value for money. Combine this with good service and a nice atmosphere and you know we had a great night

A great setting that spills out onto the sidewalk. A definite neighborhood gem, its not big so definitely book to avoid disappointment. I was tempted to step into the kitchen to see if the host's mother was cooking. The food is authentic and delicious complemented by a decent wine list.

Excellent food and service. Quaint restaurant on a quiet side street. Excellent pasta dishes. Nice nightly special dishes. Make sure you ask for their prices when ordering specials. A little noisy when crowded. Reservations suggested.

It pushes all the formula buttons for a local Italian. However Italian has moved on. Nothing to complain about but nothing to say: wow! Went with an old friend and we had a good meal but not a special meal. A lot of buzz and I had a drink at the bar before dinner with another friend and that worked well.

This is a lovely “little” restaurant on 10th Ave. in the Village. Nice menu, good daily specials, nice variety of wine by glass. Lovely ambiance and very good service. Italian in NYC is competitive - this wins.

What was once, years ago, on of the top restaurants, has begun to show its age. Not that there is anything especially wrong, or bad, perhaps it is that there are now many like it, and it has not upped it's game.

Having been here back in 2014 and had a good experience, we decided to dine again during our visit to NYC this year. Now i really wish we hadn't bothered. Utterly useless staff who know nothing about the mediocre wine list and are oozing indifference towards customers. The food (in terms of product quality) was ok, borderline good - I had the veal steak special which was actually quite good. My wife had sea bass special, which was unceremoniously dumped on a plate like it was roadkill. The delivery overall? oh my God, what an epic fail. This place is a joke and charging way too much for a below average experience. Will never return.

Service was excellent. The profiteroles were outstanding, the salad and lamb was good and the fish was just OK. The flowers were beautiful but their scent distracted from the food. We were seated in the back room and I had to wear my husband's jacket all night as I froze due to the air conditioning. With so many great restaurants to choose from, we won't be back.

Rude not accommodating for us made us move because “5 people coming and we need your table so far we moved no one came and we 3 females over 30 minutes we still there no one came think because we are female even though we ordered drinks appetizers main mail and desert and food mediocre would not come back or recommend

This was a good place to have a nice meal, well served and a very good ambiance. Definitely, it is something you can try that will be good.

My husband and I went to Il Cantinori for lunch during restaurant week, and the entire experience was fabulous from start to finish. Highlights included the salmon carpaccio, the eggplant ricotta appetizer and the filet of sole. It's the best Italian we've found in the city. We'll definitely be returning asap.