Rossini's image

Rossini's

Restaurant Bar Northern italian restaurant

Vintage Northern Italian eatery with tuxedoed waiters, live piano nightly & opera on Saturday night. People often mention Italian, restaurant, service, good, staff, great, experience, meal, ambiance, pasta,


Address

108 E 38th St, New York, NY 10016

Website

rossinisrestaurant.com

Contact

(212) 683-0135

Price rating

$$$ $

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (588 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM
  • Friday: 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM
  • Saturday: 4:30 to 10:30 PM
  • Sunday: 3 to 9 PM
  • Monday: 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM
  • Tuesday: 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: Italian (28) restaurant (24) service (21) good (20) staff (13) great (12) experience (11) meal (10) ambiance (9) pasta (9)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 3/5 Johnny C. 2 years ago on Google
    Great bar and dining room. Surprisingly large and very cool looking place . This is the bad wedding food posing as “Italian” that Mario Batali (credit where it’s due) saved us from 25 years ago. All the entrees come with the same sides: a scoop each of mashed potatoes and frozen vegetable medley. All of our dishes, though different, were finished with the same sauce. We had trouble picking wines and so the waiter tried to explain to us that Barbera and Barolo are the same thing. We’re all certified wine professionals. It was an awkward conversation. The same waiter also very skillfully banged us out for a few little extras here and there and our bill came to over $700 for the three of us. The place has its fans but it’s a one-and-done experience for me.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Igor R. 2 years ago on Google
    Huge disappointment. Specials are not printed, and price is not said. A rather small salad with greens, 5 shrimps and 2 scallops cost... $38 (thirty eight!), bee tax and tip. Unbelievable. $25 for this salad would be high end already. $38? This is crazy. Service was faulty too, waiter disappeared. We had to call someone to ask about dessert, and were told different options than the other table. We ordered tartufo. After 10 minutes, we are told they are sold out. Had to ask for the (absurdly expensive) check twice. Live in the area and could be a regular, but I can't even recommend this place to others. Only the dining area decor is nice. Huge disappointment.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 M 5 months ago on Google • 289 reviews
    I'm sick of the recommendation from the magazine and press. This place is supposed to be tried by the acquaintance personnel. Stop by and feel the ambiance.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Denise R. 1 year ago on Google
    Rossini’s is great. There is nothing not to like. Food is fantastic! Never had a bad meal. Atmosphere is civilized, relaxed and refined. Service is incredibly polite, efficient and personable. It’s a wonderful NY old world gem not to be missed. Have brought others here and they thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Couldn’t more highly recommend.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 E S. 4 years ago on Google
    Was craving Italian food mostly pasta, and came across this place just wandering around. It didn't look busy from the outside but as you walk deeper into the restaurant the tables were all filled from the back. The manager greeted us as soon as we walked in. The wait staff was attentive. My pasta craving satisfied. I had a gnocchi and our table shared the artichoke appetizer and a bottle of wine. It was a Monday night, we didn't have a reservation and there was no wait.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 S W. 2 years ago on Google
    What a wonderful Restaurant in the heart of Manhattan. Took my baby here for her birthday. The restaurant is classy and has a great menu. Service and staff are wonderful.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Frank K. 2 years ago on Google
    I was a little skeptical going to this restaurant because the prices are higher than I am used to paying for Italian food. But it was the only Italian place within walking distance that had good reviews and reservations available so we decided to try it. The restaurant has been around for awhile and it shows in the decor. The place is a bit dark and when I saw one of the wall lamps askew I was a bit concerned about what we were getting. The service is attentive and polite. At first I had some difficulty understanding the NY Italian accent but they were patient in communicating with me. As the meal continued their friendliness was quite apparent. I appreciated how even though the waiter took our order without writing it down they still served the dishes to the people who ordered them. They kept checking in and even brushed off the crumbs before dessert. The food itself was quite good. The pasta was obviously made in house and the sauces were delicious. 🍝 Though this was the most expensive meal we had during our Manhattan trip I would say it was worth it.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Irit 5 months ago on Google • 345 reviews
    Pleasant traditional Italian restaurant. Efficient service, courteous waiters and good home style cooking. A surprise 2 opera singers for entertainment. You must try the berries cake. Not sweet. Just perfect

  • 2/5 Doron B. 6 months ago on Google • 301 reviews
    Loud space, dull food. Really nothing to write about. We didn't enjoy any of the plates.

  • 5/5 Trystan R. 4 months ago on Google • 36 reviews
    Visiting New York and happened across this beautiful little restaurant. It was the only place we felt we had to come back to during our short stay (which we did). Our second meal demonstrated that it was not the honeymoon effect of arriving at a new destination! The staff were friendly, very approachable, and willing to help. The place was cosy and decorated for the season (we were around in late January to little hearts and rosy tinsel) and the live piano made for a very romantic atmosphere. And the food… we had one of their specials (chicken on the night), their spaghetti marinara, and finished on the tiramisu. It was nothing short of outstanding. We did not sit in the bar area towards the front of the restaurant but it was lively as we passed through and the layout is such that diners would not know that there was a bar there, making it perfect for dates, birthdays, or any event where diners can just forget the outside world and exist in the meal. When we are back in New York, we will be returning!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Volkan K. 5 months ago on Google • 253 reviews
    Rossini's is an interesting spot—I appreciated the variety on the menu, but the execution left something to be desired. The ambiance was nice, though!

  • 5/5 Sahil P. 3 years ago on Google
    Absolutely the BEST Italian food that you can get. From the atmosphere to the service, the experience was extraordinary. The staff is very friendly and well trained. I highly recommend this place. I came here with a party of 9, including 1 teenager, and we were all able to find something that sounded delicious to us. We even asked the chef if they could make a Chicken Parmigiana dish (which wasn’t on the menu) and it came out perfect.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jay P. 2 years ago on Google
    We had a fantastic meal. The caesar salad was great. Wait staff were very attentive and professional. Would eat there again for sure!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 M W. 2 years ago on Google
    We are from Minneapolis and visited NYC for the first time over the weekend. I chose this place for a late birthday dinner and they did NOT disappoint. The service went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and the food was amazing. We will be back next time we visit & thank you for making our stay in the city a little bit better :)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Dr. Christine P. 3 years ago on Google
    I have no idea how this place has good reviews. First, I ordered a gin and tonic and was given a vodka tonic, Next, the salad is small and the lettuce was old. Finally, I have never had bad scallops in NYC until this place. You can smell the fishy-ness across the table. These had to be a few days old. For what they charge, everything should be fresh. I almost want to call the health department. The only thing good here was the coffee and dessert.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Leon B. 2 years ago on Google
    I was in a party of 4 persons on a regular evening without live music. We had 4 different main dishes (spaghetti carbonara, spaghetti in pesto, Chicken and veal) and the ministrone soup. The soup was really nice but none of the other dishes was exceptionally good or large, so it seemed overpriced and not worth it. The variety does seem good and maybe other dishes would have been tastier. The venue itself seems very classy and cozy. The service was decent although we had to mentioned a few times we would like regular water without ice. When handing the check the waiter mentioned that the service (18%) was already included, which is a bit annoying and wasn't mentioned in the menu beforehand.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John C. 5 months ago on Google • 56 reviews
    Great spot in the city for a holiday party! Thank You Rossini’s! It was a pleasure DJ’ing for one of your well known customers.

  • 3/5 Anthony S. 7 months ago on Google • 49 reviews
    Amazing atmosphere, we went on Saturday night and there was live piano and opera - amazing. The service was decent but not the best I’ve experienced. But the reason I go to restaurants especially for special occasions is to eat good FOOD. NYC is known for world class Italian food and unfortunately I cannot put Rossini’s in that category. I am Italian American and native to the city and I could list at least 15 better Italian restaurants throughout Manhattan Brooklyn and Queens with significantly better food. It’s not *bad*, it was edible, just not worth $40 for a plate of risotto or $50 for veal at all. Tasted like Italian “food” you get at weddings that people think is good. I would come back if they figure out how to make their food better.

  • 5/5 Rachel E. 1 year ago on Google • 47 reviews
    I got the fresh green fettuccine with pesto topped with chicken. It was the best meal I had in New York! The atmosphere, food, staff, experience was 10/10. Highly recommend to visit and they make a great espresso martini!

  • 5/5 John C. 6 months ago on Google • 22 reviews
    The culinary experience at this restaurant is nothing short of extraordinary, with each dish bursting with unforgettable flavors. The portions are meticulously balanced, ensuring a satisfying meal from the first appetizer to the last bite of dessert. This place isn't just good; it's a gastronomic revelation. Be warned, securing a table can be a challenge due to its popularity, so I highly recommend making reservations well in advance. And if you can, request Xristos as your server for an impeccable dining experience.

  • 5/5 D 9 months ago on Google
    Exceptional old school Italian restaurant. We had a veal dish and carbonara pasta with tiramisu for desert. All tasty and perfectly prepared. Service was excellent as well. I would go back.

  • 5/5 Jay Mel (. 10 months ago on Google
    Our party of six really Enjoyed our service, our food and the ambiance. Very helpful, knowledgeable and accommodating. Our first time visiting and we’ll definitely visit again. We definitely recommend this restaurant. Compliments to the chef (chefs kiss).

  • 5/5 Heather B. 10 months ago on Google
    We had the best meal in NYC here. My kids ate everything and proclaimed it 10/10. We will def go back to try more items on the menu. Atmosphere is perfect. Waiters were great.

  • 5/5 Kevin M. 8 months ago on Google
    By far, one of my favorite Italian restaurants in the City. The vibe is formal (people wearing T-shirt & jeans will feel out of place). The food is excellent and the service is always professional. The restaurant often has a pianist & singer on Friday/Saturday (call to confirm), which ads a special element to the experience.

  • 5/5 Tony P. 6 months ago on Google
    Excellent traditional Italian restaurant. My friend who took us there has been dining there since 1979 and I can see why, the food and service are excellent. There is also a good wine list.

  • 5/5 Colin N. 4 months ago on Google • 9 reviews
    We chose Rossini’s for our first family dinner in NY on Valentine’s Day because it was near our hotel and advertised live piano. Our son plays piano and our daughter is a vocalist so the musical theme spoke to our dynamic. The host was warm and welcoming and the restaurant had a cozy and comforting feel upon entering, with the dining room being at the back, two levels separate by a short staircase. Our table was in the corner and provided a great view of the room, including the pianist. Our server was a younger guy who loosely resembled a young Ray Liotta which helped the ambiance. The waiters wear tuxedos which helps make the event feel special. The room was well decorated with Vday fanfare and the food and drink were spectacular. We ordered calamari which melted in your mouth, pastas in marinara and pesto sauce, a braised pork shank in a delicious gravy and halibut in a champagne sauce. The drinks and wine were great as well. A beautiful feast for our family on Valentine’s Day and we will be back again someday. Grazie Rossini’s!

  • 3/5 Shiva R. 1 year ago on Google
    Food was ok, staff were friendly. The prices were a bit too high for quality of food. Stale grissini, tables too close to each other.

  • 5/5 Dan 1 year ago on Google
    Fantastic Authentic Italian Restaurant. We were greeted at the door by the owner who brought us to our seats and summoned a waiter. After we were seated, we were immediately offered drinks and asked if we would like to see a wine menu. Ordered our appetizers first and told the waiter to hold on putting in the main course order until we were 100% finished with our appetizers. Every request followed by a real professional staff. Food was outstanding and the staff, owner included, was warm, gracious and accommodating to any/all of our requests. Plus, a bonus, opera singers filled the dining room with music and cheer. Want cheap Italian food? Go to Olive Garden. Want real Italian food with ambiance, come to Rossini's. You will not regret it. Reservations recommended...

  • 5/5 Steven J. C. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely delicious! Ambiance was delightful, the piano player excellent, and the service was very good. A fine restaurant.

  • 4/5 J D. 1 year ago on Google
    Traditional Northern Italian food. Nostalgic Italian restaurant with a bar. Entertainment included when went on a Saturday night. Good food. Street parking. No outdoor seating.

  • 4/5 larry o. 1 year ago on Google
    Great atmosphere and food! Beautiful service and ambiance. Soooo glad we decided to stop for dinner in Midtown. Classic Italian digs at its best!

  • 5/5 Janet N. 2 years ago on Google
    Eggplant starter delicious. Pesto pasta delicious. Service and atmosphere wonderful. A great find, just walking by. We would go back.

  • 5/5 Patrick F. 3 years ago on Google
    Couldn't be a better night out w/ friends. Food was incredible, service gracious, bill reasonable, and parking right in front of restaurant (after 7). Go w/ the specials they offer. Always have and never not have enjoyed more tasty Northern Italian dishes!

  • 5/5 jon b. 2 years ago on Google
    long time favorite, staff and owner beyond attentive. the food is amazing and pricing for midtown spot and gift, Many more years to Rossinsi

  • 5/5 Phillip F. 2 years ago on Google
    Great dinner Fabulous experience The staff is PROFFESIONAL beyond expectation Exceeded in all aspects of great dining!

  • 5/5 Colleen B. 2 years ago on Google
    I stopped in to Rossini‘s late afternoon after walking around the city for hours for some comfort food prior to leaving for the airport. I ordered the Fettuccine Alfredo and it was to die for. The sauce was very tasty and not too thick yet definitely fulfilled my comfort food need. They had just decorated it and it’s beautiful at Christmas time! The biggest thing that stands out to me the staff is very friendly. I will definitely return!

  • 4/5 David F. 2 years ago on Google
    Great service. Great food. I would go back.

  • 5/5 Travis-James S. 2 years ago on Google
    Best Italian meal ever. From the service to the excellent food, this is a New York institution not to be missed. The best Fettuccine Alfredo I've ever had and my partner's Seafood Pasta had so much seafood that we couldn't see the mound of pasta underneath.

  • 5/5 Bobby P. 2 years ago on Google
    The food is amazing! Especially the pasta Alfredo, you do have to order everything individually but worth it. Tried the pasta with Gamberi allá Rossini and it was amazing jumbo shrimp and my boyfriend had the gamberi fra diavolo

  • 5/5 Paul M. 2 years ago on Google
    Traditional Italian restaurant with first class service. Don't be fooled as you look on as the restaurants at the rear. I had the bologna gnocchi which was perfect. All round good experience.

  • 5/5 Jose v. 2 years ago on Google
    Super cool restaurant. The type of restaurant you only see in movies. A true italian piece of culinary real estate. Food was amazing, the staff was elegant and very helpful. Check out the wall of celebrities' pictures that have enjoyed Rossini's dinning experience.

  • 5/5 Michael B. 1 year ago on Google
    Lovely East Side restaurant. Fine food and service. Loved the opera singers. Expensive, but worth the splurge. Appetizer, salad, sntree, wine, coffee and dessert cost around $100 each.

  • 5/5 Philippe 1 year ago on Google
    Atmospheric Italian “chic” restaurant that seems to have been around for a few decades… A lot of space, very professional and friendly service, reasonably mastered dishes - gastronomic side, so no pizzas… And a wonderful wooden bar where you long to sit for a couple of hours pre or post-dinner. One of the recommendable food locations I visited in Manhattan.

  • 5/5 Gwen W. 1 year ago on Google
    I LOVE THIS PLACE!!! I came to this place with my boyfriend on a dinner date and I had fun. The music was so beautiful, the ambiance was very elegant, the food was good and the service was good. I loved the opera it was so peaceful and elegant. I had calamari and seafood lenguini and it was so delicious and the cannoli and ice cream was amazing. Thank you Max for taking care of us. Highly recommend this place ♥️♥️♥️

  • 4/5 AO C. 1 year ago on Google
    Surprisingly good. Was a bit worried after reading reviews and "old school Italian vibe" (being a bit old school myself). Food was good, especially numerous specials. Staff was friendly and attentive. Prices were typical upscale NYC. Will be returning soon

  • 4/5 Javier E. 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent northern Italian restaurant located in Murray Hill. Large selection of pasta items and they are very good about making something if it's not listed on the menu. The veal chop and linguini in garlic and oil with sausage was great. Nice selection of dessert...the canoli was fresh and crispy.

  • 5/5 Luis Castro M. 1 year ago on Google
    Really great restaurant! The food it’s Italian, You field like You were in Italy! Service excellent and fast, space very good, right on the center of Manhattan! We went there two dinners and it’s a must go restaurant in NYC.

  • 5/5 Amanda M. 1 year ago on Google
    I love Rossini's. I usually get a chicken and vegetable dish - but I'm quite picky, and the chef and service team are always very accommodating in delivering exactly what I want. Wine selection is excellent. The menu is extensive without being overwhelming. I make it here about 5 times a year and can't wait to be back!

  • 4/5 MC R. 1 year ago on Google
    Wonderful experience we had a few appetizers including delicious oysters and faboluous delicious Apple martinis, great ambiance and service

  • 2/5 GRX 1 year ago on Google
    Paid over $350 for 2 for good Italian food but certainly nothing special. Linguine w seafood over $50. Just a simple smaller dish. Too crazy. Go for desert at $75+ if you want the ambiance….but that’s overrated too. Waiters we’re nice, but rushed, and when it got busy it was very slow w mistakes made. I’ve lived here too long to make this mistake.


Call (212) 683-0135 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Late-night food
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Catering
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✓️ Delivery

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