A New York Gem That Feels Like Home Il Carino has quickly become a cherished tradition for our family. This was our third time dining here while visiting our daughter at Fordham, and each visit has been more memorable than the last. The food is simply outstanding—every dish is crafted with care and bursting with authentic Italian flavor. From the appetizers to the desserts, everything we were served was delicious and beautifully prepared. It's clear that this is a place where food is made with love. But what truly sets Il Carino apart is the incredible service. Giulio, the owner and our waiter each time, is the heart of this restaurant. His warmth, attention to detail, and genuine hospitality make every meal feel special. You're not just eating at a restaurant—you're being welcomed into a family. Il Carino will forever be our favorite place to eat in this great city. It's a must-visit for anyone looking for an unforgettable dining experience in NYC.
PerryR
Finally a chance to experience Il Carino. The place always looks great inside with very authentic authentic rustic Italian style, and the high references made it intriguing. We were early but welcomed gracefully and seated promptly. Great specials, amazing wine list, full bar, and Julio was exemplary! One special was a generous hand made lobster ravioli, with a fine chateauneuf de pape. And the veal scallopini was super tender, thin, and delicious with absolutely perfectly cooked broccoli. The salads are creative and fresh. And their deserts are all homemade and incredible. Highly recommend. A must try in the upper east side.
Jim
Great old school NYC Italian restaurant. Restaurant's like this are disappearing. It's great to have one to hang on to. It's a gem.
george
The veal chop was excellent and the seafood special of black ink squid stuffed with smoked Alaskan salmon in a red pesto sauce with mussels, clams and lobster medallions.
Anna
Four months ago, I first visited IL Carino. Today, I came back and IL Carino exceeded my expectations, again! Delicious food, amazing atmosphere, and very fair prices. The quality never disappoints. The next time I visit, I'll bring family and friends. Highly recommend!
danielle cassesse
Went on vValentines Day… they doubled the prices of everything .. wine was almost tripled.. Caesar salad was 5 piecee of lettuce for 18.95… 10.00 surcharge for paying with a card… we used to go all the time but never again
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 2
Heidi V. Tumey
Ordered takeout delivery to the hospital where I'm caring for my dad and my order was 2 hours early with not enough utensils. Food is mediocre at best and the serving size of the salad, which cost over $12, was a joke - the container was basically empty. I was very excited to try this place because Italian is my go to and it's NY. This place however was not my favorite and a poor experience. Tipping doesn't matter because we gave a nice tip 25% as we were grateful to stay with my dad. Lesson learned.
Food: 3
Service: 2
Maria
IL Carino is my favorite local place to dine in. I always come here for dinner dates with my partner and we're never disappointed. I love the food, decor, and staff treatment. We can't wait to try more of their cuisines and drinks.
Roberta
Price way exceeded what was on line. So not worth it for a small neighborhood restaurant. Should have known there was a price issue by the fact that we were the only ones in the restaurant all night.
Shelley Warren
Lovely decor , friendly service , overpriced and mediocre food . Wish I could say it was great ….
Pretty good food. Have had both their chicken francese and chicken parm. Probably best saved for dining in. Their takeout portions seemed particularly stingy this last order for $30 entrees.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
naddyra ridzkya
Got charged $67 for a dessert platter???
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Catherine
We had the most wonderful date here. The service was incredible and so attentive. The food has off the charts. We cannot wait to go back
Ashley
Excellent meal. Unbelievable food and staff. Large portions. Wonderful specials. Great wine selection. Will definitely return !
Prodigy Asian
A bad situation turned worse.
I had a GrubHub order through them because the restaurant and food looked good. My GrubHub driver brings me my food spilled, the sauce all over the bag and submerging the metal platter that holds the food. Quite disappointed, I contacted GrubHub support for help. I am very unfamiliar with how GrubHub arbitrates situations like these, as I’ve never really had an issue with any order before, but wow, was there a rude awakening awaiting for me.
Soon after an adjustment was placed, I get a call from an unknown number. There was an older man talking on the end and asked me why I adjusted the order. I said my food came spilled and that either the restaurant or the driver spilled my food, and that I put my bet that it was the driver that spilled it. The guy reassures me that they packed everything well and that now, they won’t get paid for the food. I had no idea that’s how it worked, assuming that GrubHub would punish the driver and pay off the restaurant. Before I could even think of anything because of shock, he then proceeds to ask me what I am going to do with the food? I said I don’t know, mainly because my bag is literally seeping in sauce. He then proceeds to say “You’re gonna eat it huh?”, and then proceeds to cuss me out multiple times, as if I was enjoying this situation any more, and slams the phone.
Maybe other people have freeloaded from them before, but I didn’t even get an opportunity to say sorry or have any remorse for them because of their first assumption of me being that I am taking advantage of them, when really, I don’t even know what’s going on besides my food being messed up.
I understand that situations like these are unfortunate, and I was hoping to just enjoy a normal dinner, but having been through this, I pray that customer service is much nicer in person than over the phone. I’m not saying to not try this restaurant, but I personally am very discouraged from going back. And if you do go, please do dine-in or pick up, so that way they don’t have anything to blame you on, and maybe your experience will be less hostile.
PS: I followed up with GrubHub to ensure that the restaurant will still get paid, despite everything that happened. The GrubHub representative told me that they (GrubHub) will still be paying them, as it was the courier’s fault.
A New York Gem That Feels Like Home Il Carino has quickly become a cherished tradition for our family. This was our third time dining here while visiting our daughter at Fordham, and each visit has been more memorable than the last. The food is simply outstanding—every dish is crafted with care and bursting with authentic Italian flavor. From the appetizers to the desserts, everything we were served was delicious and beautifully prepared. It's clear that this is a place where food is made with love. But what truly sets Il Carino apart is the incredible service. Giulio, the owner and our waiter each time, is the heart of this restaurant. His warmth, attention to detail, and genuine hospitality make every meal feel special. You're not just eating at a restaurant—you're being welcomed into a family. Il Carino will forever be our favorite place to eat in this great city. It's a must-visit for anyone looking for an unforgettable dining experience in NYC.
Finally a chance to experience Il Carino. The place always looks great inside with very authentic authentic rustic Italian style, and the high references made it intriguing. We were early but welcomed gracefully and seated promptly. Great specials, amazing wine list, full bar, and Julio was exemplary! One special was a generous hand made lobster ravioli, with a fine chateauneuf de pape. And the veal scallopini was super tender, thin, and delicious with absolutely perfectly cooked broccoli. The salads are creative and fresh. And their deserts are all homemade and incredible. Highly recommend. A must try in the upper east side.
Great old school NYC Italian restaurant. Restaurant's like this are disappearing. It's great to have one to hang on to. It's a gem.
The veal chop was excellent and the seafood special of black ink squid stuffed with smoked Alaskan salmon in a red pesto sauce with mussels, clams and lobster medallions.
Four months ago, I first visited IL Carino. Today, I came back and IL Carino exceeded my expectations, again! Delicious food, amazing atmosphere, and very fair prices. The quality never disappoints. The next time I visit, I'll bring family and friends. Highly recommend!
Went on vValentines Day… they doubled the prices of everything .. wine was almost tripled.. Caesar salad was 5 piecee of lettuce for 18.95… 10.00 surcharge for paying with a card… we used to go all the time but never again
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 2
Ordered takeout delivery to the hospital where I'm caring for my dad and my order was 2 hours early with not enough utensils. Food is mediocre at best and the serving size of the salad, which cost over $12, was a joke - the container was basically empty. I was very excited to try this place because Italian is my go to and it's NY. This place however was not my favorite and a poor experience. Tipping doesn't matter because we gave a nice tip 25% as we were grateful to stay with my dad. Lesson learned.
Food: 3
Service: 2
IL Carino is my favorite local place to dine in. I always come here for dinner dates with my partner and we're never disappointed. I love the food, decor, and staff treatment. We can't wait to try more of their cuisines and drinks.
Price way exceeded what was on line. So not worth it for a small neighborhood restaurant. Should have known there was a price issue by the fact that we were the only ones in the restaurant all night.
Lovely decor , friendly service , overpriced and mediocre food . Wish I could say it was great ….
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Pretty good food. Have had both their chicken francese and chicken parm. Probably best saved for dining in. Their takeout portions seemed particularly stingy this last order for $30 entrees.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Got charged $67 for a dessert platter???
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
We had the most wonderful date here. The service was incredible and so attentive. The food has off the charts. We cannot wait to go back
Excellent meal. Unbelievable food and staff. Large portions. Wonderful specials. Great wine selection. Will definitely return !
A bad situation turned worse.
I had a GrubHub order through them because the restaurant and food looked good. My GrubHub driver brings me my food spilled, the sauce all over the bag and submerging the metal platter that holds the food. Quite disappointed, I contacted GrubHub support for help. I am very unfamiliar with how GrubHub arbitrates situations like these, as I’ve never really had an issue with any order before, but wow, was there a rude awakening awaiting for me.
Soon after an adjustment was placed, I get a call from an unknown number. There was an older man talking on the end and asked me why I adjusted the order. I said my food came spilled and that either the restaurant or the driver spilled my food, and that I put my bet that it was the driver that spilled it. The guy reassures me that they packed everything well and that now, they won’t get paid for the food. I had no idea that’s how it worked, assuming that GrubHub would punish the driver and pay off the restaurant. Before I could even think of anything because of shock, he then proceeds to ask me what I am going to do with the food? I said I don’t know, mainly because my bag is literally seeping in sauce. He then proceeds to say “You’re gonna eat it huh?”, and then proceeds to cuss me out multiple times, as if I was enjoying this situation any more, and slams the phone.
Maybe other people have freeloaded from them before, but I didn’t even get an opportunity to say sorry or have any remorse for them because of their first assumption of me being that I am taking advantage of them, when really, I don’t even know what’s going on besides my food being messed up.
I understand that situations like these are unfortunate, and I was hoping to just enjoy a normal dinner, but having been through this, I pray that customer service is much nicer in person than over the phone. I’m not saying to not try this restaurant, but I personally am very discouraged from going back. And if you do go, please do dine-in or pick up, so that way they don’t have anything to blame you on, and maybe your experience will be less hostile.
PS: I followed up with GrubHub to ensure that the restaurant will still get paid, despite everything that happened. The GrubHub representative told me that they (GrubHub) will still be paying them, as it was the courier’s fault.
Photos provided below.
Food: 4
Service: 1
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