If you are looking for real Italian food that is authentic and well prepared - look no further. Food, wine selection and service are par excellent!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Linguine Alla Vongole, Paillard Di Pollo Grilled Chicken Breast with Arugula and Cherry Tomato Salad Garnish, Salmone IL Gradino Alaskan Salmon with Artichokes and Sun-Dried Tomatoes in White Wine Sauce
Dee Miles
This place is THE BEST Italian restaurant in NYC! The food is unbelievably perfect in taste, presentation and quality. Service is spot on and the wine selection is impressive. I have been a frequent visitor of Scalinatella and IL Mulino and without question IL Gradino is the best of all of them!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pappardelle, Ricotta, Lombata Di Vitello Grilled House-Butchered Veal Rack Chop, Spaghetti Al Pomodoro, Dentice Alla Livornese Red Snapper Baked with Tomatoes White Wine Black Olives and Capers, Piccata Di Vitello Veal Cutlets Sauteed in Lemon Butter and Caper Sauce
Anna Arima
After visiting this incredible place twice in the past week, I can definitely say that nothing beats their hospitality. It truly embodies the essence of Italian warmth and charm. From the moment you step in, you're welcomed like family. The selection of wine takes you on a journey through Italian wineries, and each sip is a delight. As for the food, it's simply outstanding. Each dish is executed to perfection, leaving you almost licking the plate after every bite.I must commend the staff for creating such a rare combination of perfection in the New York restaurant scene.Thank you, guys, for providing such a memorable dining experience. I can't wait to return and indulge in your exceptional hospitality once again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Michael G.
Good food. Service that is welcoming and makes you feel special. Nice owner. Quaint atmosphere. Would recommend for an intimate night out. Solid menu though not out of the ordinary.
Axel d.
Food was good. Service average. It was Restaurant Week but we had to explicitly ask for the RW menu. From this menu my partner asked for burrata and was served a small amount of basic mozzarella with two quarters of tasteless tomatoes. She also asked for ravioli Il Gradino, which were good, but came in a very small portion. RW is not an obligation but seems to be used by this restaurant to attract customers to a low cost experience. It is a pity because then they don't come back...
Michael Conboy
Just the worst service imaginable. 3.5 hour ordinary meal. Even the coat check got our coats wrong three times.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 1
Will Manidis
I’m not sure why the reviews are low, one of my new favorite places.We wandered in late on a Friday night after a show. Inside: it was relatively quiet with Christmas music cranking.Staff immediately greeted us, sat us, and rattled off a list of specials a mile long.Everything we offered was lights out fantastic. The branzino in particular was insane.We closed the restaurant out and the staff couldn’t be nicer. 10/10 merry Christmas
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Alexandra Eggers
Amazing food and staff. Took my fiance for our anniversary and it was perfect for a special night out. Highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Chad Eggers
Excellent. Enjoyed a romantic evening so much so that we have decided to use the restaurant for our engagement party in a couple of months....
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bisitecca Alla Pizzaiola, Insalata Caesar Caesar Salad, Pollo Scarpariello
Chad E.
Perfect romantic night out with my fiancé for our anniversary. Highly recommend. One of the best authentic Italian meals I have had in the city.
Fabulous experience from start to finish! The service was outstanding, the atmosphere warm and quiet, and the food was some of the nest we have had outside of Italy! Well done! We will be back often!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mitchell S.
Food was very average. Service was good but not good enough to make up for the food. I heard owner not really interested in restaurant must be a tax write off
robert stone
Truly one of the best places and hidden gems to go eat in New York City and this is coming from someone who’s lived in the city for 40 years and has gone to the best restaurants in the city. Everything is amazing at this establishment from the service and the waiters to the owner to the most spectacular food you could ever imagine and, they will make anything and everything you want if it’s not on the menu. I hate to admit it because now I will never got a reservation. The place is the best. R StoneVegetarian options: what's to say hey had no issues creating pasta with veggies etc to accommodate.Dietary restrictions: my son n law is highly allergic to fish...like seriously. they did everything to make sure no dish was cross contaminated.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Caprese Imported Bufala Mozzarella with Tomato and Fresh
Pasquale M.
Finally I have any Thai restaurant in my neighborhood where I can enjoy lunch and dinner and send my friends and business associates for either casual lunch which always turns out to be incredible and an unbelievable dinner with service that goes beyond expeectation. Keep it going. 5 star
Frances S.
Absolutely fantastic. Brilliant Italian comfort food at its best, and the best thing to happen to the UES dining scene in 2023. Dishes are unfussy, portions are ample, ingredients are seasonal and fresh. Attentive and professional waiters, cozy, uncluttered ambiance, and always an extensive and interesting list of specials in addition to an appealing regular menu which in several places includes the words "a piacere" - as you would like it. If you in the mood for a light, gorgeous branzino; a rich,hearty veal dish; or a tricolore salad and a perfect pasta, this is your spot!
If you are looking for real Italian food that is authentic and well prepared - look no further. Food, wine selection and service are par excellent!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Linguine Alla Vongole, Paillard Di Pollo Grilled Chicken Breast with Arugula and Cherry Tomato Salad Garnish, Salmone IL Gradino Alaskan Salmon with Artichokes and Sun-Dried Tomatoes in White Wine Sauce
This place is THE BEST Italian restaurant in NYC! The food is unbelievably perfect in taste, presentation and quality. Service is spot on and the wine selection is impressive. I have been a frequent visitor of Scalinatella and IL Mulino and without question IL Gradino is the best of all of them!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pappardelle, Ricotta, Lombata Di Vitello Grilled House-Butchered Veal Rack Chop, Spaghetti Al Pomodoro, Dentice Alla Livornese Red Snapper Baked with Tomatoes White Wine Black Olives and Capers, Piccata Di Vitello Veal Cutlets Sauteed in Lemon Butter and Caper Sauce
After visiting this incredible place twice in the past week, I can definitely say that nothing beats their hospitality. It truly embodies the essence of Italian warmth and charm. From the moment you step in, you're welcomed like family. The selection of wine takes you on a journey through Italian wineries, and each sip is a delight. As for the food, it's simply outstanding. Each dish is executed to perfection, leaving you almost licking the plate after every bite.I must commend the staff for creating such a rare combination of perfection in the New York restaurant scene.Thank you, guys, for providing such a memorable dining experience. I can't wait to return and indulge in your exceptional hospitality once again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Good food. Service that is welcoming and makes you feel special. Nice owner. Quaint atmosphere. Would recommend for an intimate night out. Solid menu though not out of the ordinary.
Food was good. Service average. It was Restaurant Week but we had to explicitly ask for the RW menu. From this menu my partner asked for burrata and was served a small amount of basic mozzarella with two quarters of tasteless tomatoes. She also asked for ravioli Il Gradino, which were good, but came in a very small portion. RW is not an obligation but seems to be used by this restaurant to attract customers to a low cost experience. It is a pity because then they don't come back...
Just the worst service imaginable. 3.5 hour ordinary meal. Even the coat check got our coats wrong three times.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 1
I’m not sure why the reviews are low, one of my new favorite places.We wandered in late on a Friday night after a show. Inside: it was relatively quiet with Christmas music cranking.Staff immediately greeted us, sat us, and rattled off a list of specials a mile long.Everything we offered was lights out fantastic. The branzino in particular was insane.We closed the restaurant out and the staff couldn’t be nicer. 10/10 merry Christmas
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazing food and staff. Took my fiance for our anniversary and it was perfect for a special night out. Highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent. Enjoyed a romantic evening so much so that we have decided to use the restaurant for our engagement party in a couple of months....
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bisitecca Alla Pizzaiola, Insalata Caesar Caesar Salad, Pollo Scarpariello
Perfect romantic night out with my fiancé for our anniversary. Highly recommend. One of the best authentic Italian meals I have had in the city.
Restaurantji Recommends
Fabulous experience from start to finish! The service was outstanding, the atmosphere warm and quiet, and the food was some of the nest we have had outside of Italy! Well done! We will be back often!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food was very average. Service was good but not good enough to make up for the food. I heard owner not really interested in restaurant must be a tax write off
Truly one of the best places and hidden gems to go eat in New York City and this is coming from someone who’s lived in the city for 40 years and has gone to the best restaurants in the city. Everything is amazing at this establishment from the service and the waiters to the owner to the most spectacular food you could ever imagine and, they will make anything and everything you want if it’s not on the menu. I hate to admit it because now I will never got a reservation. The place is the best. R StoneVegetarian options: what's to say hey had no issues creating pasta with veggies etc to accommodate.Dietary restrictions: my son n law is highly allergic to fish...like seriously. they did everything to make sure no dish was cross contaminated.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Caprese Imported Bufala Mozzarella with Tomato and Fresh
Finally I have any Thai restaurant in my neighborhood where I can enjoy lunch and dinner and send my friends and business associates for either casual lunch which always turns out to be incredible and an unbelievable dinner with service that goes beyond expeectation. Keep it going. 5 star
Absolutely fantastic. Brilliant Italian comfort food at its best, and the best thing to happen to the UES dining scene in 2023. Dishes are unfussy, portions are ample, ingredients are seasonal and fresh. Attentive and professional waiters, cozy, uncluttered ambiance, and always an extensive and interesting list of specials in addition to an appealing regular menu which in several places includes the words "a piacere" - as you would like it. If you in the mood for a light, gorgeous branzino; a rich,hearty veal dish; or a tricolore salad and a perfect pasta, this is your spot!