Villa Berulia

Just off the crossroads of Park Avenue and 42 Street, VB offers a combination that's too often rare in Manhattan and its plethora of self-styled northern Italian eateries: good food, excellent beverages (incl. expertly mixed he-man-sized cocktails) and un-snobbish, friendly service. The menu is long, the daily specials numerous and the staff will, if possible and without fuss, prepare any dish that remains unmentioned. Based on numerous visits for dinner (we keep going back) we like its antipasti (exceptional seafood salad and, in season, fresh artichokes), not-oversauced pastas and excellent seafood and meats, including, among the latter, croatian classics such as cevapcici --the mildy spiced ground meat grilled on skewers. There's an excellent wine list, too. Portions tend to be on the gargantuan side (we always carry home a hefty doggy bag) but half-servings are available for pastas. Desserts --if one can still find space for them-- can be excellent, too. An all-around winner that has been around for many years and for good reason.

Pros: Location, service, food, drinks

Cons: none

Posted 02/04/09

I have on limited trips to NYC had the opportunity to eat and recommend others to eat at this location. In fact it may be my favorite restaurant in America. Owners are "hands on" and caring, food is good, ambiance is tremendous. Overall it just makes for an enjoyable dining experience. Yes, it may be geared more toward the more elder crowd. But I can assure you that if the "old heads" like me go back again and again it is good. Because it is not inexpensive with an "early bird special." No one that has gone there upon my recommendation has ever come back with a bad report. I am just sad that they are not located in my home of Nashville, TN

Pros: service, attention to details, friendly

Cons: located in NYC

Posted 03/07/06

My girlfriend and I had dined at Villa Berulia on 10/17/05. The atmosphere and service were excellent, but I wasn't terribly impressed with the food. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either. I've read other reviews saying how bright the place is and I don't agree. I found it comfortable and cozy. I've also read how it's for the 'older crowd'...I suppose people over 40 need a place to go too....but I would go there no matter my age.

Pros: excellent service, romantic, comfortable

Cons: food lacking

Posted 10/23/05

I have gone to Villa Berulia since it first opened. Everytime we go to the city, we could have the pick of fine Italian Restaurants, yet, we always choose Berulia. Everyone that we have reccomended "a try" are never dissapointed. My daughters were young in age and they remember and now have gone with their husbands. John and Maria are fantastic hosts... Keep up the good work..... His staff is great and wonderful people...

Posted 10/20/04

I live and work in the Murray Hill area and can tell you that this is by far the best italian restaurant in the neighborhood. The fish and meats are the freshest in town and they will prepare your dish anyway you like, no questions asked. The vodka sauce and the tiramisu are the best in the city. The service is also the best around. This place will cater to your every whim and desire. It's understanable why this place has been around for such a long time.

Posted 10/19/04

This place is how restaurant service used to be in New York City. The minute you walk in here, the attention given to the customer is immpeccable. All of these people writing reviews must not know what excellent service is. Waiters are kind, food always arrives quickly, and if you go here more than once, the owner (Johnny) will know your name, AND what you drink! I am not old (34), and I appreciate this type of traditional atmosphere that is not stuffy with trendy folks looking to be seen. One comes to Villa Berulia to be treated like family! One of my favorite spots in the city!

Pros: Gracious Hosts, Wonderful Service, Delicious!

Posted 11/17/03

I had about 12 people for 12 and although i asked for a private room. A room in the friont of the restaurant without a door is what I got. The waiter was somewhat slow, but tried to amanage all of us. The on whole was fairly good, a Grilled calamari, Strip steak, which wass just OK, and a chocolate raspberry mousse cake which was fabulous. Seem s like a neighborhood joint. The owner knew everyones name. Seems like he could of done a better job with us.

Posted 10/18/03

I hosted a group visiting New York City and brought them here for dinner. I was impressed by VillaBerullia's ease in making space for the group (providing us with roomy tables in a semi-private area of the restaurant) and dealing with the tricky financial branch of my company. The food was also good and in ample quantities for the price. However, once we were seated, the service was a little under par. Overall, I didn't feel well-taken care of: water glasses with things floating inside (and not promptly replaced when pointed out), waitor ignored request to change order while he was still at the table, empty wine glasses ignored....no egregious errors I guess, but no special efforts either...

Pros: tasty food, space for large group, reservations easy

Cons: indifferent waitstaff

Posted 03/07/03

but, a very solid place with good food and efficient service. The mixed green salad went beyond the usual with fresh chopped nuts and delicious shavings of Assiago cheese. Veal scallopini was good and the chicken Berulia was outstanding! Tira mi su, while getting played out in most places, was better than most . . . All in all, a good place!

Pros: Good food, Very efficient servic

Cons: Stay away from cave-l

Posted 01/29/03