Monte's Trattoria

I often look on CitySearch for new restaurants and places I've never been before. My friends and I get together every week and they usually leave the choosing up to me! After reading the reviews I thought Montes Trattoria sounded really good and got the girls together.

This is a really cute little restaurant and has a great ambience and warm feeling as you walk in. The staff are very friendly, from the minute you walk in, until you leave.

Everyone agreed that the food was fantastic and that we'd be back, most likely with our partners as there was a very romantic feel to this restaurant.

The manager brought us a glass of wine after dinner, which was very kind.

Would highly recommend!

Pros: Service, Food, Wine

Posted 11/11/09

This is my favorite nice restaurant in the city. They get everything right. Though the food is the star here -- the elegant atmosphere and friendly staff make this place extra special. This is what fine dining should be.

Posted 12/09/08

I was in Manhattan for the feast of San Gennaro and was very disappointed with Mulberry St... After an hour or so of the same Sausage stands and 7.95 pasta specials I decided to head to the Village and escape the FEAST. I remembered Monte's from my days at NYU and am glad to see it is still going strong. The food was fantastic. My wife and I split the fettucine verde bolognese for an appetizer which was great. For dinner we had a stuffed Veal Chop, Filet Mignon Marsala and Broccoli Rabe. We went for a walk around the village and decided to return for dessert. Great Zabaglione and Tartufo!

Pros: Excellent Food

Posted 09/25/08

Chef/Owner Pietro is truly one-of-a-kind! Not only does he make the best baked clams and shrimp scampi, he gives each customer special attention, and personal service. My fiance and I went there for a romantic dinner, and got so much more - fabulous food, amazing service, and a cozy atmosphere. Cannot wait to go back for another dinner, and I will be sure to spread the word about this authentic Italian gem!

Pros: Food, service, Pietro : )

Cons: NONE!

Posted 07/12/08

I have dined at this restaurant on several occasions and have been very pleased. I originally always ordered the tortelloni in a meat or cream sauce which was great but recently have tried several of the fish entrees. The snapper livornese has become my new favorite. For dessert try the zabaglione with strawberries.

Pros: Great Food and extensive wine list

Cons: Gets very busy on Fri & Sat night

Posted 03/11/08

I recently moved back to New York and re-visited Montes on my birthday. They had 3 types of Osso Bucco to choose from Veal, Beef, or Lamb. I had the veal with risotto and could not have been more pleased. The chef Pietro boasted, "nobody makes Osso Bucco like me". My girlfriend tried the red snapper Livornese which was also excellent

For dessert I had the ricotta cheesecake and some "Nocello" ( some type of walnut liqueur recommended by our waiter "Mr.Guido" - I can't believe thats his real name! ). Overall, I was very satisfied and will be back soon.

Pros: Great Food, generous portions

Posted 07/14/07

The fact that the place has been around and run by the same family since 1918 is a great start for me, since places like this are dwindling. Pietro the owner is a charming guy who will come out and talk about food, Italy or the subway series and they're happy to prepare things as you want them. This last visit we had a large group and everyone agreed all around, the food was very good. Someone got a pesto that was nice and light and flavorful, nothing was too heavy. Will definitely continue to go back to Monte's. I hope it's there for many more years.

Posted 06/15/07

I brought my boyfriend who has a very limited palette (aka only eats chicken) to Monte's and it was one of our favorite dining experiences ever. As soon as we walked through the door we were ushered in by the owner AND the chef who seated us and tended to us as if we were the only people in the room (the small room was actually full of happy customers). The wine list was great and the Chicken Parmagiana was delicious! The chef walks around personally asking everyone how they are enjoying their meal. The place is a little pricey but definately worth it- after dinner we were treated to after dinner drinks (chosen by the owner) and two orders of the most delicious tiramisu on the house! Monte's Trattoria is a warm, friendly atmosphere to have a delicious and romantic meal- also great for groups as well. I highly reccomend my new favorite Italian joint!!!

Pros: lovely atmosphere and wonderful service

Cons: a little on the pricey side- but well worth it

Posted 10/10/06

Once again Monte's was wonderful. Friendly service, delicious meals, great location - can't be beat if you're looking for good italian in the village!

Pros: Great food, Friendly Service, Quick Seating

Cons: Drinks Pricey

Posted 01/14/06

As a graduate -and often broken- student at NYU 33 years ago, eating at Monte's was a delightful gratification. After all these years and many trips back to NYC, the pleasure of enjoying excellent Italian food and Giovanni's royal treatment dispensed to each and everyone of his customers -regulars or not- still makes going to Monte's a gratifying experience not only for your taste buds but for your wallet as well.

Pros: Excellent food

Posted 11/05/05

I wouldn't say it's culinary genius, but Greenwich Village has become the last standout of real "Little Italy" culture, and this is a perfect example. My girlfriend and I live in the hood and have eaten at several of the Italian places around, and this one stood out as being worth returning to. The owner, Giovani, is one of the main sellinng points...

Posted 02/12/05

As soon as you step down and enter Monte's, you're greeted -- hugged and kissed by Giovanni, the long time owner, and given your choice of tables. I have been coming here for several years and know that the staff and bartender would be there with my favorite drinks and dishes I like to eat and drink on any given night. Dinner is never rushed and I could relax and chat as long as I liked. The meat sauce used for the spaghetti and meatballs is fantastic. I also love the stuffed veal chop and sauteed spinach and escarole with olive oil and garlic. Try the Tortellini Monte -- fresh made, fat with cheese and a beautiful alfredo sauce, mopped up with good crusty bread. Calories be damned!

Pros: Food, Waiters, Bartender

Posted 10/04/04

Monte's is the perfect place to enjoy good Italian food and exceptional service at a reasonable cost in NYC. There's a reason it has been around forever- you genuinely feel like part of the family when you are there. I have been there countless times, and still return even though I no longer live in Manhattan.

Pros: Food, Service, Value

Cons: Parking

Posted 11/23/03

It's clear to me that the other reviewers must be friends of the owners. The place is like a time warp, they actually have Christmas Tree metallic garland used as decor upstairs. The food was average at best, you could get the same quality food delivered from any diner.

Pros: location, lots of tables

Cons: bad food, lame environment

Posted 04/11/03

I have had food from Monte's both in the restaurant and home delivered, and either way the food was excellent. The setting is beautiful and romantic, the food is delicious, and priced not so bad. Service is excellent.

Posted 10/28/02

Monte's is by far the best Italian in the Village, if not in all of Manhattan. The fresh pasta and the marinara sauce are incredible. Also try the eggplant parmigiana - it's like being in Grandma's kitchen all over again. An added bonus - Yankee fans can experience some great memorabilia and sightings - Derek, Torre, etc. are regulars...

Pros: Great food, Great owner/servers, Yankee sightings

Cons: None that I've seen

Posted 10/21/02