Tony's Di Napoli — Restaurant in New York

Utsav Honest Review (UHR: 7/10) Utsav Classics Take (UCT: 8/10) Here’s the detailed review of Tony's Di Napoli - Midtown:

Dish Reviews: 🍄 Stuffed Mushrooms (Filled with ricotta, mozzarella, spinach, red peppers, onions, parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs) UHR: 7.5/10 | UCT: 8/10 A solid starter recommended by the server and frequently featured on their social media. The mushrooms were soft and juicy, with cheese cooked to perfection. However, the overall flavor lacked depth despite the balance of textures. 🍝 Tony's Di Napoli Ravioli (Filled with ricotta, parsley, prosciutto crudo, mozzarella, and Parmigiano-Reggiano, served in a red sauce) UHR: 6.5/10 | UCT: 7/10 The ravioli had a good texture, and the filling was creamy and fresh. Unfortunately, the red sauce tasted undercooked and overshadowed the dish. 🍰 Mousse Cake (Layered chocolate & vanilla mousse topped with chocolate ganache) UHR: 8.5/10 | UCT: 9/10 An authentic and satisfying dessert. The mousse was silky smooth, with a perfect balance of sweetness. They also offer vegan dessert options, which is a great touch. Full Breakdown: 🌈 Vibe (UCT: 8.5/10): Cozy Italian ambiance with warm lighting and a welcoming atmosphere.

🍣 Flavor (UHR: 7/10): The dishes were enjoyable, but some lacked seasoning and finesse in execution.

🎨 Presentation (UCT: 8/10): Plating was classic and appetizing, staying true to Italian traditions.

🛋️ Décor & Comfort (UCT: 8/10): The layout was charming, though the waiting area could use more seating.

🎶 Music (UCT: 7.5/10): Subtle Italian tunes added to the vibe without being overpowering.

💡 Lighting (UCT: 9/10): Perfectly cozy lighting that enhanced the overall dining experience.

🏛️ Architecture (UCT: 8/10): A well-thought-out design that accommodates the bustling Midtown crowd.

🍴 Cutlery (UCT: 8/10): Clean and classic, fitting the restaurant’s theme.

🧼 Hygiene (UCT: 9/10): The place was spotless, including the restrooms.

🛎️ Service (UHR: 7/10): The staff was attentive, but the refusal to offer half portions as shown online was a disappointment.

💰 Value (UHR: 7/10 | UCT: 8/10): The portion sizes justify the cost for groups, but the individual experience could use a bit more flexibility.

🔄 Return Worthy? (UHR: 7/10): Yes, especially for group dinners, but perhaps not for an intimate two-person meal.

🌿 Eco-Friendliness (UCT: 7.5/10): Not particularly noticeable, but the vegan dessert options were appreciated.

⏳ Wait Time (UHR: 6/10): A 20-minute wait after a reservation during weekday dinner hours is understandable but could improve.

🍽️ Dessert Section (UCT: 9/10): The mousse cake stole the show with its authentic flavors and texture, and the vegan-friendly options are a bonus.

🍹 Drink Pairings (UCT: 8/10): The Napoli mule and Martini paired well with the meal, but more creative options would elevate the experience.

Final Verdict: Tony’s Di Napoli - Midtown offers a warm, Italian dining experience in the heart of NYC. While some dishes lacked refinement, the cozy ambiance and variety of options make it a solid choice for a hearty Italian meal.

Tip: Parking can be challenging. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak hours. If waiting, enjoy a drink at the bar before...

Dishonest Pricing, Poor Quality, and hair wrapped inside napkin– Left Feeling Taken Advantage Of

I came in hoping to enjoy a nice dinner with my son, but walked out feeling frustrated and taken advantage of.

I specifically asked the waiter for half an order of chicken parm and pasta to share with my son. He said that was possible and that the pasta would be “a little more than half price.” Based on the menu, two half orders should’ve totaled somewhere between $40–$50 at most and I would have been ok with that.

Instead, they served what appeared to be a full chicken parm (which should be $36 per the menu), added 8oz of pasta (which costs about $0.50 in a grocery store) for $20, and then inexplicably tacked on another $10 to the chicken parm—bringing that dish to $46. In the end, I was charged over $70, when two full meals would’ve only cost $66. I paid MORE for LESS food. I wound up paying $90 with tip. It was not worth it.

I had asked about pricing ahead of time, but the waiter never gave me a clear answer. Then he just handed me the bill after the food was served. At that point, what can you really do?

I paid the bill because I’m not a difficult customer—but even my son questioned why it was so expensive for just the two of us, and he was right. It didn’t sit well with me, so as we were leaving, I asked the hostess about it and she called over the manager.

When I politely explained the situation, the manager was combative and dismissive—more interested in being “right” than actually helping. He said, “it would be another $15 if you want a full pasta,” which completely missed the point. I didn’t want more food—I wanted him to acknowledge their mistake and make it right. Offering to charge me even more for something that costs pennies to make was insulting. He said the half orders and other chicken parm were on a specialty menu. I told them i didn't get that menu and they couldnt produce it either which meant there wasn't one. The manager just pulled a price out of thin air. Don't lie, just be honest. Your customers aren't dumb and it just makes it worse for your reputation.

On top of that, the food honestly wasn't worth the price. I've been to Italy multiple times with my family and have experienced real Italian cuisine. Sadly, this meal reminded me of an expensive Olive Garden. I have no problem paying for food when it’s worth it—but this absolutely wasn’t.

And just to top it off, there was a hair wrapped up in my napkin where my utensils were. Completely unacceptable. Ishould have gotten the meal free for sanitary issues but I didn't say anything. I didn't want to be THAT customer.

Overall, their incompetence became my problem—and that’s not okay. No apology. No accountability. No effort to fix the situation. If they cared they had multiple opportunities to make it right, refund a portion, give the 50 cents worth of pasta, or even could have given my son a free dessert or something. If a business can’t treat customers with honesty and respect, it doesn’t deserve loyal customers. I won’t be coming back—and I strongly suggest others think twice before...

This is a spectacular Italian restaurant. It's big, it's loud, the energy is wild inside. People are excited to be there and they should be based on the food and the service that is first rate for the most part.

The Great: Despite this being an unbelievably popular spot, we were there about 8 minutes before our reservation and they sat us immediately.

The wait staff is super. Awesome service, friendly. Our waiter asked if we had been there before and then explained that they give enormous portions and that anything that you see on the menu (or on the two gigantic boards on the left and the right of the restaurant because you can't read the menu in the dark with the tiny type) is really made for 2 to 4 people (I of course looked at this as a dare). When you consider that two to three people could eat very well. The prices are not bad, especially considering you're in the heart of New York City near Broadway.

The Good: The atmosphere is pretty great, although it's definitely not a date spot if you want to have a conversation. It's loud. It's boisterous. There's a lot of people in there having a really good time.

When the food comes out it is gigantic. And as I mentioned the service is great. We got veal parmesan ($29) and a side of pasta ($27) which is a side, doesn't come with your meal. It's kind of like an expensive steakhouse, everything is separate. That being said, this definitely was enough food for two to four people for sure. Our waiter twirled out a decent size portion of spaghetti and put it on each plate and he cut into the two gigantic veal cutlets and put those on the plate as well. Very old school, very cool touch.

The Bad: I've been all over the country and I always have Italian. And New York,, Providence, Boston and Chicago have incredible Italian food. The best. And more often than not I have chicken parm or veal parm. This veal parm is equal to the BEST I have had anywhere. Truly special. Truly perfect.

The pasta? Not so much. It seems like an entirely different sauce, I truly did not like the flavor. I had about two bites and quit on the $27 spaghetti.. I doubled down on the incredible veal instead and finished half the plate meant for multiple people. Just the fact that you would charge $27 for pasta is ridiculous, but when it tastes that bad, it's disappointing.

Add to the fact that they charge you by the glass for Coke... ($3.50) and make you pay for refills... When we know that's a 35x markup per glass... Crazy in 2024. I know it must be expensive doing business in New York, but nickel and diming people like that is ridiculous.

So overall, despite a couple of flaws that would have turned into a two-star review for another restaurant that did not have this level of service and that incredible veal, this is a 4-star spot for sure. I loved everything about the atmosphere, the service and half of the food. I hate being nickeled and dimed. It's well worth going just for the good and the great great. Try it. You'll be amazed at the vibe and the food in this...