Talina — Restaurant in Town of Babylon

This is a bit long winded but please bear with me..

When I first arrived to Talina, there was no hostess at the front at the time but there was a bartender who ‘greeted’ me with “Do you have a reservation?” I told him I did not but I was happy to sit at the bar. For the record, I arrived as soon as their doors opened at 4PM and there was absolutely no one there but a single couple also seated at the bar. I was then told that they were booked for the night so a table wouldn’t be available (it was a Saturday). I told him I’d be happy to dine at the bar to which he responded “Well the kitchen doesn’t open until 5PM.” I was confused as I did much research before arriving and no where on their page did it mention that. I still kept my joyful demeanor and responded “Well I’ll just drink until 5” with a chuckle and he turned away dryly and threw a cocktail menu my way without uttering another word. As I looked over the menu, I saw the couple at the bar being served food. I waved another employee down to inquire why they were being served but I couldn’t order until 5 and I was then told that they were ‘special guests.’ Shortly after that, other patrons began to be seated (around 4:20) and were immediately offered dinner menus. At this point it was becoming clear to me that the bartender singled me out and told only me that the kitchen didn’t open until 5 in hopes that I would just leave. This almost prompted me to walk out right at that moment but I took the train there and I had a friend on their way to meet me so I decided not to let one person’s negative actions affect my experience and perception of the entire establishment.

My friend then arrived and a server came to let us know that we were more than welcome to place our food orders. We went on to have a fantastic meal and delicious drinks— exchanging pleasantries with everyone around us and eventually, even that bartender started to warm up to us.

After choosing to ignore the initial encounter with said bartender and leaving Talina a very complimentary review on my instagram page, I found out that the bartender is actually the owner! This revelation surprised me, as his demeanor contradicted the welcoming and friendly atmosphere that the rest of the staff had worked so hard to create. I felt it necessary to share this, not to detract from the otherwise incredible experience, but in hopes that this feedback is taken seriously and no one else is made to feel as...

This was a hit!

Food: 4/5 - Ordered the Strozzapreti and was genuinely impressed. The pasta had that distinctive texture of house-made noodles - you can tell when someone takes pride in their craft. Each piece had the perfect al dente bite, and the sauce distribution was spot-on. Portion size hit the sweet spot - satisfying without being excessive. I actually appreciate restaurants that don't pile on massive servings just to bring it home in a doggie bag. My only minor disappointment was the lack of complimentary bread service, which would have been a nice touch. No digestion issues.

Service: 4/5 - The intimate size of Talina works to their advantage here. With servers never far from any table, attention felt consistent throughout our meal. Nothing extraordinary, but solid, professional service that didn't intrude on our conversation.

Ambiance: 5/5 - This place nails the atmosphere. Small and charming with bright, cheerful decor that feels genuinely homey yet carefully curated. The limited seating creates an intimate environment - definitely make a reservation since they can't accommodate many tables. The other diners seemed relaxed and comfortable, contributing to the overall laid-back vibe.

Cleanliness: 4/5 - Everything appeared well-maintained and clean throughout our visit. Bathroom was not visited.

Parking/Accessibility: 3/5 - Small rear lot that fills up quickly. Once that's occupied, you're hunting for street parking, which can be hit or miss depending on timing.

Value: 4/5 - At $67 for two pasta dishes without drinks, it's definitely on the pricier side. However, the quality justifies the cost. I'd rather pay more for properly portioned, expertly prepared food than get a massive plate of mediocre pasta elsewhere. The pricing reflects the care put into preparation.

Overall: 4/5 - Talina falls into that "neighborhood gem" category - the kind of place that becomes a regular go-to. While not perfect across every dimension, it delivers consistently good food in a genuinely pleasant setting. Already eyeing other menu items for our return visit, which feels inevitable...

What a hidden gem on the outskirts of Babylon Village!

From the moment we walked in, we were warmly welcomed. The atmosphere was perfect for a Saturday night—lively but not too loud. My girlfriend and I could actually enjoy a conversation without shouting, while still feeling like we were out for a special evening.

We started with the Piadina Romagnola (Crud)—a 9/10. Generous, flavorful, and filling. I thought it could use a balsamic glaze, and when I asked, our server brought it over without hesitation.

The Espresso Negroni (10/10) was exceptional—bold, smooth, and perfectly balanced with a surprising hint of orange. The Strozzapreti Foglia Verde was fresh and rich—the pasta was cooked to perfection and the spinach crème with prosciutto was a great combo. But the star of the night was the Tagliolini al Salmone (10/10). I wasn’t sure about it at first, but I’m so glad I ordered it. The smoked salmon and creamy sauce were incredible—hands down one of the best pasta dishes I’ve had.

Our server was amazing—sweet, attentive, and very knowledgeable about the menu. Even on a busy night, she made us feel cared for. We also met the owner, who was actively helping the staff and making sure everything ran smoothly. You can tell the team here genuinely loves what they do.

For around $100, we enjoyed an appetizer, a cocktail, and two fresh pasta dishes—all top-quality. I don’t usually write reviews, but this place truly deserves more recognition. If you’re looking for authentic Italian food and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, this is the spot....