Il Tartufo

I've eaten at this restaurant at least 50 times over the last 3 years. It's my favorite restaurant in the city, the best restaurant I've ever been to. Every dish is great. Every person I've ever been to this restaurant with has thought it was one of the best meals they've had. I can't say enough good things about this place, so what I will say is find a way to make it there as soon as possible. Appetizer recommendations include Jewish style artichokes, eggplant parm, and fried calamari. My favorite entree is the Vitello Monte Carlo (Veal Medallions in a Brandy Cream Sauce, with thinly sliced apples). The Involtini di Pollo is terrific, as is the Calamari Marinara. Also keep an eye out for the specials - Chicken Sorrentino and Lobster Ravioli are both winners. The wine selection is admittedly limited, but what they do have is great - the Montepulciano is my recommendation. Lastly, do yourself a favor and get a half order of the gnocchi quattro formaggi along with your entree - you will not regret it. I could eat there every night. Pros: Everything Cons: Cash only is the only downside more

We went to Il Tartufo for dinner on the 4th of July and the service was terrible. When we asked if there were any specials, the server rudely informed us that we didn't give him a chance to tell us about them. Then he (of course) recommended the most expensive item on the menu - a seafood special - and it wasn't very good. At the end of the meal he delivered the check and added a 20% gratuity (in pen since it's cash-only). When we asked about it, he said he decided to add gratuity because it was a holiday. We typically tip 20% anyway, but it would have been nice to know about the automatic gratuity in advance - even nicer if he actually deserved it. This place is over-rated and over-priced. more