The food is fabulous! Delicate, not oily, al dente, fresh, and all the other adjectives that describes yumm. Even the pickiest of eaters didn't utter a single complaint throughout the entire meal. HOWEVER this place has no menu no menu = no clue on the pricing Our bill came out to about $1,200 including two bottles of wine and a whole bunch of limoncello shots. Which was not too bad considering we were a group of four with three appetizers and four main dishes. read more

Checked out Il Postino for a business(ish) dinner last night. When the reservation was first made, I thought it was in the most random spot in the city. Review were okay, so I was still looking forward to it. Anyway, the Il Postino is a classic Italian spot. It is quiet, and tucked away off of first avenue. It is a little overpriced, but I appreciated the ambiance. To start, there was cold antipasti placed on the table. The bread was delicious as was the olive oil. For appetizers, we got the burratta. prosciutto, calamari, tuna tartar, & baked clams. The tuna tartar was amazing. There was avocado in the middle and it just tasted really fresh and refreshing. The rest of the apps were meh. For my main, I stuck with gnocchi topped with mozz and tomato sauce. I did really like this, and the service size was huge! I have leftovers waiting in my fridge for me. What made the service fun was the waiter told us we could order any Italian dish we wanted, even if it wasn't on the menu. Everyone appreciated that and ordered a variety of veal and chicken dishes. Overall, my experience here was just okay nothing to write home about. I think you can find the same experience with a smaller price tag in many spots throughout the city. read more

A friend of mine was in from out of town, and it happened to be his birthday. He said that we had to go to Il Postino. Since we've shared many culinary journeys together over the years, and I'd heard good things about the place, I was excited to go. We were served an amuse bouche - grilled zucchini marinated in balsamic vinegar and a hint of olive oil and garlic. While I normally don't opt for anything with balsamic vinegar, it didn't overwhelm the flavor of the zucchini. Shortly after, the waiter brought us a complimentary appetizer - finely chopped seafood (calamari, shrimp) ceviche with celery, served in endives - we were convinced it was chicken and were surprised when they told us what it was. Upon the waiter's recommendation we ordered the Caprese salad to share. It was made imported Italian mozzarella (that our waiter described with great relish), served with firm red and yellow heirloom tomatoes, roasted red pepper, crisp Italian basil, perfectly aged prosciutto de parma, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil. The mozzarella was creamy and flavorful, and had none of the 'needs some more time to age' quality that you experience in so many restaurants. I have to say that the most decadent dish we had wasn't our main course, but our next shared appetizer. It is not offered on the menu, but my friend knew to ask for it, and they knew what he was talking about. We shared handmade ravioli stuffed with goat cheese and herbs, served with a light touch of cream sauce, and the piece de resistence - thinly shaved fresh black truffles which contributed a wonderfully earthy quality which made me want to spend hours savoring every last molecule. (And to be honest, I wanted to get every bit of utility out of the $80 it cost - yeah, my buddy has expensive tastes) For our main course we had the pesce del giorno - Dover sole, which was cooked whole, but was brought to us fileted, with a lemon butter sauce, served with a simple accompaniment of broccoli rabe (which I usually can't stand) and a baby carrot topper. And for dessert - split homemade tiramisu (velvety, creamy, rich) and the Blood Orange Creme Brulee. The waiter brought out the tiramisu with a candle and insisted on singing "Happy Birthday" and then brought us two complimentary glasses of chilled limoncello. This meal would not have been so memorable without the superb service of our waiter. Vito was a delight who clearly reveled in our utter appreciation for every dish that was brought out, and clearly was knowledgeable about everything on the menu. He thoroughly approved of the wine we selected (a 2007 Masi Costasera Amarone Classico) and knew he was in the presence of gourmands, which only added fuel to his fire. They decanted the wine in front of us, which was a first for me. It was a pretty penny, but worth every red cent. read more

There are no shortage of old school Italian restaurants in NYC. Although this one has a nice ambiance with a good Italian vibe, the food is nothing incredible. The staff is nice, but bordering on overly attentive at times. The food is above average, but there are other spots in the area that can match the quality and service. Like most nicer restaurants in NYC, the food comes with a higher price tag, but I think the food here is slightly overpriced for the quality. read more

I worked in an Italian restaurant for 6 years where we never said no to a customer when they had a request to add, substitute or alter the preparation of a dish. At Il Postino, after our waiter rattled off a list of specials, in what seemed like a 10 minute motivational speech encouraging you to order the most delicious dish you could possibly order, he assured us that the kitchen was willing to make whatever we wanted. The food was REALLY good and was traditional upscale Italian (hence the $$$$). For appetizers we ordered a tuna tartare, grilled octopus and caprese with burrata. I was particularly a fan of the tuna tartare, which we ordered spicy and come over a layer of avocado, and of course, the octopus. For my entree, I ordered the special homemade fusilli bolognese, which is an odd order for me, but I was not disappointed at all. You could tell the pasta was homemade by its texture and you could also tell they prepared it right, by cooking the pasta in the sauce, not just dumping it on top of it. The rest of the table ordered a special truffle ravioli, two snappers (which I tried and thought was delicious and a very healthy portion), a chicken dish and sea bass. Everyone enjoyed their meal and the environment was comfortable, while still feeling classy. The only thing that stuck out to me in a negative way was how long it took the waiter to take our order even though he said he'd come back in a couple of minutes (we waited around 15). I'd definitely go back! read more

My friends and I dined here for restaurant week. We were really excited to try but unfortunately we left very disappointed. One of my friends told the waiter at the beginning that they had a severe gluten allergy and asked him which items were gluten free. The waiter told her the items she wanted were gluten free only to realize later that there were croutons in her salad and a cookie in her ice cream. After telling them about the salad, they were barely apologetic and later brought ice cream with a cookie (has gluten). After saying something once more; they were still barely apologetic. Poor service. Food was fine read more

I'm not gonna go into a deep and long review here since I've written so many reviews in the past few days. However, I've been to Il Postino several times, and the food has always been superbly delicious. This was my favorite place to eat before I made my first trip to Peter Luger's. In any event, the entire menu is recited by a waiter and you pick what you like from his list. You can also make your own dish if nothing that the waiter recited interested you. The decor is beautiful as well. However, on a negative note, they do try to charge you for extra expenses like a previous poster suggested. Be weary of this. read more

My family just had dinner and were blown away! As soon as you walk in you feel as if they have been waiting for you like a long lost relative! The owner Alfio and his staff were fantastic! Our appetizers, meals and desserts were a culinary dream! The win was stupendous as well! The staff was extremely attentive and were very, very accommodating! I will never eat at another Italian restaurant in the city. THIS IS THE PLACE! DELIZIOSO! read more

DELICIOUS food and EXCELLENT service. Very pricey, a bit cramped, but an overall wonderful experience. Upscale and slightly stuffy. Ideal for a serious business meeting (when you are looking to close the deal), or for a romantic occasion. I've enjoyed many meals here, so no "favorites". Portions are generous, considering the type of place this is. Wine list is excellent but a bit pricey for even the more popular labels. Staff is hugely attentive. Indoor parking next door on 49th Street. A memorable place. read more

Old world service - excellent food. Totally accommodating to any taste. Have Been following these guys from 49th St to new much more elaborate new location on 61st St. read more

This 5-star rating is based primarily on multiple visits to Il Postino for late lunches, either on business days or on the weekends. Late lunches are an unusually luxurious dining experience, with relatively small guest attendance and an exceptionally attentive and professional wait staff. The prix fixe menu is a wonderful value, and offers a very nice selection of seafood, pasta and meat entrees. Our meals have always been "first class"... both in visual presentation and freshness and taste, and we have never been disappointed. But while the food preparation and selection of available items from the menu is first rate, what really earns a fifth star for Il Postino is the overall dining experience. Overall, dining at Il Postino for lunch is a very calming and pleasant experience, especially in the midst of the hustle and bustle of midtown Manhattan. It is very unlikely that you will regret your visit to this oasis in Midtown Manhattan, particularly if you chose to do so for a very nice and memorable "late lunch." read more

Simply the BEST Italian restaurant in NYC. It's authentic, the staff couldn't be nicer and the food is better than what you'll find in Italy. I've been coming here for years and will continue to for many more. I love the new location as well. This is a MUST for anyone looking for an authentic best-in-class Italian restaurant. read more

This place would get five stars except for the uninspired décor. Food is excellent if on the pricey side. This restaurant is good for the neighborhood. I try to go at least twice a year. Service is promt and attentive. read more

Il Postino has become our new favorite restaurant. We have been there twice in the past month and both times we had very memorable dining experiences. The food is outstanding and the service impeccable. While it is a bit on the pricey side, it is worth it. read more

Went for dinner there a few days ago. Food was good but not exceptional. We didn't have anything that any of the other Italian restaurants in the area don't offer. And grossly overpriced. read more

I think the previous reviewers have it right. The restaurant has slightly above average service, above average food and is very expensive considering it is Italian food. The ambience of the restaurant is really nice and the northern Italian food that they serve is really good; however, all of the entrees are about $40 and there were absolutely no "leftovers" which is usually the norm when you "go Italian." The wine list was terrific and I would recommend: 1. Cozze Al Vino Bianco (new zealand mussels, white wine, garlic, parsley) 2. Striped Bass Mediterraneo (wild striped bass, little neck clams, mussels, asparagus, saffron tomato broth); and 3. Insalata Il Postino (red beets, fennel, baby carrots, scallions) This is a great place to use a credit card that garners a lot of airline miles because you will certainly rake up a few miles here! Truth to tell, at these prices, I would not go back, but I am glad I went once. read more

the windows were open so it was very comfortable dining. The waiter service was not (although the bus boys were helpful) no menu and he asked what I was drinking, i never got a wine list although I ordered a glass of what i thought i would like the red wine vinegar for the mozzarella caprese salad was watered down. I told him I was allergic to onions and the cold salmon was loaded with onions. I had been there years ago and liked it and when I moved back to the area I looked forward to trying it. I was very disappointed and will not try it again. read more

It is one of the best places to have a great meal with good friends and be able to have a intelligent and frank conversation Good wines, great pasta and meat dishes attentive service but not pushy Loved it read more

Great service, very attentive but not over bearing. Food was wonderful. I had the sea bass done to perfection. The portions large. Nice wine list. There are two levels, the first was more lively, but we were having a business meeting and the upstairs was perfect. read more

Went for business lunch and was exceptional. Had lobster salad and soft shell crabs finished with fruit cup. Everything was served impeccably and was delicious. I'm planning a return for social dinner asap this summer. Really enjoyable. read more

Service - good Ambiance - Great Food - great This is a five star restaurant, really nice. Everything tasted really fresh. If I were looking for something to complain it would be: There is too many staff in the dinning room all the time which makes for great service, but at the same time it gets a bit too much all those people going around and talking. I went with a date and wanted more of a cozy thing. Other than that, the price is really up there, you will drop $300 easily for 2. I you like wine get the Chianti Vila Sesta really nice. read more

Lovee even their takeout! Delicious, wholesome, heartwarming dishes! My personal favorite dish was a special Crispy Artichoke, Hearts alla Judia! Absolutely beautiful, crispy and yumm!!! Bufala Mozzarella and Heirlooms complement the start of any dish you decide!! read more

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The place is absolutely gorgeous and the food is outstanding. I can't wait to go back!!!

Even though I ordered a special and really didn't like it such that I failed to finish it, despite being very hungry; I am going to stick by my 3 star rating. Sometimes if you're going to take a risk it's not going to pan out. I generally order staples at ethnic places for my first trip because let's face it, if they can't do a staple right then what is the point?. Regardless, they were really nice to me and the appetizer was great as was the dish my date had. There also is not a dearth of good spots in this area... Bottom line. I'd go back... note... Saw Bob Costas there... he was very short read more

Il Postino is an old school Italian restaurant in terms of the style of cuisine and the hospitality. My girlfriend and I both thought the service was excellent. I'm not big into decor, so you won't find much in my review about that. I will say the restaurant is nice and clean. Other than that, go elsewhere if you're concerned about decor. Now to the food.... My girlfriend and I shared most of our meal. We had the prosciutto to start accompanied by the artichokes. She loved the artichokes, however I thought they were a little bland. After the apps our pasta course arrived. We order the linguine vongole. This was absolutely delicious! Everything about this dish was perfect and the portion was a good size for the two of us to split. We then moved onto the osso buco. My mom makes an incredible osso buco, but this was close. Again, a good sized portion, loaded with flavor and lots of marrow. It was so rich with flavor and the veal shank so tender...you'd think it was done at home by your mom. On top of the above, we did get a bottle of wine to go with the meal and two coffees. Other than the artichokes, I thought the food was excellent. That being said, I did find the restaurant overpriced. For the above, our check was $278 (including tip). I did know the place was expensive, but I don't think the food justified the check...don't get me wrong, we were very happy with the dinner. I just thought this was maybe $50-$75 more than it should have been. read more

We went to Il Postino for lunch during Restaurant Week. For starters, the service was terrible. The food was mostly pretty good but not great--only the bread was great. The menu online said they were offering a 3-course lunch, including dessert, during R.W. But the restaurant menu said the lunch was only 2 courses. I hate this kind of bait and switch. I showed the menu I printed out to the waiter before we ordered dessert, and he said no problem. But, lo and behold, the bill included extra charges for the desserts. Another waiter came over THREE times trying to get us to pay extra for the desserts. This ruined the experience for me, and we won't be returning. You have to stand by what you advertise. No one needs this kind of aggravation. read more

The truffle ravioli is amazing. The servers are experienced and genuinely try to help you decide what to eat based on your preference. The kitchen will make anything you ask for. I am Sicilian and raised with Sunday dinners my entire life from both grandmothers as well as my mother but nothing is comparable to Postino's truffle ravioli (sorry mom) There's parking right next door as well as across the street. I have never had an issue getting a reservation. Even without much notice. It has a Il Mulino feel with the complimentary appetizers (although the apps aren't as good as Mulino's) it is a nice touch. read more

Randomly picked new place during NY restaurant week and couldn't be happier with my choice! Service was excellent. Food - to die for! Music nice and soft, so we could talk to each other easily without raising our voices. Every detail of my experience was perfect! read more

Service very slow. Order oysters Postino with white sauce no taste. Same for the octopus tender but no taste. Bread was excellent. We had no wine and the bill was $200. Paying this amount for good bread is really reap off. i week upon the middle of the night with upset stomach. read more

Yum! Loved this little gem of an Italian restaurant! Waiter prepared and customized special menus for us with all of their most popular items. The pastas were all fantastic.. especially loved the pesto. read more

Mehh. Been there long time as restaurant but 5 stars would bw too much. I like their lamb dish though.

Service is excellent, food is as good as it can be. The vegetable soup, and the burrata are outstanding!

Upon walking in I actually thought I was going to have a good dining experience, unfortunately that was not the case. We were welcomed, enjoyed some bread and then some prosciutto and stracchino cheese. Got our menus and ordered. From that point on things went drastically down hill. We ordered 2 pasta dishes and 1 risotto, my pasta was slimy (only word I can think to describe it) but ok, nothing special. We then ordered 3 desserts, gelato, creme brulee and chocolate cake. The creme brulee came out entirely not cooked - quite dangerous on a dessert that is composed almost entirely of eggs. Each course the service got worse and worse, waiting longer and longer for someone to pay attention to us. We finally got the bill but we were unable to tell how much we paid for anything. We think we got royally ripped off for the porcini mushroom risotto "special" my step-dad had at $48.50. I don't mind paying for good food but that dish is rice and mushrooms, no way it should cost $20 more than my pasta. Overall, there are a lot better dining experiences for Italian at a much better price. I will save my $ for a different restaurant next time. read more

Visited IL Postino as part of a group, so my review will not consider pricing. If you're concerned about the amount of money you're going to spend here, please do your research elsewhere. Every member of the staff was welcoming and polite to our entire party. I read some other negative reviews that mentioned issues with staff-- this was not the case with our party. Everybody was very nice and service was great. The food was top-notch. Fresh, clean and prepared at a high level. Our table had seven or eight different entrees and everybody enjoyed their food. The gluten free options are quite limited, though they do offer gluten free pasta as replacements for their pasta dishes. However, the appeal of all the pasta dishes is the fresh pasta... so replacing their fresh pasta with dry gluten free pasta seems like a waste and a very expensive downgrade. I had a very well prepared steak and a really nice fresh mozzarella appetizer ... and felt no ill effects. This is not a spot recommended for people with gluten issues or for people on a budget. read more

Wasn't impressed with anything! Food is mediocre. Wait staff has very Neanderthal like with behavior. I won't be back. Restaurant is Very Loud & Chaotic - just not a pleasant experience. read more

The food here is excellent, but the service is disorganized. About 6 different waiters in one meal and repeated questions. Have been going here for 20 years and the last time we went as a family it was decided it is somewhere to go a couple of times a year----because we LOVE the food---but the service is very messy. Lower level service than we like for these prices! read more

We live in the neighborhood and decided to give Il Postino a shot based on a pretty high Zagat rating. The decor is nice but everything else is not so much. Very chaotic service with multiple bus boys and only one waiter for 12 tables. Food is nothing memorable or spectacular but the prices are. At the end of the day it is too expensive for the sloppy service and average food. Will not be back! read more

Was in NYC for a business trip and came here for a business lunch. It was quiet on a weekday and we were seated next to the window. My colleague was sitting right next to the steam heater and he wasn't quite happy about the noise. Owners are Italian. Service was prompt, the waiter came right away and had no problem discussing the menu. We all ordered the 3-course business lunch, the portions were HUGE. The guys were struggling to finish their food, and I only ate half of my main course. They cook your main course (pastas only though) in the restaurant in front of you on this little cart with all the fresh ingredients. I had the polenta as the first course, generous amount of funghi and meatballs on top of the steamy polenta, cooked just right. The pasta had a generous amount of seafood in it and the sauce was perfect. Homemade dessert - we had the pannacotta, tiramisu and gelato. Everything's homemade, very happy with the food. I think the food justifies the price, in fact, for the quality and the portion size, I think it's just right. Will come back next time I'm in town! read more

Went here for a New Years Eve dinner. Grossly disappointed by the staff on every level from the waiters to the manager/owner. Asked to have a bill split multiple times but they simply ignored our request. The food was a 2/5 at best. The best part were the oysters which you really can't mess up, but they still didn't completely shuck them. Waiters completely unprofessional, harassing the girls at our table. If you don't want to work and accommodate people for new years you should have stayed closed. I heard the food here could be good but you didn't seem interested in making a good impression this time. Too bad. Notice I almost never write reviews so take this as you please. read more

Went for lunch on Black Friday. A very relaxed experience. The bread and complimentary appetizers were excellent. The house wine was excellent ( I had the Pinot Grigio). The Carrot-Ginger soup is special and so is the pumpkin ravioli. They cannot be compared to what mamma made..................................they are a darn sight better. Service, excellent overall. Con: Bit on the pricey side, but worth every cent. Good for a relaxed date. read more