My rating is for service only, because it was too unpleasant for my party to stay for long at all. The takeaway? Go to Rigoletto's on a normal day, not a holiday / festival, and go with a family, not a group of friends. Especially if they are all young women. I have had many a dinner with my extended family at Rigoletto's throughout my entire life, because my grandparents are Italian Americans from the neighborhood. The restaurant was always generous with portions, friendly, and accommodating. Waiters happily chatted with my grandfather, a real "paisan", and they would bring around delicious & fresh bread, hunks of parmesan cheese, and delicious bruschetta at the beginning of dinner. The main courses were good too. Today was Ferragosto, a yearly, heavily-marketed festival on Arthur Ave, and I arrived at Rigoletto's slightly earlier than the crowds, so it was fairly empty. My friends and I were seated by an elderly man, who handed us a menu that was clearly just for Ferragosto, for the tourists. Prices were written in handwriting next to one-word names of dishes. "Lasagna." When we asked the waiter what was in the lasagna -- a rather simple question -- he interrupted us mid-sentence and said, "No, that's it. That's the menu for today. Nothing else." After some repetition, he answered in a rather annoyed way: the lasagna was made with meat. Then he promptly walked away, before anyone could say anything else. Faced with the facts that (1) we were treated very rudely / dismissively in every interaction so far (2) there were NO vegetarian options on the menu for our one vegetarian and (3) the bread looked like it was store-bought, cold, and not that fresh -- completely out of the question for the Rigoletto's that I knew; we left the restaurant without even ordering. I am not sure if this is how they treat any ordinary Americans who come to the restaurant, if it is because it was Ferragosto, or if it was a bad day, but we were treated too unacceptably to justify staying. How different from being considered and treated like a "local." read more

We never had a chance to try there food. We walk away after waiting 1 hour for our food! We came there with hungry kids, not a good idea. They are understaffed and our waiter couldn't care less. The only positive experience with all that is that the manager was understanding and didn't charge us. read more

I pretty much had to roll out of here, and I didn't even finish my meal. I was conquered by Pasquale's mammoth portions. I was also done in by the friendly atmosphere and cheese and red sauce everywhere. After a jaunt to the Bronx Zoo, I wanted to try this place. The waiter was slightly gruff (but in a good charming way) and you could tell he pretty much knew a good portion of the customers eating. Pasquale's felt like eating in your popular uncle's home. To start, we were presented with a min portion of bruschetta and cheese. To order, the breaded mozzarella was delicious-very nicely done if not a bit heavy. nice bottle of Chinati filled out the meal. The calamari with linguine was also great-but I was out for the count. As I stood at the bar waiting for my boyfriend to use the restroom, one of the owners insisted I sit down and started speaking to me in Italian. My Argentine Spanish kind of did okay. Arthur Avenue is a bit of a trek, but make a whole day out of it and make sure you stop at Pasquale's for a real Little Italy experience that makes Manhattan's Little Italy look like a Chinatown tourist stop. Oh wait that already happened. read more

My favorite place on Arthur! I went to Fordham and first ate here with my parents six years back on accepted students day. The bruschetta and chunks of Parmesan they bring to the table are a really nice touch. Mozz en corrozza is delicious. I typically don't deviate from chicken parm when I eat at Italian restaurants, but I've tried their chicken rigoletto and it is decadent. It's breaded chicken topped with prosciutto and mozzarella - yum! It's a great, authentic experience. read more

Awesome meal. Vacation here 2 years ago with my friend, girls vaca, found this place & was impressed. Brought my husband here to experience the real Italian meal. He also loved it. Hope to be back for another Kodak moment. read more

Pasquale Rigoletto Restaurant - Hope to be back in another 2. Here from San Diego, California . Love this place. - Italian Near Me - Bronx, New York

The tiramisu is light and creamy like something they'd serve you in heaven's waiting room. Everyone was attentive and friendly starting at the valet parking and within the restaurant. Food was good. I will return and try more dishes. read more

I've been coming to this restaurant for close to 20 years but in the last couple of years it is just been going down Hill. The food is still pretty decent but I can't justify the regular price increases it has become very expensive. Last few times the service has been horrible very inattentive waiters. They forget to bring things to the table. One waiter brought the food to the table and his thumb was in the food on the plate as he was carrying it. The hostess is very grumpy and rude. They stopped their tradition of serving complimentary chunks of Parmesan cheese and bruschetta. Even the ambience is going downhill the place does not feel clean feels dingy and tired inside I've pretty much had it with this place. read more

Honestly the food was classic Italian done very well. Nothing experimental about it. Chicken piccata is chicken picatta... Marsala is marsala... Great flavors, and well seasoned food. The bread is delicious before the meal. Went in here because Roberto's stays closed from 3 to 5 and my stomach doesnt wait for lol. read more

This is one of my favorites. Hands down a slice of the old Little Italy that I knew as a child. I love the portions which remind me of an actual dinner at my house, and the service is great. Everything here is made from fresh ingredients and it really shows. This is a great place for a date or for the family because they really make you feel at home here. There is an attention to detail that seems to permeate form every faucet of the restaurant, from the decor to the food itself, they aim to please and they never fail! You want real Italian-American food? Don't accept substitutes, head down to Arthur Ave and let them ask you how you doing. read more

Walked into Pasquale's because I had been craving old fashioned Italian food and was disappointed that the wait for Roberto's was too long. By the end of the night, I had completely forgotten that this wasn't my first choice destination!! Pasquale's was able to seat our starving party of 4 immediately on a Saturday night and with bread and crumbled parmesan pieces (!!!!) within seconds of our butts reaching the chairs. Holy crap, that was good! We started with the baked clams, which were pretty good considering that three quarters of the table didn't really like clams to begin with. I got the chicken parm, which was very good, but the real winner seemed to be my sister's pasta! I can't remember what it was called, but it was doused in a white sauce and topped with peas and bacon. That made 2 more meals for me over the next couple days and omg, it was good! For my dad's bday, they gave us a raspberry cheesecake--which tasted awesome--on the house. Ahh, I love when restaurants actually give good desserts for people's bdays, instead of the leftover garbage they're trying to get rid of. All I have to say is this: Pasquale's, you just made me about 10 times happier that I am going to be working in the Bronx for work this Fall!! read more

Excellent food and no frill service. Quite typical family style dining venue, so I did not expect major ambiance. A little disappointed that spaghetti was out of the box not home made. Also overall a bit more pricey than expected. read more

Thanks Vinnie, Nick, and your Saturday evening team for accommodating our family of 30+ on such short notice. Food was fabulous, service was even better. read more

Authentic Italian Food. Great anytime. Saturday entertainment make it a wonderful night out!

Solid food, but I won't remember what I ate in another month or so. The bruschetta and pecorino they served with bread may be the only thing I end up remembering. The pasta was obviously home-made and high quality, but the sauce tasted like something I could have done myself. I'll have to give it another go around some time soon. read more

The freshly made bruschetta that they bring to your table to munch on is wonderful.

If you want to experience authentic New York Italian food and ambiance come to Arthur Avenue. If you want to experience the last bastion of what life was like to to be an Italian born in New York come to this incredible delight. Patsy and Riggy thank you for the delicious food and the sweet singing. read more

Rigoletto's is our favorite Italian restaurant. We drive several times a year from Central NJ to enjoy a meal at this old school restaurant. We have been there as a couple along with tables of up to 8. We have always had amazing rough around the edges service and best Italian food in area. We recently were in a rush after a day of shopping on Arthur Ave that we ordered 4 meals to go. We ate several hours later and it was just as good absent the vibe inside Rigoletto's. The menu is complimented by a blackboard of specials each day. . I encourage anyone and everyone to experience this institution. Thank you for always delivering. read more

I went when the restaurant was empty so the service was great. The food was very good a little pricey for the Bronx but the food was tasty. The minestrone soup tasted canned. My non New York friends loved the antipasto. We ordered so much food that We asked for them not to bring out an entree so they packed it up and put in extra bread. Over all I would go back again if I were in the bronx. read more

Sub par food. $9.00 for a caesar salad that was 75% romaine hearts. But the worst part was that the vegetables in my linguine primavera were from a frozen bag. Even my friend remarked, "That looks like a chinese vegeatable medley on top of pasta". I could barely get through it. With so many other options on Arthur Ave, I would right past this place. read more

Food was average at best. Didn't feel like a drink so my wife and I had diet cokes. No idea what was in the glass but it didn't taste like Diet Coke. Fried calamari was rubbery. Veal Parmesan and Veal Francaise were made with poor quality veal and zero taste. Pasta was average, sauce looked and tasted like watered down store bought garbage. Waiter had the personality of a tree stump. Don't waste your time and money,,, read more

Service was good, pork osso bucco was ok the potatoes on the side had more of a taste then the meat itself. Chicken parm was ok seafood dish was good. But I will tell you that the desert "cheesecake" was amazing. I've heard a lot about this place so we tried but not worth the 200$ bill...pass on this one go to Dominic's but before you walk in know what you want lol. read more

Pasquale Rigoletto Restaurant - Ehhh nothing crazy osso bucco was ok not the best - Italian Near Me - Bronx, New York

It was good for lunch. The waitstaff was attentive and the food was pretty good. I was pleased that they offered to make me a vegetarian dish not on the menu. My friends had 2 chicken specials and they thought they were very good. Calamari was tasty too. Nice big portions. Price is right on for location and quality. Found parking during the day on the street w no problem. read more

Went to Pasquale's last week for a friend's birthday. Here is what I hope to be a useful, detailed review... Parking around the corner from the restaurant was free (save a tip, of course, after dinner). This was a plus, considering the area. Upon being seated, table bread was provided and constantly replenished, but was mediocre. Nothing special about it at all and not warm - I've has much better elsewhere. Butter for the bread was provided on the side, but in small, rectangular individually wrapped portions, much like you would get at a diner. The butter was frozen, which I hate anywhere I go as it is hard (if not impossible) to spread and just breaks the bread apart, which I feel is not well thought out and without care - especially for a place like this. Shortly after, we were given a complimentary plate of bruschetta - four small, bite-sized portions with four good-sized pieces of aged parmesan cheese. This was tasty. Appetizer: We order the Clams Oreganta. Pretty tasty, but each one was very small - nothing special. Entrees: (not family-style like other restaurants in the area) Friend's order: On the menu - Vitello Valdostana - veal w/ prosciutto and mushrooms in a brown sauce w/ a side of pasta (spaghetti w/ marinara sauce). Not a large portion - two relatively small, thin cutlets. Upon delivery I immediately thought it was somewhat small. I took a bite and the veal was tasty and very tender and the sauce (brown) was good. Pasta/marinara sauce came in a small bowl on the side - was told by friend the spaghetti and sauce was nothing special and pretty standard. This appeared diner-style and was viewed this as disappointing, factoring in the local shops in the area that provide fresh pasta. Friend's order: On the menu - Chicken and sausage w/ a side of pasta (spaghetti w/ marinara sauce) This didn't look like any Italian dish I have ever seen. Fairly large portion. The chicken chunks were fairly large and each were about two-bite portions. The sausage was small in comparison (to the chicken chunks). I tasted the chicken and it was okay - not too flavorful or special. Friend agreed. When asked, he said he would not order this again if he were to go back. Pasta/marinara sauce came in a small bowl on the side - was told by friend the spaghetti and sauce was nothing special and pretty standard. This appeared diner-style and was viewed this as disappointing, factoring in the local shops in the area that provide fresh pasta. This seemed diner-style. Friend's order: On the menu - Linguini w/ white clam sauce, Decent portion, was told it was good, but not great. Not much else to say here. My order: On the "specials" board - Veal Osso Bucco w/ roasted potatoes. ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS!!! Very large portion (and dwarfed the other meals at my table). Large veal shank, lots of meat that was very tender and flavorful. Lots of gravy/sauce it was cooked in (a deep reddish/brown sauce). Roasted potatoes included (roasted) onions and garlic, along with green peas- all in a butter sauce. This accompaniment was (also) very rich, flavorful and delicious. Waiter provided a small, lobster-style fork to forage the large bone for the bone marrow). Meal was $36, but well worth it. Would definitely order this again. Overall, I would probably want to try one of the other restaurants in the area. read more

Excellent! Fantastic food, great service. Wonderful environment. Look on my Friends faces as they tried the various dishes were priceless. I highly recommend. And mind you p's & q's. Be respectful to the Staff and you will have a great time breaking bread here. read more

This is the first experience at a restaurant on Arthur Avenue, and sadly, I don't see a reason to return. Pasquale Rigoletto seems like all the other ones, and nothing that sets it apart from others. We had dinner there because their wait was less than the other restaurants on the street. The menu selection is boring. I understand it's an Italian restaurant, but each dish is the same thing that's on every other restaurant menu along the street. There is a long list of specials on boards around the room - the handwriting is hard to read and there are no prices (not cool and makes you leery of ordering those because of fear of selecting a $35 entree). The food is good, but nothing special. I had the penne arrabbiate, and the sauce was good, but the past itself cooked just a little too long, certainly not "al dente," the way past should be. Portions are generous. The reason for the three stars is because of the service. I don't know if it's part of the "gimmick" of Arthur Avenue, but I felt I was being served at an overpriced cafeteria. The lack of warm welcome, the silverware nearly thrown on the table, the unsmiling waiters, the water glasses refilled with water spilling everywhere on the table, the bus-boy stacking plates on the table before taking them away. These are all things that made us not welcome and not appreciated as guests. If you think the gruffness is something that's part of the charm, then go ahead. If you want to spend $27 for a pretty good entree in a very noisy restaurant where you're certainly not a "guest," but a "customer to feed," then this restaurant is your ideal place. read more

Flat out authentic and delicious. Start off with hot bread and tasty cheese. Don't shy away from the specials, some of my favorites! Cannot wait to go back again. read more

Delighted with the food, wine, service and ambience. It's perfect for couples and families. Is spacious and the ambience is warm. Will come back soon. read more

Superb dining! Great atmosphere ! Authentic dishes! Great staff! We needed a quiet corner to discuss and they provided it! CHEERS!

I went to Pasquale's this past Saturday for the first time. I usually patronize Dominick's around the corner. My group of 4 was happy to get a table after waiting only 15 minutes. This is pretty unusual for a Saturday night at 7:00 on Arthur Avenue. Another plus was the valet parking around the corner. However, the restaurant itself was very noisy. The food wasn't bad, just not great. The calamari appetizer was mediocre, and the red sauce wasn't that great. I had the braciole with cavatelli, which was just average. I didn't even take home the leftovers. As a bachelor that doesn't cook, that says it all. read more

Food was good but the service was terrible. Our reservations were for 5:30 and by the time we got a table it was closer to 6:15. I understand it's a holiday so I get they are a bit backed up. However, everything else after is what got them 3 stars #1 When we were seated at the table our waiter seemed annoyed that we asked him about appetizers, he snapped and said drinks are the first thing. He rolled his eyes when we said water. #2 We then ask about the featured specials and he says give me a minute and literally comes back with this huge dry erase board with the specials semi readable and says here they are. #3 Someone at our table asks for olive oil for the bread he says sure and comes back with a bottle of olive oil and drops it on the table. Still in the store bought bottle. A few of the other were waiters were very nice and made up for the horrible service. Food was ok, I would choose Mario's italian restaurant over this one. read more

I love everything about this place!! I have been to just about every restaurant in this area....but, I have to say, Pasquale Rigoletto is my favorite!! The food is outstanding....the service is first-class & the ambience is gracious & pleasant!! Both my daughter & her fiancé, insist on coming here every time...The music is captivating !! When my daughter heard a song from the track of "Jersey Boys'"she was starry eyed!! I feel like I'm among family.....The waiters, bus boys, even the parking lot attendant,go out of their way to make you feel at home....they cannot do enough to make you feel comfortable !!! We will be coming back again & again!! read more

Everything was great. Good food, good service. Little confused why they got some bad reviews, maybe they had a couple off days. Very please with them. read more

This has been my favorite restaurant on Arthur Avenue since 2005. Food is simply great with a large selection of entrees. Can't go wrong with the veal dishes or the braciole and cavatellis. read more

Grew up on arthur avenue and went back for a few days. On the last day our fav place had long wait so we tried the only empty place...pasquales. From the minute we walked in we knew we made the wrong choice. Arthur avenue, besides awesome food, is home to the warmest most welcoming people in the world...NOT HERE. Rude and "bothered" are the kindest words i can say about the staff....couple that with mediocre food and it was a waste of ALOT of money...marios and domenicks personify the "neighborhood"..this place in no way gives you the italian warmth and food of a neighborhood..more like going to someones home who didnt like you...save your money and go to marios domenicks or full moon read more

My boyfriend took me here to celebrate my birthday this past January. Driving down Arthur Ave looking for a restaurant to eat, we came across Pasquale's, which looked like a nice place, but to be honest, what sealed the deal was that there was a parking lot in the back just for their customers. The staff was extremely friendly and welcoming, did not bother us while we ate at all. We went on a Thursday night, and it was very quiet and romantic. The food was fantastic, and the atmosphere was comfortable and elegant. We would definitley go back!! read more

Make up your own mind. Desirable location because of an attached parking lot run by in-house valet. Day 1. Arrive, finish dinner, and present our parking ticket to the valet attendant. He informs us he has misplaced our keys (containing fobs for two different vehicles). After searching the remaining vehicles and grounds no keys are found. Valet, with restaurant manager at his side, tell us he will be responsible if new keys/fobs are required. We use our second set of keys and drive home. Day 2. Keys still missing. Day 3. A customer from Westchester calls the restaurant. Says he/she found some keys in their car. Valet calls us. States the keys will be collected tomorrow (day 4) when a restaurant manager is golfing in that area. Day 4. Zilch. Day 5. We receive a call late afternoon. The missing keys are at the restaurant. Day 6. We drive from L.I. to the restaurant. Same valet attendant. We self-park in restaurant's lot. Collect our missing keys. Explain to valet we are going shopping in the area and would like to leave the car in the lot while we maintain possession of the keys. Valet says "if you are not eating in the restaurant it will cost $20.00 to park." We depart and park elsewhere. After shopping we walk back to the restaurant. Ask to speak with the manager from Day 1, but he's not in. We drive back to L.I. Make up your own mind. Did this restaurant handle this situation appropriately? read more

Most excellent and enjoyable Italian meal I've had in years. It was nice to be back in the old neighborhood, great dinner, good friend invited me; I had a lovely time. Will definitely go back. read more

First visit to Rigoletto on Saturday nite. We were an hour late to meet are friends who by then had settled in at a table for 2. we were welcomed and graciously moved to a table for four. Everything was outstanding, so much so, i'm thinking of moving around the corner so I can dine there everynight. Mussels in garlic and wine were to die for. That and a loaf of bread to dip would have been enough. Baked clams were the best. The veal left us speechless and the linguine with clams cannot be described because words cannot express how truly good it was. THe service was great. They could melt crayons and make them taste good. Trust me because I know excellence when its presented to me. you won't be disappointed. read more

Park free on rear and get great greeting from,Frank wish they had branch in Jupiter Florida. To keep it simple stu;/-$. I like good , better, best. Best it is, drinks best, service Best, food Best, rest rooms immaculate that means they care. Say hello to Nick at bar eat there walk the famous Arthur Ave to add to the Best read more

This was probably the worse Italian restaurant I've ever have been to. I'll never eat there again. We were waiting for someone to take us to our table for about 5min. They were looking at us and walking away every time. We've got our table and we saw steamed lipstick on the glasses, totally gross. The menu way too expensive and the food was absolutely lower than our expectations. We've got a chicken parmigiana, gluten free and linguini Alfredo and basic tomato and basil, caprese and beef carpaccio. There was no Italians there read more