Il Monello Introduce
For New Yorkers and visitors alike seeking an authentic taste of Italy right in the heart of Midtown, look no further than Il Monello. This esteemed Italian restaurant, nestled on East 49th Street, offers a dining experience that feels both elegantly upscale and genuinely welcoming. It's a place where traditional Italian recipes are celebrated with high-quality ingredients and a dedication to timeless flavors. From the moment you step inside, you're transported from the city's hustle to a cozy, romantic setting perfect for any occasion, whether it's a quick lunch, a business dinner, or a special evening out. Il Monello has built a reputation not just for its food but also for its intimate, personalized service, making every guest feel like a regular.
The culinary journey at Il Monello begins with a menu that pays homage to Italian classics while showcasing the best of seasonal produce and prime cuts. The pasta selection, for example, is a testament to tradition, featuring favorites like the rich Fettuccine Al Ragu and the sophisticated Linguini Vongole. Seafood lovers will appreciate the fresh catch options, including Branzino and the exquisite Frutti Di Mare. For those who crave a perfectly cooked steak, the USDA Prime Dry Aged section offers the finest cuts, such as the New York Sirloin Steak and Filet Mignon. The experience is complemented by a carefully curated wine list, which offers a range of selections to perfectly pair with your meal, enhancing every bite and sip.
---Located at 337 E 49th St, New York, NY 10017, Il Monello is conveniently situated in Midtown Manhattan, making it an ideal destination for those working in the area, attending events at the nearby United Nations, or simply exploring the city. Its proximity to major transit hubs and popular neighborhoods ensures it's easily accessible from all parts of the city. For those arriving by car, both free street parking and a paid parking lot are available nearby, a rare convenience in this busy part of the city. The restaurant is also committed to providing an inclusive experience, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom, and seating, ensuring everyone can enjoy a meal here comfortably. The outside seating option is particularly appealing on a beautiful day, offering a charming spot to watch the world go by while you dine.
---- Dine-in: Experience the full, elegant atmosphere of the restaurant, perfect for a long, relaxed meal. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner.
- Takeout: Enjoy Il Monello’s delicious cuisine from the comfort of your own home with their convenient takeout service.
- Delivery & No-contact delivery: Get your favorite dishes delivered right to your door.
- Lunch and Dinner Service: The restaurant is open for both lunch and dinner, catering to both midday business meals and evening celebrations.
- Table service: Enjoy the attentive, professional table service that makes dining here a special event.
- Bar onsite: A small, strategically placed bar offers a perfect spot for pre-dinner drinks or a more casual gathering.
- Dinner reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, and they are highly recommended, especially during peak hours, to ensure you get a table.
Exceptional Cuisine: The menu showcases traditional Italian comfort food and high-quality steaks, featuring dishes like the superb Calamari Fritti, creamy Fettuccine Al Ragu, and a standout Tiramisu.
Great Cocktails and Wine List: The beverage program is a major highlight, with a great selection of cocktails and a comprehensive wine list that has earned rave reviews from critics and diners alike.
Cozy and Romantic Atmosphere: The ambiance is often described as cozy, romantic, and upscale, with a trendy feel. The layout includes a front room and a more intimate back room without windows, perfect for a private dining experience.
Excellent Desserts: Don't skip dessert. The Italian Cheesecake and Chocolate Mousse are highly praised, but the Tiramisu is a must-try, often called one of the best in the city.
Accommodations for Guests: The restaurant offers a restroom and has high chairs available for children, making it a welcoming place for families. They also accept credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for convenience.
Address: 337 E 49th St, New York, NY 10017, USA
Phone: (917) 675-7491
---Il Monello stands out in a city overflowing with dining options by offering a genuine and memorable experience. The restaurant’s commitment to quality is evident in every dish, from the perfectly prepared antipasto like the Calamari Fritti and Vongole Oreganata to the flavorful main courses. One of the most compelling reasons to choose Il Monello is the perfect blend of high-end dining with a comfortable, non-pretentious atmosphere. It's a place where the staff remembers what you like, and the service feels personal and sincere. For a group of nine, the experience was described as "superb," highlighting the restaurant's ability to handle larger parties while maintaining its high standards. The restaurant's popularity with the "diplomatic core" is a testament to its consistent quality and refined experience. Whether you're seeking a delicious plate of pasta, a prime steak, or simply a great glass of wine in a lovely setting, Il Monello consistently delivers. The small, separated bar area provides a perfect space to meet for a drink, adding to the restaurant's versatility. The combination of classic Italian fare, a superb wine list, and an intimate setting makes it an ideal spot for any occasion. The rave reviews for appetizers, main courses, and particularly the Tiramisu show that this spot is "punching way above its weight class." It's a place that feels like a hidden gem, even in the heart of Midtown, and is definitely worth a visit for anyone who appreciates quality Italian cuisine and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Il Monello Menu
Pasta
- Cacio E Pepe $30.00
Bucatini, cracked black pepper and Pecorino Romano cheese.
- Orecchiette $33.00
Sweet sausage, broccoli rabe, garlic and oil.
- Fettuccine Al Ragu $35.00
Homemade pasta and veal ragout sauce.
- Linguini Vongole $36.00
Clams, white or red sauce.
- Frutti Di Mare $49.00
Linguini, shrimp, mussels, clams, fish, calamari and marinara sauce.
USDA Prime Dry Aged
- New York Sirloin Steak $71.00
- Lamb Chops $63.00
- Filet Mignon $71.00
Seafood and Meat
- Branzino $43.00
Grilled, asparagus and extra virgin olive oil.
- Veal Chop Milanese $65.00
Breaded, arugula, plumb tomatoes, red onions or breaded, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese.
- Salmone $43.00
Marinated grilled salmon and fresh herbs.
- Pollo Parmigiana $38.00
Breaded, tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Parmigiana $65.00
Breaded, arugula, plumb tomatoes, red onions or breaded, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese.
- Il Monello $38.00
Chunks of white and dark chicken, sweet sausage, potatoes, roasted peppers and white wine sauce.
- Sea Bass $45.00
Potato crusted, caper, lemon, heart of artichokes and white wine sauce.
- Scarpariello $38.00
Chunks of chicken white and dark meat, white wine, rosemary and garlic.
Coffees
- Double Espresso $6.00
- Coffee $5.00
- Tea $5.00
- Latte $6.00
- Macchiato $5.00
- Cappuccino $6.00
- Espresso $5.00
Insalata
- Insalata Wedge $20.00
Chopped iceberg lettuce, crispy smoked bacon, tomatoes and crumbled blue cheese dressing.
- Insalata Beets $18.00
Frisee, arugula, shaved ricotta salata and balsamic vinaigrette reduction.
- Insalata Caesar $19.00
Traditional Caesar dressing.
- Insalata Il Monello $19.00
Baby arugula, seared goat cheese, shaved pears, seedless grapes, toasted almond flakes and lemon truffle dressing.
- Insalata Bianca $18.00
Mushrooms, fennel, hearts of palm, heart of artichokes, endive, Parmesan cheese and lemon dressing.
Antipasto
- Mozzarella And Tomato $21.00
Basil and balsamic vinaigrette.
- Cozze “Mussels” $20.00
Tomato broth, garlic and fresh herbs.
- Vongole Oreganata $21.00
Little neck clams, breadcrumbs and lemon wine sauce.
- Polpetto $23.00
Handmade meatballs, tomato, ricotta cheese
- Carpaccio Di Manzo $26.00
Slices of filet mignon, baby arugula, shaved parmigiano and lemon dressing.
- Eggplant Parmigiana $22.00
Tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Calamari Fritti $22.00
Tomato sauce.
Sides
- Asparagus $17.00
- Spinach $14.00
- Hash Browns $16.00
- Mushrooms $16.00
- Broccoli Rabe $16.00
- Broccoli $14.00
- French Fries $14.00
Chilled Seafood
- Shrimp Cocktail $31.00
Chilled shrimp and cocktail sauce.
- Clams $18.00
On a 1/2 a shell.
- Lobster $31.00
Chilled lobster and cocktail sauce.
- Oysters $23.00
1/2 a dozen and cocktail sauce.
Desserts
- Italian Cheesecake $15.00
- Tiramisu $15.00
- Chocolate Mousse $15.00
- Fresh Fruits $20.00
Il Monello Details
Service options
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great cocktails
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Hard liquor
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Groups
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- High chairs
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid parking lot
- Parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Il Monello Photos










Il Monello Location
Il Monello Reviews
bartenderfood and servicetiramisuwinescacio e pepeporterhousesteakhousechicken parmcalamariaddition
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1It's not often that I find myself looking for a place to eat in Midtown on the East Side, but I am happy to report that I now have my new go-to.Il Monello is a small Italian restaurant that feels like a place where if you go once a month, they will still remember what you ordered the last time.After being redirected down 49th Street because of UN closures, my wife and I glanced at the menu and decided to sit outside on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.When we arrived, there were several tables outside, but most were taken by the time our food arrived. It's popular with the diplomatic core, and as global travelers, I know they know a good thing when they find it.We ordered the calamari, clams regatta, and carpaccio, which were all delicious. We had a couple of glasses of Sancerre, and everything was perfect.We plan to return with friends for dinner and sit inside. There is a front room and a back room. Both are lovely, but the back room has no windows, so it is best if you are looking for an intimate experience.There is a small bar, too, which is strategically separated from the dining room by a small wall.This little spot is punching way above its weight class, and I can't wait to see what dinner is like.
September 23 · Scott LaineExcellent restaurant experience!! The baked clams and Calamari are delicious for appetizers. I had the Fettuccine for my main dish and it was great. Tiramisu was one of the best I have ever eaten and the coffee was great today. I was there with a party of 9 and it was superb.
June 14 · HormuzI recently had lunch at this amazing Italian restaurant, and let me tell you, it was fantastic! The dish with fresh fish, greens, and shrimp was a standout; it tasted so good! Honestly, everything I tried was delicious. The way they cook their food is impressive—I haven't had better anywhere else. If you're into tasty and healthy food, this place is a winner. Plus, the service was excellent. Whether you're a foodie or just looking for a great meal, I highly recommend it. I left feeling really happy and content after such a satisfying lunch.I recommend that place for sure ❤️
December 05 · Elli CherryWow! I wasn't expecting much and yet I was blown away! The mushroom risotto was so earthy tasting with that mushroom flavor. It was the best. Now I understand why people love risotto. I was never a big fan but now I am! The cacio e pepe is something I have wanted to try for years and here it was delicious. My only complaint is that the food is soooo rich! The portions should be smaller. If you eat the whole plate, you will be sick.
October 01 · O V HWent to Il Monello for a birthday lunch with an old friend. The greeting and service were welcoming and professional, I loved the old school white tablecloth ambiance. However, we both felt the food was mediocre and unmemorable. My veal chop was large, but it had little taste. My friend’s pasta he labeled bland. We had a great time, but that’s because old friends always do no matter our age.
March 29 · Philip Gissen
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