Il Tinello East: Where Culinary Magic Meets Showmanship
An Intimate Gem
In the Heart of Midtown Manhattan
Restaurant Review by Sandi Margolis: I enjoyed dining at Il Tinello East on Thursday, December 14th, during the Christmas holidays, which added a festive touch to the overall atmosphere. The restaurant’s cozy and intimate ambiance (seats 75), combined with the holiday spirit, made it a perfect setting for a celebratory evening!
The attentive and personalized service at Il Tinello East is evident when diners are seated. The complimentary fresh bread and butter, bruschetta, hot long peppers, and zucchini provided a warm welcome and set the tone for the rest of the meal. My guest and I were lucky to have Javier as our server. He went above and beyond, showcasing his expertise by selecting and decanting an exquisite Cabernet Sauvignon that perfectly complimented our meal. His genuine joy and showmanship added a delightful layer to the overall experience. This personalized touch extended to its owner Benny Bello who sat down with us and shared the origin of the restaurant which opened in 2022.
The original Il Tinello West, started by his uncle (over 30 years ago) is located on W. 56th St. and is where Benny learned the business. His passion and pride in his new restaurant were evident. His commitment to custom-made everything from appetizers to desserts was reflected in every aspect of our dining experience. For appetizers, I chose the seafood salad special featuring shrimp, sepia, tomato, onions, and capers in a balsamic reduction. The combination of flavors is rich and well-balanced, showcasing the chef’s expertise in creating delicious and visually appealing dishes.
My guest had the creamy burrata cheese and tomato (caprese) which was rich and velvety in texture and complimented the sweetness of the tomatoes. This dish is a testament to Il Tinello East’s commitment to delivering a true Italian dining experience. I’ve had burrata and tomato appetizers before but I have to say this was without a doubt the creamiest and lightest I’ve ever tasted! Fantastico!
For the main course, the Osso Buco special (a specialty of Lombard cuisine), slow-cooked for 3 hours is a standout dish! The saffron risotto compliments the tender meat perfectly. The Osso Buco was so delicately cooked that it fell off the bone delivering a melt-in-your-mouth experience! A true highlight of the meal! My guest ordered the Angus steak paired with broccoli and roasted potatoes which is a testament to Il Tinello East’s ability to excel in Italian classics and steakhouse fare. Cooked to perfection, the steak was tender and flavorful and the sides provided a satisfying accompaniment! Both dishes were incredible!
We made room for dessert which seems to be the specialty of the house. I ordered the crème brulee with a touch of strawberries and raspberry sauce which was a sweet conclusion to the meal. The velvety custard with the perfectly caramelized sugar crust provided a delightful contrast and the berries added a refreshing touch. We also ordered the pistachio tartuffo specialty dessert made with Italian pistachio gelato, walnuts, and cherries surrounded by a chocolate glaze It was a decadent and creative dessert. The nutty flavors, paired with the sweetness of cherries and the richness of chocolate, created a harmonious blend! WOW! There goes the diet!
Il Tinello East in Midtown Manhattan delivered an outstanding dining experience characterized by an intimate ambiance, personalized service, and culinary expertise. From the complimentary appetizers to the creative desserts, each element contributed to a memorable and delightful evening! The holiday atmosphere during the Christmas season enhanced the overall experience. While it may be a splurge, Il Tinello East is recommended for those looking to indulge in fine Italian cuisine in a sophisticated setting! You’ll love it! I did! Buon appétito!
Il Tonello East is located at 244 E. 46th Street. New York, NY. 10017
For reservations call 646-682-7284 or go to www.Iltinellony.com
Lunch – M-F 11:30-4 pm
Dinner – Sun-Thu 4 pm-10 pm, Fri & Sat 5 pm-10 pm
Closed on Sunday
IG @iltinellorestorante
Facebook: Il Tinello NYC
