When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Rossini's
Why Rossini's is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Rossini's is a distinguished family-owned Northern Italian restaurant located in the charming Murray Hill neighborhood of New York City. Celebrated for over 40 years, it offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with elegant décor that features rich reds, warm beige tones, and classic Italian-themed paintings, creating a comfortable yet sophisticated setting ideal for meeting friends or enjoying a celebratory meal. The restaurant’s culinary highlight is its focus on classic Northern Italian cuisine presented with a modern interpretation, ensuring dishes are flavorful yet lighter than typical Italian fare. Signature dishes include its veal scallopine sautéed in mushroom wine sauce with prosciutto and onion, the uniquely prepared ravioli alla vodka substituting penne for ravioli, and an eggplant stuffed with ricotta and mozzarella. Rossini's also serves fresh seafood, such as mussels cooked in white wine broth, and finishes with traditional desserts like creamy cannoli. The staff is reputed for its genuine friendliness and attentive service, which contributes to a positive and welcoming dining experience. Rossini's balances high-quality food, attentive service, and an elegant ambiance, making it a great place to gather with friends for an enjoyable Northern Italian dining experience.
Here's what people think of Rossini's
As of recent, Rossini's holds a 4.5-star rating based on 662 reviews.
User reviews for Rossini's are predominantly positive, with a 4.5-star rating based on 662 reviews. Many reviewers praise the consistently excellent food quality, highlighting the authentic Northern Italian flavors and well-executed modern twists. The restaurant’s warm, friendly, and very attentive service is frequently noted, with guests appreciating attentive staff who do not overwhelm. The inviting ambiance, featuring spacious and tastefully decorated dining rooms, also receives commendations for contributing to a pleasant dining experience. Positive feedback often emphasizes the combination of flavorful yet lighter dishes compared to other Italian eateries, making meals enjoyable without feeling heavy. However, some negative reviews mention occasional inconsistencies in food quality, with a few guests experiencing dishes that did not meet expectations, such as a pesto sauce prepared with cream or pasta dishes that seemed less authentic. In these cases, reviewers still recognized the service quality as excellent, suggesting that lapses in food preparation might have been isolated incidents. Overall, the reviews indicate that Rossini's successfully delivers a quality Northern Italian dining experience with mostly excellent food, outstanding service, and a welcoming atmosphere, though rare inconsistencies can occur.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Mike Zito
Best lasagna made with sausage and bolognese sauce I have ever had. It was highly recommended by my server. The entire staff is extremely friendly and competent. The rooms were beautiful and very tastefully decorated. Everything gets 6 stars. A wonderful dining experience. A little pricey but worth the cost. I will definitely be back.
Andrew Hazelrigg
A time machine back to an era of old school Italian ambiance. The chicken dishes are just as good as the carbonara. The night we visited they served lasagna as a special. The tiramisu is the best dessert on the menu. But the cannoli is a close second.
Hina Cao
Grilled octopus is good. The stripe bass and seafood pasta is good. Sautéed onions and mushrooms are good. Serving speed is a little slow on 2nd course. Service needs to be better. This is the only restaurant that doesn’t have honey for my tea among around 300 restaurants in Manhattan have been.
Dave Wittman
We recently dined at Rossini’s on 38th St in Manhattan, NY, and it was an absolute delight! We savored the Tortellini alla Rossini, which was rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor, and the Saltimbocca di Vitello alla Romana, perfectly tender with just the right balance of savory notes. Every bite was a treat! The atmosphere was lively and fun, creating a warm, inviting vibe. What truly stood out was the team approach by the servers—they made us feel like family, with their genuine warmth and attentiveness. I can’t wait to return to Rossini’s for another memorable meal! Highly recommend!
Trystan Rummery
Visiting New York and happened across this beautiful little restaurant. It was the only place we felt we had to come back to during our short stay (which we did). Our second meal demonstrated that it was not the honeymoon effect of arriving at a new destination! The staff were friendly, very approachable, and willing to help. The place was cosy and decorated for the season (we were around in late January to little hearts and rosy tinsel) and the live piano made for a very romantic atmosphere. And the food… we had one of their specials (chicken on the night), their spaghetti marinara, and finished on the tiramisu. It was nothing short of outstanding. We did not sit in the bar area towards the front of the restaurant but it was lively as we passed through and the layout is such that diners would not know that there was a bar there, making it perfect for dates, birthdays, or any event where diners can just forget the outside world and exist in the meal. When we are back in New York, we will be returning!
How to reach Rossini's
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Why Rossini's may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Rossini’s with your friends? Rossini's offers an exceptional blend of authentic Northern Italian cuisine, warm ambiance, and attentive service that makes it an outstanding spot for groups wanting to enjoy a memorable outing together. When you step into Rossini's, located conveniently near Grand Central in New York City, you are immediately welcomed by a lively and positive atmosphere that feels both elegant and inviting. The staff provide friendly yet unobtrusive service, allowing you and your guests to relax, catch up, and enjoy your time without interruptions. The food, a highlight of any visit, consistently impresses with flavorful yet light dishes that strike the perfect balance between tradition and modern culinary flair. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, having a casual meetup, or simply indulging in great food and conversation, Rossini’s caters seamlessly to the needs of groups with its spacious setting and welcoming vibe. It is not just a meal; it’s a complete social experience that fosters connection and joy among friends and family.
What activities does Rossini’s offer to make it perfect for a group meetup? While Rossini's is primarily a restaurant, its design and offerings lend themselves perfectly to a social gathering. The restaurant features multiple spacious dining rooms with an old-school Italian decor that enhances the ambiance without overpowering conversation. This layout helps accommodate larger groups comfortably, allowing everyone to be seated together in an atmosphere that encourages lingering and interaction. The menu is designed to be shared, with family-style portions like calamari fritti and melanzane imbotite (eggplant stuffed with ricotta and mozzarella) that invite communal dining and culinary exploration. Guests can bond over these shared dishes, sparking lively discussion and collective enjoyment. Moreover, the variety of traditional pastas, from linguine alle vongole to the beloved fettuccine Alfredo, means there is something for every palate, reducing stress about individual dietary preferences in a group setting. After the meal, you can indulge together in Rossini's exceptional dessert selection, including creamy tiramisu and crunchy cannoli, which provide a sweet end to the gathering and a topic of mutual delight.
How does the ambiance at Rossini’s enhance group gatherings? Rossini’s ambiance plays a crucial role in making it a top choice for meetups with friends or family. The interior is characterized by warm, festive colors, including rich reds and warm beiges, and classic Italian-themed paintings that add a touch of elegance and warmth to the space. The wall-to-wall carpeting softens the acoustics, helping to reduce noise levels so that conversations can flow freely without competing with loud background sounds. This balanced atmosphere makes conversation between friends merry and relaxed, an essential ingredient for a successful social outing. Additionally, wait staff dressed in formal attire serve with charm and professionalism, contributing to a refined but comfortable dining experience. This atmosphere transforms a meal into an event, fostering a sense of occasion and making guests feel appreciated and cared for, which enhances the collective enjoyment of the group.
What makes the menu at Rossini’s ideal for group diners? Rossini’s menu offers a wonderful selection of Northern Italian classics made with fresh ingredients and a modern touch, making it especially well-suited for groups. Guests can order classic appetizers like calamari fritti or eggplant stuffed with ricotta and mozzarella that are perfect for sharing. For the main course, pasta lovers will find crowd-pleasers such as rich, creamy fettuccine Alfredo—regarded by many as one of the best in New York—and linguine alle vongole, a flavorful clam pasta. Those looking for heartier options can choose from veal dishes like the veal parmesan or the house-special vitello a la Rossini, a veal scallopine in a mushroom wine sauce with prosciutto and onion. This diverse menu caters to meat lovers, seafood enthusiasts, and vegetarians alike, making it easy for groups to accommodate everyone’s tastes without fuss. The quality and consistency of the food are lauded by many guests, so groups can order confidently knowing their meal will be satisfying and delicious.
Why is Rossini’s service a vital part of the group dining experience? Service at Rossini’s is consistently described as friendly, attentive, and polished, yet never overbearing. This ideal balance is key for groups, as it ensures diners feel looked after without feeling rushed or interrupted. The waitstaff's professionalism and knowledge help in smoothly managing large or complex orders typical of group dining, relieving one or two members from the stress of decision-making. This ease allows everyone to focus fully on socializing and enjoying the food. The staff contribute to the overall positive vibe noted by many visitors, who feel that their presence enhances the atmosphere rather than detracts from it. Additionally, the teamwork behind the scenes at Rossini’s guarantees that dishes arrive promptly and at the right temperature, keeping the flow of the meal consistent and the mood upbeat.
What dessert options at Rossini’s are perfect for sharing? Rossini’s desserts are a memorable way to conclude a group dining experience. Their tiramisu is highly praised for being creamy and perfectly soaked ladyfingers, delivering an authentic taste of Italy in each bite. The homemade cannoli, known for their delightful crispness and rich ricotta filling, are a crowd favorite and naturally suited for sharing, allowing everyone to enjoy a sweet treat without individual ordering. The ricotta cheesecake is another decadent option, balancing creamy richness with a light finish. Sharing desserts helps to extend the convivial atmosphere well into the end of the meal, keeping the conversation flowing and giving everyone a sweet moment to reflect on the evening. Offering such quality desserts encourages groups to linger, making Rossini’s an ideal place not just for dining but for enjoying extended social time.
How accessible and convenient is Rossini’s location for group meetings? Rossini’s is situated conveniently in Midtown East, New York City, just close to Grand Central Terminal, making it incredibly accessible for locals and visitors alike. This central location means your group can easily reach the restaurant via multiple subway lines, buses, or on foot if staying nearby. The proximity to a major transit hub allows group members coming from different parts of the city or even from outside to converge easily without hassle. Parking in Manhattan is often challenging, but Rossini’s central location near Grand Central offers a number of nearby parking garages and drop-off points, minimizing typical city inconveniences. This ease of access encourages punctuality, reduces stress associated with travel, and helps make the gathering feel effortless from the start. Having a reliable, well-known spot like Rossini’s at the heart of the city adds to its appeal as a prime destination for group meetups.
What makes Rossini’s value proposition stand out for group dining despite being on the pricier side? Rossini’s pricing is considered somewhat on the higher end compared to casual eateries, but the value for groups is clear due to the total experience offered. The quality of ingredients and authentic preparation justify the cost, as diners receive a premium taste of Northern Italian cuisine in a sophisticated environment. For groups celebrating special occasions, the elevated ambiance and excellent service contribute to an experience that feels worthwhile and memorable. Moreover, the menu’s range and portion sizes encourage sharing, which can make dining more economical when cost is divided among friends or family. The joy of gathering in a lovely setting with commendable food and personalized service often outweighs budget concerns. For people seeking an occasion that simultaneously combines comfort, class, and culinary delight, Rossini's offers an attractive option that delivers satisfaction beyond just the meal.
How can hosting a meetup at Rossini’s strengthen social bonds? Hosting a meetup at Rossini’s creates an environment conducive to deepening friendships and family connections through shared sensory and emotional experiences. The act of enjoying classic Italian dishes together, passing plates around, tasting desserts jointly, and savoring wine encourages interaction and conversation. This communal dining style fosters a sense of unity and collective enjoyment that is more difficult to achieve in less hospitable or busier venues. The warm decor and attentive, courteous service create a relaxed social atmosphere where people feel valued, comfortable, and willing to open up or celebrate together. Such shared moments of pleasure and relaxation enhance emotional bonds, leaving participants with positive memories that reinforce their relationships long after they leave. Rossini’s facilitates not just a meal but a meaningful gathering space tailor-made for forging lasting social connections.