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Home > Restaurants > Il Nido

Il Nido

251 E. 53rd St., New York, NY 10022
nr. Second Ave.  See Map | Subway Directions Hopstop Popup
212-753-8450 Send to Phone

  • Price Range: $$$$

    Key to Prices and ratings

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  • Reader Rating:

    4.0 out of 10

      |  

    3 Reviews | Write a Review

  • Cuisine: Italian
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Photo by Shanna Ravindra

Official Website

ilnidony.com

Hours

Mon-Sat, noon-3pm and 5pm-11pm; Sun, closed

Nearby Subway Stops

E, V at Lexington Ave.-53rd St.

Prices

$28-$48

Payment Methods

American Express, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Special Features

  • Business Lunch
  • Lunch
  • Notable Wine List
  • Private Dining/Party Space
  • Family Style

Alcohol

  • Full Bar

Reservations

Recommended

Profile

On the surface, there isn't much that makes Il Nido stand out from the throng of Italian restaurants in New York. One difference is the entertainment of watching waiters finish hot dishes tableside, using gas-fueled carts and lots of copper pans. The menu—heavy on classics like risotto, spaghetti Bolognese, saltimbocca, and whole roasted fish—is complemented by an extensive, predominantly Italian wine list. Tapered candles add a delicate touch to the wood-beamed, brown banquette-lined room teeming with arrangements of Stargazer lilies. The Insalata di Campo, with sottocenere cheese and truffle oil dressing, turns out to be a beautiful plate of mache. And the verdant basil pesto coating the house made trenette is well-balanced, thanks in part to the server grating just the right amount of parmesan as he readies it for plating. Although the kitchen can be inconsistent with other less carefully conceived dishes, you won't leave hungry. — Carey Meyers

Recommended Dishes

Insalata di campo, $16; trenette al pesto, $28; pappardelle con funghi, $30; scaloppine de vitello "Il Nido", $37

4.0 "Not Recommended"
Average Reader Rating
on a Scale of 10		 Write Your Own Review
33% Would you go back?
33% Would you take a date?
33% Would you take kids?
33% Would you go on business?
33% Would you go on a special occasion?
Food: 7.3
Service: 7.0
Décor: 5.3
Value: 3.7

IL NIDO CLOSED NOVEMBER 2008

DM0619 from 11414 | Posted on 10/27/09

Overall Rating: 1 (Not Recommended)
Food: 10
Service: 9
Décor: 9
Value: 1

THE PLACE HAD GOOD EXPENSIVE FOOD BUT THEY CLOSED NOVEMBER 2008 WHEN YOU PASS BY THERE IS A CLOSED DUE TO RENOVATIONS SIGN ON THE RESTAURANT BUT THEY WILL NEVER BE OPENING I WAS TOLD .......... WHEN YOU CALL THE NUMBER ITS DISCONECTED

We love il Nido

andrew84 from 10010 | Posted on 11/7/08

Overall Rating: 10 (Highly Recommended)
Food: 10
Service: 10
Décor: 5
Value: 9

My girlfriend and I eat at il Nido at least once or twice a month despite the prices. The pasta is homemade and prepared right in front of you by someone whose knowledge of the way pasta should taste will redefine your conception of the best Italian food could possibly be. Don't go here if you're looking for a trendy atmosphere and decor (Tao is right down the street). The authentic Italian staff truly treats you like the most important guest in the house every time. Don't get me wrong, the food is expensive, but what you are paying for is a staff who understands what a perfect dining experience should be, and what perfect pasta should taste like. Try the house made caesar salad for two, any of the pastas, and try to save room for the best tiramisu in new york. Bottom line: if you like great food and great service on any night of the week, do yourself a favor and try il Nido.

Read All 3 Reviews >>

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