Reviews & Ratings for Forlini Restaurant

02/24/10

Excellent, affordable choice

by craftlinda

The food is traditional Italian like you would get at an Italian Grandma's house. Nothing over the top, just great tasting food, generous portions at a great price for NYC!

We were in Chinatown but my son doesn't eat Chinese food so we stumbled upon Forlinis. Boy were we glad we did.

Everyone was so nice and accommodating and you felt like you were part of their family. I had the linguine with seafood, my husband had osso bucco and my son had baked ziti. All wonderful.

Thank you Forlinis!!

• Pros: Wonderful staff, Great Food
• Cons: Not some place to go if you are in a hurry.

01/16/10

Classic NY Italian

by bdel965

Recommended by my favorite NY Cop (Thanks Dad), I went there with clients while in Manhattan. I had a veal and eggplant dish that was unbelievably good... and I'm not a wine snob so the house cab was fine with me. You can buy my Dad, John Delamer's book, The Tarnished Shield on amazon dot com

• Pros: It is what you expect from a NY Italian Restaurant
• Cons: None

02/15/07

Best Italian food I've tasted outside of our house.

by cazsbt

We grew up in very traditional, old world Italian families. This is where we take our family when we don't eat at home. Skip Mulberry Street and go here. This is the real deal.

• Pros: Real, traditional Italian food
• Cons: Not fancy, but I prefer great food over pretentious dining any day

07/12/06

Try the Tripe or any Pasta

by mrchipshot

My Mother was one of 12 in a very Italian family from Rochester N.Y. Going to Forlini's is like going to my mothers sister's for dinner. It brought back so many memories. The food is outstanding. The Tripe was a trip back in time for me. Just a great place for dinner. i haven't tried lunch there yet. Four Stars.

03/30/06

Wassamatta!

by seattledenmom

We went in for di-nch (dinner/lunch) around 4:30p. There was an older guy running the bar who knew everyone (all 5 people) in the place. We got burgers and beer, very good. When you think "old school Little Italy" - this is the place. The bar still uses a real cash register that works. Definately - Charm! We were treated like family... no big fuss, no big muss, very casual and friendly, and the beer was fresh and cold. We will definately be going back for real dinner.

• Pros: Old School, Good, Family-style

12/11/03

dinner

by nodeco25

Had dinner with a friend here on Wed. evening. The food was very good, the attmosphere was nice, clean linens, my only complaint was that with the main room 1/2 empty the service was VERY S L O W. I know that there is a difference between giving you time to eat and enjoy your food and slow service, this fell into SLOW service.

Yes, I would go back but knowing full well that I can't have any pre-planned events afterwards.

• Pros: good food, paintings on the wall
• Cons: slow service

02/27/03

2Pock

by 2Pock

Forlini's is a true gem. The food is consistently excellent (I had the anolini in broth and cannolini last night -- both superb) and the service is professional in an old-school way. You won't find a better value, either -- pastas start as low as $10. So, the bathroom is a little dank, and the decor a bit dated. It all adds to the charm. Do yourself a favor and avoid the lunchtime crowd and head to Forlini's for dinner sometime soon.

• Pros: Quality, Service, Value

02/21/03

All the other reviews are true

by dkmin

Stopped in at lunch, based on the outstanding reviews. Was a little skeptical, since the place is a little further south than most of the other good italian places. but it was an outstanding gustatory experience. a very friendly, and family style atmosphere. i had the gnocchi with pesto sauce, and it was hearty and excellent. my girlfriend had a penne with vodka sauce, which was also superb. the server was really nice, and everything was very prompt.

as an aside, this place is quite big. i'm thinking that it would be a nice place to have a birthday dinner, as it appears it can easily hold a large party of 25+. it did fill up pretty quickly for lunch, but nobody seemed to have to wait too long, and i'm guessing they might be less busy for dinner.

01/31/03

Just like Mama's

by thumballina

The food, the service, the restaurant everything is absolutely amazing... the food is fresh and melts in your mouth, the portion size is just right allowing you room for dessert. I felt like I was eating in my mother's Northern Italian kitchen - you can't choose anything bad because it does not exist at this place. The staff is extremely friendly, atmosphere cozy - you feel like you are in a restaurant in the mountains of Northern Italy...

Definately a MUST for those who appreciate really Italian cooking - come la mama

• Cons: none

08/03/02

simply excellent

by jon1703

Absolutely delicious food, prepared to order. They will modify dishes to your taste. Friendly, helpful waitstaff. Family owned, they make you feel part of the family. Great ambiance, old fashioned Little Italy. I have been here literally scores of times, & have never once been disappointed Cops, judges, "wiseguys", all peacefully coexisting over the terrific food & atmosphere.