Il Melograno

I looked this place up on Menu Pages, and I was not disappointed. This restaurant serves great Italian food. I tend to avoid eating at Italian places because I'm half Italian and I know that most places simply serve over-garliced cheesy dishes with soggy noodles. Not the case with Il Melograno. The chef has a light touch, the entire menu is subtly flavored and often surprising with its combinations and specials. The portions are perfect. This is the best Italian I've found in the city. I try to go every other week.

Even though Il Melograno is small, they were able to take a reservation for 10 on a Saturday (we ate early at 6pm.) We had a crew of out-of-towners including 6 boys/young men ranging from 11 to 19. The boys had steaks and loved 'em. The adults had the pappardelle with sweet sausage sauce (heavenly), the pork chop (juicy and tender) and the tagliatelle with saffron. We also ordered a side of broccoli and grilled vegetables, both done to perfection. The broccoli was not over cooked and had just the right amount of garlic and oil (yum!) For dessert the tiramisu was the best I have ever had and the boys loved the giant chocolate truffles. This is definitely a hidden gem of the neighborhood and I will be back soon.

Excellent pasta and salads. Did not try any of the entrees. Great value. The restaurant is cramped and we noticed several customers not happy that they were bumped into by people going to the bathroom. The noise level is exceedingly high, and they unnecessarily play tinny music very loudly. We asked numerous times to have it turned down, however after about 20 minutes it mysteriously regained its high level. It was hard to have a conversation even across the table. Service was casual, and we were allowed to linger at the table which was appreciated.

Having lived in Italy I have to say this was some of the best home made pasta I have had in New York! The food was delicious and so reasonably priced. There is so much variety on the menu I have never had the same meal twice as it changes seasonally ensuring excellent quality! The service was great too. They made us feel at home in a great little neighborhood spot. Il Melograno has become one of our new favorites! Highly recommend!

I live around the block and was so excited that this may be a hidden gem. I have lived in new york for 4 years and have never been so unsatisfied with a restaurant. I'm talking about every meal i have eaten from the halal carts on the street to Le Bernardin. The ceaser salad was plain lettuce and stale crutons. The gnochi and the "special" lasagna were both nothing but bland mush. The wine was not good. As for service, when i asked for silverware they brought me vinegar and oil. This was after our main courses were served. Reflecting on it though, my lasanga probably would have been better with vinegar and oil on it.

Service was authentically Italian. We had a great inexpensive bottle of red wine, the mussels, pear salad, and special calamari salad as appetizers, then for main courses we had the gnocchi (cooked to perfection!), the tagliatelle with saffron sauce, and the special spaghetti with clams and white wine sauce. For dessert we had the tiramisu (one of the best I've ever had and the chocolate soufflealso amazing) Everything was delectable! One of the best italians around and I spent a summer in Italy eating out for every breakfast lunch and dinner. I highly recommend this restaurant. GO!

I can't wait to go back. Yes, it is a hidden gem on 10th ave. The food is authentic and delicious. Kitchen is in dining area so it's great to see everything made fresh. The food is authentic and feels like you're in a trattoria in Itayl. You can't beat the price, very inexpensive for New York standards. You must try!