Lanza's

I've been going to this restaurant on and off for a long time. I used to go with my grandfather when I was a kid. He and his influential Italian american friends used to love this place. I remember this scary guy with a really bad wig used to hang out there and confer with my grandfather in whispers. Anyway, the food is great, I don't know what the negative reviews are about? As for serving a potato or veggie as a side, it's very common in Italian households. The eggplant parm here is just as good as my grandmother's. The service is great, they take care of you here. Lanza's and Forlini's are two of the last old school restaurants that I enjoy. If you're looking for "hip and cool", go elsewhere. If you're looking for a great meal and a truly historic feel, by all means, go to Lanza's

We happened upon Lanza's while on vacation in NYC and were immediately taken by the old NY atmosphere the restaurant had. The staff was very welcoming and attentive and after a short conversation with our lovely hostess about their history since 1904 (still much intact), I was totally impressed. The food is a nice home style Italian and they offer an excellent choice of menu items including a nice wine selection. My Chicken Marsala was excellent and the dessert, Italian cheesecake, was equally excellent! Take some time to look the place over and ask to see their well-preserved menu from 1930! For dining pleasure, and great service, Lanza's is top shelf!

Thrilled that I happened upon this place. There are a few old school Italian spots in the area, this is now my favorite. Chicken parm may be the best in town. The clams and eggplant appetizers were excellent. Keep beat the value.

I'm sorry that I did not pay more attention to the negative reviews posted prior to my eating at this restaurant this evening,. I would never again visit for the following reasons: 1. Our waiter was obnoxious and arrogant. 2. When I nicely questioned why the couple at the next table were presented with a special menu ($25.50 prior to 6:30), it was explained that my friend and I had arrived at 8:00 which was true, but the couple at the next table arrived 15-mins. after us which we pointed out. Then the explanation changed. Apparently they have an employee positioned outside to lure customers in with the 'special' menu regardless of the 6:30 cut-off. When I asked why we had not been offered the menu when entering they said she was not there at the time. This is totally untrue as I remember seeing her; we were just not offered the 'special' menu. I normally don't take the time to post negative reviews as it's really 'water under the bridge' but I feel compelled to let unsuspecting diners know. By the way, we left a tip as we didn't want to penalize the bus boys or the servers (not the waiter) who were very nice.

The food is Excellent, and I loved the Service!

Ok ambiance. Very good service. Bread was the soft white italian bread you get at the local supermarket. Vongole was too tough to eat. Chicken Parm was not crispy and sort of mushy. Sauce was good. The spagetti that came with it was 4 spoonfuls.

Ordered from here, first time last night. food was not good. ravioli was mediocre at best. caesar salad had no flavor and the croutons looked and tasted store bought - small, no flavor. mozz appetizer was inedible. plus, way over-priced. those three things cost me $50.