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If you're looking for a laid-back, comfortable place to go in Chelsea, then this is a great bet. The food's not too expensive, and the wait staff treats you really well.

I hate to bring bad news, but I went this evening to this restaurant based solely on the positive-service reviews I read. I had the absolute opposite experience. I walked up to the door, and I will admit the hostess was very pleasant and seated me right away for a table for two (I was waiting for my friend). The tables are a bit too pushed together to be considered cozy I would just call it crowded. Then, my waiter had a very clear better-than-thou attitude. He floated around for a while, and when he finally came over to ask me what I want to drink, he looked so bored to even be there. I finally realized that I had been seated for nearly 20 minutes without even receiving a menu or bread. That was enough for me to request my bill (for my beer) and go somewhere else. When the waiter brought it to me, he gave attitude again. The point is - it could just be one really bad server - but it's enough to kill an evening. I wouldn't recommend this place to any of my friends.

This is the FIRST review I have given on a restaurant but had to make note of my experience at Tello’s! This was an example of amazing service and care. I made last minute reservations at Tello tonight (a Monday) for a group of friends before going to see a 7pm show nearby at the Metropolitan. A friend from out of town had done some research on local restaurants to the theatre and Tello’s website, menu and online reviews looked good so this was the spot we settled on. We had 5:15 reservations for 10 - I can’t recall the last time I ate before 7pm (!!) – and I felt that Tello would offer food that would satisfy most palettes. The atmosphere looked cozy and not too formal so if our group couldn’t stay and linger, it would be just fine. Half of the group was late by 10-20 minutes and by the time we had all arrived, we realized our group had suddenly grown to 15. I immediately became worried as 15 people was such a large group and the chances of getting out of the restaurant in the 45 minutes (the restaurant was starting to fill up) in order to get to the show was a major feat!? We politely mentioned to our waiter, Santos (!) that we were in a rush to see a show at 7 and from there, he took charge, ordered all of our appetizers, and entrees and while we waited, refilled our drink orders. The staff was cool and collected and we even joked about how it could be ‘hell’s kitchen’ in the back trying to put together such a big order in such a short amount of time. YET – the food amazingly all arrived in a very timely manner and all of the dishes were great! They even passed around a large dish of biscotti as we paid the bill! We were just too pleased and appreciative of all the effort that the restaurant chefs and waiters put in to give us a great meal in the short time we had – this normally would have been a 2+ hour dinner! A special thank you again to Santos and company – it was a delicious meal and we were all in our seats just before the curtains went up!

I brought my boyfriend here to celebrate his promotion. We were not disappointed. The restaurant has a quaint atmosphere, very warm. Our server was fantastic, very helpful and friendly. The food was really good - my boyfriend had the Rigatoni Tello and I had the Chicken Rollatini.

went to tello's to celebrate a birthday on the recommendation of a friend. it was amazing! the food was excellent......15 of us were thrilled w/our choices (a wide range). very good service. atmosphere fine - not fancy, maybe a little old fashioned "homey". go for the italian food!

I have dined here three times in the past four months, each time with close friends and family who love to be at a place where you can eat and drink well and linger and chat. Here is the perfect place! We all loved it and will go back again and again. The food is very good with portions just the right size and priced very well. It is friendly, warm and cozy, the service is excellent! Just a great place to spend an evening dining with friends and loved ones.

Guess I just expected more. The food was 'not bad'...The prices and portion sizes also 'not bad'. Red sauce needs some help to achieve authenticity...calamari done nicely, but something strange about the 'breading' (sweet?)...baked clams were without clams (just shells and topping...don't know how they get away with that)...service quick and attentive...drinks decent...outdoor dining a treat...ambience 'not bad'. I would go back, but will keep searching for top quality, reasonably priced Italian peasant food (rich red sauce being the key)...didn't find it here, but all in all, Tello is...you got it...'not bad'.