Villa Berulia

Fantastic review. Had the pleasure of enjoying my engagement dinner here. Service was fantastic, food was on point. Chicken parm was amazing! Thanks for such a great time! Will definitely be back someday.

I work around the area and always walk by when I head to the post office down the block. From the outside, I did not feel at all compelled to try it out. I finally decided to try this place for restaurant week, especially after reading all the positive reviews. Upon entering, it was very dim. When asked if we wanted our coats checked, my friend and I said no, much to the disappointment of the coat check clerk. The décor was old, and the overall atmosphere was of those outdated establishments that have passed its prime. It also feels like a family owned restaurant from the way we were treated by the waiters. They were all very blasé and there was not much hospitality.
The Meal:
The bread and breadsticks were definitely outsourced and were terrible. At least warm up the bread! 1^st course — baked clams. Meh. Average. Nothing worth remembering. Main course — Broiled salmon with seasonal vegetables and pasta of the day (lasagna). Broiled salmon was dry, overcooked, and burned at the bottom. The seasonal vegetables were a small slop of spinach. The lasagna was warm, and tasted quite generic, as if I could’ve purchased it at a nearby supermarket. When it was time for dessert, there was no dessert menu. Instead, they pulled a cart around with 4 different choices — all the desserts were uncovered and exposed (not very sanitary). The gentlemen who tried to explain to us what the desserts were didn’t seem to even know what it was himself. «And that’s the apple something… apple…apple cake.» My friend and I tried the Tiramisu and cheesecake. Dessert tasted like something that’s store bought from a bakery.
We barely touched dessert and asked for the check. Would never return and would not recommend anyone to visit either. I’m baffled by all the positive reviews… perhaps the diners have not yet seen the better restaurants of NYC. It was a waste of $ 70 lunch and I wish very much to rewind time and never have went.

Food was spectacular, everything was so fresh. Service was excellent, even with the owner giving my wife and I hugs and advice to be careful (weather was bad). Second time I ate there and it just gets better. Salads are fresh and crisp, I had the veal chop first time and it was huge, had the grilled fish second time and it was fresh and had a perfect light sauce on top with a good assortment of vegetables on the side. My wife and I are big fans

Decent place. I ordered the tortellini, which the waiter said was the best thing on the menu. They were indeed delicious, but not «special,» in the way that I didn’t feel like I couldn’t make something like that at home, and if that’s the best thing on the menu, I don’t know that I’d want to go back and try anything else. I also didn’t see any appetizers that caught my attention, so didn’t order those. Dessert was good — the flourless chocolate cake. The service was very good — waiter and manager kept asking to make sure we were enjoying ourselves, and we got a complimentary drink. The atmosphere was really nice — quiet, private. Another disappointment was that the kitchen closes at 10 pm, even on a Friday. And by the time we ordered (at 9:40), the specials were no longer available.

Food is 2 stars and service is 4. That’s why I came to a 3. The pasta I Had was The one where It was stuffed with mascarpone cheese, spinach and artichoke with a vodka sauce. My boyfriend had tortellini and The pasta my boyfriend Had tasted The same as mine. Mine was supposed to be vodka sauce and it tasted like tomato. The servers were awesome though and the atmosphere was very romantic. The owner was funny too.
Maybe the fish would have been good. But I expected the pasta to be different. Tastes good though. Not like the food tastes bad.
Hey if you happen to be in the north Jersey area, try mama’s café baci in Hackettstown NJ.

Recommended by our hotel staff (Hilton Garden Inn two blocks to the West) and the food is on point. We had a selection of dishes and the ingredients were top shelf. Some nice sauces and perfect seasoning for the steak that my mother-​in-​law ordered.
I have read other reviews about the service being a bit snarky and I also got that vibe as we ordered a glass of sangria and the manager (Bill) kept popping off about they were now a Mexican place because they had served us sangria. I remarked that it was Spanish in origin but he kept bringing it up each time he came to the table. I am a good read of people and I got the impression that he felt like he had a Texan who didn’t know what wine to order. If I’m paying good money for a meal then you need to shut up and make me feel like I’m valued across the board no matter what I order.
Okay the rant is over. Deserts were the star of this meal. The pumpkin cheese cake was light with a perfect crust. A nice cup of coffee too, not too bitter/​strong like other outfits.
The little old man who brings around the peach schnapps is a nice touch and he did mention that Hillary Clinton had sat at the same table that we were at. I didn’t hold that against them this time. My mother-​in-​law liked that the old fellow gives out hugs too, so if your having a bad day ask him for a hug he is more than willing to give the gals a squeeze.
Overall this is a great meal with some nice folks (mostly) serving you, but lose the attitude in some instances.

I wish this place delivered because it is one of the best in Murray Hill or for that matter in NYC. It is sort of Italian, but they have great veal, lamb shank, Filet Mignon with peppercorn sauce [best in town and reasonable] fish and many other choices. You will be amazed at how perfect every dish is and how fair he prices are compared to the celebrity restaurants. This is not a trendy or hipster place but foodies and regulars love it and locals flock her once a week to get the best food in Murray Hill. As a chef [The Diet Bible bach​e​lors​bible​.com] I know great food and that means quality ingredients prepared the proper way by an actual chef, not some guy they trained last week to deep fry the veal parm and dump cheap red sauce on it… try the veal parm or the pasts dishes, you will thank me and Johnny who has been there 40 years.

Villa Berulia has been around in Murray Hill for 34 years. How many restaurants in New York survive for one year, let alone 34? How many restaurants anywhere survive for 34 years? It was nice to step into a place that’s actually vintage, not faux-​vintage. You can tell the difference.
To be honest, I’d probably never have come here if my boyfriend didn’t live right across the street. The exterior is unassuming, and the restaurant certainly isn’t trendy so it’s never the subject of discussion amongst the 20 and 30-​something crowds. In fact, Villa Berulia seems to overwhelmingly attract older patrons and large families.
VB has a selection of wines priced very reasonably at $ 34 to celebrate their 34 years, including a bottle called ‘tinto’ which apparently just means red wine in Spanish but was likened to a Cabernet by our waiter. That sounded good to us, so we ordered it, and it was wonderful.
The bf had one of the specials of the night: the lamb shank. I had the salmon in a mustard dill sauce, which was served with potatoes and green beans. The salmon was cooked perfectly and the portion was huge — definitely worth the $ 26. The sauce was light, flavorful, and balanced. We were too full to order dessert, but I appreciated the dessert cart that was being hauled around all night. You don’t see that too much anymore.

One of the best restaurants in NYC! Consistently delivers fantastic food with perfect and warm service.
Have been coming for years — just gets better and better

My husband and I had dinner here for the first time this past weekend and it was by far one of the best dining experiences we’ve had in a while. Villa Berulia’s décor creates a romantic atmosphere with a bit of old-​fashioned Italian charm. The entire staff was excellent from start to finish, making us feel right at home as if we were regulars. The food was exceptional and very reasonably priced. The overall experience was worth the trip to Murray Hill and we will definitely be returning soon!

Food and service were excellent. I have walked by here a number of times and have not stopped. I will definitely be back.

Delicious Italian food in the Murray Hill section of the City. Very courteous host with experienced and knowledgable wait staff.
Our party of 3 ordered a bottle of white wine from Croatia. It was dry and crisp and paired perfectly with our meal. I had Veal Piccata which was perfectly prepared. 3 thin slices of veal in a light wine sauce with capers. The sides were sautéed green beans with garlic and olive oil and sliced roasted potatoes. The veal was delicious. Others in our party ordered the Chicken Maria. Chicken breast is grilled and served on a bed of arugula and was very tasty. Also ordered was Veal Scaloppini with prosciutto and red peppers. That was a hit with the savory ham and the sweet red peppers. We also ordered home made cheesecake (made with ricotta) and the raspberry torte which was light, sweet and delectable.
This place is worth a visit for great Italian food at reasonable prices with expert service. The owner, John, made our party feel right at home with a gratis peach liquor at the end of our meal.
So about the décor that some feel the need to comment about… This place is about the food, the food and the food.
Will definitely be back on my next trip to the Big Apple.

Villa Berulia has that old fashioned /​old school cozy Italian feel to it — five star ambience.
Seated with a friend we shared two appetizers. The Mozzarella Caprese was enjoyed but not outstanding. The Fried Calamari however was a home run. Fresh, tender and perfectly prepared.
Our mains included the Veal Parmigiana which was enjoyed.
The Stuffed Veal Chop was outstanding. The intensely flavorful sauce — the hot cheese, mushrooms oozing out the perfectly cooked veal. This was a memorable dish.
Service was a bit intrusive. Once seated we were immediately informed of the specials and asked if we were ready to order. Our menus didn’t even arrive yet.
We were here for the «long haul» looking to catch up on things. Service finally got the message.
Regardless — A fine dining evening.

A classic old school Italian. Johnny the host is the man, he is a star, taking care of the business for more than 40 years. They need urgent a new décor, it can be super classic but they don’t spend in a rug what can you expect, it looks dirty. We wish the best for Johnny, but the place is depressing. It looks old and dirty. Yuck, the rug is full of dust. They should call the cleaners.
I saw a big fight between ex husband and ex wife, yelling and screaming big time.
The pasta was delicious. The kitchen is very good. One star because of the dirtiness.

My boyfriends’ friend celebrated his birthday here last night, great welcoming by the entire staff as soon as we walked inside the door. We had our coats checked and was directed to the back room to greet the rest of the party. We were a party of 20 and good thing we were seated in the back because we were a loud crowd. We had a prefix menu, which I was disappointed because I was set on one of their pasta dishes. Customer service was great but we didn’t realize until the end that we were pushed with the bottles of wines by the waiter. I asked for a glass of chianti and he brought me Cabernet and poured the wine in everyone’s glass. by the end it was $ 115 per person. Maybe we were being racially profiled and figured we wouldn’t know the difference, but as for someone who worked in an Italian restaurant, I know my Italian reds. I did not make a fuss because we were a large group for just one waiter.

Love this place. Old school Italian with a great staff who will know you by name the second or third time you eat there. Been going and referring others for years — everyone likes it. Just go!

Four solid stars for the food, and none left over for service. We selected this place because it had solid reviews as a neighborhood local’s place with authentic food and a great history. We ate there even though we hear that Hillary C eats here from time to time. My politics are showing.
The veal chop and the risotto were fantastic. Great bread, tasty beet salad, and a gratis after dinner drink (I had limoncello). The tables are cozy, the restaurant has a tuscan feel to it and has lots of nooks and crannies to give it an intimate feel.
We ate there on Valentine’s Day. We were greeted enthusiastically at the door by John (I think) and whisked to our table where 3 servers in black tie welcomed and seated us. Our table server, who had worked there for years, was a little too smug for my liking, he would make a comment or joke that left us wondering — did he mean something by that? Others have noted some erratic service here and we had the same. I kinda felt like he was being condescending, which if so is too bad as I’ve eaten my way across the world in lots of James Beard/​Michelin type places. And even though I saw roses laid in front of every other female patron that night — I had to ask as we were leaving.
So — absolutely come for the food! Awesome Italian. And to support a neighborhood joint. And tip accordingly.

Absolutely one of my favorite restaurants in NYC. My father used to have biz lunches here & take me here when I was a little girl… over 30 years later I now have my own business lunches here. John (owner) remembers me coming in as little girl & gives me my father’s table. Outstanding service… never rushed. Super friendly staff. Outstanding food (amazing chicken parm). I cannot say enough about how outstanding this restaurant is…

Really nice place… quite romantic and a lovely discovery in the mayhem of Midtown/​Murray Hill. Working 2 blocks away, it’s always a challenge to find decent places to eat!!! Get one of the pasta dishes in app size to split between 2 – 3 people and then move onto one of their delicious meat or fish dishes for a main course. Portions are big. Save room for dessert… had the flourless cake, which was delish and tasted just like chocolate frosting! Complimentary apres-​dinner drinks were a fantastic surprise.

My wife and I were in town for her 2014 nyc marathon tomorrow — and wanted an early but nice dinner before calling it a night. She wanted Italian, but neither of us wanted to take the time to head down to mulberry /​motts streets, so we learned about this gem via Unilocal.
A very romantic restaurant close to Park on 34^th, we walked from our hotel (see separate review) on 38^th/​Madison and had a thoroughly enjoyable dinner.
Previous reviews revealed Croats owned this restaurant, and so this came up in conversation early on. 30+ years ago, my parents periodically took me to a Croatian restaurant in Germany and I often ordered Ćevapčići. Turns out I could order it here! (Not on the menu — but available). It was a time capsule back to more innocent days.
My lovely vegetarian wife ordered the Agnolotti with vodka sauce which she really enjoyed (spinach crescents, marscapone, artichoke heart purée). I had the lamb shank with arborio. Very enjoyable dish.
Mer’s sweet tooth gravitated towards the pumpkin cheesecake & the wild strawberry tart. I went with a double espresso and had a surprise cognac on the house.
From the coat rack check-​in to the mints upon exit, we enjoyed the evening and definitely recommend it.