Let us see what Yelpers say..
I have ignored the really old reviews ( 2008 etc.)
Basically good reviews with a sour apple or two
Villa Berulia
107 E 34th St
(between Lexington Ave & Park Ave)
New York, NY 10016
Neighborhoods: Midtown East, Murray Hill
(212) 689-1970
(between Lexington Ave & Park Ave)
New York, NY 10016
Neighborhoods: Midtown East, Murray Hill
(212) 689-1970
- Nearest Transit Station:
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33 St. (4, 6, 6X)28 St. (4, 6, 6X)Grand Central - 42 St. (4, 5, 6, 6X)
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri 11:30 am - 10:30 pmSat 4:30 pm - 10:30 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
- $$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Recommended Reviews for Villa Berulia
Review Highlights What's this?
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"VB and I both came to Murray Hill at the same time about 32 years ago..." In 5 reviews
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"Villa Berulia is an old school style family run restaurant." In 7 reviews
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"...had a couple of bottles of well priced Croatian wine (Bibich, maybe." In 7 reviews
Rating Distribution | Trend
34 reviews in English
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Review from Rajesh N.
Manhattan, NYFor the years I have lived in this area, this restaurant always appeared to be the grand dame of restaurants. Understated appearance on the outside but a glimpse through the windows would show you a whole new world of eating. We decided it was high time to check out this venerated Italian restaurants. Once inside, the place is larger than imagined. With a deep dining area and a bar. We were seated at the corner table in this quiet aisle of tables. The staff was wonderful and attentive. We were treated like we were regulars even though it was our first time. After settling drinks, we went to the menu. Grilled calamari for the table provided a nice chewy and smokey appetitzer. For the main course, I had a veal ragu with penne. The veal was tender and the ragu thick. Let's just say I used bread to sop up the rest of the dinner cause it was awesome. Even with being stuffed, I went with the Apple strudel. Thick, filled with apples, it was more than I could handle. I would suggest sharing it. Came with a generous scoop of ice cream. To cap off the night, we were each given a glass of peach schnapps. A great way to end the night and it wasn't too hard on the wallet. Highly recommend.-
Grilled calamari
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Plate of grilled calamari
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Penne with veal ragu
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Review from Kara M.
Manhattan, NYI grew up two blocks away from this place and for some reason it took 32 years to actually go there for dinner. We all wished we hadn't waited so long. For some reason, special occasions seemed like something you should travel to. Some neighborhood joint right around the corner couldn't be THAT special.
Not so, in the case of Villa Berulia!
Everything about our experience was perfect. This is one of those old school, special occasion dining experiences that I used to love as a child. Not trendy at all. Love it.
We got there early bird special hour (my favorite!) and the waitstaff was attentive and friendly. The captain recommended a fabulous Pinot Noir that was right on the mark. Portions were HUGE. My branzino was moist and delicious and I'm not sure why but the filet mignon was better than one I recently had at Old Homestead.
The staff and the owner are all beyond charming. They are mostly Croatian and when they found out that my mother's side is also from there, the waiters deemed us family and took good care of us. They brought over pamphlets and brochures about their mother country. We are now friends for life. It was my sister and my birthday and they took over the cake situation with aplomb, leaving no work for my family. What a treat!
I will definitely be returning soon. I only wish I could turn back the clock 20-30 years and have my first communion, confirmation, high school graduation celebratory feasts here as well. -
Review from Lenny K.
The place has a lot of charm to it and Johnny at the door (I think he is the owner) is a real mensch. Good feelings already. Nice touch when he sat us and told my daughter he was seating her where Hillary Clinton sits when she eats here.
The has a real European feel to it. To be honest though, the food was OK; nothing great maybe 3-3.5 on the Yelp 5 scale. At first I couldn't stand the waiter but he finally came around. My original discontent started when I asked for him for menus and he said he wanted to tell us the specials first. That part wasn't a big deal but after reciting the specials he seemed put off that I still wanted to see a menu. I have no idea what was up with that. Anyway, after that he warmed up a little and service from there on was very good.
They have a decent Caesar Salad. I had the Agnolotti pasta dish and my wife and daughter both had a chicken and shrimp dish. Like I said before, good not great; kind of boring; no real oomph. Bread basket not good at all and I am a bread basket person.
If this place was in my neighborhood I'd probably go here again but coming from Jersey, I'd rather try someplace different next time. -
Review from Denisa R.
Picture yourself going to visit your friend's Italian grandparents home. That is the only image I can think of in order to describe the decor and ambiance of Villa Berulia. Although it is located in Murray Hill this establishment isn't a trendy or upscale restaurant.
I recently went to Villa Berulia with approximately 12 of my co-workers for our holiday lunch. We had a private section in the back reserved for our party. Of course, I ran a bit late to the lunch due to last minute items on my desk. When I arrived, I went to the coat check area and asked for my party. I was then directed by a waiter to follow him towards the back while he made small talk during our walk.
Once inside with my party I sat down and my drink order was taken. Since the majority of people were enjoying some white wine I decided to live a little and drink some wine. After a few drinks, a couple of starter courses were brought out for our table including seasoned shrimp, calamari, and a platter of meats and cheeses.
The entire time that we were enjoying our appetizers the staff did an amazing job at making sure everyone had their wine glasses full or an item on their plate. They did a great job at making us feel like we were all one big family, which isn't something you experience all too often at a restaurant nowadays.
About an hour or so later we were given menus in order to choose our entrees. I don't recall the exact name and I won't try to butcher it either, but it was a grilled chicken breast in a cream sauce with spinach. I really enjoyed it, but looking back I wish I had ordered a pasta dish like their tortellini. After a lengthy dinner, the servers came out and surprised 3 of my colleagues with cakes for their birthdays. It was definitely a great ending to the delicious meal we had just enjoyed.
I enjoyed the old school family feel of Villa Berulia and their great customer service and Italian cuisine.-
Pollo Fiorentina
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Review from Stephanie S.
Centerport, NYI have been eating at Villa Berulia for close to 20 years and they have never compromised on good quality food or service. You could call my family long-term regulars, and having grown up in Manhattan there are many choices for Italian food, but Villa Berulia is the best I've eaten in the city.
The owners are a brother and sister duo from Croatia and they serve a mostly Northern Italian food, but if you want any typical Italian dish they can make it for you, even if it is not on the menu. The servers will never make you feel like you are annoying even if you are making outrageous requests, they make every effort to see that you are satisfied and go above and beyond in attentiveness and flexibility, they are a truly professional staff (from the waiter to the guy who scoops up the crumbs between courses).
If you go to eat there, do not overlook the specials as they are always exceptional and in season. The stuffed artichoke is a stand out, probably the largest and most delicious artichoke you'll ever eat in your life. All of the fish specials are superb and veal or lamb shank or osso bucco is served as a large portion of meat falling off the bone in the most delicious broth... I could go on. Everything on the menu from the salads to the desserts (cannoli cake is a favorite) is absolutely delicious and will not disappoint.
In terms of the ambiance, there is nothing trendy or hip about this restaurant, but if you're a New Yorker looking for the best Italian food in the city, I'd start here and if you're visiting the city and you want a really authentic New York local Italian restaurant that the native New Yorkers go to, then pay them a visit. There's a real neighborhood feel to the restaurant, the owner and his staff (most of whom have been there since forever) are regularly seen in the neighborhood and know mostly everyone by name and what is going on in their lives. Villa Berulia is a neighborhood staple and is the kind of place that makes New York City feel like a small town. It is close to Grand Central and Penn Station, yet NOT touristy at all and so if you're in for a visit and you want real New York quality no-frills dining, try it out. I guarantee a great dining experience. -
Review from Kevin C.
Tucson, AZI've eaten at a lot of Italian restaurants across the country and in NYC and I have to say this is at the top of my all-time list (I have credibility with a mother that's 100% Italian and made meals from scratch growing up!).
The service was fantastic, treating our family like we were regulars even though it was only our first visit. You can be sure it will not be my last visit - I cannot wait to get back! -
Review from Arsenio J.
SOUTH OZONE PARK, NYMy friend was having a birthday get together in one of their rooms last night. He expected 26 people to arrive to the event, but 3 of them cancelled last min. That being said the manager came in the room and barked on the birthday boy in front of everyone, it was very rude and unprofessional. He could have respected him as person and pulled him aside to discuss it. Besides that, the atmosphere was nice and the food was decent. -
Review from Jeff P.
Brooklyn, NYSuch a fantastic dining experience. Can't say more than that. It's everything you look for; charming atmosphere, charming staff and management, great food. Wicked classy! -
Review from Dan M.
Brooklyn, NYThe osso bucco is fantastic! Otherwise the place looks a little past its prime. -
Review from Nic B.
Miami Beach, FLImagine everything your 80 yr old grandparents would want in a restaurant: decor, service, hours of operation, other patrons...
Now imagine a restaurant containing a bit of their smell. Need inspiration? Think of what it smells like when you open their closet filled with old sweaters and quilts.
Finally, add in some mediocre Italian food.
And there you have it.
Villa Berulia is watching over you, you young Murray Hill whipper-snappers. -
Review from Arlyne B.
New York, NYSo, sue me! I liked it. The Osso Buco was not bad, neither was the gnocchi. OK, not the best either. But, the warmth and friendliness of the staff more than made up for the lack of inspiration of the cuisine.
Though I had never been there before yesterday, I felt like I had been to hundreds of Italian restaurants just like it. It felt like coming home --and I'm even not Italian! -
Review from Joel S.
Scarsdale, NYI should start off by saying what Villa Berulia is not: It's not a celebrity chef Italian restaurant. It's not a scene. It's not trendy or cutting edge. It is a very good local Italian restaurant that puts a premium on gracious service.
I have been going to VB on and off for about 15 years. The crowd is older and there are a lot of regulars. John, Marija and the waitstaff greet many of the customers by name. The dining area is divided into a few smaller spaces, giving the restaurant an intimate feel. The service is friendly and professional. We had a couple of bottles of well priced Croatian wine (Bibich, maybe?). The special whole artichoke appetizer was excellent and different- It was served drizzled in lentils and brown sauce which tasted better than it sounds. Agnolotti as an appetizer was very good, as was the cold seafood salad. The branzino drew raves. I had an excellent special of veal chop Milanese. We didn't delve too deeply into dessert and shared a plate of biscotti.
Villa Berulia is a great place to spend a couple of hours over dinner with friends. You will get to know the friendly owners and staff by the end of the night. You won't become famous by eating there.
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