Il Monello: A New Martini Mistake on 49th Street
Another day in paradise, and I needed to get what I like to call a martini pick-me-up. Since Tuscany closed, I’ve been quietly searching for a new spot to scratch that itch. Enter Il Monello, Tuscany’s sister restaurant, tucked away on 49th Street.
It’s not exactly out of my way, but it’s not on my usual rotation either. That said, once you walk in, it feels familiar. Same DNA as Tuscany, but warmer. More neighborhood energy. Less steakhouse swagger, more Italian fine dining comfort.
This was my second or third visit, but my first time back since Christmas a couple of years ago.
The Room & The Crowd
Right away, the bar was buzzing. Regulars, but not the “local pub” kind. These were Rolex-on-the-wrist, suited-and-booted Upper East Side regulars who clearly know exactly what they’re ordering before they sit down.
The space itself is classic but modern. Lots of white, clean lines, upscale without being intimidating. It’s the kind of place where you feel dressed correctly, no matter what you’re wearing. Comfortable, polished, confident.
Ten seats at the bar, TV included. The screen’s a little small, but you know me, I’ll slide closer. A bar with a TV is already winning.
Drinks & First Bites
I started with my usual dirty martini. Clean, cold, no nonsense. Exactly how it should be. The bartender was sharp, friendly, and dialed in, easy conversation, solid pacing, no hovering.
Next up, the Caesar salad. A good Caesar is a good Caesar, and that’s precisely what this was. Crisp, balanced, not drowning in dressing, not trying to reinvent itself. Sometimes that’s all you need.
The Main Event
For the main, I went with the filet mignon, cooked to a perfect medium rare. Tender, properly seasoned, and finished with a peppercorn sauce that hit just right without overpowering the meat.
Alongside that, crispy calamari and French fries, because balance is essential in life. Everything came out hot, timed well, and cooked with confidence.
This restaurant group clearly knows its formula and sticks to it. No overreaching, no gimmicks. Just execution.
Dessert & The Proper Send-Off
Of course, dessert happened. Cheesecake to be specific. Not overly sweet, which already makes it a winner in my book. The sauce on top had just enough tartness to cut through the richness and keep things interesting.
Finished with an espresso martini, which gave me just enough fuel to get home without incident.
Final Verdict
Il Monello is a damn good restaurant. A 4.7 rating in that neighborhood isn’t an accident. It’s consistent, comfortable, and knows exactly what it is.
I’m definitely not waiting a couple of years to come back this time. This one’s officially back in the rotation.
As always, what do I know? I’m just a fat guy from Brooklyn trying to survive the week, one martini at a time. If you want more Top 10s steakhouses, burgers, restaurants, you name it, click the words and keep going.