This is the best italian ristorante in little italy and im from the bronx old school authentic italian restaurant if yous in the bronx make sure yous come here salute to pasquales rigoletto great food and a freind ciao buon appetito read more

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The food is some of the best that I've had ! And the atmosphere is very fun !! Vinny is a great maitre D you need to visit this place !

I was at this restaurant with a group of eight people. I ordered the fettuccine pomodoro. Not a hard dish to make. My meal came at least 30 minutes after everyone else's. My husband got up to complain to the owner who basically got nasty with him along with our waitress who told me what is the big deal three other people aren't finished eating at your table yet. The food itself is not up to standard two people from the table had to send theirs back. Needless to say I would never go back and not recommend to anyone except maybe an enemy. read more

My husband and I were lured in by the free parking... but we were pleasantly surprised by our meal here! The pasta portions are freaking HUGE and we were both very, very full from one single (and quite delicious) fettucini alfredo... but what really impressed us was the *amazing* bitter-sweet yet creamy tiramisu, which is by far the best tiramisu I've ever had before. Service was great, the restaurant was very clean and orderly, and the valet parking is wonderful to have on a busy Saturday afternoon. I enjoyed my time here and will visit again in the future! read more

Ok, I have no idea where the person who said they seat you at long tables and have no menu ate, nor the person who said it was the best food outside Little Italy. It's ok, decent serviceable Italian. The best thing in the menu is the pasta with white clam sauce. Everything else is just ok and super expensive for portion size if you stray from the pastas. Yes there are specials on the whiteboard; we tried the Milanese and it was so overdressed the chicken was soggy. I doubt I'll come back unless the friends who love it here drag us back again. read more

We stumbled upon this place and it was a nice surprise. We were a group of 6. 4 adults and 2 kids. Food was delicious, but pricey. For an order of pasta for kids it was $19. I don't mind spending money on dinner, but some things are a little much in my opinion. Great live music and a wonderful atmosphere. The free valet parking made this place more accessible than many other places in the area. read more

I absolutely love this place. The food is out of this world, but that's not the best part. It's the vibe that this restaurant has. It is, without a doubt, the closest thing to a family dinner that I've ever experienced outside of the homes of my loved ones. The staff makes you feel welcome and eating there truly is an experience. The food is out of this world. Real authentic Italian gravy ("sauce" to the layman) and all of their dishes are made with the freshest ingredients. And how could they not - look at where they are! Arthur Ave is the Mecca of incredible Italian food, and Pasquale's is the best combination of environment, old school charm, and incredible food you'll be able to find. PS: try the pistachio cheesecake. It will make you feel emotions that you didn't know you had. read more

A group of us went to Rigoletto's on the recommendation of a friend and we were all glad we went. This was our first time to Arthur Avenue. We chose this restaurant over another because they took reservations for 8:00 on a Saturday and they had free parking. Our waiter, Joseph, was friendly and offered suggestions. One of the things I liked was the flexibility with our orders. If it wasn't on the menu or the specials board, they tried to accommodate our order. Before we ordered, we were brought a dish of bruschetta with a delicious yellow cheese on the side that looked like Parmesan, but was softer. We started with four appetizers to share: Calamari, Artichokes w/shrimp, mussels in red sauce and a pocket pasta (similar to tortellini) filled with Romano cheese in a white cream sauce with peas and prosciutto. All the appetizers were outstanding but the latter was a hit with the group. I had the lamb osso bucco for my entree with yellow rice and escarole on the side. The osso bucco was fall-off-the-bone tender and was quite tasty. The veal chop looked exceptional and the veal piccata received kudos from my wife. For dessert we had tiramisu and I ordered the pistachio cheesecake which was outstanding and only second to Junior's cheesecake. All-in-all, the group was very satisfied with their meal and all said they would come back again. I would give Rigoletto's five stars for the food, but took off one star for the ambiance. The place was very noisy and we were given a table on an aisle where my chair kept getting bumped. But this was a packed Saturday night so I didn't expect it to NOT be crowded. After nine, they had a couple of singers who sang Italian and other songs and, even though we were in the next room, they were a bit too loud for my taste. Nevertheless, we had a great time and really enjoyed the place and would gladly go back again, maybe earlier in the day so we can hit some of the markets and bakeries for take home. Hopefully, one of them will have that pistachio cheesecake. read more

This was my 3rd time going to dine on Arthur Avenue. The restaurants we ate in the other times there were OK, but, nothing I would recommend with gusto. Tonight we ate at Rigoletto Pasquale and I was worried that it would be more of the same. It was quite the contrary! All 4 of the people in my party loved their main course, including my Petto Di Pollo Alla Florentina . Super delicious food and excellent service. The staff was very attentive, but, not annoying. Even the desserts were delicious. If you have 1 place to pick when you are going to Arthur Avenue, pick Rigoletto Pasquale. You will not be disappointed! read more

Arthur Avenue has some really amazing, authentic Italian restaurants. Pasquale's is very middle of the road. As a Fordham alum, I've dined at a fair amount of restaurants in the area. I've had better and I've had worse. Apparently people go to Pasquale's for the famous Parmesan cheese wheel. Once the wheel is finished for the day you're SOL. Unfortunately this happened on my most recent experience and as I sat at the table I wondered what I was still doing there. The fresh made pasta is return trip worthy. The Fettuccine Matriciana is a standout on the menu. Fresh pasta really made the dish. We also tried Pollo alla Sorrentina which was pretty good, but could have been better. I think the sauce was lacking. The prices are reasonable and the service is kind of flat. Food and drinks come out quick but the wait staff seems miserable. read more

The hostess, a woman with dark long hair, in her 50s-60s is very rude at welcoming customers. She throws the menus on the table. She is also loud inside the restaurant and doesn't talk nicely to the employees. The food was not good. I ordered fettuccini a la matriciana w prosciutto and it only had 3-4 pieces of it, and pasta was overcooked. read more

We went to Arthur Ave for a nice day out to get some Italian goodies and wound up here for lunch. The menu was traditional Italian with some authentic specials. For apps we ordered Caesar Salad which was nice, the lettuce was crisp and the dressing was a lighter version of your typical Caesar dressing. Stuffed artichoke, this was cooked well but lacked in flavor, it also had an odd taste, not a bad taste, just and unusual ingredient I can't put my taste bud on. Baked clams, flavorful and the way I like them, the clam shucked and stuffed, not diced up clam with stuffing shoved back into the shell. The main courses were Gnocchi Bolognese which was very tasty and well done, not meat drowning in a tomato sauce, but a meat sauce with a little marinara to round it out. Penne arrabiata, spicy yet tasty and I really do not like spicy dishes. I had the papparedelle special with rabbit ragu. This was very tasty, but found some bones in the meat, which can be overlooked, but shouldn't be, in my opinion. Desserts were lemon torta della nonna and pistachio cheesecake. The torta was very good and had a really big punch of lemon. The cheesecake was OUT OF THIS WORLD, no joke, probably the best cheesecake I have ever had, and I highly recommend it. Over all a nice experience, good service, though there weren't many tables seated. A little pricey especially for a lunch at $141.00 for 4 people. At just under $50.00 per person with 3 apps, 3 lunches and 2 desserts, it just seems a little much for a quick lunch. read more

Nothing special, food average with some dishes overpriced, e.g. plain chicken cutlet $18, trippa with about six pieces of it and no side for $20?... The espresso was good. read more

Food always incredible. Attentive staff. Atmosphere is so real. You know you are in an old school Bronx Little Italy restaurant.

To me, the best in the Arthur Ave vicinity these days. The food is excellent and the waitstaff is great. We went with a large group on the night when everyone was singing and it was actually very fun. Goofy but fun music you can't help singing to no matter how old you are read more

Not the greatest Italian restaurant on Arthur Ave, but definitely better than other restaurants in the area. I am basing this review off of the expertise that I expected here. After coming here a few times, we just decided not to come back for a few reasons, although I would want them to redeem themselves so I could keep coming back. The famous thing here is the cheese that is hand-scooped right out of the giant cheese wheel. Served with bread, some olive oil for taste. Quite delicious, actually, coming from a person who only likes select cheeses. Very loud place, even if there aren't many people in there. Not the most romantic dinner I ever had, but this type of restaurant aims for that glorious ambiance and a decadent dining experience. Once, we supposedly intruded on a party of maybe 15 people or so, but we literally sat one table in front of them. Service didn't accommodate us well, like it was our problem that we were put in this situation. The service didn't try to calm anything down either. Overall, not romantic at all, but quite beautifully painted walls and service was decent. Pricing is reasonable to expensive, but you could find a bit better pricing somewhere else. The menu is authentic, but quite limited. Caesar salad is amazing. Chicken parmigiana was quite good, except the chicken could be a little rough. The flavors are ones of authentic Italian cooking. Great place if you enjoy the lively crowd, but if you want a romantic dinner, go somewhere else. Service: 3 stars Food: 4 stars Decor: 4.5 stars Ambiance: 3 stars read more

The food was only okay but the experience was great, and that is ample reason to go back. There were 7 of us, celebrating someones' birthday, so we sampled lots of different menu items and specials. The menu is extensive and the portions were so big that some could be taken home for another day. Though, I don't think anyone in our group liked their food enough to be interested in asking the chef for his recipes. What sets this place apart is the entertainment. It seemed like the diners (or shill comical singers) were spontaneously getting up to sing Italian classics, in Italian of course, and Pop songs(at least at one time they were) & show tunes backed by a versatile (necessary skill under the circumstances) one-man-band. In case it was on the level, I was hoping not to be the designated singer at our table. The siren who sang the birthday song did a good job embarrassing the birthday boy just a tad. There is a convenient parking lot on site. And who isn't up for a trip to da Bronx from time to time. read more

I was so excited to go to the real little Italy in the Bronx. Unfortunately I have to give this place 3 stars for one reason, the service. I just cant stand unpleasant service. How about a dam smile!!! Pretend you like your job/ business. Im not needy, but a smile goes a long way.That being said the food was good and great serving sizes. Like most Italian restaurants a bit pricey. As for the neighborhood, its safe its close to Fordham U. read more

We too ate here after a trip to the Botanical Gardens and were very disappointed. We encountered the same surly hostessES and the equally disappointing lack of service that others have complained about. After waiting 20 minutes at a bare corner table with no water, no bread, and no sign of anyone coming over, we finally had to flag someone down. The brash woman who appeared to be an owner finally came to the table. She clearly belongs in the BACK OF THE HOUSE AND AWAY FROM OTHER HUMAN BEINGS. We tolerated this because we were anticipating authentic Italian food from this long time establishment on Arthur Avenue. But when the food came, most of our dishes appeared to be reheated. The pork chops were too tough to cut with the knife provided, and the chicken scarp and the bracciole were both too dry. The ONLY redeeming factors in the entire dining fiasco were the 'special' gnocchi of the day and the cavatelli, which were both delicious. (That and the free parking are the reasons for 2 stars and not 1.) Regarding more service issues, I'm not sure how any worker in an Italian restaurant can't understand "May we please have some bread and OLIVE OIL," but it did take THREE attempts including hand gestures, to receive the bread and a few more to get some olive oil. By the time our food came (we ordered five dishes for three people with the intention of eating "family style") and we were told "I'll bring you fresh plates", we knew better and proceeded to use those long sought after bread plates. It was a good thing we did or else we would have gone hungry since NO ONE ever came back. We left a 15% tip; we usually leave 25% for a kind demeanor and good service...even that amount was PAINful. We won't be back. read more

The legitimate little Italy! I remember watching Anthony Bourdain when he went to Jersey saying that the seal of approval for any restaurant is a signed picture of one of the Sopranos...or an equally important figure. If that's the case, this place is pretty dang good! The hallway wall was covered completely with signed pictures. As we were walking to our table, a huge wheel of fresh Parmesan cheese emitted a beautiful aged-cheese scent. Awesome! The bruschetta-cheese appetizer combination was to die for. I wish I had gotten a pasta dish for the entree, but my shrimp was equally as good. Time for dessert!!!! Tiramisu was AMAZING!!! Just the right amount of coffee and the temperature was perfect. The meal was ended perfectly with a delicious cappuccino while staring at a particularly handsome Italian waiter. ;) read more

One of the most delicious restaurants on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. They bring you some parmesan and bruschetta while you wait to order and everything on the menu is wonderful. You can not go wrong here. You will receive very attentive service from the minute you sit down until you leave. This is an old school red sauce Italian restaurant with a menu of delectables. read more

Delish! A co-worker and I recently stopped in for lunch and really enjoyed our meals. The basket of bread that was brought to us was your typical cheap, white baguette, but the homemade pasta was delicious. I got mine with a simple marinara and she got hers with a spicy tomato sauce and both were delicious. The place was buzzing on a Friday afternoon and the service was fast and friendly in a very old-school Italian New Yorker sort of way. read more

I love this place. The food is amazing, from the big chunks of parmesan and bread that they put on your table when you sit down to every course on the menu... yum! They also have a long list of specials that changes constantly, so you'll never get bored of the menu. The restaurant itself is huge, so there's not as much of a wait as some other Arthur Ave. restaurants (except on weekend nights, when it's just as busy). The service is great, too; the servers I've had were very friendly and accomodating. Try their Osso Bucco... amazing. read more

Today was the day of my graduation from Fordham U. Upon the end of the ceremony, my family and I started walking down Arthur Avenue in search of a restaurant. We wandered into Pasquale's. It was indeed crowded--eve walks up to the man I've asked him if we can make a reservation for 10 people once again it was a busy day we had ten people. after making a face he agrees but he can take us if we come back in an hour and goes so far as to deaignate us a table in advance. but not before realizing (so very perceptively) that my father and i were conversing in russian and rudely spouting a bunch of poorly accented nonsense at us. we go get a coffee and come back in an hour. at this point half of our party is already sitting at the table but he told us to be at, they were then rudely shuffled off to make way for another party who walked in behind us, and mustve bribed the host. my boyfriend confronts him about the situation, and as to why my family is being displaced when theyve already been seated. the host then pulls out a time ledger of reaervations which is clearly the chickenscratch of an illiterate man. he then tells us to wait another half hour, my boyfriend then prompted our swift exodus. read more

Restaurant was very nice, service and food were both excellent. I would have given it five stars except for the musty unpleasant smell that the restaurant had. read more

Just as delicious as I remember! In the late 80s and early 90s I ate here many times and loved it. We ate here tonight after the Train Show at the Botanical Gardens, dinner was awesome. We had the Mozzerella en Carozza, fresh Mozzerella with peppers and tomatoes, salads. Then we had the fresh fettuccini primavera and with pomadoro and eggplant parm. Service was great good was great! Next time I will make reservations for dinner to coincide with the entertainment. read more

A bit pricey, but delicious. Great service (my tiny water glass never once ran dry) and excellent food. The fresh-made gnocchi and the tiramisu were a highlight. read more

Large portions and good service are the hallmarks of this Bronx, Little Italy mainstay. Fabulous red sauce and fresh ingredients prevail. Large dining room, comfortable seating, clean. Pasta served Al Dente, the way it should be. Homemade meatballs and braciole top off a nice menu. read more

Went there for my B-day dinner. Excellent Veal Parmesean and Caprese Salad. There was an old building smell to the place, but the food was very good. A little expensive for every day Italian, but will return. Service was very good and quick. Hope to sample the other Arthur Ave restaurants in the near futrure....stay tuned. read more

Best Italian on Arthur avenue. The chicken parmigiana is great and so is the staff and bartender Also the live entertainment on Saturday nights read more

Took the wife here for her first Italian food experience in Little Italy. We both had the Linguine with calamari. It was outstanding. Calamari tasted as if it was caught today. Red sauce was amazing. Silky smooth high quality tomatoes used. Prices are very reasonable. A perfect meal. Will hopefully return soon!. read more

A good place for a classic Arthur Avenue experience. Competent kitchen serving fresh if unexciting food. The service is pleasant and business like. Like lots of older restaurants of its type, the noise level borders on deafening, but we had a nice meal. The only disappointment was a grilled veal chop special that was perfectly cooked but lacked any flavor at all. The lamb shank was perfect, the braceola was textbook and the pasta was just as you would like. Everything was competent but nothing was outstanding. read more

Came here for dinner with friends and was not impressed with this restaurant. I know Arthur ave is known for its Italian restaurants so I was definitely expecting more. After we were seated, the waiter brought over bruschetta, cheese and a basket of bread. I enjoyed all three. For dinner I ordered what I read as fettuccine with tomatoes and basil but what I got was fettuccine with red sauce smh. I did not enjoy it at all. I ordered grilled chicken with the pasta and the grilled chicken was extremely dry.. I must say that my entrée was an utter disappointment. For dessert I had pumpkin spice cheesecake which was absolutely delicious, I want to buy the whole cake for the holidays lol. The service was extremely attentive even with an engagement party in the next room. I probably am not going back though unless I just go for the pumpkin spice cheesecake lol. read more

Disappointing as a "destination" Italian restaurant in an Outer Borough. I was expecting especially great food and it was average at best. The casual atmosphere was fine, and what you expect on Arthur Avenue, and the service was decent but unexceptional. It does have off-street parking, which is a big plus in a neighborhood where parking is difficult. We visited after a visit to the Bronx Botanical Gardens. In reading other reviews, the range of opinion -- good and bad -- is striking. If it was a joint in my neighborhood, I'd probably rate it average. But my higher expectations, thinking that I was going to get really good and authentic food in a traditionally Italian neighborhood, were unfulfilled. read more

This place wasn't all that. Decor needs to be updated, big time.

Overpriced Italian food. Menu was limited. I ordered the cheese ravioli with sausage and meatballs. I wasn't impressed nothing you couldn't get anywhere else. They bring out a basket of stale, cold bread hardly edible. I've eaten at better Italian restaurants in Astoria. read more

The food is amazing, but after going three times for their delicious spinach pasta with peas and sauce dish, the experience with the service was progressively worse. The same waiter always acted like he didn't want to be there and we were inconveniencing him. The third and last time I went, I found a roach in my water and didn't get more than a brief apology. read more

The food is exceptionally good . The Spedini Ala Romana is outstanding . The Calamari is excellent and the Steak pizzaola is melt in your mouth delish ! read more

My rating is for service only, because it was too unpleasant for my party to stay for long at all. The takeaway? Go to Rigoletto's on a normal day, not a holiday / festival, and go with a family, not a group of friends. Especially if they are all young women. I have had many a dinner with my extended family at Rigoletto's throughout my entire life, because my grandparents are Italian Americans from the neighborhood. The restaurant was always generous with portions, friendly, and accommodating. Waiters happily chatted with my grandfather, a real "paisan", and they would bring around delicious & fresh bread, hunks of parmesan cheese, and delicious bruschetta at the beginning of dinner. The main courses were good too. Today was Ferragosto, a yearly, heavily-marketed festival on Arthur Ave, and I arrived at Rigoletto's slightly earlier than the crowds, so it was fairly empty. My friends and I were seated by an elderly man, who handed us a menu that was clearly just for Ferragosto, for the tourists. Prices were written in handwriting next to one-word names of dishes. "Lasagna." When we asked the waiter what was in the lasagna -- a rather simple question -- he interrupted us mid-sentence and said, "No, that's it. That's the menu for today. Nothing else." After some repetition, he answered in a rather annoyed way: the lasagna was made with meat. Then he promptly walked away, before anyone could say anything else. Faced with the facts that (1) we were treated very rudely / dismissively in every interaction so far (2) there were NO vegetarian options on the menu for our one vegetarian and (3) the bread looked like it was store-bought, cold, and not that fresh -- completely out of the question for the Rigoletto's that I knew; we left the restaurant without even ordering. I am not sure if this is how they treat any ordinary Americans who come to the restaurant, if it is because it was Ferragosto, or if it was a bad day, but we were treated too unacceptably to justify staying. How different from being considered and treated like a "local." read more

Very authentic , when we lived in southern Connecticut we would plan the whole day in the city to include dinner or lunch on Arther ave . The Best! read more