We wandered into Pasquale's during an exploratory stroll down Arthur Avenue. We were seated right away. This was a Saturday evening and I was struck by how electric the ambiance was. Lots of people enjoying their meals and conversation. There was also the sounds of a live singer belting out Italian standards in a distant room. Anthony, our waiter, was warm and infectiously friendly. We felt welcomed and appreciated. We ordered lentil soup and chicken soup for appetizers and each had penne with a spicy red sauce for entree. My daughter enjoyed her lentils and I LOVED the chicken soup. It had abundant huge chunks of chicken breast and tiny meatballs. Delicious, and a copious portion. Along with bread and butter, a little plate of bruschetta and a large wedge of sharp cheese was placed on our table. This was very tasty. The entrees were delicious. Perfect pasta with a wonderful heat-filled tomato sauce laced with fresh peppers. I would have loved to try the amazing looking cheesecakes but I was too stuffed to even consider it. Our total bill for dinner was $57. This was a tremendous bargain considering the quality of the food, the large portions, the lively atmosphere filled with customers enjoying themselves, and a truly engaging waiter. We left extremely happy, and that's what dining out is all about. I wish I could give this place a sixth star. I can't wait to return. read more

What a disappointment..... We were quickly seated, and they brought over bruschetta and cheese that were delicious. Then, we were left hanging... Instead of someone coming over to introduce themselves as our waiter, they came over confused and asked if anyone took our order. We order the beef carpaccio appetizer, it was good, but the beef was served too cold, almost frozen. Then we shared the Gnocci and the Veal Marsala entrees. The Gnocci was good, the sauce was a bit bland. The Veal was served cold. No one came by to ask how the food was or if we wanted anything else. We would have had another round of drinks, if someone took the time to ask. Then we were stuck waiting for the check! With so many Italian restaurants in the area, I will choose another one the next time I go to Arthur avenue. read more

After a visit to the NY Botanical Gardens on a hot Saturday, we naturally navigated to Arthur Avenue for our reserved choice of Rigoletto Pasquale. It is a large venue with an old Italian feel to it. We loved the crusty Italian bread, bruschetta and cheese brought out upon seating. We began with pasta fagiolli- excellent, mussels in a yummy red sauce and beef carpaccio. The carpaccio had a tapenade on top, which I found strange, but it was tasty. During the appetizers service, our waiter ordered a cold antipasti platter by mistake but left it on our table anyway. The cured meats and cheeses were very good. Entrees consisted of: Homemade gnocchi bolognese- very tender Linguini with pesto sauce-John seemed to enjoy it From the specials- Broiled branzino- fresh, with delicious potatoes and zucchini Cheese ravioli with meatballs- the meatballs were tender and very good. We were stuffed by the time dessert came around but managed to share a ricotta cheesecake which was " we should have ordered another one". The atmosphere was very convivial and loud but not unbearable. We enjoyed Pasquale's and would make it a favorite on Arthur Avenue. read more

I've been here twice and was satisfied both times. Most recently we had the linguine in pesto sauce and the gnocchi in meat sauce. Both were great. The strawberry shortcake and tiramisu were also good, though the portion is smaller than I'd expect. The bruschetta that is served as a starter has bread that is way too hard to really be enjoyable though. Service as great, but it didn't start off that way. I had to wait for a highchair for about 10 minutes, and only because they were slow about it, it wasn't that busy. read more

Where do I even begin. I came here 5 years ago on a date, and came back this past weekend to celebrate our wedding! Initially Pasquale was supposed to be our rehearsal dinner venue, but given our need to downsize during COVID, it became the wedding reception dinner! First of all, Vinny coordinates the events and he was simply a joy to work with. Even with multiple changes during this time, he was very flexible and focused on making sure our party had a great time. Compared to other restaurants on Arthur Ave, he offered the most reasonable deal for a large party. The night of the event, the service was great and they accommodated us flawlessly- even providing a speaker so we could improvise and dance to our wedding song! Last but not least, the food. It's what we enjoyed on our date 5 years ago and brought us back for our wedding! The appetizers were great- calamari, mozzarella sticks (many were raving about these) and the burrata. My husband got the chicken parm and I got the linguine pesto, the rest of our party got a variety of things and were all very happy with their meals. The street was blocked off that night so we were able to take some awesome wedding photos in the street! Support a family run restaurant and go to Pasquales if you're in Arthur Ave! read more

The absolute best restaurant in NYC in all 5 boroughs. Patsy is a gentleman who runs the Rig like it was 1955. My family and I have eaten there for 30 years the best veal in NYC the best carbonara in the world. If your on the avenue and you want to eat a real authentic meal with real red "gravy," the Rigoletto is the spot. When your in the city go see Patsy. read more

I don't know what everyone is talking about. We got a basket of delicious soft bread with sesame seeds and chunks of parmigiana cheese. We had an artichoke which had perfectly seasoned stuffing, but was served in water? I thought they are served in wine/garlic. If available on the specials, GET THE STUFFED SHELLS. The menu doesn't list it, but it has spinach in the stuffing, and the ricotta within as well as the mozzarella outside the shells was just enough. Their sauce is 100% to die for....exactly why it's worth coming to Arthur Avenue. I want to thank Vinny, the waiter for being friendly, knowledgeable, attentive (and also, super handsome). read more

Rustic italian good a good spot anyday of the week check it out if your in the area . Great vino selection as well.

When we got to the neighborhood, we weren't quite sure of the place. All the food we had ordered were all great. Good portion sizes for an Italian restaurant. To me, they had the best Eggplant Parm!!! read more

This is by far the best Italian restaurant on Arthur Avenue. The food is absolutely amazing. It's like taking a bite out of Italy. The staff was very warm and welcoming. The Cavatelli and bracciole, and the Penne Arrabiata was so delicious.We had an appetizer prosciutto gently sauteed in Anchovy oil. Plenty of room at the table, you were not stacked like sardines. We will definitely be back with friends..Definitely 5 Star read more

everyone here is so polite, amazing drinks and food! it is a mistake to overlook this restaurant !

The waiter and staff are very friendly along with the valet parking. However , very disappointed with the food. We drove down from Orange County to have good food . The stuffed artichoke was dry with no taste, the lamb asobuco was bland. My friends had the veal parmigiana which for the high price was again disappointing! We know they can do better on the Flavors. The restaurant was busy and had a fun environment, But for the price , we could of ate local and had a better meal and saved money! Sorry , read more

Our parents loved this restaurant the first time we went and the second visit was even better. This place is Arthur Ave at its finest. The food is amazing and the service is very attentive and generous. Our servers brought us out several plates of the bruschetta and cheese appetizer with no complaints. At the end I asked to buy one of the delicious loaves of bread and was given it on the house. We had wonderful wine and my parents' Osso buco dinners were quite a spectacle. I am never disappointed with this area which is really the gem of the Bronx. You won't get better Italian food anywhere. read more

Pasquale Rigoletto Restaurant - Osso buco rocks here! - Italian Near Me - Bronx, New York

"This chicken is greasy and tasteless." These were the first audible words that came from the table behind me as I sat down in the main dining room of Pasquale's Rigolletto located on Arthur Avenue, better known as "The little Italy of the Bronx." It wasn't a very encouraging start, but I wouldn't let it influence my opinion of what the evening would have for my dinner associate and I. The menu offered classic Italian dishes that went fitting with the classic Italian atmosphere of white tablecloth tables with a bottle of house red wine on each. Anyone who sat down for dinner received Italian bread with slices of provolone cheese that had come from the hollowed wheel that had been displayed as a unique centerpiece to the room. I had decided to challenge the "greasy chicken" head on and ordered the Chicken Florentine. A family size plate contained about a pound of chicken with a layer of prosciutto held together by a francais coating. A generous portion of spinach cooked with garlic and olive oil went perfectly with the white wine and butter sauce that created that "old world" Italian taste that everyone speaks so highly of. Greasy? Not visibly. Tasteless? Certainly not. Each bite was packed with a buttery white wine flavor and cooked to perfection. It's possible the table behind me was served a bad batch, but they certainly got the right the second time. The majority of the main courses average between $18 and $22, and you will most likely have enough to take home. Move over Mulberry Street, authentic Italian experiences exist in the Bronx. read more

This place is near and dear to me ever since I was a freshman at Fordham back in 2001. My parents and I would always dine here and as soon as I step foot in the door I am brought back to the college days and get nostalgic. The food is authentic Italian cuisine, there have an all male waitstaff, and there isn't a wait despite it typically being busy. Most recently a group of friends met here for dinner but it was the tail end of the Ferragosto (feast of the Harvest) so we didn't get to enjoy a leisurely meal as they were closing within the hour. They also had a set menu which bummed me out and they no longer offer the bruschetta and Parmesan cheese complimentary starter. I could eat huge hunks of that cheese as a meal. Luckily you can still purchase it at Teitel's just across the street. I will be back and on a day or evening when it isn't so busy or following a long day catering to drunken locals. I do miss Arthur Avenue though, and Rigoletto's is a gem at the end of the street. We split the check 5 ways and it was $ 80 a person before tip. read more

Although I did miss the complimentary Parmigiano cheese bruschetta that used to be served, the rest of my meal did not disappoint. I devoured the pasta paglia e fieno, which is a green and white fettuccine pasta served with a light cream sauce filled with peas and proscuitto. I have had this dish several times at this restaurant, and it is always prepared well. My friend ordered the bracciole and cavatelli. The cavatelli were fresh, and the pork bracciole was stuffed with garlic, pignoli nuts, prosciutto, and raisins. The raisins gave it a somewhat sweet flavor. My cousin asked for something not on the menu, and it was prepared for her. Her rigatoni with spinach and garlic looked quite good. All of the pasta at Rigoletto's is fresh pasta, and that makes a huge difference in the quality of the meal. I topped off my meal with a St. Joseph's cake (also known as zeppole). The pastry cake was light, and the cream filling was so good! Oh, I hope that I'll be back to Rigoletto's soon! I really enjoyed my dinner there last night. read more

The good: free valet parking. The food: meh. Baked clams the smallest I've ever seen, and they were tough and rubbery. Fried calamari tough and overdone. Oslo Bucco one big bone with very little meat on an immense bed of rice. Tasted ok but plain. Silverware was dirty. Waiter was nice, but no staff knows who gets what. They call out the dish and you tell them. After the main was cleared the waiter disappeared to help other tables and we were served dessert and coffee by the bus boy who was overwhelmed and did not have a clue. Some things never arrived. The atmosphere is LOUD. Not a place for a quiet dinner. There was singing in the next room and while fun we could not hear each other talk. We were a large table and given the amount spent I thought the service was fair to poor and the food did not meet the reviews here. Strictly tourist food. read more

My first Arthur Ave experience was A-OK! After reading the reviews, my table of 3 decided to split a few entrees. Be sure to ask how the specials are prepared. The names seemed a bit vague but we were glad we asked because we ordered a couple of them and they were quite good. The portion sizes were generous. The prices were a bit high. I would recommend ordering at least one entree or pasta dish per person in addition to one appetizer per 2 people. The bruschetta and cheese on the table were a nice touch of old world Italian-American comfort. On a weeknight, we got right in and it was not busy at all. I definitely would like to try other restaurants in the area before coming back here. read more

Fantastic! My boyfriend worked for a longtime as a wine distributor in New York City and he (an Italian ) said that this was the best Italian in the city. 2 seconds after we sat down I nudes too why he said it. Our appetizers and homemade bread were unreal. Then, I was absolutely blown away by how incredible my calamari pasta was. read more

Pasquale Rigoletto Restaurant - Calamari pasta marinara dish! - Italian Near Me - Bronx, New York

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My favorite restaurant for many, many years. I have to give myself credit for my own cooking, but they keep me on my toes. I have had everything from cold antipasto (my husband's favorite), clams oreganata, mussels (in pic), all sorts of specials, chicken scarpriella, chicken parmigiana, cavatelli with sausage and broccoli rabe in garlic and oil(not on menu, but they make you whatever you want), gnocchi bolognese(husband's favorite), fettuccine alfredo with chicken (another hubby fav, and have to admit they may the edge on my alfredo sauce lol), ravioli's, one of my favorites-eggplant rollatini, and their chicken and shrimp francese! I know missing some dishes, but I think you get the idea. Everyone here is a sweetheart, its all about family, you feel like you are home. This is where its at on Arthur Avenue!! You would think I would have more pics of their food lol. Five stars is not enough! read more

Pasquale Rigoletto Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Bronx, New York

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I really liked this place. It's probably a little pricey for the food, but the waitstaff is top notch and the food portions are pretty generous and the food is reliable. I came here with my family for lunch one Saturday, and we had a great time. The bruschetta and cheese to start is great. For an appetizer, I would recommend the spedino (fried mozzarella with prosciutto can't be beat) or the artichoke. For an entree, the cavatelli or osso bucco were both good, but I thought the lasagna was the best dish I tried. It had just the right amount of cheese, pasta, and meat. I recommend this Italian place on Arthur Ave. read more

Really good place for big groups. I'd say my family comes here once or twice a year for some family event, and they always accommodate us very well. Typical Italian food on Arthur Ave, and I can't complain with it. Everyone is friendly and the food is great. Their pasta primavera comes with a buttload of veggies which is really nice. I like their gnocchi and substitute with marinara sauce. Desserts are also good and so are the appetizers. Always a good time, especially with such a big group. read more

To start off I went for lunch and was seated right away- the bread, bruschetta and cheese are amazing! Pasta is homemade fresh and delicious, the gnocchi filling was under seasoned as well as the bolognese it was missing something; the Alfredo sauce with the fettuccine was quite tasty - definitely try this. Prices for lunch were a little more then expected and server wasn't very attentive although the restaurant was not busy for lunch. read more

Pasquale Rigoletto Restaurant - Gnocchi bolognese - Italian Near Me - Bronx, New York

Been here since I was a baby but that's family right best everything here if I moved to Florida I'd take a jet plane just to eat my frutta di mare hey vinny miss ya brother love ya patsy read more

This is one restaurant you could walk in as a stranger and when you leave you can become good friends. The food, the service and the drinks Are very good then you add SATURDAY NIGHT ENTERTAINMENT it's the perfect ending to your week read more

We went to this restaurant because of the good reviews.I am a mediterranean and i appreciate italian food.The pasta was okay(i expected more being an italian restaurant).The house wine was good but glasses were dirty. The service unfortunately was not good at all.We were scarred to ask our waitress (who was a blond old lady) cause she gave us an attitude and NEVER smiled.We were helped from the busboys and they were very nice. Btw tip start at 20%. Personally i will not be back at this restaurant. read more

Pasquale's has consistently delivered solid Italian fare. I've been here a bunch of times and have never been disappointed. I typically go with the specials board instead of the menu with the exception of appetizers. I always get the Spedino (love it). Their Osso Bucco (traditional veal, lamb or pork are usually on the specials) is succulent and flavorful. BTW, a little known fact if you go around the corner from the restaurant there is a private valet parking lot on the right. read more

"MEH" After reading so many wonderful reviews, six of us decided to have a night out on Arthur Avenue. What a disappointment! On a positive note-the atmosphere is fun and full of New York energy. We had drinks at the bar to start and they were fine (I guess you can't mess up a Peroni). There is also a "music room" which it seems you have to request when you make your reservation. There was a lot of singing going on in there and it did seem like fun but our group was not in the singing mood as the meal got started. First the service-Meh. We spent more time looking for our waiter than actually conversing with him. He didn't seem to know much about the dishes he was serving and didn't seem to care much. We often had to figure stuff out on our own. We also had to ask a manager and several busboys for items we needed throughout dinner. Water was not re-filled without our asking. Now the food-Meh. Some of our starters included the following: caprese (good), calamari (meh), gnocchi bolognese (meh) and stuffed artichoke (tasteless). Our mains included Chilean sea bass (meh), veal francese (meh), and various other chicken and pork dishes (all meh). They have a policy of the busboy taking the tables dessert order. I though that was odd but was thrilled because we hadn't seen our waiter for some time. This was the conversation between me and the busboy to order dessert: Me: "My wife and I will share a Tartufo please." Busboy: "What?" Me: "We want a Tartufo please." Busboy: " What is a Tufo?" Me: "You know-it's on your menu-ice cream encased in chocolate." Busboy: "I will have to get someone to find that for me." That speaks for itself. Desserts at the table included pistachio cheese cake (good) and the now infamous tartufo (meh). The end of the meal couldn't come soon enough (our friends not included) and the restaurant did buy our table a round of Grappa. That was nice of them but could not save a sub par meal of bad service and mediocre food. Maybe next time I should walk into the music room, grab the microphone and let our waiter know we need something at the table. Oh wait-there won't be a next time. read more

So Caprese not so good. Calamari were rubbery, we asked them to take them away, I've been in hospitality so I know not to flat out say I hate it. They didn't even ask if wanted it to go, was it ok, I mean we left the entire plate full. I ordered cheese ravioli also underwhelming. I have to add as always that I'm a huge foodie and LOVE Italian everything and this isn't it ;( however it was recommended so I'm assuming maybe other items are better. Staff is very friendly though. OH they have really great cheese when you first sit down it's served with oil and tomato and carved when you walk in. read more

Pasquale Rigoletto Restaurant - Caprese with bodega tomatoes so tough to cut they could have used plum tomatoes also no basil in a Caprese? - Italian Near Me - Bronx, New York

This place is good but.. The last visit i didn't see an Italian working in the place. Used to be better but with the shrinking Italian population here it still holds up to it's promise of good food. read more

A "fine" Italian place. I ordered the "Fettuccine Matriciana". I was highly disappointed. It was supposed to be homemade noodles with a chunky tomato red sauce and prosciutto. The noodles were good and the chunky sauce was fine but I tasted (and saw) absolutely 0 prosciutto. It was a fine pasta, but it was expensive for what was served and the lack of prosciutto was really disappointing. My girlfriend and her parents enjoyed their food, but I was disheartened with my meal and did not enjoy it very much. read more

It's hard not to have a great time at Pasquale's. The food is great, and everyone is friendly and helpful. Get the homemade pistachio cheesecake if it's available. read more

Been coming here since 2002 when I was a freshman at Fordham. My family and I still come back on various weekends after all these years. For me, it's the best on Arthur Ave. linguini and clam sauce is one of the best I've ever had and it's been consistently delicious for 16 years. Chicken scarpiello is the other top dish to get. Most of the staff from 2002 are still there which tells you that they treat people right. Last meal we ate at the bar and had a great time chatting with the bartender. If you sit at a table, ask for Franco - he's the friendliest and best server around. read more

I went to this place on a request from a friend. It was lunch so I didn't eat a ton, but I was pleasantly surprised by the pasta fagioli. These days, good luck finding real pasta fagioli. I think the Olive Garden ruined that one for some of you, if you've ever seen their "pasta fagioli" it's basically minestrone with even more stuff in it. Which is fine, but that's NOT pasta fagioli. Pasta and beans in the direct translation, and that's all it should be. Pasta and beans in a tomato broth, or maybe a white broth, but nothing else in it! Some places put a little meat in it for flavor, but that should be the end. I'm getting away from the point here. Pasta and beans, that's it! And that's what Pasquale's had. As do most of the places on Arthur Avenue, which is why I make it a point to get to as many of the restaurants up there as possible. My dad got a chicken dish with a white wine sauce which was fantastic as well. The wine we had, Merlot, was also great! I'll be back, and I'll tell my friends when they're in the neighborhood read more

Really good food and generous portions. Chicken Scapariello was excellent. This is above average even on Arthur Avenue. Very friendly staff, very helpful. Nothing fancy, just good food, clean and friendly atmosphere. read more

Great atmosphere! The bartender is great! Food was excellent and fairly priced. Would highly recommend this place for dinner! 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 !

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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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