Help! Bellavitae or Il mulino?

[minimill23]

Hey guys me and the hubster made reservations for Bellavitae and Il Mulino for tomorrow night but we don't know which one to go to. both are for 10:30 but I know Il Mulino has a reputation for making people wait about an hour even though they have reservations so what do you think? is the food comparable? or are they both different in their own ways? also I have been reading both negative and positive reviews for both places so I don't know what to expect!!!!! help!! I'm going out tomorrow =)

[danna]

I was slightly underwhelmed by Bellavitae. Didn't hate it or anything, but nothing knocked me over.

The Rosso de Montalchino (sp?) I had by the quartino was the best thing I remember. We left and went to Pearl's oyster bar for more and better food.

[Steve R]

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/210147 The definitive post on Il Mulino by caseophile.

[tsiblis]

I've liked pretty much everything I've had (and I'm not so easy to please) but it depends on your taste and how many are going. If there are two, maybe get a pasta and a main dish and split them.

[Snaps]

i've been to bellavitae a few times and have loved everything, except imo the tiny little risotto balls and i think the tiny little meatballs(?) were a bit ridiculous. each plate was about 9 dollars if i remember correctly and the "tiny balls" were slightly larger than m&ms and there were 6 of them per plate. they were tasty, and the name gives away their minuscule size, but i would have expected a lot more of them for 9 dollars. what we were served should have cost less than half of the price we paid. - otherwise, i love the atmo, great wine list, and all the pastas i have tried have been delicious

[minimill23]

Ok so then what are some good dishes to order?

[tsiblis]

Hi, I like them both and will try to help you get a handle on picking. First, you can surely call Il Mulino to ask them if you'll be taken on time. Il Mulino is costlier and more of a big deal. You're given delicious treats to start - sauteed zucchini with lots of garlic, a hunk of parmesan cheese, salami and maybe other things I'm not remembering. I'd be fine with that and some wine, but their pastas are excellent and (I haven't been in awhile but imagine the menu is the same) things sauteed in champagne sauce are delicious. If you're going late, I'd split things and not over-order as you do want to enjoy the freebies and you may not want to order as much at that hour. They have a big table as you enter with things laid out, all very inviting.

Seating is a little more comfortable at Belle Vitae as it's roomier. They serve smaller dishes, almost like tapas. I remember really loving the spaghetti with meat sauce. It's a sophisticated room, things are tasty and you can order as you go along, I'd think.

Not sure if that'll help but I think you should be happy at either place. If it's your one shot in NY, I'd go with Il Mulino just because it's more special.