Tini’s Restaurant – a Taste of Italy in Manhattan


Tini’s Gluten-Free Restaurant NY, originally uploaded by A Gluten-Free Guide.

UPDATE: Tini’s closed recently, but owners opened a new restaurant up the street, called Opus, read about the gluten-free offerings at Opus Restaurant in Manhattan

For a romantic evening or just delicious gluten-free food, Tini’s Italian Restaurant on Manhattan’s Upper East Side will please most every palate. I was able to visit this restaurant twice in the last two months. The environment is soothing, upscale and at the same time family friendly. This is a true Italian family owned restaurant. The owner, Enzo Lentini, greets regulars with a warmth and geniality I experienced during my recent trip to Italy. The food is simple, delicious and they strive to accommodate all gluten-free requests. Rather than a separate gluten-free menu, the few items that CANNOT be made gluten-free are starred.

Enzo Lentini relates that Tini’s was inspired to be one of the first restaurants to participate in the Gluten-Free Restaurant Awareness Program after a close family friend was diagnosed with Celiac disease. Tini’s gluten-free options give testament to the tasty delights they offer as part of GFRAP. During my first visit to Tini’s I ordered the scallops and polenta – a standout dish made with red wine, shitake mushrooms and butter.

 

I also enjoyed the grilled octopus and a taste of Andy’s Fennel Endive salad and Veal Scallopini. We were satisfied with all of our choices. I was also particularly pleased to see a Rosso di Montalcino on their wine list. It helped me hearken back to my afternoon at Poggio Antico.

Starting with the Fava and Chicory, a recipe from Enzo’s own mother, every bite demanded another until only the empty plate was left staring at my much satisfied countenance. It is one of the remarkable dishes I still crave and remember weeks later.

Another plate came with my main course, the Spigola Pugliese — a bass filet in a simple sauce of black olives, fresh tomato wedges and basil– providing me with yet another satisfying excursion in Tini’s world. Simple ingredients produce a bright and flavorful dish. It reminded me of the call for simple cooking at La Chiusa.

My friend Kris ordered the stuffed artichokes and oxtail special. Kris has exacting standards for Italian food, having also lived in Tuscany; he was thrilled with everything Tini’s offered. (The stuffed artichokes are not naturally gluten-free, but they can be prepared gf upon request.)

While I didn’t order it during either visit, they offer most of their pasta preparations with gluten-free corn pasta. They have a few gluten-free dessert options as well, including a Chocolate Mousse, Panna Cotta, assorted gelati, and fresh fruit.

Tini’s is not least expensive GFRAP restaurant, but the prices are not at all unreasonable for the location, ambiance and quality of food (appetizers average $10 and mains $18-25). It’s a taste of Italy without a seven-hour plane-ride. I look forward to many more dinners at Tini’s.

Tini’s Ristorante Italiano Address: 1562 2nd Ave, New York 10028 At 81st St Phone: 212-628-3131

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Cassandra said,

January 8, 2008 @ 1:22 am

Someday, I’m going to have to go back to New York. I’m sure you’d just love to take me to all these wonderful places you eat. :)

Catherine said,

January 8, 2008 @ 1:26 am

Absolutely, just book your trip and let me know when you are coming!

Cassandra said,

January 8, 2008 @ 2:04 am

At this rate, it will be a few years, lol.

Sea said,

January 11, 2008 @ 8:24 am

I’m so jealous, as always. Waah! I want some. Oh well.. I did have some GF croissants in Austria, so maybe my life is not soooo hard. 😉

-Sea

Carol Kicinski said,

January 13, 2008 @ 4:29 am

I wish I lived in New York! Just ran into your blog, it’s great!

Lynn Barry said,

January 13, 2008 @ 3:09 pm

Holy macaroni! These dishes look scrumptious! HUGS

» Gluten-Free Restaurants NYC – Opus Gluten-Free Pizza and Pasta | A Gluten Free Guide said,

October 27, 2008 @ 12:02 pm

[…] the Upper East Side Italian restaurant Tini’s closed earlier this year, I was disappointed to think that I wouldn’t be able to enjoy the amazing […]

Giuliano Tini said,

December 28, 2008 @ 11:30 pm

I am brasilian, i look for information about tini family

giuliano tini said,

September 5, 2010 @ 12:06 am

where you come from, i am brasilian and i have the same name, maybe we are family?

giuliano tini said,

September 5, 2010 @ 12:10 am

voce e brasileiro de onde, eu moro em londrina e grande parte da minha familia mora por aqui, se vc ler entre em contato, meu email é depositoipanema@hotmail.com

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