A Frosty Evening’s Redemption at Villa Berulia

The Trek Through Winter’s Wrath

It was one of those nights so cold that even the frostbite seemed to wince. Why, I asked myself repeatedly, would I abandon the cozy embrace of my couch to brave the wintry tundra of 34th Street? But as my boots clacked against the icy pavement, the beacon of warmth that is Villa Berulia awaited me, its glow promising culinary solace.

A Legacy of Flavor and Family

Villa Berulia has held its ground—and its guests’ hearts—for over 44 years, a feat that deserves applause in a city where restaurants vanish faster than a Manhattan cab at rush hour. Their secret? Their website says it’s the holy trinity of “great food, great service, and great care.” A family-run establishment, they treat diners not just as customers but as guests at a banquet where every dish whispers history.

First Impressions: Warmth in Every Corner

As a first-time visitor, I was welcomed as if I’d reunited with a long-lost relative. The ambiance felt like an embrace, thawing the chill of the outdoors in seconds. Villa Berulia doesn’t just invite you in—it folds you into its story.

A Menu That Reads Like a Love Letter

Where Dalmatian Meets Italian

Villa Berulia’s offerings dance between Dalmatian tradition and Northern Italian finesse. The menu features a medley of housemade pasta specialties like Tortellini alla Berulia (ring-shaped cheese-filled pasta in a light cream bolognese sauce with mushrooms), and Croatian gems like Seafood Buzara (a hearty stew of sea bass, shrimp, and clams over pasta) and Vitello alla Griglia (Broiled double cut king veal chop). Seasonal treasures, from soft-shell crabs to lager-infused roast pork, make cameo appearances, while gluten-free and vegetarian options ensure no one feels left out.

Wine and Dine

To pair with their dishes, an extensive wine list whispers promises of the perfect sip. Raise a glass, for the good times are about to roll.

The Meal: Simplicity at Its Finest

Appetizers That Tease the Taste Buds

The bread basket—a humble yet essential prelude—arrived first, showcasing warm Italian breadsticks that disappeared faster than I care to admit.

The Main Event: Chicken Paillard

I kept my order simple: Chicken Paillard. Sometimes, restraint is the ultimate sophistication. The dish was executed with crispy, golden finesse and paired with a side that completed rather than competed.

The Sweetest Surprise

The highlight of the evening was an unexpected birthday serenade orchestrated by my girlfriend (and the sneaky waitstaff). Without warning, a slice of decadently creamy Italian cheesecake appeared, crowned with a single candle and accompanied by a chorus of “Happy Birthday.” It was a sweet ending and proof that Villa Berulia’s hospitality extends beyond the plate.

Why Villa Berulia Deserves a Visit

If you ever find yourself wandering the streets of Manhattan’s Murray Hill neighborhood yearning for warmth, love, and a dash of history, look no further. Villa Berulia will welcome you as one of its own, feed you as though you’ve never eaten, and send you home with a story worth retelling.

Make a reservation, embrace the charm, and prepare to leave a little warmer—inside and out.

By the way, New York City Restaurant Week is underway from January 21 through February 9! Check it out HERE.