ZipPicks Awards
Best Italian in Long Island City
Best Lasagna in Long Island City
Best Outdoor Dining Restaurants in Long Island City
Best Restaurants With Private Dining Rooms in Long Island City
Best Family Friendly Italian in Long Island City
Best Family Friendly Pizza in Long Island City
Best Date Night Italian in Long Island City
Master Critic Review
Il Falco
8.4
A classic-leaning Italian dining room with a menu that does its best work on nightly specials and old-school favorites. The vibe is date-friendly without being formal, and the kitchen’s strengths show up in seafood pastas, veal, and desserts that feel made for lingering.
Must-Try Dishes:
Branzino, Burrata, Tiramisu
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Specials-driven Italian cooking with a patio and a classic LIC feel.
Who should go: Couples and locals who want a real sit-down meal
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for smoother pacing
What to order: Branzino, seafood pasta special, tiramisu
Insider tip: Ask what’s best on the specials board before ordering.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available but competitive during dinner hours; nearby garages are the most reliable option if arriving after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy. Jackets and heels won’t feel out of place, but polished jeans are acceptable.
Noise level: Moderate – lively enough to feel energetic, but conversations at the table are easy.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially Friday and Saturday nights.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days; popular with nearby offices but tables turn smoothly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple pasta, antipasti, and salad options, plus vegetarian-friendly specials.
Vegan options: Limited – some vegetable-based pastas or sides can be adapted on request.
Gluten-free options: Limited but possible – select mains and seafood are naturally gluten-free; staff can guide you.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. It feels elevated without being stiff, giving you a polished setting that still allows relaxed conversation and lingering over dessert.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights or earlier in the evening, but reservations are strongly recommended for weekend dinners.
Is it kid-friendly? More adult-leaning. Older kids who can sit through a full meal are fine, but it’s best suited for adults and business meals.
Best For
Better for: Classic Italian execution, strong nightly specials, and a refined but comfortable date-night atmosphere.
Skip if: You want a loud, trendy scene or ultra-modern Italian—this is about tradition and pacing, not hype.