Collina Italiana has made a big difference in my Italian learning, which up to this point (. . . on my own . . .) has been through lessons on Pimsleur, shows on Netflix/MHzChoice/Rai, and online tutors through Preply. I enrolled in the B1++ class (spring 2023), and there is definitely something transformational about in-person classes with same level classmates, well put together materials, and a wonderful teacher (Sara). It has forced me to use a new mental muscle and made my Italian that much more well-rounded, as well as even more appreciate the beauty of the language (even the grammar rules)! The front office (Christina and Luna) has been great with communications and administration. There are several classes happening at once when I'm there so I feel like I'm part of a real Italian learning community. I also went to an exhibition event at the Center for Italian Modern Art ("CIMA") led by Collina (thanks Patrizia!) that opened my eyes to another part of the NYC Italian art community as well as other Italians/Italian learners. The event was in Italian, which I really appreciated. Looking forward to more classes and events with Collina Italiana when I'm in NYC and not traveling in Sicily!!!

I’ve been with Collina Italiana for almost two years. Prior to attending this school I tried three others and none of them come close to the education and experience I have here. The quality of the teachers is top notch (everyone is a native speaker) and there is such dedication given to each student. The pace at which we learn is perfect and the learning of grammar and vocabulary is presented in a way that is fun and memorable. This school feels like home and each week I can’t wait to get to my class. Even the other teachers, outside of my class, take an interest and greet us all with such warmth and friendliness. Honestly, if you’re looking for a school , look no more!! This is the place.

We have been coming to Collina Italiana for almost 10 years now. Patrizia and her instructors are the best at what they do. They are all native Italian and are trained as educators. There are an abundance of class offerings and private lessons to accommodate everyone. It is a wonderful place!!

Italian is the language of music and art and I always wanted to learn it and speak it. My grand father was from the region of arts, Tuscany and he grew up in Firenze. To me learning to speak properly is a tribute to my heritage. Collina italiana is a boutique school, I have been followed step by step, the instructors are professional, educated and respectful. The approach is fine and properly structured. Learning is easy and pleasant. The environment is inviting and absolutely educative under several aspects. Their prices are fair and the classes are structured in a comfortable and comprehensive way. I definitely recommend to meet Patrizia Saglio, the school funder to get a proper grounded orientation, she is a true gem and extremely knowledgeable. I encourage to consider this school to anyone wishing to, properly and intelligently, learn the language of Dante, art and music.

FANTASTIC. I went to another school before I went to Collina. Those classes were supposed to be mixed grammar and conversation. That meant that the class would break up in groups of twos or threes, or even more, and these were not always groups that were congenial. Conversation was sometimes awkward, and some people were very hard to get along with. However, I have observed the same grammar and conversation group classes at Collina and they are not even comparable! Moreover, classes at the other school had as many as 12 students - the average class at Collina has 6! In the group classes at Collina, the instructors speak ONLY Italian. When asked for a definition, they offer a synonym, again in Italian. The exercises done in class are done by the whole group, which means everyone has to answer a question in turn. That is invaluable, because everyone participates. There are stories to read (by the chapter), and recordings of conversations to listen to, on which everyone has to offer a precis on, again in Italian. The level of spoken Italian in the group classes is VERY HIGH compared to what I had at the other school. I am now taking private lessons with Danilo, who is a fabulous teacher. I really enjoy them and enjoy doing the homework. We do grammar and much conversation. I went to Rome after a course of lessons with him and received compliments on my Italian! At the break, the school even offers you “un po di Prosecco, caffe o te”! I cannot praise this school enough. I also cannot praise the directress, Patrizia Saglio, enough - she offers wonderful, attentive, customized, personal service! I feel at home at Collina, I am learning a lot, and I urge you to try it. SEMPLICEMENTE MERAVIGLIOSA.

This is my third Italian language school. One was based in a book store and while the 4 trimesters were fun and a good start, the classes were too large for conversation and they fed us grammar at a speed like drinking from a fire hose, rather than letting something settle before moving on. The second, on the UWS, was with a teacher that was incredibly disorganized and hyper-emotional; not a good setting for language learning. Collina Italiana is delightful- classes are small; our teacher is planful and yet flexible enough to respond to the interests of adult learners. She has excellent judgement RE the right amount of new material to introduce and how to interestingly review and reinforce. Written materials are excellent and never disorganized. What a relief and a pleasure.

Everyone at Collina is so warm and welcoming! The environment is relaxed and fun, and the class sizes are small so you really get to participate and practice the language. I've taken Italian before and studied it on apps, but there's nothing like actually speaking it with people. I really appreciate the way my teacher Luna breaks down the lessons and explains everything. I'm looking forward to taking more classes here!

Collina Italiana is THE place in New York to learn all things Italian. I've taken several classes so I can talk with my family in Italy, and I've thoroughly benefitted from each session. While I still must slow my family down when they speak, I do understand more and more, amazing both them and me!! Cristina, Diletta, Danilo, and most recently, Luna, are skillfully excellent teachers, who lead knowledge and support with patience. Hats off to Patrizia's smooth administration too. Though commitments take me away right now, I know I will return, particularly before my next trip to Italy. Grazie, Collina Italiana!

La Collina Italiana is my favorite weekly escape—and the best way to stay connected to Italian language and culture. The classes strike the perfect balance of conversation, grammar, and cultural immersion, all taught with warmth and heart. It’s a total gem: engaging, energizing, and filled with a wonderful community of Italophiles. A charming little slice of Italy on the UES!

Coming to Collina Italiana for my Italian classes is the highlight of my week, every single week! My teacher Ilaria is so kind, patient, and so positive, and her experience is so clear in her ability to explain concepts in various different ways to help students understand. Class is fun, (with a pausa for espresso in the middle!) I have gone from knowing a few words and phrases in Italian with 0 actual Italian studying experience to being able to hold conversation and express myself in the language. I look forward to eventually reaching fluency, and I know I can with the help of classes at Collina Italiana. :)

Jenise Adams

Great food, Very friendly servers, pricey but they give big portions . The Apple Martini was great. They also surpised us with a dish of pineapple to share for dessert. The location is convienent .

Dorian Zane (Jacob)

I travel a lot and always make it a point to try Chinese restaurants in each major city I visit. This particular restaurant stands out as my favorite. Despite its unassuming exterior, the interior and overall ambiance are truly impressive. The waiters are exceptionally professional and friendly. The food is simply amazing, and they even offer complimentary additional dishes FOR FREE! I will definitely visit this restaurant again in my next trip to New York City.

Candace S.

The fact that this place has a 4.2 rating is madness! Wok 88 is a neighborhood staple and truly never misses. Anyone expecting this to be a fine dining experience — honestly that’s on you! This is not that type of place and you shouldn’t rate it poorly because of it. Don’t get me wrong, that’s not an insult. If you want really good food without too much fuss, this is for you. Living in NY I’ve become super picky about Chinese food, and I always end up coming back to my beloved wok88. Some of the best cold sesame noodles I’ve had and I am SUPER picky. I also love that the food never feels greasy. Just good, honest food that comes out quickly. Can you tell I love this place?

Alvin Motos

Great low prices. Great food and friendly server!

Joshua Barbuto

The best Cantonese American takeout dishes I’ve ever had. It tastes like you remember it tasting like before all the Chinese restaurant kids became doctors and engineers. It’s basically silent in there because everyone is enjoying the food, the food is so good.

Yi Ting Cheng

The best steamed chicken I’ve ever had! The staff are so kind as well. Highly recommend this place!

Kenya Woods

I have purchased food from this restaurant about 3 times in the past few months. The food and service are always what keeps me coming back. The delivery is fast when I order from there and I have gone to eat there twice with one of my friends this summer. It is a space we both love and I think back how long this place has been in business and the food is always cook so well. Service is always on point and I come there with my friend who is in a wheelchair and they always stop to help us in with the door. I appreciate this place.

Michael Hagen

So glad I went here. I got the new york new york and it was the best combo seafood meat dish I have ever had! Tons of great flavors Went well with Ginger beverage. Highly recommended if you want amazing food. Thank you!!

Abdelazim Wahdan

Very tasty full of flavor one of Best Chinese food in Manhattan. I tried different dishes I almost liked them all. The food tasted really fresh. All the meat and chicken cooked well. Staff very friendly and nice I recommend coming to here. The beef fried rice is great. Outdoor area pretty decent even it was raining. Parking not hard.

+1

Foodie Snappy

This place is great! The service is great! Really Affordable good food! The Rice... THE FRIED RICE IS SO GOOD. 🤤 The Best fried rice I ever had out of all the chinese food I had in my entire life. My girlfriend is really picky about food but wow she liked it very much. This will be our dating place even though we live very far away! The food we ordered are- 1) Egg drop soup. Honestly the soup could be better It lacks more flavor. ~To Chef. 2) Chicken Fried Rice. 3)Fried shrimp. 4) House Special Chicken. The server told be me “Should I make it spicy?” I said “Yes,Please!” But honestly It wasn’t spicy It was more sweet but It was good enough. ~To Chef. Next time we visit we will try out the other foods. P.S- Dear owner, If you are reading this , please let your chef know abot the food. Also, you should renovate the front side of the store it looks nothing like how good it looks inside.

+1

Andrew T

We had to eat Chinese food while in New York City. We found this place after being at the Met. Food was made to order and relatively quick. There were a lot of deliveries being picked up and the dining room was quite full. I figured it had to be good. I wasn't disappointed. The staff was also friendly.

Sarah Liz

I decided to come here after having a very bad lunch, that I couldn't eat. Ohhhh, this hit the spot. $12 for a soup, egg roll, fried rice and traditional sweet-and-sour pork. I was being greedy and I ordered vegetables and oyster sauce and that was delicious. I'm sold! Flavors are great the egg drop soup, was good. I'm definitely coming back and trying another dish.

Bradley C

The orange beef I got was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. However, the orange flavor can be stronger. Overall, it was a good Chinese restaurant and I will come back in the future. Tried the take out for the first time. Dining in is much better.

+1

Jovan Buezo

I’ve been going here to work 88 for almost 5 years I went here today 1-11-25 I ordered beef chow fun and wonton soup from the lunch menu the food was good at best could’ve been a little bit hotter The prices has gone up a lot lately before what I got was under $10 but now it’s about $13-$14 but regardless the food is good and the service is great

+2

O V H

The food here was surprisingly good. The lunch special here is cheap and extensive! Great deal! They have a lot of dishes not normally seen on a Chinese menu. I loved the pork with dried Tofu. The Taiwanese popcorn chicken was yummy. The hot and sour soup was a bit runny but still good. Service here is fast and efficient.

+5

Miss Peg

Inconsistent flavor profile. Fresh herbs bean sprouts, scallions, onions, basil, garlic - all have disappeared. Sauces are water down with only a hint of flavor at this long standing establishment. It’s definitely time to try a new place. Take out containers are smaller each season with steady price increases. Since the pandemic they have decreased integrity.

Brittany Holland

I visited Wok 88 in mid-July 2025 with some friends after work. When we entered the restaurant, we were seated rather quickly. My first impression was it’s a small place but the food must be good as people there was a steady rotation of people entering to dine. A waiter came over and brought us water right away. After a few minutes the waiter returned to take our orders. I did feel a bit rushed while looking over the menu. We received a food in about 10 minutes after we ordered. I ordered the chicken and broccoli with white rice. They only give you a small bowl of rice to go with the massive amount of chicken and broccoli. As we were eating I noticed the staff hovering over us. This was the second time I felt rushed while at this location. The staff was friendly it just seemed as though they were in a rush to get us out. They served complimentary pineapple slices when we completed our meal in which I did not eat as it seemed old. I will also tell you the prices are pretty steep. The restaurant is accessible via public transportation. They accept both cash and card. At this moment, I’m unsure whether I would return to this restaurant.

+1

Harvey Messing

This evening I ordered the Beef with Broccoli ($21) which was served to me at nearly room temperature. I sent it back and about two minutes later the waiter brought the same serving back again after it was reheated. It then cooled off in almost no time and was back to the temperature it was before. The proper way to handle the situation would have been to give me a new portion. The beef had almost no taste except for the taste of the juice it was served with. They charged me an extra dollar because I chose brown rice instead of white rice, bringing the total to $22 before tax. I had their chicken corn soup as my starter, it did not have enough flavor to it. The restaurant is between 88th and 89th Streets on Third Avenue. On a different day I tried their fish filet ($23) in brown sauce. The filet was sauteed and comes with mixed vegetables. I chose to have it with just broccoli (pictured). It was mild in taste, pleasing, and the size of the portion made it filling.

Lucii Love

#1. i want to start with the price. i had to call back to make sure wat i ordered was correct because this price too high. and wen i realize it was for .... #2. this small ice tea i was mad. i never spent $8.50 on 2 SMALL ice teas and it wasnt the original we get. #3 why is there egg in my rice? #4 the chicken was not cooked inside out. i did not want to rip this chicken open for the picture. i feel like i'll be degrading the chicken but at the same time u can see on the outside the chicken we get does not look cook well done. THEN i remembered what street this on. Im downtown. still not my cup of tea but im happy ppl still enjoy it :)

leigh young-mayorga

I ordered General Tso’s chicken. For an extract dollar I ask for white meat. The chicken was dry and stringy, horrible. I was looking forward to my fortune cookie, which instead of crunchy was bendable like rubber. Plus I paid $26 for this disgraceful meal. Will not eat here again.