New York has plenty of options if you can’t make the trip to Italy to feed your cravings. Here you can find some of the best Italian restaurants in NYC! Some of the favorites have been around for decades showing just how good their Italian food can be and that you don’t need a fancy setting to enjoy something authentic. If you’re looking for some of the best classic Italian dishes around, check out this list below!
1. Rezdôra, Flatiron
Get ready to be transported to Italy without having to grab your passport. Walk into the rustic atmosphere that is known as Rezdôra and try some classic Italian dishes. The head chef once worked in Italy and now brings his craft to the US, cooking up a variety of pastas, salads, and other favored dishes, including the Grandma Walking Through The Forest In Emilia (Cappelletti verdi with roasted, sautéed leeks & black mushroom puree) and Tagliolini Ragu.
There’s a reason it has 1 Michelin star and requires a reservation up to 21 days in advance. Plan your reservation and see the full menu here.
Where: 27 E 20th St
🚇: R, W
2. Via Carota, West Village
This women-owned restaurant in West Village focuses on their mission of “keeping a balance between authenticity and spontaneity.” Via Carota boasts a mouthwatering food menu of pasta, seafood, and even fried rabbit! Yes you read that right! Our favorite personal item has to be the signature Svizzerina, a hand-chopped grassfed steak that comes out juicy and steaming hot. Don’t forget to grab a drink too because their cocktail and wine list is extensive. Plan your visit and see the full menu here.
Where: 51 Groove St
🚇: 1
3. I Sodi, West Village
A classic neighborhood favorite, I Sodi is the place to stop in and get all your favorite Italian classics. When food is made with passion, you can taste it in every dish. Rita Sodi learned from her mother’s cooking and is carrying on the tradition with her own hands. This quaint space is a great spot to hit with friends for dinner.
Either sit at the bar or grab a table and enjoy some time enjoying the space. From Italian dishes to the classic lasagna, you’ll feel transported while you sip on red wine. Knowing all the ingredients are fresh, you’ll be dining fine. Plan your visit and see the full menu here.
Where: 105 Christopher St
🚇: 1
4. Torrisi Bar & Restaurant, NoLita
Torrisi Bar & Restaurant rightfully made our list as one of the best new restaurants in NYC since opening last year, and it’s still an incredible spot to frequent. It’s another Italian spot by Major Food Group (Carbone, The Grill), and its location inside the iconic Puck Building in NoLita directly impacts the feel of the neighborhood roots.
It’s on the expensive side, as it does brandish the name of restauranteur co-ownerships of Rich Torrisi and Mario Carbone, but it’s worth it after you dig into thier specialities like the Chopped Liver with Manischewitz and Italian and American Hams with Zeppole. It’s a dining production—as you can expect from a Major Food Group Italian spot—from the wait staff to the thoughtful plating of each dish. Plan your visit to Torrisi and see the full menu here.
Where: 275 Mulberry St
🚇: B, D, F, M, 6
5. Lilia, Williamsburg
Lilia is Williamsburg’s shining Italian restaurant gem that is both hard to get into and also delicious. This spot is headed by renowned pasta chef Missy Robbins and offers some of the best pasta in the whole city. Their assortment of seafood and wood oven steamed vegetables make the entire meal exponentially better and their wine and cocktail list is impressive. We suggest trying to make reservations as far out in advance as you can! Plan your visit to Lilia and see the full menu here.
Where: 567 Union Ave, Brooklyn
🚇: L
6. Carbone, Greenwich Village
There’s a reason some of the world’s most famous celebrities like Justin Bieber, Kim Kardashian, and Rihanna have eaten at Carbone, and it’s because of its incredible food and exclusivity. The restaurant itself offers an intimate atmosphere with a condensed menu and terrific cocktails. Be prepared to spend a bit of money if you’re able to snag a table at this exquisite Italian-American spot, but it may just be worth the price if you happen to catch a glimpse of a Hollywood star. Plan your visit to Carbone and see the full menu here.
Where: 181 Thompson St
🚇: 1, B, D, F, M
7. Tucci, SoHo
The brand new ‘sister’ trattoria to the NYC staple Delmonico’s steakhouse is a debut entrant on our Italian list, specializing in a menu of dishes inspired by the Tucci family’s Italian heritage. The 60-seat restaurant just opened in SoHo, and everything feels like it’s remained in the family—from the murals of Max Tucci’s grandparents on the walls to the family recipes like TUCCI’S Meatballs and Poached Dover Sole. Learn more about Tucci here.
Where: 643 Broadway
🚇: B, D, F, M, 6
8. Di Fara Pizza, Midwood
Pizza is one of the first things you think of when you think of classic Italian dishes. Di Fara, a family-run pizza joint, is one of the best in the area. Here, you’ll get a mix of locals and visitors from all over the world dying to enjoy one of the best pizzerias in NYC.
Buy a slice or a whole pie of Domenico DeMarco’s handmade pizzas. Made with the love for good pizza, cheese, basil, and tomato sauce, the wait is worth it. Plan your visit to Di Fara’s and see full menu here.
Where: 1424 Avenue J, Brooklyn
🚇: Q
9. Don Angie, West Village
Don Angie is understandably one of the most renowned names you’ll hear thrown around in the NYC culinary discussion. They’re Michelin-starred thanks to their husband and wife chef team duo (Scott Tacinelli and Angie Rito), and they serve one of the most talked about shared dishes in all of NYC…the Lasagna for Two (Italian Sausage Bolognese, Whipped Robiolina). We promise this place gets better every, single, time. Plan your visit to Don Angie and see the full menu here.
Where: 103 Greenwich Ave
🚇: 1, 2, 3, A, C, L
10. Marea, Central Park South
Marea may be the priciest restaurant on this list, but their food quality is off the charts. This Michelin-starred Italian spot has been named one of the best Italian restaurants in NYC by many of the top critiques and has paved its way as one of NYC’s iconic restaurants. Along with their Italian, they boast some of the best seafood in the city, which is why we recommend their highly-sought after Octopus Fusilli! Plan your visit to Marea and see full menu here.
Where: 240 Central Park S
🚇: 1
11. Roberto’s, Bronx
Roberto Paciullo opened his own restaurant nearly 20 years ago and has been serving some of the best Italian food in The Bronx ever since. Roberto’s is an authentic Italian experience centered around its country-style meals, delicious and fresh selections of pasta, and their constantly rotating list of specials. This spot sits right in the middle of The Bronx’s version of “Little Italy” and has been a staple for both families and friends alike. Plus, the portions of food you receive make this place a no brainer next time you’re craving Italian food. Plan your visit to Roberto’s and see full menu here.
Where: 603 Crescent Ave, Bronx
🚇: B, D
12. L’Artusi, West Village
With over 15 years of experience under their belts, L’Artusi continues to impress all these years later. Executive Chef Joe Vigorito, Pastry Chef Janée Humphreys, and Beverage Director Anncherie Saludo provide a rustic Italian a la carte mission that will introduce you to tasteful classics like bucatini with pecorino and pancetta or garganelli with mushroom ragu. Plan your visit to L’Artusi and see full menu here.
Where: 228 W 10th St
🚇: 1
13. Ci Siamo, Midtown West
Ci Siamo celebrates “the beauty of simplicity” thanks to Executive Chef Hillary Sterling’s live-fire cooking techniques that elevate the Italian experience. Menu highlights like the Grass Fed Ribeye and Rapini Agnolotti particularly catch the eye, especially after devouring maybe the best appetizer breads in all of NYC. Don’t forget to end it off with the olive oil Lemon Torta too or it’s a wasted trip. Plan your visit to Ci Siamo and see full menu here.
Where: 440 W 33rd St Suite #100
🚇: A, C, E, 7
14. Rubirosa, Nolita
Looking for a dimly-lit intimate restaurant with state-of-the-art vodka sauce TIE-DYE pizza? Rubirosa is the gold standard! The deliciousness doesn’t end there though. Between their freshly made-in-house pasta and their antipasti platter, Rubirosa serves up Italian classics like no one else. Of course, we can’t leave out the fact that their chicken parm is on another planet of greatness. Dinner reservations are difficult here so we recommend popping by during lunch for a slice or a quick bite! Plan your visit and see Rubirosa’s menu here.
Where: 235 Mulberry St
🚇: 6
15. Lucali, Brooklyn
Pro-tip: Get on the waitlist early! The restaurant recommends showing up by 4 pm.
This is one of the best Italian restaurants in NYC for a classic pizza. Cooked in a brick oven, Lucali has perfected its cooking process to deliver the best pizza to your table. There’s only two options on the menu, pizza and calzones, so you know they’re a master of the craft. The restaurant is cash only and extremely popular, which as we mentioned…warrants the multi-hour long line that often forms down the block. Plan your visit and see Lucali’s menu here.
Where: 575 Henry St, Brooklyn
🚇: F, G
16. Frankies 457 Spuntino, Brooklyn
Here you’ll get a three-in-one. Frankies 457 Spuntino consists of its main restaurant, F&F Pizzeria, and Franks Wine Bar. They are located side-by-side, so there is easy access to whatever you’re craving.
At Frankies 457, you’ll get the classic Italian dishes, house-made plates of pasta, sandwiches, and even a chance for mozzarella tasting. F & F Pizzeria is located in a converted garage where they serve up the classic pies with the freshest ingredients. Lastly, Franks Wine Bar has the outdoor seating to enjoy a small plate and a glass of imported Italian wine to enjoy.
Where: 457 Court St, Brooklyn
🚇: F, G
17. Il Buco, Alimentari, e Vineria, NoHo
Down the street from the previous recommendation is Il Buco Alimentari e Vineria, which is an Italian cafe. You’ll get a market-style cafe with the chance to purchase pasta, meats, and loaves of bread. Head chef, Roger Martinez, has experience in whipping up classics with his background in restaurants crafting rustic Italian favorites. Plan your visit to Il Buco and see full menu here.
Where: 53 Great Jones St
🚇: 6, B, D, F, M
18. Malatesta Trattoria, West Village
Over in the West Village, the spot you’ll want to hit for one of the best Italian restaurants in NYC is Malatesta Trattoria. The calm way the light flickers on wood tables sets the perfect mood for get-togethers of all kinds.
Although the menu is ever-changing, there is no doubt that you’ll find a classic Italian dish sure to curb any craving you have for Italian. From pasta to chocolate mousse, their house red seems to go with any dish on the menu. Plan your visit to Malatesta Trattoria and see full menu here.
Where: 649 Washington St
🚇: A, B, C, D, E, F, M
19. Piccola Cucina, SoHo
Piccola Cucina is a tight-knit and delicious Sicilian restaurant located in SoHo. At this spot, you’ll get an authentic Italian experience complete with the best-of-the-best staff with lovely personalities. The reason we love this spot so much is because they’ve mastered the art of seafood, all while remaining true to its Italian roots! If you head there with a group, be sure to try out one of their big seafood plates to share before you move onto your individual entree. Trust us, you don’t want to miss out! Plan your visit to Piccola Cucina and see full menu here.
Where: 75 Thompson St
🚇: C, E
20. Forsythia, LES
Previously a pop-up take-out restaurant, Forsythia opened a permanent location on the Lower East Side a few years ago. You’ll be able to enjoy your meal outdoors under a heated and waterproof area or you have the option to dine inside a cozy and quiet restaurant.
Not only will you find some classic dishes, but you can also learn to cook them yourself. Forsythia does weekly pasta classes which give hands-on experience with their chef. The menu is frequently changing, but there is always something for everyone. Plan your visit and see the full menu here.
Where: 9 Stanton St
🚇: F
21. Vic’s, NoHo
Keeping it low-key, Vic’s is perfect for either a night out with or without the kids. While the menu may look small, each dish listed is packed full of classic flavors. The menu will rotate with seasonal availability, but you can always count on receiving a great dish that packs a punch. They have pizza, pasta, steak, and plenty of sides to complement the main dishes.
Their wine and cocktail list gives the perfect addition to your meal, no matter if you’re in the mood for a spritz or Birra de Cedro.
If brunch is more your thing, Vic’s has that option too! Breakfast pizza anyone?
Where: 31 Great Jones St
🚇: 6, B, D, F, M
22. Osteria Morini, SoHo
This easy-going restaurant dishes out some of the best dishes from the Emilia-Romagna regions, so you’ll find all the best ingredients for a charcuterie board. Perfect for sharing with friends before ordering freshly made pasta or an entree such as Polletto.
If you are looking for a breakfast option, you can stop here at Osteria Morini on the weekends for their brunch menu, where you can still find a pasta dish if you’re in the mood for it.
Their restaurant includes pieces from an old farmhouse to bring a piece of Italy right to the SoHo neighborhood. Wines on their menu come from the same area, bringing their authentic flavors to you at home.
Where: 218 Lafayette St
🚇: 6
23. Pasquale Jones, Nolita
We’d be lying if we said Pasquale Jones doesn’t have some of the best wood fire pizza in the city. Besides their classic Margherita, their Clam Pizza is world renowned and their wine list is vast. If pizza isn’t your thing, they do have a handful of appetizers and pasta entrees to choose from. What could be a better pairing than a Neo-NY pizza and a glass of wine! Plan your visit to Pasquale Jones and see full menu here.
Where: 187 Mulberry St
🚇: 6
24. Palma, West Village
This hidden gem off of Cornelia Street is one of our Staff Writer’s favorite Italian spots in Manhattan. From the steaming Pappardelle alla Bolognese to the breathtaking atmosphere, you’ll feel as though you truly have escaped to Italy. Plan your visit to Palma and see full menu here.
Where: 28 Cornelia St
🚇: A, B, C, D, E, 1
25. San Marzano, East Village
If you’re looking for some quality Italian food at an affordable price, we couldn’t recommend a better spot that San Marzano on the corner of 7th and Second Avenue. With fresh pasta dishes all priced at $14 (minus possible extras and the pear and gorgonzola ravioli), you’re guaranteed to get a bang for your buck. The light filled space serves as a beautiful choice for lunch, or a romantic dinner date when the sun sets. And don’t skip out on their dessert, the fried calzone with ricotta and Nutella is unmatched.
Where: 117 2nd Ave
🚇: 4, 6