The NYC Italian Hit List
New York’s Italian scene is so stacked, and it can almost feel impossible to know where to start. But after years of eating pasta around the boroughs, we’ve narrowed it down. From the classics to the cool new kids, here’s our ultimate guide to Italian restaurants across all five boroughs, plus a few we’d skip (sorry in advance to Carbone).
Manhattan
I Sodi (West Village) – Rita Sodi managed to capture real-deal elevated Italian. Tiny, intimate, and still somehow underrated and their lasagna is unmatched. If you can snag a reservation here, it’s entirely worth your time and the higher price point.
Via Carota (West Village) – We’ve waited in line in the snow for this place and have zero regrets. It’s a well-known NYC celeb spot and was made in collaboration between chefs Jody Williams and Rita Sodi (yes, of I Sodi). It’s rustic Italian with a trattoria vibe. The menu is simple, and the pasta is quality.
Torrisi (Soho) – Slick, stylish, and more on the expensive side, but the food really delivers. One of Major Food Group’s strongest restaurants, we’d say, and the duck is to die for.
Massara (Flatiron) - The newest younger sibling to Michelin-starred Rezdora, this was a standout restaurant for us last year. We really loved every bite of pasta and their mini pizzettes.
L’Artusi (West Village) – A West Village staple for Italian. Reliable pasta and a killer olive oil cake, plus we once saw Justin & Hailey Bieber there. It’s also not impossible to get a reservation anymore, so great for a group dinner.
Don Angie (West Village) – The lasagna for two could easily be overhyped because of how many times it’s been posted on Instagram, but every time we go, we are reminded of how actually delicious and worth it it is. The lasagna isn’t even the star, the crysanthemum salad is life changing (trust us, we know most salads aren’t life changing, but this one is), and the garlic cheesy flatbread.
Don Angie
Malatesta (West Village) – This is a cash-only, super charming Italian restaurant. It’s actually Madison and Michael’s favorite. Perfect for an early fall date night and super relaxed with no frills, just great pastas!
Elio’s (Upper East Side) – Now this is where you go when you want old-school UES Italian vibes. The menu hasn’t changed in decades, but you shouldn’t mind because all the dishes are great. You’ll find some prosciutto melon, fried calamari, and some penne vodka. The martinis are also so classic and are a must-order with your chicken parm.
Forsythia (Lower East Side) – Handmade pasta in a lowkey space. They offer a pasta tasting menu that changes seasonally, and it is always super strong!
Il Cantinori (Greenwich Village) – Elegant, a little dramatic, and was featured in Sex And The City when Carrie was stood up by all her friends for her birthday dinner. It’s truly an experience with the white table cloths and the mob mentality.
Emilio’s Ballato (Soho) – Ballato’s is an NYC institution to natives and celebs alike. It’s as classic as it gets. Emilio Sr. will be sitting at the door, seating guests, and you’ll wonder if the pasta is actually good or if you’re just happy to be there. We’re not sure the answer, like the bites are good, but it might not blow you away, just being at Ballato’s will, though.
Nonna Dora’s (Murray Hill ) – Pasta made by an actual Italian grandma! An 89-year-old grandma in Murray Hill is churning out delicious pastas, and we love it.
Rao’s (Harlem) – This is a bucket list restaurant, so if you can get in, GO. We’re still thinking about the meatballs, and it’s easily the best red sauce joint we’ve ever been to. The chicken scarp was juicy and the penne vodka was perfect. We were so thrilled to be invited by a friend and would go back 10 more times.
Sail Loft (North End) - It’s New England, so obviously you need some clam chowder while you're in town. The best one can be found at Sail Loft. It’s rich, creamy, and heavy on the dill, so skip it if that’s not your thing.
Tony & Elaine’s (North End) - While it's no secret that we aren't obsessed with the North End's Italian scene, we’re huge fans of Tony & Elaine's. It opened in 2019, but the retro vibe makes it feel like it’s been around for decades. Get the meatballs, garlic bread, bolognese, and a bottle of red. Review here.
Rao’s
Scalinatella (Upper East Side) - It’s nestled below the Upper East Side, you walk down brick stairs to get in and are greeted by a super sim restaurant. The Southern Italian cuisine is amazing, though, and none of the staff speaks English. The menu has only a handful of items on it because they literally just ask you what you want to eat, and they make it for you. It’s incredible, but be careful because if you order any truffle pasta without seeing prices, the meal will end up being.
Campagnola (Upper East Side) - Another longstanding UES favorite serving hearty Italian-American dishes in a lively atmosphere, including a live piano player. They serve generous portions and a classic Italian menu that you can’t be mad at.
Fiaschetteria Pistoia (East Village and West Village) - Come here just for the pasta and make sure to get the cacio e pepe. It’s laid back and perfect for a casual Tuesday night dinner. We really love it for your more relaxed Italian options in NYC.
Santi (Midtown East) - From the chef who opened Marea and Ai Fiori, the latest upscale Italian restaurant to hit the scene in early 2025. The pasta is strong; we had the best tortellini in cream sauce, similar to the ones we had in Bologna last year.
San Sabino (West Village) - A seafood-focused Italian spot from the team behind Don Angie and serving some different inventive dishes. We were pleasantly surprised by the menu and how much we liked their funky dishes like shrimp parmesan!
Ci Siamo (Hudson Yards) - We find this area of Manhattan to be a bit tricky for good restaurants, but Danny Meyer (Union Square Hospitality Group) plugged this reliable Italian shop into Manhattan West, and we find it to be delicious. It’s not your highest-end restaurant, but it’s really great for a nice dinner or cocktails. The vibe is strong and not stuffy, and the pastas hold their own!
Da Toscano (West Village) - They make these little tortellinis that you can dip in honey and parmesan, delicious. Another reliable, tried and true spot off McDougal that you can usually get a res at and has some great pastas.
Brooklyn
Lilia (Williamsburg) – We know it was all the rage in 2018, and everyone has likely been, but it’s still one of the best. Their cacio e pepe fritelle and focaccia will forever be our fave.
Al Di La (Park Slope) – Romantic and cozy with killer Northern Italian fare on the menu. Get the beet ravioli.
Bamonte’s (Williamsburg) – Red sauce royalty in Williamsburg, and the vibes are unmatched since it’s been open since 1900. It’s all Italian classics: chicken parm, clams oreganata, and enough garlic to ruin your week in the best way. Madison did a giant dinner party one year for her birthday, and it was iconic.
La Rina (Fort Greene) – The pasta is super fresh, the space is charming, and the Aperol spritzes go down too easily. We’ve sent many friends here for a pre-Barclay’s concert dinner, and they’ve all been so happy about it.
Michael’s of Brooklyn (Marine Park) – A beloved institution with all the Italian American staples. It feels like a time warp in the best way, and they sell their sauce in stores, which is pretty cool.
Lillo Cucina (Brooklyn Heights) - We’ve heard the owner sometimes sings as he cooks, and the fresh pastas rotate daily. A great neighborhood go-to and reliable.
Cafe Spaghetti (Carroll Gardens) - From the same chef as Swoony’s in BK, it’s a super cute and casual spot for a weeknight bowl of pasta and negroni. We only had a few dishes when we went, but really loved it.
Daphne’s (Bed-Stuy) - Opened in 2024 and was just recently added to the Michelin Guide! It’s comforting Italian American with a little modern elevated twist.
Daphne’s
Queens
Don Peppe’s (Ozone Park) – No frills, all flavor. The baked clams are legendary.
Il Gigante (Ridgewood) – A newer addition with huge portions and major neighborhood love.
Adrienne’s (College Point) - We haven’t been yet, but this place is high on our list. The buzz says the pastas are handmade, and the tiramisu is a must.
Staten Island
Joe & Pat’s – Technically a pizza place, but the food is consistently great across the board.
Joe & Pat’s
Enoteca Maria / Nonnas of the World – A rotating roster of real grandmas cooking their regional specialties. One of the coolest concepts in the city.
Denino’s – Pizza, pasta, and Staten Island charm.
The Bronx
Enzo’s (Morris Park) – The garlic bread alone could win awards.
Arthur Avenue Essentials:
One’s to skip…
Carbone – We know… the rigatoni is photogenic. But the food is veryyyy mid. Our meatballs were raw once, and the veal parm is literally $90 for 4 pieces.
Olio e Più – Touristy and overpriced, we think. You’re better off literally anywhere else in this guide for pasta!
Bar Pitti - Celebs might love it, but it’s so beyond mediocre for pasta. We’ve tried to like it, but their pastas just lack so much flavor.
Misi - We love Missy Robbins, but the pastas just let us down every time here. The ricotta toast does slap, but after three bites, you feel like you’re drowning in ricotta.
Roscioli - We were excited about this one since it’s famous for its Roman pastas, but all the times we’ve been, it’s been inconsistent. The cacio e pepe is hit or miss, and we wished it was just so.
