Mouthwatering Italian in New York

Isabelle's Osteria

★★★★☆ 4.2 (241)

"This is a great restaurant. I randomly walked in here for a small bite and glass of wine after work it was great! The next week my boss asked for dinner recommendations (large biz dinner) they decided on Isabelle's and they raved about the food and service! Beautiful decor, great wine, food and service! Also the managers were very accommodating when booking for the group.Highly recommend for group or a date!"

Il Corso

★★★★☆ 4.3 (506) • $$$

"Il Corso is a pleasant neighborhood Italian restaurant with solid food and a very good selection of wine. It's predominantly southern Italian cuisine. 30 years and counting so you know they are doing some things well. Lots of regulars who the servers seem to greet by name.There are maybe 20 tables spread across two rooms separated by the kitchen and prep area. The relatively small spaces with low ceilings means things can get loud and hard to hear your dining companions. On to the food...Avocado e Carciofini: Smashed avocado mixed with artichokes hearts topped with slices of parmigiana cheese. I've never seen this on a menu before. It was delicious and somewhat addicting. Paccheri con Crema di Pistacchio e Salsiccia: sweet sausage are served with tube pasta and coated with a mascarpone & pistachio cream. A rich dish- a little too rich. We ate it all but probably shouldn't have.Fettuccine con Funghi e Prosciutto: Mushrooms and prosciutto with a truffle cream sauce. Not too creamy. Definitely worth repeating.You can substitute gluten free or whole wheat pasta in any dish for an additional charge. With so many Italian restaurants in NYC, it's hard to justify coming from across town but I'd definitely come back if I was staying nearby."

Zia Maria Little Italy

★★★★☆ 4 (469) • $$

"This restaurant was fantastic!!! Our best food choice was the mushroom risotto. The rigatoni was our 2nd fav. Followed by the bolognese and the fig pizza. Seriously ... we were still full the next day! Hands down.... Their lemoncello was exceptional and we dreamt of it for days on end! The Hugo Spritz is not on the menu but made perfectly!Great service. Crowded so make reservations!!"

Evelina

★★★★☆ 4.4 (458) • $$

"Good vibes. Was busy on new year eve for lunch. Love the cocktails.portia was a nice spicy mezcal. Burgers and chicken sandwich were delicious"

Bad Roman

★★★★☆ 4 (766) • $$$$

"Bad Roman absolutely delivered on all fronts and then some! This spot is a vibe from the moment you walk in--the decor, the lighting, the energy, everything just hits right. It's perfect for a special occasion or just when you feel like treating yourself (or someone special) to something a little extra.Drinks: Let me just say, if you're into martinis, this is the place. The Martini Pepperoncini was bold, briny, and so well-balanced--definitely for the martini lovers out there. But my personal favorite? The Strawberry Sbagliato. Sweet, fizzy, and just downright fun. Every cocktail we tried was a hit--crafted with care and perfect for sipping. Pro tip: explore the menu and branch out, you're in for a treat.Food: Let's talk highlights: the ribs were insanely tender, with a depth of flavor that made you want to keep going back for more. The Peekytoe Crab Luigi? Not just a dish, it's an experience. The whimsical presentation was matched only by the freshness of the crab. The oysters were perfect--fresh, well-dressed, and just right. And don't sleep on the tuna tartare or the whipped ricotta with truffle honey; they're the kind of apps that leave you wishing you had room for seconds. Every single dish was a knockout.Service: The staff here is truly top-tier. They were warm, attentive, and on it from start to finish. They even packed up our leftovers so beautifully that taking them home felt like unwrapping a gift. (And let me tell you, those leftovers were just as good the next day.) It's the little things that make a big difference, and Bad Roman nails every one of them.Atmosphere: Gorgeous doesn't even begin to describe it. The space is modern, chic, and welcoming, striking that perfect balance between upscale and inviting. Whether you're here for a date night or a night out with friends, it's the kind of place that makes you want to linger and soak it all in. Every corner is a vibe.Bad Roman was everything I hoped it would be and more. Great food, phenomenal drinks, amazing service, and an atmosphere that makes you want to stay all night. I'm already planning my next visit because, honestly, one night here just isn't enough.#BadRomanNYC #MartiniPepperoncini #StrawberrySbagliato #WhippedRicottaWithTruffleHoney #DrinksDoneRight #FoodiesOfNYC #DateNightGoals #NYCRestaurants #FineDiningWithPersonality #MustTryEats"

Fragole Ristorante

★★★★☆ 4.3 (452) • $$

"After reading the rave reviews, I had to try Fragole Ristorante and find out for myself. I opted for delivery because it was very late already. I tried 1) The salmon alla griglia or grilled salmon. It was delicious and came with really creamy and delicious mashed potatoes. 2) The Rigatoni Bolognese - one of their most popular dishes. Definitely a great choice but the portion size is not large. The bolognese is pretty close to perfection and rivals similar sauces I've had in Italy. Overall, really tasty Italian. If you can only get one thing, recommend the Bolognese. I've heard the homemade gnocchi al pesto is excellent too. Great food !"

Misirizzi

★★★★☆ 4.4 (236) • $$

"Cozy spot with a small menu, so you know they specialize in what they serve. The pasta was perfectly cooked al dente. We had the black linguine, pappardelle, and branzino. I would recommend the pappardelle if you like creamy pasta. The branzino was cooked and seasoned well. -1 star as the calamari on the black linguine was mushy and a little fishy tasting but the pappardelle and brazino more than made up for that. Our server was kind and attentive. Would return."

Il Tinello Ristorante Italiano

★★★★☆ 4.3 (368) • $$$$

"Loved it!!! Took my Mom for her birthday after a show and the service was impeccable & classy in an old-school Sinatra kind of way.Homemade burrata appetizer was mind-blowing. I had a veal dish that was super tasty, and they carved my Mom's whole fish fillet off the bone. Was a great night - thanks everyone~"

Alessa Cucina & Bar

★★★★★ 4.7 (31)

"What a gem! We stumbled upon this lovely place while looking for some late night pizza. It's just recently opened and has a beautiful ambiance. The staff was friendly and very helpful. But the PIZZA?!?! Rivals some of the best, even in little Italy. It was made Fresh and cooked in a brick oven at the front of the restaurant. We travel around sampling pizza from ALL OVER, and this is crisp, tasty, fresh and flavorful. 5 stars!"

La Nonna

★★★★☆ 3.6 (351) • $$

"Last minute dinner option and I was glad we stopped here. Many Italian places along the street with similar specials and dishes. Decent service, hot and good pasta. Al dente. Seasoned well. Would definitely come back. Portion was slightly small but okay for the price in NY. It was loud since the doors opened right onto the busy street. Good for someone who's not well versed in Italian food and fell for the tourist trap."

Aqua

★★★★☆ 4 (66)

"The most beautiful new restaurant in NYC! The decor and ambiance are gorgeous. I stopped in after work and was able to snag a seat at the bar, the bar is huge, lots of bartenders. Everyone was very friendly. This restaurant is unique as it has 2 menus- Asian & Italian. I opted to go Asian but you can order from both. Rock shrimp is my go to and Aqua did not disappoint, generous portion with a delicious creamy spicy sauce on the side. I tried 2 rolls, the fish is very fresh. The crystal sushi is their signature roll, it is very unique, a must try. Very tasty and different.Can't wait to return and try the Italian menu."

One Fifth

★★★★☆ 4 (78)

"One star for service because service was perfectly fine.One star for ambiance, it's kind of a classic older persons haunt in Greenwich Village. Somewhere you can feel comfortable taking your grandparents.No stars for the food. But I only tried one thing on the menu. My friends seemed perfectly content with their pizza, so there is that.I ordered the spaghetti limone.I love spaghetti limone. Maybe my mistake is expecting Via Carota or I Sodi -level lemon pasta, which this place is not.But first of all, they didn't serve spaghetti. They served me angel hair pasta or capellini. Idk if they were out, or they don't know the difference. Ultimately, it isn't what's going to make or break the dish.Actually, issue is with the "limone" or lemon sauce. It's very heavily mayonnaise-y, bordering on up macaroni salad-type flavor with a hint of lemon. It's not what constitutes a lemon pasta. Maybe this is their take on a spaghetti limone, but it's bad. I wouldn't go out of way to come back here because I've kind of lost confidence, but if someone else wanted to go, I'd give another chance because the staples show promise."

AperiBar

★★★★★ 4.5 (65)

"The food, atmosphere, and service were all top-notch at AperiBar. This is a great option for dinner after a show in East Midtown. First, the ambiance is suitable for a romantic meal or a dinner with friends. When you enter the hotel's front, meet the host in the lounge, and head straight back to a quieter area with an open kitchen view. Dishes tried:The butternut squash bucatini has an excellent, flavorful sauce and texture, with julienned squash that is a surprising twist on Italian but fits very well as a fall dish. The noodles were almost over al dente, but the elegantly flavored dish worked well, and everything seemed very homemade and rustic.As an antipasti, the arancini is served with three on a base of savory bechamel. Don't run out before dessert, as the gelatos are fantastic. I had a fig gelato that was more like a sundae with gelato, fig jam, and fresh figs, which was very satisfying."

Bar Primi Penn District

★★★★☆ 4.1 (128)

"My friends and I decided to try brunch at Bar Primi Penn District, and it turned out to be an absolutely fantastic experience from start to finish. As soon as we walked in, we were welcomed by a warm and inviting atmosphere, with a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern elegance. The space was lively but never overwhelming, making it an ideal setting for a relaxed yet engaging meal with great company.The brunch menu offered an impressive variety of options, catering to both classic and more adventurous tastes. Whether you're in the mood for something hearty or light, there's definitely something to satisfy every craving. One of the highlights of our meal was the Eggs in Purgatory--perfectly poached eggs nestled in a rich, spicy tomato sauce, served with a side of crusty bread for dipping. The flavors were bold yet balanced, making each bite incredibly satisfying.To accompany our meal, we explored their delightful Mimosa selection, which featured a variety of fresh and refreshing combinations. It was the perfect touch to elevate our brunch experience and made for a wonderful way to toast to a great weekend. The staff was attentive and friendly, ensuring that we had everything we needed without ever feeling rushed.Overall, Bar Primi Penn District proved to be an excellent brunch spot, offering a perfect mix of delicious food, great drinks, and a comfortable ambiance. Whether you're catching up with friends, celebrating a special occasion, or simply indulging in a leisurely weekend meal, this is definitely a place worth visiting. I can't wait to come back and try even more from their enticing menu!"

Malaparte

★★★★☆ 4.1 (446) • $$

"Malaparte has a strong reputation in the area so figured to give it a go. The place is small and tables are tight but that is nyc. We started with the beet salad and tuna salad app. Both were delicious. The rigatoni pesto and paparedelle bolognese were lovely. Could have been a little more al dente but all good. The pork chop special was a play on milanese style but the pork chop bad a parmesan topping. It was good as well. There were only two desserts that didn't jump out to us so didn't go for it. Wine selection was good too. I would recommend and come back. 4 stars."

Lunella Ristorante Italiano

★★★★☆ 3.8 (388) • $$

"Lunella in Little Italy offers an unforgettable dining experience. The food is truly authentic Italian, and every dish is bursting with flavor. The burrata with cherry tomatoes is incredibly fresh and light, while the carbonara is absolutely divine--creamy, rich, and comfortingly nostalgic. The service is exceptional, with Carmela, a warm and knowledgeable Italian native who's been with the restaurant for years, personally guiding you through the menu and sharing her stories. If you're in Little Italy, Lunella is a must-visit!"

Ferdinando's Focacceria

★★★★☆ 3.9 (238) • $$

"My friend wanted to go here for her birthday since it was a restaurant her father once frequented. The ambiance brings on a strong nostalgic sense of comfort and the food was equally satisfying. They even have an espresso style soda on tap! The owner was on site and remembered my friend's father quite fondly. The whole experience felt like having dinner at my best friend's grandparents home. Great food, great service, and a romantically nostalgic vibe. Highly recommend for small groups and date night!"

A to Z Rooftop On the Fifth

★★★★☆ 4 (22)

"The food was absolutely amazing from the appetizer to dessert. I would 100% recommend anyone to try out this restaurant. I truly enjoyed myself. The service was great even though they were super busy with New Year's Eve patrons. I took off 1 star for 3 reasons: lack of proper warmth for the outdoor igloos, lack of signage for the rooftop portion and not having change for cash yet still charging us the credit card fee."

Trattoria Bianca

★★★☆☆ 3.2 (187) • $$

"We made our way to Trattoria Bianca after a play. Upon being seated, we were brought water and, quickly after, a basket of bread along with a small bowl of hummus with olive oil and what appeared to be red pepper aioli. I found that dip to be unusual for an Italian restaurant and requested olive oil with Parmesan for dipping. Our waiter told us he couldn't do that, which really surprised me, but a few minutes later he did indeed bring it to me. It would've been nice if the bread was warm but it was still tasty. I ordered the cheese tortellini (with red sauce instead of the cream sauce) and the man ordered veal scallopini. Both were delicious. The bottle of red we ordered was also pretty good. Our waiter was attentive at exactly the right times. Considering its midtown, close to Times Square location, we were pleased with our experience at Trattoria Bianca."

Verde on Smith

★★★★☆ 4.2 (945) • $$

"Amazing! The food was great, service on point and the atmosphere was great, chill. My co-workers and I went to get brunch on day, they bottomless mimosas for an hour. Our server was refilling our drinks very quick GOD BLESS EM!! We got the skirt steak eggs Benedict that was absolutely amazing. It was savory, the steak was tender and delicious. This is a must try if you're ever looking for brunch."

Osteria 57

★★★★☆ 4.3 (366) • $$$

"I've tried many versions of Cacio E Pepe, but the one at Osteria 57 truly stands out. The pasta is perfectly cooked to an ideal al dente texture, providing a satisfying bite. The sauce is luxuriously creamy with a rich, peppery flavor that isn't too overwhelming but just right. It's one of those simple dishes that, despite its minimal ingredients, is executed so beautifully that it keeps you coming back for more. Every time I visit, it's the dish I find myself craving!"

Amarone NY

★★★★☆ 3.9 (450) • $$

"We were thirty minutes late for our reservation because of midtown traffic, but they still got us to the theater on time. I had a special that was fantastic - apple burrata ravioli.Would love to visit again."

Pronto Pizza

★★★☆☆ 2.9 (185) • $

"Pretty damn good pizza. They've come along way from what I recall. Pretty sure they're using Michael's sauce from across the street in their pizzas."

Ramerino Italian Prime

★★★★★ 4.5 (143) • $$$

"Very nice Italian option inidtown. Upscale and classy vibe. Veal polpette was done well, flavorful red sauce and tender meatballs. Carbonara was eggy and worked well with the speck. Pasta was al dente, not overcooked. Tiramisu was a nice finish. Good wine selection. Service was laid back but prompt. Thanks for a great experience."

La Citta Pizzeria & Restaurant

★★★★☆ 3.8 (15)

"THE go to spot for a great NYC slice in Gramercy. Clean, friendly and the tri-color pizza is my favorite, but everything is great. Can't go wrong with this place"

Maestro Pasta

★★★★☆ 4.2 (125) • $$

"My sister and I shared this truffle pasta and it was quite yummy. This place was little on the medium pricey side but we are in NYC and im not from here so don't take my price count into consideration. The place was cute with a nice little bathroom. The expresso martini wasn't my favorite. They have these cute swing chairs that made the place seem different from all other pasta spots. It seems like a cute place to have a girls night if your craving pasta or Italian food."

Positano Restaurant

★★★★☆ 4.2 (616) • $$$

"A Taste of Old-School Bay Ridge - Timeless, Authentic, and UnforgettableThere's nothing quite like returning to my hometown, beautiful Bay Ridge, and stepping back into a world that just doesn't exist anymore. Positano is more than just a restaurant--it's a time machine, transporting you to the Bay Ridge of the '80s and early '90s, when the good old boys made Brooklyn move. The atmosphere here is pure nostalgia, a reminder of when class, camaraderie, and a good meal were the cornerstones of this neighborhood.From the moment you walk in, you're treated like family. The General Manager, a true gentleman (even though he's Albanian--we won't hold that against him), runs the place with warmth and old-world hospitality. But let's talk about the real star of the show--Sal. Or as I prefer to call him, Salvatore il Magnifico, Master of Service and Guardian of the Old-School Brooklyn Charm. This man defines what it means to be a consummate professional, effortlessly blending sophistication with the kind of personal touch that makes every visit feel like a homecoming.Now, let's get to the veal. Last night, it was absolutely off the charts--tender, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. My fiancée and I could not stop raving about it. Every dish here is crafted with the kind of care and passion that's rare these days.So do yourself a favor: ask for Sal--because Tony Pro's grandson said so. (And trust me, you don't want to argue with that.)Five stars, all the way."

Bar Pitti

★★★☆☆ 3.2 • $$

"Food was great service was good. Only drawback is it's only cash, but not a big deal for me."

Non Solo Piada

★★★★★ 4.6 (448) • $$

"This is a cute little place serving Italian street food. There is an area to order with only a few chairs, as well as enclosed, heated outdoor dining with additional tables and seating. The decor is lovely, with tons of adorable displays and quotes about coffee & love. It also had a cozy atmosphere and sweet feel. I selected the Piemontese Cassoni, which consisted of sweet Italian sausage, mushrooms, mozzarella cheese, as well as truffle oil. That truffle oil really shone, and the cheese was irresistibly melty, while the sausage was wonderfully juicy, tender, cooked with delightful seasonings and spices. For dessert, I ordered the Nutella Mochachino, as well as the Nutella Bombolone. The Mocha was very tasty, topped with whipped cream and generous helping of Nutella. It was silky smooth, rich coffee taste, and like a warm hug. The Bombolone was okay, but there wasn't enough Nutella filling.Service was really good. Our waitress was friendly and knew the menu well. Payment is handled at the counter. They didn't have enough change for me, but the owner came back with plenty. The prices were very reasonable. I would return to try the Truffle Pizza."

Joe G Pizza & Restaurant

★★★★☆ 4.1 (201) • $$

"I can't believe I have never reviewed Joe G! It is my go-to when I am meeting someone around Columbus Circle. Their proscuitto and arugula pizza is absolutely fantastic. Pasta has been a little less consistent, but always very decent.Great drinks, great service (bartenders especially) and you can sit for hours and they leave you alone so it is a great place for a relaxed friend meal. It feels old-school in a really good way."

Jose Luis Mediterranean Cuisine

★★★★★ 4.8 (253)

"This spot is amazing, and I can't believe I just tried it! I've passed by it so many times. The paella is a must--it's one of the best I've ever had. The chicken was perfectly seasoned, tender, and surprisingly juicy for a chicken breast. They also have great half-off tapa deals and $5 drink specials. Plus, the owner is super sweet! I definitely need to come back to try more dishes, and I'll be ordering the paella again for sure!"

Cremini's - Aperitivo & Kitchen

★★★★★ 4.7 (81)

"Their pasta is on the heavier, creamier side, but oh my is it good when you're in the mood for it! We love their pesto gnocchi and cacio e pepe on days when we really want to pasta splurge. There are a lot of great Italian eateries in the neighborhood and, while I'm no expert, I consider this in the category of Italian comfort food when compared to the other establishments."

Saraghina Caffè

★★★☆☆ 3.2 (75)

"Beautiful space with delicious food. Came here for a friend's birthday on Thursday when they offer live music. Loved everything about it"

Zia Maria - Chelsea

★★★★☆ 4.1 (395) • $$

"We walked in at 8 pm as a party of 17 (we weren't expecting to have that many with us!!) and they accommodated us immediately. We were all out of the restaurant full of pizza, pasta, bruschetta, and wine less than two hours after sitting down. The service and food were awesome, especially the house made vegan cashew ricotta that was sweetened with honey. I'd definitely come back!"

Ammazzacaffè

★★★★☆ 4.3 (374) • $$

"Some folks might be quick to assume Ammazzacaffè is some kind of play on words to suggest an "Amazing Cafe" but it's actually an Italian term for a miniature glass with some liquor to mask the taste of coffee. (#1) No one should be masking the taste of the food here because everything is tasty. Add in some excellent service, intimate vibe, and overall quality experience and this is how 5 star reviews get written.The place is quaint with a sexy bar, intimate seating, and a really killer outdoor space. I had the pleasure of attending a special event in the back and enjoyed every minute of it. The staff was on it for every course and was good about directing guests to the back. They were quick to refill drinks, wines, and keep the place looking ship shape while they transitioned for the next course.Every item I sample, I enjoyed immensely. The gramiga, torcia, and agnolotti pastas were fresh and tasty with every bite. Folks who love a bolognese option would appreciate the garganelli, as well as the reginette which features a pork ragu. Bonus points for scoring their campanelle nero, which is their special squid ink based pasta.From their creamy and delectable burrata to their polpette meatballs, I don't think there's a dish where one can really go wrong. The sea trout tartare is an interesting option, as is their sunchoke hazelnut pesto. Their barbarbietole is a summer palate pleaser with roasted beets, smoked ricotta, pistaachio, and pickled fig.Their coppa is a roasted pork collar ($35) but it is still not as mighty as the anatra ($42), a dry aged duck that is their most expensive entree. While folks might love the pollo ($32) chicken breast, I think most everyone else will appreciate the pesce ($37) grilled branzino or the manzo ($40) braised short rib. The latter is so good that it's hard to call it a shared dish when I can easily kill it all on my own.Finish off the meal with one of their extremely extensive amaro + dessert selection. The former is where the name stems from and the choices are flat out overwhelming. No matter the choice, it'll be a great way to end what should be an outstanding meal.___________(#1) "Coffee killer."My photos: https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/ammazzacaff%C3%A8-brooklyn?userid=ysCBsXWPB-LAiewVS3jZfQ"