Italian

Note: Restaurants are listed in alphabetical order and not in order of preference.

  • Alice – Sophisticated, intimate Italian restaurant in the basement of a historical brownstone
    • Location: Greenwich Village  
    • Atmosphere: Cozy, intimate 
    • Suggestions: Burrata, bucatini al limone 
    • Reservations: Suggested but not difficult to get  
    • A Good Place For: A date, a last-minute dinner reservation 
    • Note: This is a seafood heavy restaurant 

  • Altro Paradiso – Modern takes on traditional Italian cooking in an airy, wood-accented space with a marble bar
    • Location: Soho
    • Atmosphere: Hip, modern, chic 
    • Suggestions: Cacio e pepe
    • Reservations: Strongly suggested, a bit difficult to get for prime time 
    • A Good Place For: A nice dinner with friends, a dinner date, a drink at a nice bar 

  • Arthur and Sons NY Italian – Arthur & Sons Italian pays homage to the NYC Italian-American scene. Their culture is rooted in old school food, vibes and attitude, harkening back to the 90’s when everything in NY was just better than anywhere else
    • Location: West Village
    • Atmosphere: Lively, young, loud, old school, family style 
    • Suggestions: Spicy rigatoni (no where near as good as Carbone or Parm), meatballs with ricotta 
    • Reservations: Required; reservations can be made on Resy up to 30 days in advance 
    • A Good Place For: Dinner before going out, dinner with friends 
    • Note: The food at Arthur & Sons is mediocre; you’ll leave more than full because the portions are enough for a small family, but it won’t be a memorable Italian meal. However, the atmosphere is electric and makes the dining experience worth the reservation headache 

  • Bad Roman – A playful, maximalist Italian restaurant in The Shops at Columbus Circle
    • Location: Upper West Side
    • Atmosphere: Fun, lively, over-the-top, Instragramable
    • Suggestions: All the “for the table” menu items are great (i.e., roasted garlic babka, black truffle honey whipped ricotta and roni cups), spicy gem caesar, filet mignon (the popular thing to do is add the cacio e pepe raviolo but I found the raviolo to be very underwhelming) 
    • Reservations: Required; reservations are released online three weeks in advance. The bar area is reserved for walk-ins, and it has 20 bar seats in addition to some high-tops
    • A Good Place For: Dinner with friends when friends are in town 
    • Note: The Infatuation says it best: “A gimmicky Italian-ish restaurant in Columbus Circle. The food is hit-or-miss, but it’s a reliably good time” 

  • Bar Pasquale  – A Sicilian-inspired spot featuring handmade pasta, sfincione-style pizza, and small plates
    • Location: Nolita 
    • Atmosphere: Unassuming, casual 
    • Suggestions: Rigatoni alla vodka, pizza
    • Reservations: Suggested but not difficult to get 
    • A Good Place For: A group dinner, a last minute dinner 
    • Sister Restaurant: Charlie Bird, Pasquale Jones

  • Bar Pitti  – Blackboard specials supplement the small menu at this Italian spot known for its glamorous crowd
    • Location: Greenwich Village
    • Atmosphere: Casual, loud, busy 
    • Suggestions: The menu often changes but any of the pastas are worth trying 
    • Reservations: Walk in only 
    • A Good Place For: Outdoor dining, a date, celebrity sightings 
    • Note: Bar Pitti is cash only

  • Bar Primi – Casual but hip Italian spot serving a pasta-centric menu plus cocktails and lots of wine from Italy
    • Location: Bowery 
    • Atmosphere: Warm, casual, intimate, simplistic 
    • Suggestions: Ricotta crostino, Sicilian tomato rice balls, any of the pastas
    • Reservations: Suggested but not difficult to get 
    • A Good Place For: Dinner with friends, 4–6-person group dinner, a casual Italian dinner

  • Barbuto – Revival of an NYC standby serving vibrant Italian plates in a light-filled space with large windows
    • Location: West Village 
    • Atmosphere: Vibrant, simplistic, bright 
    • Suggestions: Polpettone (an absolute must), JW potatoes, JW pollo al forno
    • Reservations: Required; reservations can be made 30 days in advance via Resy. Walk-ins welcome, as a few tables are reserved each night, and the bar is first come, first-serve 
    • A Good Place For: When the parents are in town, a nice date 
    • Note: The menu at Barbuto is seasonal, so the appetizers and salads change frequently. However, all the food was fantastic, so it’s worth trying anything that speaks to you 

  • Bird Dog – Italian-Southern restaurant in the West Village with a room that feels like an NYC studio apartment
    • Location: West Village
    • Atmosphere: Intimate, cozy, homey 
    • Suggestions: Broccoli, burrata, bucatini
    • Reservations: Required; reservations can be made 14 days in advance, and each new day is released at 9am ET
    • A Good Place For: Dinner with friends, a unique cuisine experience 
    • Note: Bird Dog offers three menu options: a family style Chef’s Tasting Menu, three course Pre-Fixe, or a Fried Chicken Dinner. They do not offer a la carte. All reservations for five or more people are required to get the Chef’s Tasting menu, complete table participation is required. All the food was fantastic, I would highly suggest Bird Dog 

  • Cacio e Pepe – An authentic Italian restaurant named for its signature Roman dish – homemade pasta theatrically tossed out of a wheel of pecorino cheese
    • Location: East Village, Upper East Side
    • Atmosphere: Traditional, quaint, homey 
    • Suggestions: Cacio e pepe
    • Reservations: Suggested but not difficult to get 
    • A Good Place For: A fun dinner experience, a date

  • Carbone – High-end takes on red-sauce fare await at this A-lister Italian restaurant in a retro-glam space
    • Location: Greenwich Village
    • Atmosphere: Elegant, upscale, a place to see and be seen, sceney
    • Suggestions: Spicy rigatoni vodka, tortellini al ragu, meatballs 
    • Reservations: Required and very difficult to get. Reservations open for lunch and dinner 30 days in advance at 10:00am ET, exclusively via Resy
    • A Good Place For: A special occasion, when friends or family are in town, a romantic date 
    • Note: In my experience, Carbone has been equally rated as the best Italian restaurant in NYC and the most overrated Italian restaurant. In my opinion, there is no better spicy rigatoni than at Carbone. It’s absolutely to die for (pro-tip: if you’re craving the rigatoni, order out from Parm, it’s the same recipe). Carbone has wowed all guests I have taken there, but not just the food, the bill. It’s an expensive night out but worth it for a special occasion (i.e., when you can get a reservation) 
    • Sister Restaurants: Sadelle’s, Torrisi, HaSalon, Parm, The Grill, The Lobster Club, The Pool, Dirty French, ZZ’s Clam Bar, Crown Club

  • Charlie Bird – Hip, bi-level spot featuring Italian-accented New American fare, wine and art featuring boomboxes
    • Location: Soho
    • Atmosphere: Charming, casual 
    • Suggestions: Farro salad 
    • Reservations: Suggested but not difficult to get 
    • A Good Place For: Lunch, dinner with friends 
    • Sister Restaurants: Pasquale Jones, Bar Pasquale

  • Ci Siamo – Stylish restaurant bridging the traditional with the contemporary, bringing live-fire cooking, homemade pasta, and a robust Italian wine list to the heart of Manhattan
    • Location: Hudson Yards 
    • Atmosphere: Trendy, upscale, energetic 
    • Suggestions: Cast iron focaccia, caramelized onion torta, tagliatelle 
    • Reservations: Strongly suggested but not difficult to get if you reserve in advance 
    • A Good Place For: Dinner when the parents are in town, a celebration, group dinner  
    • Note: The tagliatelle (made with tomato and buffalo butter) might be the best red sauce pasta I’ve ever had. I would strongly suggest it 

  • Cucina Alba – Alba is a destination with the tenor of an urbanite’s holiday in Italy
    • Location: Chelsea 
    • Atmosphere: Polished, grown-up, sceney 
    • Suggestions: Truffle poached burrata, focaccia di recco, tagliarini, agnolotti 
    • Reservations: Required; reservations are made available on a rolling two-week basis at midnight. Bar seats are reserved for walk-ins
    • A Good Place For: Dinner with friends, a date, a special night out

  • Don Angie – Updated Italian-American classics with wine and cocktails in a marble-accented space. Don Angie remains on permanent Notify status for many and for a good reason
    • Location: West Village
    • Atmosphere: Vibey, fun, elegant 
    • Suggestions: Chrysanthemum salad, lasagna, stuffed flatbread 
    • Reservations: Required; reservations are released online 7 days in advance at 9am. The bar is reserved for walk-ins, and bar seats are surprisingly attainable
    • A Good Place For: A special night out, small dinner groups, when the parents are in town 
    • Note: Don Angie was awarded a Michelin star in 2022 

  • Emilio’s Ballato – Old-school waiters set the tone at this longtime Italian restaurant and celebrity hangout
    • Location: Nolita 
    • Atmosphere: Casual, unassuming, authentic 
    • Suggestions: Petto di Pollo alla Parmigiana, Tagliatelle alla Bolognese
    • Reservations: Walk in only; you must be present in line to get a table (i.e., you cannot put your name in, leave and come back)
    • A Good Place For: Celebrity sightings, a special dinner, when the parents are in town 
    • Note: Emilio’s Ballato is my favorite Italian restaurant in NYC; the chicken parmesan and the bolognese are to die for

  • Forsythia – Homemade pasta & creative mains turned out in a charming eatery that has outdoor seating
    • Location: Lower East Side 
    • Atmosphere: Quaint, welcoming 
    • Suggestions: The menu is constantly changing (daily changes), but everything I had here was delicious so if something speaks to you, get it 
    • Reservations: Strongly suggested but not difficult to get
    • A Good Place For: Dinner with friends, a nice meal
    • Note: Most reservations at Forsythia are for their prix-fixe menu, which is $109/person. You get to pick one dish from each of the 6 sections on the menu. There are a la carte reservations available Tuesday – Thursday, outdoor only. Forsythia also offers pasta making classes on Mondays and Wednesdays 

  • Foul Witch – Foul Witch offers spooky Italian fare and an uninhibited natural wine list in an intimate gothic setting
    • Location: Alphabet City 
    • Atmosphere: Quaint, gothic  
    • Suggestions: Fire 
    • Reservations: Required; reservations open 14 days in advance on Resy. The bar is reserved for walk-in guests 
    • A Good Place For: A two-person dinner 
    • Note: I found Foul Witch to be incredibly underwhelming. The dishes were expensive and the portion sizes were small. The pasta lacked flavor and the dessert (specifically the bay leaf ice cream) was overpowering

  • I Sodi – Tuscan-style fare, wines and cocktails lie in store at this compact, romantic restaurant
    • Location: West Village
    • Atmosphere: Quaint, romantic, charming, cozy, exclusive 
    • Suggestions: Lasagne a sugo, cacio e pepe, pappardelle al limone, fried artichokes (off menu, usually a special), pesto pasta (off menu, sometimes a special)
    • Reservations: Required; reservations are released on Resy 2 weeks in advance at midnight. There are 16 bar seats available for walk-ins; I would suggest going at 5pm to get one or put your name in 
    • A Good Place For: A nice date, a romantic dinner, a dinner for 2, a meal to impress someone from out of town 
    • Note: Everything on this menu is outstanding – nothing you order will be “just okay” 

  • Il Buco – Located on NoHo’s cobblestoned Bond Street, the cozy, tastefully cluttered restaurant evokes Tuscany with its worn, wooden chairs and copper pots hanging from the ceiling
    • Location: Noho
    • Atmosphere: Farmhouse, countryside, homey
    • Suggestions: N/A, the menu is always changing, as the restaurant only makes dishes using ingredients they can source locally or fly in from Italy
    • Reservations: Suggested but not difficult to get 
    • A Good Place For: A family dinner

  • Il Mulino – The epitome of an old–New York Italian hangout
    • Location: Soho, Tribeca, Midtown
    • Atmosphere: Fine dining, stuffy, exclusive 
    • Suggestions: Gnocchi al pesto 
    • Reservations: Suggested but not difficult to get 
    • A Good Place For: A celebratory work dinner, dinner when the parents are in town 

  • King – Snug, bright restaurant featuring a seasonal Southern Italian menu and  unique cocktails
    • Location: Soho
    • Atmosphere: Quaint, European, upscale casual 
    • Suggestions: The menu changes frequently, so order whatever speaks to you
    • Reservations: Suggested but not difficult to get 
    • A Good Place For: A date, a small group dinner, dinner with friends 

  • L’Artusi – Italian small plates are matched by an extensive wine list at this bi-level restaurant
    • Location: Greenwich Village 
    • Atmosphere: Modern, buzzing, welcoming 
    • Suggestions: Cacio e pepe, bucatini, little gems, olive oil cake 
    • Reservations: Required; reservations are released on a two-week rolling basis, each day at 9am. The bar is reserved for walk ins
    • A Good Place For: A nice dinner, dinner with the parents, a special occasion 
    • Note: In my opinion, the cacio e pepe at L’Artusi is top 5 in the city. L’Artusi is a good place to set Resy alerts for, as the day before or day of there are usually cancellations 

  • La Pecora Bianca – A stylish and bright all-day dining restaurant featuring market-driven Italian cuisine, regional wines & apéritifs 
    • Location: Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Meatpacking, Soho, Bryant Park, Midtown, Noho
    • Atmosphere: Cutte, vibrant, lively 
    • Suggestions: Einkorn gramigna
    • Reservations: Suggested but not difficult to get; easy to get a last minute reservation 
    • A Good Place For: Large group dinners, tourists, drinks after work  
    • Note: La Pecora Bianca is what I refer to as “The Smith of Italian food”. The food is average and there are locations all over the city. It’s fine but if you actually spend 5 minutes researching NYC Italian food, you’ll find some place 10x better at a similar price point

  • Lil Frankies – Old-school joint offering wood-fired pizza and other casual Italian eats, plus a full bar
    • Location: Bowery 
    • Atmosphere: Casual, traditional Italian, loud 
    • Suggestions: Spaghetti limone, gnocchi 
    • Reservations: Suggested but not difficult to get
    • A Good Place For: Large group dinners, a birthday party 
    • Note: Lil Frankies is cash only 
    • Sister Restaurants: Supper, Frank 

  • Lilia – In a redone auto-body shop, this Italian place offers wood-fired Italian fare and house-made pastas
    • Location: Williamsburg
    • Atmosphere: Trendy, unassuming, casual 
    • Suggestions: Everything on the menu, but specifically the sheeps milk cheese filled agnolotti and the mafaldini
    • Reservations: Required; reservations drop 28 days in advance at 10am. The restaurant saves the bar and some patio tables, as well as some spots on the outdoor piazza, for walk-in guests
    • A Good Place For: Dinner with a small group of friends, a third date
    • Sister Restaurant: Misi, Misi Pasta

  • Loconda Verde – Tribeca hotspot showcasing rustic Italian cuisine in a lively atmosphere
    • Location: Tribeca
    • Atmosphere: Stuffy, business orientated 
    • Suggestions: Crispy artichoke, orecchiette 
    • Reservations: Required; reservations are available 1 month in advance to the numbered day beginning at 10am. Note that this restaurant reserves tables exclusively for Global Dining Access members only
    • A Good Place For: A business dinner 

  • Malaparte – This intimate, modest neighborhood eatery with a bar supplies thin-crust pizzas and housemade pasta
    • Location: West Village  
    • Atmosphere: Casual, a locals spot, intimate 
    • Suggestions: Pizza di rucola e prosciutto di parma, spaghetti al pesto genovese, finocchio salad
    • Reservations: Suggested but not difficult to get; you can make same day reservations 
    • A Good Place For: A date, dinner with friends, a last minute dinner 
    • Note: Malaparte is cash only 

  • Mamo – Offshoot of a longtime French restaurant with Italian & Provençal fare in stylish but casual digs
    • Location: Soho
    • Atmosphere: Dark, romantic 
    • Suggestions: Fried artichokes, ricotta, cacio e pepe 
    • Reservations: Suggested but not difficult to get if you book in advance
    • A Good Place For: A date, dinner with friends, when the parents are in town
    • Note: I really enjoyed my meal and experience at Mamo. I would strongly suggest it

  • Misi – Contemporary-chic Italian dining space dishing up elevated antipasto and  handmade pasta dishes
    • Location: Williamsburg 
    • Atmosphere: Modern, trendy, simplistic 
    • Suggestions: Mezze rigatoni, fettuccine with buffalo butter, whipped ricotta crostini, marinated butter beans 
    • Reservations: Required; reservations are made available 30 days in advance at 10am. Some bar seats are reserved for walk-ins   
    • A Good Place For: A dinner with the parents, a special occasion, a nice date 
    • Sister Restaurant: Misi Pasta, Lilia

  • Morandi – Rustic, buzzy trattoria from Keith McNally with Italian fare and sidewalk seating
    • Location: West Village
    • Atmosphere: Rustic, homey, warm 
    • Suggestions: Cacio e pepe, artichokes 
    • Reservations: Suggested but not difficult to get 
    • A Good Place For: A date, dinner with friends 
    • Sister Restaurants: Pastis, Balthazar, Minetta Tavern 

  • Nonna Dora – Handmade Puglia-style pasta and other Italian dishes offered alongside wine in a mellow locale
    • Location: Kips Bay 
    • Atmosphere: Quaint, a locals spot 
    • Suggestions: Rucola salad, orecchiette 
    • Reservations: Suggested but not difficult to get 
    • A Good Place For: A casual dinner for two 
    • Note: In my opinion, Nonna Dora is in a very random, unattractive location. The pasta is very good, made in house everyday by Nonna, but for me, the location detracts from the experience. Note that Nonna’s is a pasta bar, so there is no secondi menu with larger proteins (though there are starters and salads that are very good)

  • Obica – Spacious Italy-based mozzarella bar serving pizza, pasta & small plates plus cocktails, wine and more
    • Location: Flatiron, Midtown
    • Atmosphere: Modern, spacious 
    • Suggestions: Any of the charcuterie boards are worth ordering 
    • Reservations: Not required; you can typically walk in day or night of 
    • A Good Place For: A date, a last minute dinner with friends 
    • Note: In my option, Obica is subpar. The restaurant is convenient for a last minute dinner and the charcuterie boards are great for sharing. But the food won’t wow you. You won’t leave disappointed but you won’t leave with a memorable meal either. There are plenty of other Italian restaurants I would stop by before booking a table at Obica 

  • Olio e Piu – Naples meets NYC at this trattoria with thin-crust pizza, Italian wines and  ample sidewalk seating
    • Location: Greenwich Village
    • Atmosphere: Energetic, lively
    • Suggestions: Rigatoni
    • Reservations: Suggested but not difficult to get, though you should book a few days in advance 
    • A Good Place For: Dinner before going out in the West Village, dinner with friends 

  • Osteria Morini – Emilia-Romagna cuisine in a warm setting, plus cocktails and a robust Italian wine list
    • Location: Bowery 
    • Atmosphere: Rustic, classic Italian 
    • Suggestions: Artichokes, pappardelle 
    • Reservations: Suggested but not difficult to get, though you should book a few days in advance 
    • A Good Place For: A dinner date, dinner with friends, dinner with the parents 

  • Palma – Italian classics are crafted from organic ingredients in a sunwashed stucco space with a garden
    • Location: Greenwich Village
    • Atmosphere: Quaint, cozy, welcoming, charming 
    • Suggestions: Arancini, carciofi, melanzane, ravioli cacio e pepe 
    • Reservations: Required; reservations can be made on Open Table 30 days in advance. Reservations are not too difficult to get but need to made at least 2 weeks out
    • A Good Place For: Impressing people from out of town, a special occasion, a small group dinner, private dining 

  • Parm – Since the original location of Parm opened in New York City’s Little Italy in 2011, the restaurant’s takes on Italian-American soul food have reached iconic status. The menu is inspired by the cooking Michelin-Starred chefs Mario Carbone and Rich Torrisi
    • Location: Upper West Side, Soho, Battery Park City 
    • Atmosphere: Casual, unassuming, diner feel
    • Suggestions: Chicken parm, meatballs, spicy rigatoni 
    • Reservations: Strongly suggested at the Soho location 
    • A Good Place For: A casual dinner, a solo dinner, takeout 
    • Note: If you want to experience the spicy rigatoni at Carbone but can’t get a reservation, order it at Parm. It’s almost identical and cheaper! 
    • Sister Restaurants: Sadelle’s, Torrisi, HaSalon, Carbone, The Grill, The Lobster Club, The Pool, Dirty French, ZZ’s Clam Bar, Crown Club

  • Pasquale Jones – Italian place by the Charlie Bird team for wood-fired pies, meats and fish from the open kitchen
    • Location: Nolita
    • Atmosphere: Retro, simplistic 
    • Suggestions: Everything on the menu is great; definitely get a pizza to share 
    • Reservations: Required but not difficult to get, though you should book at least 1 week out 
    • A Good Place For: A small group dinner, a date 
    • Sister Restaurant: Charlie Bird, Bar Pasquale

  • Portale – Warm neighborhood restaurant and bar presenting seasonally driven Italian dishes from an open kitchen
    • Location: Flatiron
    • Atmosphere: Upscale, trendy
    • Suggestions: Polpette, risotto, lumache (this was amazing)
    • Reservations: Suggested but not difficult to get; you can usually secure a few days in advance 
    • A Good Place For: Dinner with the parents, a special occasion 

  • Puglia – Big portions of Italian basics served up in a throwback space lined with murals and memorabilia
    • Location: Little Italy
    • Atmosphere: Party, loud, young 
    • Suggestions: The menu is fixed for large parties; the food is subpar, but if you’re going to Puglia, you’re not going for the food. You’re going for the bottomless wine / beer and 3 hours of dancing on the tables and chairs
    • Reservations: Required for large parties; DM them through Instagram or Facebook, or call Wednesday – Sunday 
    • A Good Place For: A birthday party, a large group celebration 
    • Note: Puglia is a party restaurant; it’s massive family style portions of pasta and chicken parmesan and 3 hours of bottomless beer and wine (though note that the entire table has to participate). The majority of the restaurant is standing on chairs and waving napkins in the air before the entrees even arrive

  • Quality Italian – Steakhouse with striking, contemporary design, plus an upmarket menu of chops & Italian fare
    • Location: Midtown
    • Atmosphere: Cozy, upscale, contemporary 
    • Suggestions: Chicken parmesan pizza, porterhouse agnolotti 
    • Reservations: Suggested but not difficult to get 
    • A Good Place For: Dinner when the parents are in town, a romantic evening 

  • Rezdora – Italian eatery highlighting handmade pasta, traditional meat & fish dishes plus local vegetables
    • Location: Flatiron
    • Atmosphere: Quaint, seclusive 
    • Suggestions: Any of the pastas made in house; I really enjoyed the Anolini di Parma
    • Reservations: Required; reservations are released 30 days in advance at midnight via Resy. Walk ins are welcome at the bar
    • A Good Place For: A special occasion, a small group (2-4 people), an upscale Italian meal
    • Note: Rezdora has 1 Michlin star

  • Scarpetta – Handmade pastas headline a sophisticated Italian menu at this upscale locale with a cool vibe
    • Location: Nomad
    • Atmosphere: Upscale, fancy 
    • Suggestions: Creamy polenta, ravioli cacio e pepe
    • Reservations: Required and can be made via Resy. I have found that if you walk in to the restaurant the day of, you can get a same day reservation 
    • A Good Place For: A group dinner, a nice birthday celebration 
    • Note: The food is very good but I found it to be quite overpriced

  • Sola Pasta Bar (A Pasta Bar) – Eatery where chefs cook & serve pastas from a central kitchen, with counter seating & banquettes
    • Location: Soho
    • Atmosphere: Modern, hip, trendy 
    • Suggestions: Tagliolini Al Ragu Bianco
    • Reservations: Suggested but not difficult to get 
    • A Good Place For: A last minute dinner reservation, a casual italian meal 
    • Note: The food is good but overpriced

  • Supper – Italian comfort food matches the rustic setting at this cash-only trattoria with an open kitchen
    • Location: East Village 
    • Atmosphere: Casula, homey 
    • Suggestions: Spaghetti al Limone 
    • Reservations: Suggested for large groups; for small groups, you can likely walk-in 
    • A Good Place For: A big group dinner 
    • Note: Cash only restaurant
    • Sister Restaurants: Lil Frankies, Frank 

  • Torrisi – Torrisi Bar & Restaurant is the most personal effort of the famed chef and Major Food Group Co-Founder Rich Torrisi’s career. At his new restaurant, the menu is inspired by the soul of Little Italy
    • Location: Soho
    • Atmosphere: Warm, lofty, dimly lit, rustic, loud 
    • Suggestions: Cucumbers New Yorkese, scalloped potatoes, cavatelli with Jamaican beef ragu 
    • Reservations: Required; Reservations for the dining room are available 30 days in advance for parties of up to 6 guests exclusively on Resy. Torrisi takes walk-ins in the bar room on a first come first serve basis and will offer the full menu
    • A Good Place For: A special occasion, a really good Italian meal
    • Note: Guests are encouraged to dress for the occasion. Any guest who does not appear sufficiently well-presented may be refused entry. Tailored shorts are permitted indoor and outdoors. Athletic wear is prohibited

  • Via Carota – Italian trattoria serving traditional plates & apéritifs in a rustic, cozy space
    • Location: West Village
    • Atmosphere: Rustic
    • Suggestions: Everything on the menu is outstanding. My personal favorites are the brussel sprout salad (cavoletti), the cacio e pepe (the best I’ve ever had) and the lemon risotto 
    • Reservations: Required; reservations can be made on Resy 30 days in advance at 10am. Pro tip: if you go to Via Carota ~30 minutes before they open and wait in line, it is likely you will get a reservation for later that evening
    • A Good Place For: A delicious Italian meal, when the parents are in town, a lowkey birthday dinner 
    • Note: This is in my top 3 favorite Italian restaurants and I highly suggest it, if you can secure a reservation

  • Vic’s – Updated Italian dishes plus cocktails & housemade limoncello in spacious, low-key digs
    • Location: Noho
    • Atmosphere: Spacious, unassuming 
    • Suggestions: All of the food was solid, but to be honest, I can’t remember anything being a standout 
    • Reservations: Suggested but not difficult to get 
    • A Good Place For: A casual Italian dinner, a last minute dinner 

  • Zero Otto Nove – Traditional Italian food & drink served in a warm setting with an old-world vibe
    • Location: Flatiron 
    • Atmosphere: Basic, loud, casual 
    • Suggestions: Radiatori in Cartoccio 
    • Reservations: Suggested but not difficult to get. Reservations can be made on Open Table or by calling
    • A Good Place For: A large group dinner 
    • Note: The food was good but nothing special. It was easy to get a reservation for a large group, which was convenient