14 Best Fresh Pesto in New York City
"Pesto in NYC" is a culinary delight that has taken the city by storm. From classic Italian restaurants to modern fusion eateries, pesto dishes are popping up all over the city. Combining fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and parmesan cheese, this versatile sauce adds a burst of flavor to pasta, pizza, and more. Join us as we explore the world of pesto in NYC.
1. Gottino Enoteca e Salumeria
A hidden gem for wine lovers in Greenwich Village

Tucked away in Greenwich Village is a true culinary treasure, where the Pesto di Parma dish truly stands out. The delightful waitstaff provided excellent service, even going so far as to give each customer an extra crostini to ensure everyone could enjoy the meal.
2. Puglia
Authentic Italian dining experience since 1919.

The Mushroom Ravioli with Pesto is a dish that any pasta lover must try. The pesto sauce is exceptionally fresh and well-seasoned, with a perfect balance of flavors that will delight the taste buds. Its fragrant blend of basil, garlic, and parmesan cheese creates a truly satisfying culinary experience.
The dish's quality is highly commendable, with the pasta cooked al dente and the mushroom filling bursting with flavor. Moreover, the creamy consistency of the pesto sauce complements the ravioli, creating a indulgent and delicious meal. Whether you're a fan of Italian cuisine or just looking for a satisfying dish, the Mushroom Ravioli with Pesto is an excellent choice. The restaurant's commitment to quality and flavor is evident in every bite, making it a highly recommended dining experience.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Celebrations
- Vegetarian Options
3. Posto NYC Thin Crust Pizza
Impossibly thin crust with imaginative toppings.

Posto's pesto pizza is a standout option for any pizza lover. The thin crust is expertly prepared, resulting in a delightful crispy texture. The pesto sauce is the star of the show, with a vibrant and robust flavor that is sure to impress. This pizza is a must-try for anyone seeking a delicious and satisfying meal.
The pesto pizza at Posto is a crowd pleaser. Its thin crust, a hallmark of the restaurant's pizzas, provides a satisfying crunch with each bite. The pesto itself is highly flavorful, with a bright and fresh taste that is enhanced by high-quality ingredients. Overall, Posto's pesto pizza is a standout option that is not to be missed by pizza aficionados and casual diners alike.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Vegetarian Options
4. Pasquale Jones
Wood-fired flavors in the heart of Manhattan.

The pesto pasta dish at Pasquale Jones is a standout. The balanced blend of flavors results in a truly enjoyable dining experience. The pasta is cooked precisely, offering a delightful texture that complements the sauce.
For pizza lovers, the pesto pizza at this establishment is a must-order. The pesto sauce boasts a rich and intense flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the pizza. Furthermore, the wood-fired oven lends a beautiful char to the crust, adding an extra layer of deliciousness to every bite.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Downtown Spots
5. Song' E Napule
Experience a slice of Naples in the heart of NYC.

The basil pesto in the Insalata Caprese left a memorable impression. Its fresh and fragrant qualities elevated the salad, providing a tantalizing start to the meal.
Similarly, the pasta dish with pesto sauce proved to be exceptional. The pesto's robust and savory taste wonderfully enhanced the pasta, solidifying its place as one of the best experienced.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Italian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
6. Gelso & Grand
Reinventing the NY Italian dining experience in Little Italy.

The pesto and pistachio pasta on offer is a commendable dish, with its freshly made pasta being a definite highlight. The pasta has a satisfying bite and a good texture, indicating the care and attention that has gone into its preparation. However, the accompanying pesto and pistachio sauce, while having an appealing aroma, is somewhat lacking in flavor. It is a shame, as the ingredients for the sauce are of high quality, but the end result is somewhat underwhelming.
To elevate this dish to new heights, a generous sprinkle of salt and perhaps a squeeze of lemon could be all that is needed to bring out the flavors and make them sing. The potential is certainly there, and with a few tweaks, this could be a pasta dish that would be well worth ordering again. Despite its current shortcomings, the pesto and pistachio pasta is still a commendable effort and a testament to the kitchen's commitment to using only the freshest and highest quality ingredients.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
7. Pasta by Hudson
Famous for cheesy stuffed meatballs as seen on Shark Tank

The pesto pasta served at this establishment is truly exceptional. It boasts a harmonious balance of flavors, with each ingredient contributing to a satisfying and delightful taste experience. The portion size is generous, ensuring that diners enjoy a filling and satisfying meal.
Diners are in for a treat with the pesto pasta, which features fresh and flavorful ingredients. The pasta itself is cooked to perfection, providing a satisfying texture that complements the sauce's rich creaminess. The portion size is generous, providing a substantial and filling meal. It is highly recommended for those seeking a delicious and enjoyable dining experience.
8. Il Pesce
Experience Italian seafood at its finest in the heart of NYC

The pesto pasta served at this restaurant is truly a standout dish. Its sauce is packed with rich and robust flavors, elevating the pasta to a whole new level. The pasta itself is cooked with great care, resulting in a tender and delightful texture. This pesto dish is sure to please even the most discerning of pasta lovers.
The pesto dish showcases the culinary skills of the chef, offering a perfect harmony of flavors. Every bite provides a burst of taste that is both satisfying and satisfyingly indulgent. Additionally, the portion size is ideal, neither too large that it becomes overwhelming nor too small that leaves one wanting more. Overall, the pesto pasta is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and satisfying meal.
9. Pasta Lovers
Authentic Italian dining in the heart of Midtown NYC.

Pasta Lovers' pesto pasta is a standout dish, boasting a vibrant and aromatic pesto sauce. This delectable pasta features a well-balanced and skillfully seasoned pesto sauce that combines the perfect blend of fresh basil, garlic, and cheeses. The vibrant green color of the pesto is a delightful sight, signaling the freshness and quality of the ingredients. This culinary experience is enhanced by the perfectly cooked pasta, which serves as the ideal base to showcase the exceptional pesto sauce.
The pesto pasta offered by Pasta Lovers is undoubtedly a crave-worthy dish. This exquisite pasta offers a luxurious and velvety pesto sauce that has an incredible depth of flavor. Each bite combines a beautiful harmony of tastes, with the richness of the pesto enhanced by a faint hint of garlic and nutty notes. The pasta itself is cooked al dente, offering a satisfying bite that complements the silky smoothness of the sauce. Any pasta lover should not overlook this exceptional pesto pasta, which promises a truly memorable meal.
10. Felice 15 Gold
Experience the taste of Italy in every bite

The pesto pasta served at this establishment is a must-try for any pasta lover. The sauce possesses a luscious and robust flavor that coats each strand of pasta delightfully. The cooking time of the pasta is clearly given great attention, as it was cooked to perfection with just the right amount of firmness. It offers a marvelous balance of taste and texture that leaves a lasting impression.
The pesto dish in question displays a harmonious balance of flavors. The pesto sauce, vibrant and aromatic, is beautifully crafted and embodies a rich and herbaceous flavor. The pasta itself is generously portioned, providing a satisfying and fulfilling experience for the diner. Overall, the pesto pasta dish is an exceptional culinary delight that demonstrates the kitchen team's commitment to delivering high-quality and appetizing dishes.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Corporate Events
11. Spaghetti Incident
Rock 'n' roll spirit meets Italian culinary excellence

A delightful dining experience was had, with standout dishes including the bolognese. The rich and savory sauce was well-seasoned with a perfect balance of herbs and spices. The pasta had a desirable bite, cooked to al dente perfection. The texture added to the overall enjoyment of the dish.
Another memorable dish was the Kale Pesto. The freshness of the kale was evident, and the pesto had a vibrant, bold flavor. The accompanying pasta had a pleasant taste and consistency. Regrettably, the Bucatini Amatriciana was over-salted, detracting from its overall taste and appeal. Despite this one misstep, the restaurant's culinary skills were impressive, providing a memorable and enjoyable dining experience.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Celebrations
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
12. Eataly NYC Flatiron
A taste of Italy in the heart of NYC.

Eataly NYC Flatiron's pesto is a standout dish, boasting freshness and vibrant flavors that truly elevate the dining experience. This pesto is unlike any other, as it is made with the finest ingredients and prepared with exceptional care. Pairing it with the restaurant's homemade pasta creates a dish that is bursting with unique and delectable tastes.
If you are seeking a truly exceptional culinary experience, Eataly NYC Flatiron's pesto pasta is an absolute must-try. This dish showcases the perfect balance of flavors, using only the freshest ingredients to create a truly unforgettable taste. Highly recommended for any food lover looking for a standout meal, this pesto pasta is sure to impress. From the moment it hits your taste buds, you will be transported to a world of culinary delight.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
13. Il Pastaio

Pastaio on Ganton Street is like the Italian version of a great ramen place, it only serves pasta. The music is loud, there's a steaming open kitchen, and rows and rows of communal tables. It's all about the pasta, with loads of butter and parmesan. Opt for the carbonara made with bucatini (thick spaghetti) or the stuffed-shaped special that changes weekly.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
14. Becco
Innovative pasta tasting menu with unlimited refills.

Becco's pesto pasta is a must-try for any pasta lover. The pasta is always cooked to perfection, with just the right amount of bite to it. The star of the dish, however, is the pesto sauce. It's rich and full-bodied, with a vibrant green color that indicates the freshness of the ingredients. The sauce is generously applied to the pasta, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor.
This pesto pasta is a true standout dish, and it was one of the highlights of our meal. The balance of flavors is exceptional, with the nuttiness of the pine nuts and the sharpness of the parmesan cheese complementing the freshness of the basil. The dish is both hearty and refreshing, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. Overall, Becco's pesto pasta is a testament to the restaurant's commitment to using high-quality ingredients and time-honored techniques to create truly exceptional dishes.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Vegan Options
- Downtown Spots