The 26 best Italian restaurants in New York City

New York City is a food lover's paradise, and its Italian restaurants are no exception. From Little Italy to SoHo, these establishments serve up classic dishes like pasta carbonara and tiramisu, alongside innovative creations that merge Italian culinary traditions with contemporary flavors. Whether you're seeking a romantic dinner spot or a lively gathering place, Italian restaurants in New York City offer something for every taste and occasion.

1. Lillo Cucina Italiana

Family-owned restaurant with a rich history and traditional recipes.

TOPICS

  • Italian Cuisine
  • Vegetarian Options
  • Mid-Range

2. Emilio's Ballato

A hidden gem in Manhattan with a rich history and famous clientele

TOPICS

  • Italian Cuisine
  • Personal Celebrations
  • Budget-Friendly Eats

3. Rezdôra

Hand-made pasta and regional Italian wines

TOPICS

  • Italian Cuisine
  • Vegan Options
  • Mid-Range

4. Via Carota

Popular spot from star chefs Jody Williams and Rita Sodi

TOPICS

  • Social Gatherings
  • Italian Cuisine
  • Vegetarian Options
  • Dinner

5. Felice Pasta Bar

6. al di la Trattoria

Family-owned and operated for over 20 years

TOPICS

  • Italian Cuisine
  • Downtown Spots
  • Dinner

7. Bamonte's

Family-owned and operated since 1900, Bamonte's is a true New York institution.

TOPICS

  • Italian Cuisine
  • Personal Celebrations
  • Cheap Eats

8. Roman's

A popular local spot for craft beer lovers

TOPICS

  • Social Gatherings
  • Italian Cuisine
  • Mid-Range
  • Hidden Gems

9. Di Fara Pizza

Family-owned and operated since 1964, using traditional pizza-making techniques

TOPICS

  • American Cuisine
  • High-End
  • Hidden Gems

10. Lilia

Cozy atmosphere with a focus on local, organic ingredients

TOPICS

  • Italian Cuisine
  • Downtown Spots
  • Personal Celebrations
  • High-End

11. Pasquale Jones

Wood-fired pizzas with a perfectly charred crust

TOPICS

  • Italian Cuisine
  • Social Gatherings
  • Downtown Spots

12. Carbone

Carbone captures the spirit of 1950s Italian-American dining with its red-and-white checkered tablecloths, tuxedoed waitstaff, and menu full of retro classics like veal parmesan and rigatoni alla vodka

TOPICS

  • Italian Cuisine
  • High-End
  • Downtown Spots

13. Rubirosa

Famous for its jumbo lump crab cakes and lively atmosphere

TOPICS

  • Italian Cuisine
  • Mid-Range
  • Downtown Spots
  • Dinner

14. Bar Primi

Offers the unique experience of tasting exotic meats

TOPICS

  • Italian Cuisine
  • Affordable Nightlife
  • Downtown Spots

15. Vesta Trattoria & Wine Bar

Offers a unique and authentic Italian dining experience in Queens

16. Noodle Pudding

A unique and tasty dessert spot in Brooklyn

TOPICS

  • Social Gatherings
  • Italian Cuisine
  • Budget-Friendly Eats
  • Downtown Spots

17. Denino's Greenwich Village

A Greenwich Village staple since 1951, known for their Sicilian pizza

TOPICS

  • American Cuisine
  • Italian Cuisine
  • Mid-Range
  • Downtown Spots

18. Dante NYC

Historic Greenwich Village location with a lively atmosphere

TOPICS

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Downtown Spots
  • Hidden Gems

19. Roberto's

Family-owned and operated for over 20 years

TOPICS

  • Italian Cuisine
  • Celebrations
  • Mid-Range
  • Downtown Spots

20. il Buco

A Greenwich Village favorite since 1975, beloved by locals and food critics alike

TOPICS

  • Celebrations
  • Italian Cuisine
  • Mid-Range

21. Zero Otto Nove

Chef Roberto Caporuscio is a two-time World Pizza Champion

TOPICS

  • American Cuisine
  • Italian Cuisine
  • Downtown Spots
  • Dinner

22. Frankies 457 Spuntino

Offers a unique and authentic Italian dining experience

TOPICS

  • Italian Cuisine
  • Downtown Spots
  • Social Gatherings
  • Celebrations

23. Don Angie

Unique pasta presentations and delectable tiramisu

TOPICS

  • Italian Cuisine
  • Budget-Friendly Eats
  • Downtown Spots

24. I Sodi

Offers gluten-free and vegan options

TOPICS

  • Italian Cuisine
  • Dinner
  • Downtown Spots

25. Lucali

Authentic Brooklyn pizzeria with a relaxed, intimate setting and a popular celebrity following

TOPICS

  • American Cuisine
  • Vegetarian Options
  • Budget-Friendly Eats
  • Downtown Spots

26. Café Mars

TOPICS

  • Fusion Cuisine
  • Downtown Spots
  • Dinner