Featuring classic red sauce spots, elegant fine dining, and cosy weeknight pizza and pasta joints.
New York City is home to an array of fantastic Italian eateries, and we can never get enough. From traditional favourites to upscale, modern dining experiences, and the latest buzzworthy newcomers, the city offers a rich diversity of Italian cuisine from different regions. Whether you head to Little Italy or explore other neighbourhoods, these are some of the best places to start your Italian food journey.
1. Rezdôra
Rezdôra, one of NYC’s top restaurants, has been showered with praise since it opened in 2019, and the recognition continues. The $98 pasta-tasting menu, inspired by the Emilia-Romagna region, is a must-try, though the à la carte options at lunch and dinner are equally delightful.
2. Via Carota
Some restaurants have become more relaxed over time, but Via Carota remains a hot spot even years after its debut in 2014. It’s known for its irresistible dishes like the insalata verde, hand-chopped steak, and mouthwatering pasta that keep diners coming back.
3. Caffe Dante
Whether notions of trendiness beckon you like an influencer to a photo moment or set off no-go alarm bells, it is notable that Dante is relevant 108 years after opening. The on-and-off ‘world’s best’ bar has spuntini-like cheese plates and salumi misti, a tidy pasta variety, and mains like branzino and chicken parmesan at an address suffused with character.
4. Emilio’s Ballato
Established in 1956, Emilio’s Ballato exudes old-school charm with its vintage décor and romantic ambience. Expect classic Italian dishes like veal parmigiana, sausage and broccoli rabe, and a hearty selection of pasta. Be prepared to wait—reservations are only accepted for large groups.
5. Al di Là
Located in Park Slope, Al di Là has been a neighbourhood favourite since 1998. This spot offers outstanding Northern Italian dishes, including tagliatelle ragu, black spaghetti with octopus, and braised rabbit, making it a must-visit for anyone in the area.
6. Roman’s
Roman’s brings a casually chic dining experience, perfect for impressing guests without trying too hard. With a menu of Italian-influenced dishes sourced from local ingredients and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s a spot worth returning to time and again.
7. Don Angie
Since opening in 2017, Don Angie has become one of the city’s most sought-after restaurants. Reservations fill up fast, so you’ll need to plan ahead. Once inside, indulge in their famous pinwheel lasagna, which helped put the restaurant on the map.
8. Carbone
Carbone remains a prized dining destination, even with the advent of online reservations. Tables are released seven days in advance, and they’re worth the effort for dishes like spicy rigatoni vodka, veal parmigiana, and lobster fra diavolo, all served in its glamorous dining room.
9. LaRina Pastificio & Vino
Chef Silvia Barban brings Northern Italian flavours to NYC at LaRina Pastificio & Vino. Start your meal with housemade sourdough, focaccia, and imported meats and cheeses, then dive into lasagna made from a cherished family recipe or spaghetti with a modern twist.
10. Café Mars
Café Mars, a new addition to Brooklyn’s dining scene, offers a unique take on Italian cuisine with imaginative dishes and exceptional hospitality. Start with inventive small plates like jellied olives, try the baked potato gnocchi, and don’t miss the smoked pork rib Parm for a memorable meal.
