It’s very easy to eat Italian in New York. With a Ray’s Pizza on every corner and an entire area called Little Italy, or Nolita to some, eating Italian can be simple. It’s hard to go wrong when dining Italian, but it may be just as hard to go impeccably right with more than your average eatery. Below are only a few examples of some of the best places to eat in New York when you’re craving an Italian dish. From the notable eateries that are known beyond America, to the hidden treasures of downtown, Manhattan is filled with Italian flavor.
AREZZO 46 West 22nd street Between 5th and 6th avenues 212.206.0555 Great for lunch or dinner, Arezzo is a great little spot located between the hustle and bustle of 5th and 6th avenues. A gem on this business block, Arezzo is simple in décor but warm. A brick oven sets a nice cozy mood, and the dim brown décor adds class and serenity to the restaurant. Definitely a positive way to start off a date, and an impressive business lunch venue, Arezzo also impresses beyond décor, and has a full menu with a range of delicious choices. Take the pea-flavored cavatelli in sausage ragu for instance, or the tuna tartare that may seem common, but at Arezzo it’s made with a culinary flare.
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas-Closed, New Years Eve-Open Average Cost: $25-30
Pescatore 955 and 957 2nd avenues Between 50 and 51st street 212.752.7151 Surrounded by tons of bars, Upper East Side restaurants and even other Italian restaurants Pescatore has no competition in this east 50’s location. The staff is always friendly and quite knowledgeable about the food, the wine and the menu for the day. Pescatore has an abundance of seafood dishes that will fulfill any Italian craving. A great place to have a private party and indulge in traditional Italian food with a seafood theme, Pescatore can also make for a romantic night out. The restaurant is large and there is a full bar upon entering. Everything served at Pescatore is freshly made. The crab cake appetizer looks just as golden as it tastes, the linguini and shrimp entrée is a wonderful sized portion made with just the right touch of cream, and the desserts are truly for those who have room.
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open for dinner only, Easter-Open for dinner only, Thanksgiving-Open for dinner only, Christmas Eve-Open for dinner only, Christmas-Open for dinner only, New Years Eve-Open for dinner only Average Cost: $25-35
Bread 20 Spring Street 212.334.1015 It’s small, there’s usually some type of wait, but it’s almost always worth it. Bread is just that, an Italian restaurant in trendy Nolita that supplies classic and innovative paninis and traditional Italian plates as well. The Sicilian sardines with tomato and "Thai-pepper mayonnaise" panini is surprisingly soft once past the crisp shell of the bread, which is provided by Balthazar Bakery. And don’t worry because all sandwiches come with mesclun greens and a savory dressing. Other great classic dishes include the pasta salad made with tuna and vegetables. Bread offers a decent selection of appetizers and has a great menu for brunch, lunch and dinner.
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas-Closed, New Years Eve-Open Average Cost: $20
Barolo 398 W. Broadway, New York, NY 10012 212.226.1102 Barolo is located on West Broadway and is definitely one of the trendiest, higher end Italian restaurants in New York. It not only serves as a gorgeous and airy restaurant, but the venue also accommodates late night events and has a wonderful outdoor area for warm summer NYC nights. Although on the pricier side, Barolo is popular and features a designer menu that provides more than designer portions. Most tourists in the area flock to Barolo for the delicious Italian food, and for the range of fine wines available. The Tuna tartare made with an avocado puree is highly recommended, along with the veal, made with arugula and fresh tomato. A wonderful arugula salad is also a wonderful choice for lunch on trendy and crowded West Broadway.
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas-Open, New Years Eve-Open Average Cost: $40
‘inoteca 98 Rivington Street, New York, NY 10002 212.614.0473 Located on Rivington street at a packed corner of downtown locals and those that just hang out there, ‘inoteca is the perfect pre-party venue. Although small, the restaurant has two levels, downstairs catering to the private and largest parties, in what seems like a former cellar. All plates are small and can be considered tapas, only the Italian kind. There are a range of antipasti’s to choose from, tramezzini, and a new rendition of bruschetti, of course all in the ‘inoteca style. The best part and the most filling part about ‘inoteca may be the wide range of paninis to choose from. Sitting upstairs, surrounded by clear glass and looking out onto the bustle of Rivington street, and enjoying a plate of food with friends, or on a date is what best describes the ‘inoteca experience.
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas-Closed, New Years Eve-Open Average Cost: $20
Cipriani Downtown 376 W. Broadway, New York, NY 10012 212-343-0999 Downtown Cipriani is far from its midtown location in many ways. The scene, the menu and the ambiance lack the same upscale quality that are a given to the midtown location, unless you are privy to Cipriani Upstairs. Located on West Broadway, in what some call shopping heaven, this restaurant provides a loft-like atmosphere where almost everything can be seen. Downtown Cipriani has a young clientele, which may be why the menu offerings are heavier than the original Cipriani. Pasta and stylish meats and other health conscious options are proposed on the menu. For desserts crepes come out unlit and a brief lighting show takes place at your table once the Grand Marnier gets a bit of fire. Cipriani may be a great place for ambiance, which is what some pay the hefty price for, instead of the actual cuisine.
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas-Open, New Years Eve-Closed Average Cost: $36 and above
La Bottega 88 Ninth Avenue 212.243.8400 Located in the infamous Maritime hotel, a good night is made to be had once you dine at La Bottega. The restaurant is just as stylish as the hotel and features rows of bottles that act as a border to the walls of white tiles. The lighting is no mistake and makes even the swinging salami’s look as attractive as the patrons. Cuisine by chef Christopher Damico grace the menu, but the cuisine is nothing to rave about yet is nothing to snare at either. For tuna lovers, La Bottega makes something a little different like the tuna on white beans dish, which is only $12. Artichokes in white-truffle oil and the Salmon tartare are both a common order and of course, who can say no to the chicken under a brick? These are the best dishes to go with if dining at La Bottega. Just make sure you look great and be prepared to have a great time without leaving the hotel all night!
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas-Open, New Years Eve-Open Average Cost: $30 and above
Sardi’s 234 W 44th street 212.221.8440 Sardi’s is a part of New York’s Broadway history. Although it may not be the best and most innovative Italian meal around, it is definitely one of the great pillars of New York that can make for great ambiance and a better evening than dining elsewhere. Located on 44th street by Eighth Avenue, Sardi’s has been around since 1921 and is a legend. The walls still hold images of Lucille Ball and every other show business icon in U.S. history. The décor seems to be the same as well, with the red banquettes, old wooden chairs, and lampshade light fixtures still a part of the Sardis experience, nearly unchanged. As for the menu, try the forever-popular special house antipasto or the shrimp Sardi.
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Closed, Christmas-Open, New Years Eve-Closed, Also closed on Mondays Average Cost: $27 and above
Vento 675 Hudson Street 212.699.2400 Owned by Steven Hanson, owner of Fiamma, Vento has a similar rustic and provincial Italian theme. The three level restaurant also includes a lounge called Level V, which encompasses former alcoves that were horse stables once upon a time. Vento has it’s own brick oven for traditionally cooked pizzas, but also offers whole fish, veal, rice balls and much more. Try the baby polpette, which are a popular and familiar favorite or one of the five thin pizzas, which are reminiscent of true Italian cuisine. With Vento, all meals and appetizers are moderately priced. Rosemary roasted potatoes are $4, Pizza starts at $10 and desserts like zeppole are also $4.
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas-Closed, New Years Eve-Open Average Cost: $15-24
Babbo Ristorante 110 Waverly Place 212.777.0303 Babbo Ristorante e Enoteca is located in the trendy and sometimes overpopulated meatpacking district in the downtown area of NYC. Since it’s opening in 1998, Babbo has served authentic Italian meals with a progressive kick. From 1998 onwards, Babbo has also maintained its 3 star rating within many of the finest food reviews and has even won several awards for its culinary servings. Start with a choice of the Marinated Fresh Sardines with Caramelized Fennel and Lobster Oil, Grilled Octopus with “Borlotti Marinati” and Spicy Limoncello Vinaigrette, or the Prosciutto San Daniele “Riserva” served with Black Pepper “Fett’unta”. Innovative dishes like the Goose Liver Ravioli, and the Black Pepper Pappardelle with Wild Boar Ragu are something you won’t find anywhere else. There are options for those less adventurous, mainly in the pasta section of the ever-changing menu.
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas-Closed, New Years Eve-Open Average Cost: $25 and above, $64 eight course pasta tasting menu
The Top List of Best Italian - New York, NY