Italy is prosecco-nd to none! Is Italian your favorite cuisine? If so, you are in luck. We rounded up 10 of the best Italian restaurants in New York City. Get ready to embark on a mouthwatering journey through the city that never sleeps and its unbeatable Italian food scene. NYC is a melting pot of flavors, and when it comes to Italian cuisine, it’s like stepping right into Nonna’s kitchen. Join us as we explore 10 of the best Italian restaurants in New York City that are not just about food – they’re about celebrating life, family, and good times.
Best Italian Restaurants in New York City: A Taste of Italy’s Alfresco Magic Since 2020
NYC’s restaurant scene since 2020 has taken on the vibrant spirit of Italy’s alfresco dining season. Some streets have transformed into enchanting block parties, echoing the jovial atmosphere of Italian piazzas. And guess what? If you’re like us, residing in the Flatiron/Chelsea neighborhood, you’re in for a treat – many of the best Italian restaurants in New York City are just a leisurely stroll from home. Now, who can resist the charm of that? Let’s dive into the best Italian restaurants in New York City.
Best Italian Restaurants in NYC: Bottino, a Secret Garden in Chelsea
Penne for your thoughts. Bottino is an Italian restaurant in Chelsea with a stunning secret garden. Not only is Bottino great for dinner, the restaurant is also perfect for private events, such as weddings, receptions, baby showers, bridal showers and engagements. We started with Prosecco Rose. Our favorite cocktail was the Berry Margarita on the rocks. We also recommend the Grilled Peaches and Stracciatella, Cavatelli Alla Norma, Lamb Chops, Branzino and Tiramisu. The ambiance is quite unique an makes this one of the best Italian restaurants in New York City. You can read about our full dining experience here.
246 Tenth Avenue
Lunch: Wednesday – Saturday 12:00PM – 3:00PM
Dinner: Monday – Wednesday 5:00PM – 9:00PM | Thursday – Saturday 5:00PM – 9:30PM |Sunday 5:00PM – 8:00PM
Best Italian Restaurants in New York City: Eataly Rooftop, a Fresh Theme Each Season
Let’s chat about our go-to rooftop that never disappoints: Serra at Eataly Flatiron. The team at Eataly know how to hit it out of the park every single season. The food? Unbelievable. Drinks? Top-notch. And the decor? It’s like stepping into a whole new world. Plus, the vibes they create are off the charts – the perfect mix of cozy and modern cool. Whether it’s a chill dinner, a romantic date night, a casual hangout with pals, or even a big group shindig, Eataly Flatiron is top of the list of the best Italian restaurants in New York City.
Also they’ve got the art of crafting Insta-worthy moments down to a science. Seriously, you’re not going to want to leave without snagging a pic or two. So, if you’re hunting for a place that truly gets what the dining experience is all about, Eataly Flatiron is your spot. And let’s talk seasons – fall, in particular, is our absolute favorite time to swing by. There’s just something about the seasonal fruits, veggies, and that unbeatable Italian touch that makes every meal there unforgettable. For the full scoop on our previous visits, you can catch up right here.
200 Fifth Avenue
Sunday – Thursday: 11:30PM to 10:00PM | Friday – Sunday: 11:30AM to 10:30PM
Best Italian Restaurants in New York City: Giorgio’s of Gramercy, a Favorite of over 15 Years
Get ready to twirl some pasta magic with us as we whisk you away to an oldie but a goodie – Giorgio’s of Gramercy. We’ve been dining here for over 15 years and this spot easily ranks among the best Italian restaurants in NYC. Nestled in the heart of charming Gramercy, Giorgio’s serves up an unmatched trio of delights: delectable food, artful cocktails that could put a canvas to shame, and service that wraps you in a warm embrace. We recommend the Oysters, Ricotta Gnocchi, Lamb Chops and the Bread Pudding. They also have a fantastic catering menu that we’ve ordered from for holiday parties and Thanksgiving. You can read about our dining experience here.
27 E 21st St
Lunch: Monday – Friday: 12:00PM to 3:30PM
Dinner: Sunday – Wednesday: 5:00PM to 10:00PM | Friday – Saturday: 5:00PM to 11:00PM
Best Italian Restaurants in New York City: Novita, the Perfect Date Spot
Holy Cannelloni! Novita is an Italian trattoria that’s like a modern Italian daydream and one of the best Italian restaurants in New York City! Seriously, every bite here is like a ticket to Italy itself. If you’re looking to turn your taste buds into avid travelers, we’ve got a lineup for you. Start with the Fioro di Zucchini for a burst of flavor, dive into the Tuna Roll for a savory adventure, and brace yourself for the squid ink Spaghettini that’s a taste explosion.
And as if that’s not enough, brace yourself for a sweet finale with the Gelati Misti that’s basically a gelato carnival, followed by the Semifreddo that’ll have you dreaming of frozen mousse forever. We’ve got the full scoop right here for you to devour!
102 East 22nd Street
Lunch: Monday – Friday 12PM to 2:30PM
Dinner: Monday – Friday 5:30PM-10:30PM | Saturday 5:30PM – 11:00PM | Sunday 5:00 – 10:00PM
Best Italian Restaurants in New York City: Rosemary’s West Village, a Rustic Gem
I did it fusilli reasons. Rosemary’s in the West Village is our go-to rustic gem! Their sidewalk cafe is pure perfection, part of the Casa Nela hospitality group. Start strong with the signature Rosemary’s Spritz and their oh-so-good Rosemary’s Focaccia. Craving more? Go for the Eggplant Caponata and the refreshing Avocado Salad. Then, dive into the star of the show: the mouthwatering Fusilli and the can’t-miss Roast Chicken.
And oh, don’t even think of passing on the Bombolini – Italian donuts that redefine indulgence. Hungry for the whole scoop on our al fresco experience at Rosemary’s, one of the best Italian restaurants in New York City? Dive into the delicious details right here!
18 Greenwich Avenue
Brunch: Saturday – Sunday 10:00AM – 4:00PM
Dinner: Monday – Sunday 4:00PM – 10:00PM
Best Italian Restaurants in New York City: Scarpetta, NoMad’s Green Wonderland
Penne for your thoughts. Scarpetta is in the James Hotel and the city street was transformed into a beautiful mini garden oasis, filled with luscious greenery and twinkling lights. We recommend starting with Cicchetti bites to share. We also recommend the spaghetti. Trust us, it is the best spaghetti you will ever eat and one of the best Italian restaurants in New York City. Make sure to finish your meal with the dulce cheesecake. You can read about our full tasting experience here.
88 Madison Avenue
Aperitivo: 4:00PM – 5:30PM
Dinner: Sunday – Tuesday; 4:00PM – 9:00PM | Wednesday – Saturday 4:00PM – 10:00PM
Best Italian Restaurants in New York City: Casa Limone, Southern Italy in the Heart of Midtown Manhattan
Get ready for a taste-packed journey at Casa Limone. With Amalfi Coast vibes, it serves up southern Italian magic. The ambiance is on point – think authentic flavors, Mediterranean elegance, and incredible hospitality, making it ideal for groups, ladies’ nights, or date nights. The restaurant’s Italian decor, from an antique lemon-yellow Vespa to vibrant banquets and Insta-worthy floral walls, sets the scene.
Our adventure kicked off with signature cocktails – Casa Limone, Fiore Bianco, and Margarita in Fuoco. Then came the star – the Tartufata, a black truffle pizza with imported Italian ingredients and local produce. For mains, the New Zealand lamb chops, stole the show. Last but not least, Fritelle Casa Limone – house-baked doughnuts with hot chocolate and gelato – ended our feast on a high note. You can read about the entire meal here.
20 E 49th St, New York, NY 10017
Lunch: Monday – Saturday 11:30AM – 4:00PM
Dinner: Monday – Saturday; 4:00PM – 10:00PM
Best Italian Restaurants in New York City: Spritz Nomad, a Spritz-Fueled Delight
Craving a taste of Italy but can’t jet off to the Amalfi Coast? No worries, just head to Spritz Nomad, a standout among Nomad’s top Italian restaurants. It’s the ultimate summer escape, offering mouthwatering American-Italian eats and a Spritz-filled extravaganza. Our dining adventure here was pure bliss, with Aperol Spritzes in the spotlight. Spritz Nomad’s cocktail lineup, including the signature Spritz Tower boasting four unique varieties, sets the tone for the night. Oh, and don’t miss the jumbo Aperol Spritz – it’s made for sharing.
Picture-perfect outdoor dining with an Amalfi lemon yellow mural welcomed us, where we savored the Chef’s Trio of Cheese, Salumi Board, and standout Hamachi Crudo. For mains, it was love at first bite with the Figura and Prosciutto Pizza and the richly indulgent Ravioli. But wait, dessert was the grand finale – Tiramisu in a terra cotta plant with rosemary sprigs was almost too pretty to eat. And because Italian feasting isn’t complete without cannoli, we savored the Mini Cannoli – a delightful conclusion to an unforgettable evening. You can read about our experience here.
30 W 30th Street, New York, NY 10001
Wednesday – Friday: 5:00PM – 11:00PM | Saturday: 11:00AM – 11:00PM | Sunday: 11:00AM – 5:00PM (closed Monday and Tuesday)
Brunch: Saturday: 11:00AM – 4:00PM
Best Italian Restaurants in New York City: Rosemary’s East
Hold onto your forks, because we’re about to serve up a plateful of Italian enchantment from our dining experience at Rosemary’s East in StuyTown! You saw Rosemary’s West Village above, but there’s a spot for the Eastsiders too. Our journey began with Aperitivi including the Pink Negroni, Frozato and the Pink Don’t Tell cocktail. The Calamari Fritti, Dipalo’s Burrata and the Eggplant Caponata were culinary masterpieces that transported us to an Italian villa.
The Mushroom and Spinach Pizza? It was like a slice of Napoli heaven, with each bite harmonizing flavors perfectly. For seafood aficionados, the Branzino took us on a seaside journey with Salsa Verde, Spring Pea Leaves, and Baby Artichokes. And that Linguine? It was a pasta symphony, perfectly balanced with Picked Chili and Parmigiano. Dessert? The Lemon Ricotta Bombolini were like little pillows of heaven, and the Olive Oil Cake serenaded our sweet tooth with Blueberry Compote and Whipped Cream. You can read about our entire experience here.
350 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10010
Lunch: Weekdays 11:30AM – 4:00PM
Dinner: Daily 4:00PM to 10:00PM
Brunch: Saturday and Sunday 10:00AM – 3:00PM
Happy Hour: Weekdays 3:00PM – 6:00PM
Best Italian Restaurants in New York City: Eataly Downtown
You read about Eataly’s charm at Flatiron above, but Eataly Downtown near the World Trade Center is a whole new culinary world. From Battery Park lunches to sunset dinners overlooking the World Trade Center Memorial and Brookfield Place, it’s a feast for the senses. We dined at La Pizza & La Pasta. The Onde di Vita stole our hearts with its purple allure.
We also enjoyed the Spagetto al Pomodoro, Il Risotto Rosso, and the star of the show – Squid Ink Risotto. Dessert? Castagnole Colorate – fried ricotta donuts filled with raspberry, mango, and blueberry jam. Eataly Downtown isn’t just a restaurant – it’s a fusion of taste and vibrancy that’ll have you craving both culinary wonders and kaleidoscopic views. You can read about our experience here.
4 World Trade Center, 101 Liberty Street, 3rd Floor New York, NY 10007
Sunday – Thursday: 11:30PM – 9:30PM | Friday and Saturday: 11:30AM – 10:00PM
Indulge your senses and take a big bite out of the Big Apple this year. Whether you’re a local or visitor, these best Italian restaurants in New York City are calling your name. Grab a drink, share laughter with friends, and relish a scrumptious meal amidst captivating settings. For even more culinary adventures across NYC’s diverse cuisines, check out our extensive collection of restaurant recommendations here. Let your taste buds explore, and let the city’s flavors become your unforgettable journey.
Daniel BoulardLove Italian food; it’s soulful like French food. Italian food is original and homey; it’s market-driven, but also can be locally sourced.
Great post. I am planning on traveling to New York City, thanks for the list of Italian restaurants, I will try them out when the time comes.
I loved reading through your list of NYC’s best Italian restaurants. I used to live in New York but I haven’t been to these but I’ll check them out next time I visit. I loved all of your food and drink photos!
New York is full of places to eat, this helps narrow it down for sure! this food has me drooling!
Yes, Italian food is my favorite! Looking forward to trying some of these amazing looking Italian restaurants in New York City. Everything looks fabulous.
Thanks for the recommendations. Now, if I go to NY I’ll know where to eat.
All of these looks amazing! If I am ever in the area I will stop to check them out. I need to find a good spot or two near me to get some delicious food like this. Thanks for sharing this!
Ooohhhh….going by the photos here, I say that GIORGIO’S OF GRAMERCY is doing the work, the most. I am loving the elegance they are bringing out in the food. I wanna visit them.
Now, we can taste authentic italian food without leaving the country. Thank you for these!
I love Italian foods! But I admit that I haven’t experienced the real Italian cooking (aka prepared by the Italian Nonna!). I will be interested to visit these restaurants when I visit NYC (hope by that time comes, they are still in business!).
Your list of the best Italian restaurants in NYC is a true gem! The mouthwatering descriptions and recommendations make me want to try them all. Thanks for helping me plan my next Italian culinary adventure in the Big Apple! ????????
I love Italian food. It’s nice to read about great places to try out.
We love Italian food and we love New York. I will have to check those out next time I am there. Thanks for sharing.
Ooh! I’m headed to NYC and love Italian. I’m definitely saving this guide. Yum!!