Best Italian Restaurants in NYC: Where to Find Authentic Flavors and Fine Dining

The best Italian restaurants in NYC, look no further than Carbone, L’Artusi, Lucali, and Rezdôra, among others.

Why NYC is a Haven for Italian Cuisine

New York City is known for being one of the most diverse culinary capitals of the world, and Italian cuisine plays a central role in its gastronomic identity.

From traditional trattorias to innovative Michelin-starred restaurants, NYC has it all. Italian immigrants have contributed immensely to the city’s food scene, and today, Italian restaurants offer everything from classic pasta dishes to unique modern takes on traditional recipes.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best Italian restaurants in New York City, covering a range of options that appeal to lovers of authentic Italian cuisine, whether you’re craving fresh pasta, wood-fired pizza, or a multi-course fine dining experience.

1. Carbone: Classic Italian-American with a Retro Twist

Location: 181 Thompson St, New York, NY 10012

Hours: Daily from 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM

Carbone is an iconic Italian-American restaurant located in the heart of Greenwich Village. Known for its vintage ambiance, white tablecloth service, and elevated versions of Italian-American classics, Carbone is the go-to spot for those looking for a nostalgic experience.

What to order:

• Spicy Rigatoni Vodka: Carbone’s signature dish, creamy with a perfect kick of spice.
• Veal Parmesan: A hearty portion, cooked to perfection with melted cheese and rich tomato sauce.
• Caesar Salad: Carved tableside, adding an element of old-school charm.

Carbone’s popularity has made it a difficult reservation to snag, but the experience is well worth the effort. It’s a place where every dish tells a story of classic Italian-American cuisine, elevated for modern palates.

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2. L’Artusi: A Modern Italian Gem in the West Village

Location: 228 W 10th St, New York, NY 10014

Hours: Monday-Saturday 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM, Sunday 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Located in the West Village, L’Artusi is celebrated for its modern take on Italian cuisine, offering a refined yet approachable dining experience. Known for its focus on seasonal ingredients and creative takes on traditional dishes, L’Artusi is a staple for locals and tourists alike.

What to order:

• Ricotta Gnocchi: Soft pillows of gnocchi paired with rich butter and Parmigiano-Reggiano.
• Roasted Chicken: An unassuming dish that surprises with depth of flavor and perfectly crispy skin.
• Olive Oil Cake: A simple yet perfectly balanced dessert that leaves you wanting more.

The open kitchen design adds an intimate feel to the dining experience, and L’Artusi’s extensive wine list, curated by expert sommeliers, features some of the finest Italian wines available.

3. Lucali: Brooklyn’s Legendary Pizzeria

Location: 575 Henry St, Brooklyn, NY 11231

Hours: Monday-Sunday 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM

A trip to NYC wouldn’t be complete without visiting Lucali, located in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. Known for its wood-fired pizza, Lucali has earned a cult following among pizza lovers and celebrities alike.

What to order:

• Classic Margherita Pizza: Made with simple ingredients like fresh mozzarella, San Marzano tomatoes, and basil, this pizza is pure perfection.
• Calzone: Lucali’s take on the classic Italian calzone, filled with ricotta and mozzarella, is a crispy yet gooey delight.

While Lucali doesn’t take reservations, the wait is often long, but its reputation for having some of the best pizza in the city keeps patrons coming back again and again. Watching the pizzas being made in the open kitchen only adds to the charm of this cozy establishment.

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4. Via Carota: A Rustic Trattoria in the Heart of NYC

Location: 51 Grove St, New York, NY 10014

Hours: Daily 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM

Via Carota, a charming rustic trattoria in the West Village, is the brainchild of chefs Jody Williams and Rita Sodi. The restaurant offers a menu that emphasizes simplicity and seasonal produce, with a heavy focus on vegetables and handmade pastas.

What to order:

• Cacio e Pepe: This Roman classic is perfectly executed, with a velvety sauce of Pecorino Romano and black pepper.
• Insalata Verde: A surprisingly delicious mix of fresh greens, herbs, and a well-balanced vinaigrette.
• Pappardelle with Wild Boar Ragu: Rich, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.

With a no-reservations policy and a casual atmosphere, Via Carota has quickly become a favorite for locals seeking authentic Italian flavors without the fuss of fine dining.

5. Rezdôra: Emilia-Romagna on a Plate

Location: 27 E 20th St, New York, NY 10003

Hours: Daily 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Sunday 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM

Rezdôra brings the flavors of Emilia-Romagna to Flatiron, offering handmade pasta that showcases the craftsmanship of Italian cuisine. Chef Stefano Secchi’s dedication to tradition is evident in every bite, as he reimagines the flavors of northern Italy with precision and care.

What to order:

• Uovo Raviolo di Nino Bergese: A large raviolo filled with ricotta and a runny egg yolk, served in a brown butter sauce.
• Tagliatelle al Ragu: An authentic Bolognese ragu, with a rich meat sauce that clings perfectly to the delicate noodles.
• Cappelletti in Brodo: This dish features small pasta stuffed with meat, served in a comforting broth.

Rezdôra’s extensive menu of handmade pasta dishes is complemented by an excellent wine list, making it a top destination for lovers of northern Italian cuisine.

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6. Marea: Italian Seafood Extravaganza

Location: 240 Central Park S, New York, NY 10019

Hours: Monday-Sunday 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM

For seafood lovers, Marea is a must-visit. Located near Central Park, Marea offers an upscale dining experience that focuses on Italian seafood with a modern twist. The elegant atmosphere and exquisite dishes make it perfect for special occasions.

What to order:

• Ostriche: A fresh selection of oysters served with a variety of sauces.
• Fusilli with Red Wine Braised Octopus and Bone Marrow: This signature dish is rich, decadent, and utterly satisfying.
• Branzino: A beautifully cooked Mediterranean sea bass with a light, lemony finish.

Marea’s sophisticated yet inviting ambiance and its stellar menu earned it a Michelin star, making it one of the top Italian restaurants in New York City for a luxury dining experience.

7. Il Buco Alimentari & Vineria: Elevated Rustic Italian

Location: 53 Great Jones St, New York, NY 10012

Hours: Monday-Sunday 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Il Buco Alimentari & Vineria is an artisanal Italian restaurant that excels in rustic, farm-to-table cuisine. Located in NoHo, this venue combines a casual atmosphere with a refined menu, where house-made charcuterie and bread take center stage.

What to order:

• Porchetta Sandwich: Slow-roasted pork with crisp skin, served on house-made bread.
• Cavatelli: A hearty dish made with sausage, kale, and pecorino, perfect for a cold night.
• Affettati Misti: A selection of house-made charcuterie, showcasing the restaurant’s dedication to quality ingredients.

Il Buco Alimentari prides itself on sourcing high-quality ingredients, often grown locally or imported directly from Italy, making it one of the best places to experience true Italian flavors in NYC.

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8. Don Angie: Contemporary Italian with a Twist

Location: 103 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10014

Hours: Monday-Sunday 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Don Angie in the West Village has quickly become a sensation for its inventive takes on Italian-American classics. Known for its playful, innovative dishes, Don Angie offers a fresh perspective on traditional recipes, while maintaining a commitment to quality and flavor.

What to order:

• Lasagna for Two: Layers of thin pasta sheets, cheese, and rich sauce that make this dish perfect for sharing.
• Stuffed Garlic Flatbread: This savory, garlicky bread has a cult following for good reason.
• Fior di Latte Mozzarella: Fresh, delicate mozzarella served with a seasonal accompaniment.

With a stylish interior and bold dishes, Don Angie perfectly blends tradition with creativity, offering a dining experience that’s both familiar and refreshingly different.

9. Lilia: A Modern Italian Experience in Brooklyn

Location: 567 Union Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Hours: Wednesday-Sunday 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM

Located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Lilia is a Michelin-starred restaurant that has made waves in the NYC dining scene. Run by chef Missy Robbins, Lilia offers a sophisticated take on traditional Italian dishes with a focus on fresh pasta and seasonal ingredients.

What to order:

• Sheep’s Milk Cheese Agnolotti: Soft pasta stuffed with a rich filling and enhanced with saffron and honey.
• Rigatoni Diavola: A perfect blend of spicy and savory flavors with tomato and chili-infused sauce.
• Grilled Clams with Calabrian Chili: A simple yet flavorful dish that exemplifies the restaurant’s focus on quality ingredients.

Lilia is known for its bright, open space and attention to detail, making it a destination for lovers of Italian cuisine with a modern flair.

10. Babbo Ristorante e Enoteca: Upscale Dining with Classic Italian Roots

Location: 110 Waverly Pl, New York, NY 10011

Hours: Monday-Sunday 5:30 PM – 11:00 PM

Babbo is a renowned Italian restaurant in Greenwich Village, co-owned by chef Mario Batali. Known for its upscale approach to traditional Italian dishes, Babbo brings together classic Italian flavors and refined cooking techniques.

What to order:

• Beef Cheek Ravioli: Tender beef cheeks wrapped in delicate pasta, served with a brown butter sauce.
• Pappardelle Bolognese: A rich and hearty pasta dish that exemplifies the best of Northern Italian cuisine.
• Grilled Octopus: A light and flavorful starter that balances smokiness with a touch of acidity.

Babbo’s elegant atmosphere and expertly crafted menu have made it a staple in the fine dining scene for decades, offering an Italian dining experience that’s both timeless and contemporary.

Best Italian Restaurants in NYC

Whether you’re in the mood for classic Italian dishes, innovative modern creations, or pizza straight out of a wood-fired oven, New York City has an Italian restaurant to match your craving.

From the nostalgic Italian-American fare at Carbone to the rustic yet refined dishes at Via Carota and Lucali, each restaurant brings its own take on Italian cuisine, making NYC a true destination for Italian food lovers.

These ten Italian restaurants represent just a small sample of the many exceptional options the city has to offer.

Whether you’re a local or just visiting, these establishments deliver authentic flavors, exceptional service, and a true taste of Italy in the heart of New York City.