Ci Siamo in the West Village comes close to transporting you back to Italy – its founder Keith McNally created an ambience reminiscent of Parisian chic combined with Italian cuisine; expect dishes like ricotta-filled agnolotti and wood-fired mushroom pizzas.
Hell’s Kitchen restaurant Mercato features both Italian deli imports and local ingredients in their heartfelt menu, serving simple pleasures such as spaghetti cacao e pepe or ossobuco ravioli for an easy yet memorable dining experience.
1. Rubirosa
Rubirosa in Nolita represents the new generation of Little Italy’s popular paean to red sauce and carbs. Owned by the family behind Staten Island pizza royalty Joe & Pat’s, Rubirosa offers some of the city’s best thin-crust, vodka sauce-topped pizzas as well as classic dishes such as baked clams and textbook lasagna.
Restaurant reservations may be hard to come by and waiting time could be lengthy on weekends, but don’t let that put you off; their award-winning tie-dye pizza makes waiting worth your while!
AJ Pappalardo, son of late Staten Island institution Joe & Pat’s founder Giuseppe Pappalardo (deceased), opened Rubirosa in 2009 to showcase their 60+ year signature pizza recipe. Since then it has become a NYC destination. Recently they made their award-winning paper-thin crust pizzas even more accessible through Rubirosa at Home pantry products – creating even greater accessibility for their cult favorite paper-thin crust pizzas and housemade pasta dishes!
2. Il Corallo Trattoria
NoHo is home to an affordable old-school Italian restaurant offering classic, filling pasta dishes. Popular with local families, NYU students and tourists passing through, its affordable menu includes dishes like Black Taglierini (fresh black squid ink pasta topped with green peas, sun-dried tomato, shrimp cream of tomato) or Cavatelli Rapini (broccoli rabe, sausage with white wine garlic sauce). Finally, there’s their exquisite tiramisu dessert which is both rich and decadent!
This restaurant is well-known for its outstanding service and charming decor. Offering rustic ragu dishes to seafood specialities and vegetarian standouts – as well as pizzas or pasta dishes you can pair with wine – they provide convenient delivery or gift certificates so your loved ones can also experience its delicious food!
3. Tavola
Tavola, situated near the Javits Center and Port Authority Bus Terminal, provides convenient office tower access. Their menu reflects Italy’s regional traditions while employing fresh ingredients for hearty dishes at affordable prices.
An “-eria” suffix typically denotes what a restaurant specializes in A gelateria offers mostly gelato; a pizzeria sells pizza; and a polenta serves polenta exclusively. Tavola serves bruschetta, polenta and other Italian dishes alongside pasta.
A trattoria is similar to a restaurant, yet less formal and usually family-owned (either mom or dad is behind the counter). Food tends to be simpler and service more friendly – providing an enjoyable respite from daily responsibilities – right here in Italy!
4. Trattoria Trecolori
An Italian spot known for its classic red sauce dishes. The cosy setting features a bar and exposed brick. Diners appreciate both their food and friendly service; dessert options include delicious tiramisu and ricotta cheesecake.
Restaurant Row boasts one of the oldest Italian restaurants in Chicago; founded by Sebastiano Maioglio and managed since 1962 by his daughter. Speciality dishes from the Piemonte regions of Italy can be found here.
On the menu are pasta dishes such as gnocchi with tomato basil sauce or tortellini alla panna, plus fettuccini Alfredo that can be customized with Portobello mushrooms, chicken or shrimp for a small surcharge. Protein-based entrees feature filling dishes like twelve-ounce sirloin with fried potatoes and broccoli rabe – open from lunch through dinner service with both set menu options available to guests.
5. Di Fara
Di Fara founder Domenico DeMarco passed away earlier this year, yet his family continues to honour his legacy with their Midwood pizzeria’s expansion to Seaport. Opening last weekend at 108 South Street is their new Seaport storefront that serves up those same delicious slices that kept customers queuing up on Avenue J and Food Network cameras rolling.
Di Fara may be slightly pricey ($30 for a plain slice), and waits can sometimes last an hour, but those committed to experiencing authentic New York pizza should make the journey. Even their water has an unusual mineral profile due to a special filter designed to mimic city water; according to Geiser, this strategy has contributed greatly to Di Fara’s success.
6. Ba monte’s
Bamonte’s is an Italian-American eatery in Brooklyn offering traditional Italian dishes like spaghetti and meatballs, chicken parmigiana, lasagna and more in an inviting and friendly environment. Delivery services are also provided.
Customers love this restaurant for its friendly staff, delicious cuisine and cosy ambience – often recommending it to friends.
Starting as far back as 1900, this restaurant stands as one of New York’s oldest Italian eateries. Its walls are covered with photographs of celebrities and mob bosses like “Fat Tony” Rabito from the Bonanno crime family. Serving classic dishes like saucy zuppa di clams with light tomato-and-meat sauce as well as handmade cheese raviolis in light tomato-and-meat sauce are on its menu – prices are also very reasonable making this an essential visit if you wish to experience Italy’s charm!
7. Marea
Since opening in 2009, Marea has quickly become the go-to spot for the city’s power lunch set. On my recent visit, tall silver-haired private equity dudes and their young entourages filled the lacquered space with confidence that comes from having just finalized the terms of their latest acquisition deal.
The menu reads like an underwater voyage: from fresh crudo and fish preparations to seafood-focused pasta from Chef Lauren DeSteno. Sadly, however, they recently removed their prix fixe lunch option and $128 tasting menu at dinner; only a la carte options remain available.
Prices at Marea can be steep, but two generous half portions of pasta make the restaurant more accessible in such an exorbitant neighbourhood. DeSteno has made sustainability part of his mission with this restaurant by contributing thousands of oyster shells to the Billion Oyster Project; these shells will then be recycled into reefs that enhance New York’s coastal ecosystem.
8. Tavola
Tavola in Hell’s Kitchen serves regional Italian fare from Puglian, Roman and Sicilian regions – inspired by owner Nick Accardi’s family roots – inspired by authentic touches like its pressed tin ceilings and wood-burning oven at the end of the room.
At first glance, Tavola Calda might remind one of a cafeteria (cah-feh-TERI). Instead of its typical fare of dry casseroles and overflowing plates of food, this establishment more closely resembles a food court; here you queue to buy pre-made meals which are then heated back up before your eyes – think pizza by the slice, roast meats and salad.
At an osteria, you can expect short menus with detailed verbal descriptions, inexpensive prices, and plenty of communal seating – places most Italians would opt for instead of eating on the street, in their car, or while at work.
9. Keste Pizza & Vino
Keste Pizza & Vino captures the spirit of Italian delicatessens with its no-nonsense space and humble offerings, such as Neapolitan-certified dough pies that feature an irresistibly satisfying crust char. Enjoy classic eggplant Parmigiana or indulge your senses in their Vendetta Sarda sausage pizza for something excitingly spicy!
West Village Italian restaurant Pizzeria Libretteria’s speciality lies in pizza and wine. Their menu boasts an eclectic mix of pizzas that ranges from the simple margherita to their complex Pizza del Papa featuring roasted red and yellow peppers, smoked mozzarella, basil leaves, artichoke slices and butternut squash cream puddles. Montanara pizzas feature fresh ricotta cheese, homemade mozzarella and salami for an exceptional dining experience.
10. Quality Italian
Coast freshness and a menu dedicated to lasagna make this West Village spot one of the premier Italian restaurants in NYC. The dining room offers greenhouse-like seating as well as bar seating where diners can observe all of the kitchen action taking place behind closed doors.
Classic storefront armoires, classic countertops and tiled ceilings give Tavola its distinct heritage vibe. Order arancini with Calabrian chile or eggplant parmigiana to experience what your Mamma would have made – you’re in for an experience like no other!
Brooklyn eatery The Unusual Italian offers both fun and genuine hospitality in their eclectic atmosphere. Enjoy something refreshing while munching on Jell-O olives or large plates of smoked pork rib parm, followed by some highly recommended desserts like their award-winning chocolate torte! Though prices are more on the expensive end than at other venues, quality outweighs cost here – perfect for celebrating special events!