New York City has endless cuisine options, but possibly the strongest represented category is Italian restaurants. In this episode, we'll cover the 10 best Italian restaurants in NYC, at least according to us. 😉

You cannot have New York City without Italian culture, food, and its people. Over 2.5 million Italian-Americans live in the greater New York Metro area, making them the single largest demographic group.

Our top 10 Italian restaurants include (not quite in order):

1. Giano
2. Briciola
3. La Pecora Bianca
4. Piccola Cucina
5. Don Angie
6. Lavagna
7. Quality Italian
8. Giardino 54
9. San Marzano
10. Pazza Notte

🗽 Join the newsletter for free access to the NYC Navigation & Transportation Guide + curated Google Maps lists (including our top Italian spots): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rebrand.ly/nyc-newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Giano

In the heart of the East Village, Giano is a cozy Italian spot serving delicious homemade pasta.

Giano is one of our favorite Italian restaurants in NYC! And we don’t say that lightly…

Our favorite dishes are the Tagliatelle alla Bolognese and the Rigatoni con Salsiccia.

Read our full Giano review here.

Briciola

Briciola is an intimate Italian spot with a wide selection of wines and small bites. Certainly worth a try!

The Maccheroni al Tartufo will change your life. We also love the truffle gnocchi.

Check out Briciola here.

La Pecora Bianca

The meatball appetizer is one of our faves. All pastas are made in-house.

Check out La Pecora Bianca here.

Piccola Cucina Uptown

Super cozy and authentic spot. Make sure to get a reservation or do an early dinner because the space is small. Don't skip the tiramisu.

Check out Piccola Cucina Uptown here.

You'll Have to Check It Out Segment - Alwyn Court House

The Alwyn Court was built between 1907 and 1909 and was designed by Harde & Short in the French Renaissance style.

The Alwyn Court was made a New York City designated landmark in 1966 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

The decorative terracotta details on the facade include quattrocento-style pilasters, baldachin-like canopies, and crowned salamanders representing Francis I, in addition to fleurs-de-lis, cameos, and escutcheons.

See it on your way to or from Central Park! It's located on the corner of 58th Street and 7th Avenue.

Don Angie

Awarded a Michelin star in 2021. Lost it in 2023.

Get the Chrysanthemum Salad and Our Lasagna for Two.

Check out Don Angie here.

Lavagna

Cozy and cute spot with great options all around. Really cool ceiling and decor.

Check out Lavagna here.

Quality Italian

The Lobster alla vodka and whipped ricotta are phenomenal, and you must try the homemade sambuca.

Check out Quality Italian here.

Giardino 54

Cozy, bright spot with pastas, salads, and wine on tap

Check out Giardino 54 here.

San Marzano

Great on a budget. Well-priced Italian dishes in a no-frills setting. Cheap drinks too! All bottles of wine are under $30, which is unheard of in NYC. Pastas are $14.

Check out San Marzano here.

Pazza Notte

Pazza Notte is a phenomenal restaurant in the heart of Midtown that's conveniently located near the MoMA. They're famous for their 2-for-1 martinis, massive salads, and delicious pastas. Great option for before a Broadway show.

Check out Pazza Notte here.

Highly-Rated Restaurants in Little Italy, NYC

1. Osteria Barocca
2. Casa D'Angelo
3. Zia Maria
4. Gelso & Grand
5. L'Amore Restaurant

Want to see our top 10 plus other favorites in a handy Google Maps list?

Just sign up for our 100% free newsletter to access:

• Dozens of Google Maps lists, including Italian restaurants
• NYC Navigation Guide covering getting to & from airports, taking the subway & more
• Weekly insights on top spots, upcoming events, and must-know NYC tips

Get started below. 👇

🗽 Join the newsletter for free access to the NYC Navigation & Transportation Guide + curated Google Maps lists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rebrand.ly/nyc-newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠