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Best Italian Restaurants in New York City

Best Italian Restaurants in New York City

New York City has some of the most diverse and delicious cuisines on the planet. You’ll find just about every type of food here for every price range, occasion and style. If you’re in the mood for pasta in NYC, we’ve got you covered. Here are ten delicious options in the Big Apple.

Incredible Italian Cuisine in New York City

Babbo

A meal at Babbo is designed to serve up all of the best aspects of Italian dining and hospitality. For over 24 years, the restaurant has brought in fresh ingredients to create classic Italian dishes like Gnocchi al Gorgonzola, 100 Layer Lasagna al Ragu Bolognese, and the Grana Padano Aged Prime Beef Strip Loin. If you have trouble deciding between pasta dishes, Babbo offers a special Pasta Tasting Menu that includes tasting portions of five pastas along with dessert-you can even add on a wine tasting to complement your meal.

Mint Love Letters at Babbo New York |
Mint Love Letters (Courtesy Babbo)

Lucciola

The team at Lucciola knows that a quality meal starts with quality ingredients. Every element of each dish is hand-picked by the restaurant’s executive chef to ensure each dish is at its best. The menu of farm-to-table Italian cuisine includes 17th Of July Crab Tagliatelle, Handmade Tortellini From Bologna, and Spaghettone Felicetti Alla Carbonara. If you’re in the mood for a variety, try out the Sfoglino Tasting Menu for Two. Pair that with a wine flight for a true culinary experience.

Ai Fiori

Ai Fiori inside The Langham New York offers upscale Italian cuisine in a sophisticated setting. Enjoy one of three tasting menus (including a special vegetarian selection) with optional wine pairings, or select a la carte from the dinner menu. If you’re in the mood for something truly decadent, opt for the Platinum Osetra Caviar or the Golden Kaluga Caviar. If you’re looking for just a taste of the menu, swing by for Happy Hour from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on weeknights and enjoy a selection of starters and appetizer-sized pastas.

Banquettes at Ai Fiori New York |
Banquettes at Ai Fiori (©Noah Fecks)

Il Tinello

If you’re in search of Italian cuisine, Il Tinello is a fantastic choice. Serving traditional Italian dishes for over 36 years, the restaurant cooks up house-made pastas and classic cuisine with an extensive wine menu to perfectly complement your meal. Enjoy starters like the Prosciutto di Parma e Melone (prosciutto and melon) or the Carpaccio di Manzo con Parmigiano, Rucola e Palmito (beef carpaccio with parmesan). On the pasta side, you’ll find various traditional items like spaghetti carbonara amongst more unique dishes.

Masseria Dei Vini

Masseria Dei Vini serves farm fresh Italian classics from Puglia. The restaurant’s menu contains an extensive selection of antipasti and salads, pastas, pizzas and main courses. Diners can enjoy traditional tastes and more obscure flavors like the Tartufo Nero and the “Agnolotti Piemontesi. Make sure to save room for the decadent desserts like Crostatina Di Mele Con Gelato Alla Vaniglia.

Agnolotti Piemontesi at Masseria Dei Vini New York |
Agnolotti Piemontesi (Courtesy Masseria Dei Vini)

San Pietro

With a perfect power lunch location in Midtown, San Pietro serves upscale Italian cuisine six days a week (the restaurant is closed on Sunday). Family-owned and operated since its opening nearly 30 years ago, San Pietro is known for its Southern Italian coastal flavors. Try the Polipo arrosto con Patate bollite as an appetizer and then move on to a heartier main course like the Bavette al Peperoncino con Pomodorino giallo del Piennolo, Golfo di Salerno.

Portale

Enjoy classic Italian cuisine and reimagined flavors at Portale. The restaurant’s open kitchen and neutral color palette provide a serene space while the menu serves up all the best Italian dishes. Dine on traditional items like burrata and polpette (meatballs), or try out new tastes like the Crudo di Tonno (yellowfin tuna tartare) and the Ippoglosso (halibut). Stop by for happy hour and try out a variety of small plates alongside cocktails and happy hour wine specials.

Portale West Dining Room New York |
Portale West Dining Room (Courtesy Portale)

Armani Ristorante

The famous style house has its own restaurant located inside its store on Fifth Avenue. The sleek, sophisticated interior at Armani Ristorante is complemented by the equally stylish menu items and plating. Dine on starters like the grilled lobster with fermented blueberry glaze. Choose from delicious pastas and hearty main courses like marinated duck breast with pomegranate sauce or Iberico pork with pickled vegetables. Save room for unique (and Instagrammable) desserts such as the vanilla flan tartelette with figs.

Olio e Più

Olio e Più serves up Italian comfort foods for lunch, dinner, weekend brunch and happy hour. The restaurant’s rustic space and spacious sidewalk seating offer the perfect setting for a delicious meal with family and friends. Diners can choose from a wide selection of menu items, including charcuterie boards (perfect for sharing or not) and homemade pastas (like the Fusilli E Manzo or the Burrata & Limoncello Ravioli), and handmade pizzas (like the Campagnola or Nostrana).

Menu Selection at Olio e Più New York |
Menu Selection (Courtesy Olio e Più)

A Pasta Bar

Enjoy upscale Italian cuisine with a gorgeous outdoor dining experience at A Pasta Bar (formerly Sola Pasta Bar). The restaurant in Soho serves up house-made pasta dishes like the Fusilloni al Ragu Bianco and the Ziti ai Frutti di Mare. If you’re unsure of what to order, there’s a pasta tasting option for two that includes five smaller servings so that you can taste a bit of everything. The restaurant also features a fresh selection of specialty cocktails alongside an extensive wine list.