14 Best Italian Restaurants In New York To Try In 2026
Let’s start with a confession: I’ve eaten my way through New York City for years, but no cuisine has held my heart (and stomach) quite like Italian.
Between the Neapolitan pizza that could make a saint sin, the cacio e pepe that tastes like a hug from a Roman nonna, and the tiramisu so scandalously good it should come with a warning, NYC is basically one giant Italian feast with a subway map.
But here’s the problem—how do you pick the best spots when every corner has a new contender?
From hidden family-run trattorias to buzzy new pizzerias with lines snaking around the block, I’ve done the dirty work.
Let’s skip the “just okay” eats and dive into the 14 Italian restaurants in 2026 that’ll make you forget about your diet, your FOMO, and everything else except the fact that you live in the greatest food city on Earth.
1. Marea
Situated at 240 Central Park S, New York 10019, this coastal Italian gem has earned its reputation as one of Manhattan’s most sophisticated dining destinations.
Chef Michael White crafts extraordinary seafood-focused dishes that celebrate the flavors of Italy’s coastline.
The handmade pasta selections, particularly the fusilli with red wine braised octopus, have become legendary among food enthusiasts.
Every plate showcases meticulous attention to detail and premium ingredients sourced from both Italy and local waters.
The elegant atmosphere makes it perfect for special occasions or impressive business dinners.
Service here runs like clockwork, with knowledgeable staff who guide diners through the extensive menu with genuine expertise.
Reservations book up weeks in advance, so planning ahead becomes essential for securing a table at this Central Park South treasure.
2. Carbone
Located at 181 Thompson St, this Greenwich Village hotspot reimagines classic Italian-American dining with theatrical flair and impeccable execution.
Walking through the doors feels like stepping onto a movie set from the 1950s, complete with tuxedo-clad waiters performing tableside presentations.
The spicy rigatoni vodka has achieved cult status, drawing celebrities and food pilgrims from around the globe.
Beyond the Instagram-worthy atmosphere, the kitchen delivers consistently excellent food that honors old-school red sauce traditions while elevating them to fine dining standards.
Portions arrive generously sized, making sharing between friends both practical and enjoyable.
Getting a reservation requires persistence and flexibility, but the experience justifies every effort.
From the veal parmesan to the famous meatballs, each dish transports you to Italian-American dining’s golden era with modern refinement.
3. L’Artusi
Nestled at 228 W 10th St in the West Village, this contemporary Italian spot balances sophistication with approachable neighborhood charm.
The menu changes with the seasons, showcasing vegetables and proteins at their peak freshness in creative yet recognizable preparations.
Olive oil cake for dessert has become something of a signature, though honestly, saving room proves difficult after the pasta courses.
An open kitchen lets diners watch the culinary team work their magic, adding energy and transparency to the dining experience.
The space fills quickly with locals and visitors alike, creating a lively buzz that never becomes overwhelming.
Staff members demonstrate genuine enthusiasm about the food, offering thoughtful recommendations without pretension.
Whether you snag a seat at the bar or settle into a table, the warm hospitality makes everyone feel welcome and valued throughout the meal.
4. Lilia
Positioned at 567 Union Ave at the corner of N 10th in Williamsburg, this Brooklyn favorite has transformed the neighborhood dining scene since opening.
Chef Missy Robbins brings her considerable talent to crafting exceptional pasta dishes that have food critics raving year after year.
The sheep’s milk ricotta with honey and sea salt makes a simple yet unforgettable starter that perfectly sets the tone.
I once waited three hours for a table here on a Saturday night, and honestly, I’d do it again without hesitation because the mafaldini with pink peppercorns justified every minute.
Wood-fired preparations add smoky depth to vegetables and proteins, while the industrial-chic space maintains a welcoming warmth despite its size.
Reservations remain competitive, though walk-ins sometimes get lucky during off-peak hours when cancellations open up unexpected opportunities.
5. Rezdôra
Found at 27 E 20th St in the Flatiron District, this restaurant specializes in the rich culinary traditions of Emilia-Romagna, Italy’s gastronomic heartland.
Chef Stefano Secchi demonstrates mastery over the region’s famous pasta styles, from delicate tortellini to hearty tagliatelle.
Each dish arrives as a lesson in Italian regional cooking, prepared with techniques passed down through generations.
The commitment to authenticity extends beyond the kitchen, with imported ingredients ensuring flavors remain true to the source.
Parmigiano-Reggiano aged to perfection features prominently, adding nutty complexity to numerous preparations.
Despite the refined approach, the atmosphere never feels stuffy or intimidating for casual diners seeking genuine Italian flavors.
Knowledgeable servers happily explain unfamiliar dishes and offer pairing suggestions that enhance the overall experience without pushing boundaries beyond comfort zones.
6. Don Angie
Tucked away at 103 Greenwich Ave, this West Village gem reimagines Italian-American comfort food with clever twists and refined techniques.
The chrysanthemum salad starts meals on an unexpected note, while the lasagna for two arrives as a shareable masterpiece that redefines what this classic dish can be.
Chefs Angie Rito and Scott Tacinelli bring playful creativity to familiar favorites without losing sight of what makes them beloved.
Reservations here rival Broadway tickets in difficulty, with tables booking out a month ahead during peak seasons.
The intimate space seats fewer than fifty guests, creating an exclusive yet unpretentious vibe.
Every detail receives careful consideration, from the lighting that flatters every selfie to the pacing that allows proper appreciation of each course.
Garlic bread gets elevated to art form status, proving that even simple elements deserve thoughtful execution.
7. Via Carota
At 51 Grove St in the West Village, this charming trattoria captures the essence of casual Italian dining with genuine warmth and seasonal sensibility.
Chefs Jody Williams and Rita Sodi have created a neighborhood institution where vegetables shine as brightly as any protein on the menu.
The cacio e pepe arrives perfectly executed, with pecorino and black pepper creating simple magic on each strand of pasta.
No reservations means joining the inevitable queue, but the wait becomes part of the experience as anticipation builds.
Once seated, the rustic charm and flickering candlelight transport diners to a Roman side street.
Portions encourage ordering multiple dishes to share, turning dinner into a communal celebration of Italian hospitality.
Everything tastes like it was prepared in someone’s beloved grandmother’s kitchen, with love and tradition infusing every bite served on mismatched vintage plates.
8. I Sodi
Located at 314 Bleecker St, this tiny Tuscan gem brings authentic Florentine home cooking to the heart of Greenwich Village.
Chef Rita Sodi draws on her Florentine roots to create dishes that taste like they came straight from a family kitchen in Tuscany.
The space seats barely thirty people, creating an intimacy that larger restaurants simply cannot replicate.
Ribollita soup warms both body and soul during colder months, while summer brings lighter preparations that showcase peak-season produce.
Every recipe reflects generations of culinary wisdom passed down through Italian families.
Securing a table requires calling exactly when reservations open, as this hidden treasure books completely within minutes.
The cozy quarters mean conversations with neighboring tables happen naturally, adding to the convivial atmosphere that defines great Italian dining experiences throughout the evening.
9. Babbo
Positioned at 110 Waverly Pl in a charming Greenwich Village townhouse, this establishment helped launch the career of a certain famous chef decades ago.
The multi-level space maintains its reputation for inventive Italian cuisine that respects tradition while embracing creativity.
Beef cheek ravioli exemplifies this approach, combining humble ingredients with sophisticated technique for memorable results.
My cousin proposed to his girlfriend here last spring, and the staff made the moment magical with their attentive yet discreet coordination that felt both professional and genuinely caring.
Though ownership has changed over the years, the commitment to excellence remains unwavering in every aspect of service and preparation.
The pasta tasting menu offers an exceptional way to experience the kitchen’s range and skill across multiple courses.
Historic charm permeates the townhouse setting, where exposed brick and warm lighting create romance without feeling contrived or overly staged.
10. Rubirosa
Found at 235 Mulberry St in Nolita, this neighborhood favorite serves some of the finest thin-crust pizza in a city famous for its pies.
The tie-dye pizza has achieved legendary status, combining vodka sauce and fresh mozzarella in a combination that sounds quirky but tastes absolutely divine.
Beyond pizza, the classic Italian-American menu delivers solid versions of chicken parm and baked ziti that satisfy comfort food cravings.
Families pack the casual space on weekends, creating a lively energy that captures the spirit of old-school New York dining.
Prices remain reasonable compared to many trendy spots, making it accessible for regular visits rather than special occasions only.
The staff treats regulars like family while welcoming newcomers with equal warmth and attention.
Whether grabbing a quick slice at lunch or settling in for a full dinner, the consistent quality keeps people coming back generation after generation.
11. Lucali
Situated at 575 Henry St, Brooklyn 11231 in Carroll Gardens, this cash-only pizzeria has achieved near-mythical status among pizza devotees.
Owner Mark Iacono crafts each pie by hand, stretching dough and arranging toppings with an artist’s precision and a perfectionist’s dedication.
The simple menu focuses on pizza and calzones, proving that doing a few things exceptionally well beats offering mediocre variety.
Candlelit tables and BYOB policy create an unexpectedly romantic atmosphere for what amounts to a neighborhood pizza joint.
Lines form early, as no reservations means first-come, first-served for these legendary pies.
Beyoncé and Jay-Z have been spotted here, yet the place maintains its humble, authentic character without any pretension.
Patience becomes essential, as each pizza receives individual attention and careful preparation that cannot and should not be rushed for quality.
12. Frankies 457 Spuntino
At 457 Court St in Carroll Gardens, this beloved spot epitomizes the neighborhood trattoria concept with genuine warmth and consistently delicious food.
The back garden provides a magical escape during warmer months, where string lights and greenery transform a Brooklyn backyard into an Italian oasis.
Meatballs arrive tender and flavorful, swimming in tomato sauce that tastes like Sunday dinner at an Italian grandmother’s house.
Prices stay remarkably reasonable given the quality and generous portions, making it popular with local families and date-night couples alike.
The casual vibe welcomes everyone from stroller-pushing parents to celebrating anniversary couples without missing a beat.
Seasonal specials showcase whatever ingredients shine brightest at the moment, while menu staples provide reliable favorites for indecisive diners.
Simple preparations let quality ingredients speak for themselves, demonstrating that Italian cooking often achieves greatness through restraint rather than complexity or unnecessary flourishes.
13. Osteria Morini
Located at 218 Lafayette St in SoHo, this contemporary osteria brings the flavors of Northern Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region to downtown Manhattan.
Chef Michael White’s culinary vision shines through dishes that balance rustic tradition with modern presentation and technique.
The gramigna with sausage ragu exemplifies regional authenticity, delivering rich flavors that comfort and satisfy in equal measure.
Spacious dining rooms accommodate both intimate dinners and larger gatherings without feeling cavernous or impersonal.
The location makes it convenient for pre-theater meals or post-shopping refueling after exploring SoHo’s boutiques.
Brunch service adds versatility, offering Italian twists on morning favorites alongside traditional antipasti and pasta options.
The polenta with mushrooms provides a hearty vegetarian option that carnivores appreciate equally.
Attentive service strikes the right balance between professional and personable, ensuring guests feel cared for without hovering or intrusion throughout the dining experience.
14. Roberto’s
Way up at 603 Crescent Ave in the Bronx, this family-run gem represents authentic Italian-American cooking at its most honest and delicious.
Chef Roberto Paciullo brings recipes from his hometown in Salerno, creating dishes that showcase Southern Italian traditions rarely found elsewhere in the city.
The humble exterior and residential neighborhood location mean many Manhattanites never discover this treasure, but those who make the journey become devoted regulars.
Portions arrive generous and prices stay shockingly reasonable compared to trendy downtown spots charging double for half the food.
The warmth of genuine Italian hospitality permeates every interaction, making guests feel like welcomed family members rather than anonymous customers.
Fresh pasta gets made daily, and seasonal specials reflect what looked best at the market that morning.
This approach to cooking prioritizes flavor and tradition over trends or Instagram appeal, resulting in meals that nourish both body and spirit.