Discover The 17 Best Italian Restaurants NYC You Can’t Miss

While red sauce dominates the Italian cuisine served at most NYC restaurants, Roberto brings something closer to the native taste of Salerno, the port city of Italy. Located on the side street of the Bronx Little Italy, Roberto offers a menu that includes seasonal vegetables and dishes steamed in Cartoccio, or a “foiled pouch.” You can also find a decent Rabbit Stewed with Potatoes, seafood, and a premium-quality Steak.

Roberto’s is named after its owner, famed Chef Roberto Paciullo. The restaurant has been active for over 30 years and has not wavered from following the Italian tradition of preparing meals using fresh ingredients. If you’re not in the mood for a sumptuous dinner, you can always take a trip to enjoy the sophisticated wine list they have in stock.

Massara is one of the best Italian restaurants in NYC. You must reserve your table weeks before dining in amid a welcoming ambiance.

Chef Stefano Sechhi and his partner David Switzer established Massara to let NYC experience the taste of Southern Italy. At this Neopolitan villa-sized restaurant, you can find dishes inspired by the Campania region of Italy. For those who don’t know, it’s the birthplace of the famous dish that most New Yorkers love: Pizza. They also offer mouth-watering Pasta, but if you have a chance to visit the place, consider ordering the Cheesemakers Raviolini stuffed with Burrata, Polpo, and Sweet Pistachio Gelato.

Sometimes, love can make you do unexpected yet great things. One of those things can be opening a restaurant. The husband-wife duo of Angie Ritto and Scott Tacinelli are managing this Italian eatery.

Using their knowledge of Italian cuisine and keeping American customers in mind, they prepared Italian-American cuisine that made a buzz in NYC. Like the Italian singer Adriano Celentano’s song “Prisencolinensinainciusol,” Don Angie’s cuisine feels like an American story told through an Italian lens.

Enjoy Caramelle Pasta with Candied Kumquat, Buffalo Milk Mozzarella, or Stuffed Garlic Flatbread with Gnocchi and Provolone. Otherwise, you can opt for their signature Pinwheel Lasagna. Reserve your seat a week early; otherwise, you might spend hours in a long waiting line.

I Sodi has two particular locations. The one we’re talking about is on the corner of Bleecker Street. It’s because it’s easier to snag a table than Grove Street one. With a Tuscan influence, I Sodi offers an authentic Italian taste without compromising their signature Creamy Sauces.

The chef carefully designs the menu based on the ingredients available in the season to ensure you get everything fresh. You can enjoy meat dishes complemented with cheese and salad. They also offer a tasty pasta, Tagliatelle al Limone. However, if you don’t want to experiment, consider ordering the 21-layer lasagna I Sodi is famous for.

They say, while in Rome, do what the Romans do. We say, while in New York, do as New Yorkers do. Visit Roscioli to satisfy your tastebuds with some Italian delicacies. It’s one of the best Italian restaurants in NYC, mainly because of two reasons. This restaurant also serves as a wine bar and offers an authentic Salumeria where you can find the best cured meat varieties and cheese-laden dishes to quench your hunger.

Roscioli came to NYC recently and has taken over a townhouse in Soho called Niche Niche. The owners have renovated the whole property, changing some portions into a wine cellar that serves a $130 per person tasting menu and an upstairs Salumeria with a spacious restaurant. While it may feel like a deli to Romans, it is a fancy one to the New Yorkers.

Consider visiting Emilio’s Ballato if you want to feel like a celebrity. The owner, Emilio Vitolo, and his son will personally come out to offer a warm welcome before taking you to your seat. Emilio’s is all about providing a genuine Italian-American experience, which is one of the reasons that many celebrities have come down to Emilio’s to enjoy a meal. Speaking of celebrities, learn which of these famous ones live here, right in NYC.

Their menu has all the Italian classics, including Roman Cacao e Pepe, complimented with Pecorino and Black Pepper. You can also order one of their signature dishes, Pollo Emilio, a Chicken Cutlet draped in Lemon Caper Sauce.

The only downside of this eatery is the long wait time, as they don’t take reservations. Consider reaching the spot early or on a weekday to get a seat without the long wait.

If you’re looking for an Italian restaurant in Brooklyn, NYC, then Lilia is one you should check out. Chef Missy Robbins operates this Michelin-star restaurant, serving the finest Hand-made Pasta and wood-cooked seafood. If you’re lucky, you can even meet her in the kitchen.

Lilia offers a casual dining experience with a brick and wood-lined interior and an open kitchen. It can accommodate over 70 people, but you’ll still need to make a reservation.

If you have ever watched the hit television series The Sopranos, which aired in 1999, you might recognize Bamonte’s as the backdrop in one of the episodes. However, even without mentioning the show, the restaurant is still hailed as a legend in the culinary world.

Since its opening in 1900, Bamonte’s has been serving Italian-American cuisine. While the menu has evolved over the years, the classics are still available. You can order Briny Clams, Oreganata, Spaghetti, Meatballs, or their famous Pork Chops with Pickled Peppers.

While Lillo Cucina didn’t earn its fame by being on a TV show or hosting celebrities, it’s a hidden gem that social media influencers can’t stop talking about. The classic Italian meal deals have been the subject of countless Instagram and TikTok posts, all praising the quality and affordability of the food.

You can find all the traditional classics here, including Cacao e Pepe, Chicken Milanese, and Tiramisu, prepared by owner Giampietro Lillo Remia. The only downside is the main hall’s small size. That’s because the restaurant transitioned from a café. Consider getting there early to reserve your table. Don’t forget to keep your pockets full of cash.

While we’ve mentioned most restaurants specializing in Southern Italian and American-Italian cuisine, what about Northern Italy? If you want to experience the tastes of Northern Italy right here in New York, Al Di La is your ultimate choice. 

Al Di La brings the taste of the mountains with its Northern Italian cuisine. While there, you can always opt for Spaghetti Neri all Chittara as your first meal or another signature dish, the delicious Pasta. Apart from pasta dishes, they also offer gluten-free options. Learn more about other gluten-free eateries you can visit in NYC. While the restaurant is spacious, you might still wait during peak hours.

Via Carota is another restaurant in NYC that you should check out. It may take you over two hours of waiting before you finally get to your table, but after your first bite, you’ll understand why it’s one of the best Italian restaurants in NYC.

Established in 2014, Via Carota still dominates the West Village area. Its perfection in serving traditional Italian dishes dominated by vegetables, premium meat, herbs, and spices will tantalize your taste buds. Via Carota boasts of serving the best Tortelloni Cacio e Pepe in town, so it’s worth checking out.

You can never go wrong with Torrisi if you’re looking for good Italian food with an elegant and inviting ambiance. With a high ceiling supported by emerald green columns, the restaurant’s beautiful architecture will leave you spellbound. The food is just as excellent.

Torrisi stands out from other top Italian restaurants in NYC for its innovative outlook and creativity in its dishes. While others would settle for a menu brimming with traditional Italian dishes, Torrisi infuses foreign taste with the Italian menu. With dishes like Jamaican Beef Patty-inspired Cavatelli and Aged Ham Zeppole, it presents new tastes to satiate its customers’ taste buds.

The only downside is its hour-long waiting time if you come without a reservation. You may want to plan a month earlier, as reservations need to be made 30 days before dining at this Italian eatery.

Misi is a contemporary Italian eatery quickly becoming a beloved destination in Williamsburg. Helmed by the team behind the acclaimed Lilia, it offers a unique dining experience focusing on first-grade ingredients and exquisite flavors.

Unlike traditional Italian restaurants, Misi eschews the traditional entrée format, presenting a menu divided into three sections: Antipasti, Pasta, and Gelato. This approach allows diners to savor a variety of dishes without feeling overwhelmed.

Marea is a fine-dining Italian seafood restaurant near Columbus Circle that offers an unforgettable culinary experience. This eatery is renowned for its home-made Pasta and vibrant atmosphere.

The variety of Pasta available at Marea is genuinely remarkable. They use some ingredients you might think won’t work well, but they do. From Octopus and Bone Marrow Fusilli to Golden Uovo and Rib Eye, each meal feels like a symphony of flavors and textures. The restaurant’s commitment to using quality ingredients and innovative cooking techniques shines through every bite.

Beyond its exceptional food, Marea also boasts top-notch service. The staff is attentive, knowledgeable, and passionate about providing a memorable dining experience.

Ci Siamo is a contemporary Italian restaurant that offers a blend of both traditional and modern culinary delicacies. The restaurant’s focus on wood-fired cooking and home-made Pasta delivers a truly authentic Italian dining experience.

Chef Hillary Sterling’s menu is inspired by her extensive travels through Italy. It consists of simple yet flavorful dishes that showcase seasonal ingredients. Each dish, from the Ricotta-filled Agnolotti to the Caramelized Onion Torta, is a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to quality and authenticity.

Il Buco is an Italian restaurant in Noho that offers a good escape from the bustling city. Originally an antique store, it opened in 1994 and exudes a timeless charm.

The menu at Il Buco changes seasonally, ensuring a fresh and exciting dining experience. While the options may vary, you can’t go wrong with the Bistecca or Lamb Chops. If you’re lucky enough to find the Risotto on the menu, order it right away. Autumn is right around the corner, with October approaching, so consider visiting it a must-do thing this coming month.

L’Artusi is a modern Italian restaurant that redefines traditional cuisine with a contemporary twist. The restaurant’s rustic yet refined atmosphere is complemented by a crudo bar, a notable cheese program, and a walk-in wine cellar.

The home-made Pasta at L’Artusi is the highlight of the menu, showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to quality and innovation. The Olive Oil Cake, a delightful blend of sweet and salty flavors, is the perfect way to conclude your meal.

For the ultimate L’Artusi experience, take your friend or significant other to the bar to enjoy the evening. It’s an ultimate date-night restaurant in NYC to spend a romantic evening. You can have Roasted Mushrooms with Pancetta and a Fried Egg and then share two of the restaurant’s exquisite Pastas. Pair your meal with a glass of premium-grade wine for a truly memorable dining experience.