Discover New York's most exceptional Italian restaurants, from authentic trattorias to modern establishments featuring renowned chefs. This guide explores the city's vibrant Italian culinary scene, highlighting venues across Manhattan and Brooklyn. Find options for every taste, whether you're seeking homemade pasta, fresh seafood, or a classic old-school ambiance. Prepare for an unforgettable dining experience with the best Italian cuisine New York has to offer.
526100% verified
1
Carmine's - Times Square
209 Global Votes
Located in the heart of Times Square
(+4)
Carmine's - Times Square offers a family-style Italian dining experience with generous portions of classic Southern Italian dishes, perfect for sharing. Its central location and over 30-year reputation make it an iconic destination for authentic Italian cuisine in New York.
Ai Fiori delivers a sophisticated modern Italian dining experience in New York, distinguished by its impeccable service and elegant ambiance. Its cuisine has earned critical acclaim, including three stars from The New York Times and praise for its signature Astice dish.
Piccola Cucina Estiatorio offers an authentic Sicilian culinary experience in New York, standing out for its deep flavors and traditional dishes. Its lively atmosphere and attentive service complement a gastronomic offering that includes divine pastas and fresh seafood, making it an exceptional culinary destination.
Da Andrea Greenwich Village offers an exceptional Italian dining experience, standing out for its fresh, handcrafted pasta and traditional Northern Italian dishes. Its cozy atmosphere and attentive service contribute to a memorable meal, making it a consistent favorite among diners.
Celeste offers an authentic and unpretentious Italian dining experience, standing out for its homey dishes and generous portions. Its cozy atmosphere and attentive service complement cuisine focused on quality and traditional flavor, making it a highly regarded destination in New York.
Thousands of verified votes to discover the best. Your vote here counts
6
Via Carota
23 Global Votes
Serves incredible, world-class Italian food
(+4)
Via Carota is celebrated for its authentic and transcendent Italian cuisine, featuring a strong Tuscan influence evident in its classic, simple preparations. The restaurant delivers an exceptional dining experience with perfectly cooked, flavorful dishes, all within a homey and inviting atmosphere that makes it a highly sought-after destination in New York.
Lilia offers an exceptional Italian culinary experience in New York, standing out for its handcrafted pastas and wood-fired seafood. Chef Missy Robbins is renowned for her pasta mastery, creating dishes that have put the restaurant on the global map.
Mercato provides an authentic and unpretentious Italian dining experience in New York, standing out for its delicious dishes true to Southern Italian traditions. Its relaxed atmosphere and convenient late-night hours make it an excellent choice for a civilized meal in the city.
Don Angie is renowned for its innovative Italian-American cuisine, elevating classic dishes with a modern and creative twist. Its pinwheel lasagna is an iconic dish, acclaimed for its lightness and exceptional flavor, making it a must-try culinary experience in New York.
Ci Siamo was named the No. 1 restaurant on Yelp's Top 100 US Restaurants list for 2026, standing out for its exceptional modern Italian cuisine. It offers a culinary experience where every single dish hits, combining a sophisticated atmosphere with comforting and authentic food.
Toscana 49 offers an authentic Italian culinary experience with excellent food and impeccable service in a classic, warm atmosphere. Its dishes, such as the spicy chicken and fresh homemade pastas, are consistently praised for their flavor and quality. The restaurant stands out in New York for its combination of traditional cuisine, inviting ambiance, and a notable wine selection.
Rezdora stands out for its exceptional handmade pastas, which are the centerpiece of its culinary offering and reflect authentic Emilia Romagna cuisine. The restaurant provides a high-quality dining experience, with dishes like burrata and prosciutto and the "Grandma Walking Through the Forest" pasta, which are highly praised for their flavor and preparation.
Frankies 457 Spuntino is a pioneering Brooklyn restaurant that serves some of New York City's favorite Italian dishes in an irresistibly inviting atmosphere. Its menu features acclaimed specialties such as cavatelli with sausage and sage brown butter, braised short rib with polenta, and their famous meatballs.
Umberto's Clam House is a historic establishment that has served authentic Italian cuisine and fresh seafood in Little Italy since 1972. Its legacy of over 50 years and specialization in dishes like clams and pasta with hot red clam sauce make it a culinary landmark. The restaurant offers a genuine Italian dining experience, attracting a diverse clientele with its classic ambiance and reputation for quality.
Lulla provides an exceptional Italian dining experience in New York, standing out for its flavorful and hearty dishes, including fresh pasta and seafood. Its stylish yet cozy ambiance, coupled with friendly and attentive service, creates an ideal setting for a memorable meal.
Roberto's delivers an authentic Italian dining experience with classic dishes and generous portions, standing out for its warm and romantic ambiance. Its attentive and professional staff, coupled with one of the best wine lists in the Bronx, complement a culinary offering that includes daily specials and praised dishes like their meatballs and baked clams.
This ranking evaluates the best Italian restaurants in New York, focusing on the authenticity of the cuisine, ingredient quality, atmosphere, and service. It considers both 'old school' style establishments and more contemporary options.
The results should be interpreted as a curated guide to highly recommended Italian restaurants in New York, based on frequent mentions, positive reviews, and highlighted features such as homemade pasta, wine selection, and a fun atmosphere. It is not an exhaustive list, but a selection of the most notable.
Yes, although many of the highlighted restaurants are in Manhattan, the ranking also considers options in other areas of New York, such as Arthur Avenue in The Bronx, known for its authentic Italian food.
How we built this ranking and what to consider when choosing
Our methodology for ranking the best Italian restaurants in New York is based on a comprehensive collection and analysis of mentions from reputable sources, diner reviews, and distinctive features that define an exceptional Italian culinary experience.
Restaurants with a high frequency of mentions in 'best of' lists and positive reviews are prioritized, indicating a strong reputation in New York's dining scene.
The authenticity of Italian cuisine is valued, including homemade pasta, traditional dishes, and a wine selection that complements the experience.
The overall diner experience is considered, paying attention to the atmosphere, service, and whether the restaurant offers a memorable setting, whether 'old school' or modern.
Menu diversity, from pizzas and seafood to desserts, and meticulous dish preparation are important factors.
Culinary Authenticity: Restaurants must offer authentic Italian cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and traditional preparations, including homemade pasta and regional dishes.
Reputation and Recognition: Restaurants that have consistently received positive reviews and are frequently mentioned in culinary guides and relevant publications are selected.
Diner Experience: A welcoming atmosphere and excellent service are valued, contributing to a memorable and enjoyable dining experience.
Menu Offering: The variety and quality of the menu are crucial, including diverse options such as pizza, pasta, seafood, and a good wine selection.