The 22 best Italian restaurants in NYC

What is it? A visit to Rome's Roscioli is high on the travel itinerary, right up there with seeing the Colosseum and the Pantheon. So when the beloved family-owned destination made its first expansion out of the motherland to Soho, let's just say it became our number one spot to visit too.

Why we love it: Before I made my way to Roscioli NYC for the first time, I did what a lot of people do: I scoured social media to gauge what people were saying. What returned were a lot of influencers calling out their cacio e pepe and carbonara as their favorites. I admit, I found their suggestions a bit, gulp, basic. But after a visit, I realized they were right on the money. Roscioli NYC is all about keeping it authentic, and that means small plates like sweetened melon slices cushioned with curls of aged prosciutto and pastas that always tip on the side al dente. In fact, the favorite of the evening went to the Burro e Parmigiano "Francescana, where thick maccheroni noodles are tossed with an aged Parmigiano Vacche Rosse and so much butter that the sauce reads yellow.  

Time Out tip: You can easily come in for pasta and walk out with a box of the same stuff, as Roscioli functions as a delicatessen as well as a dining room. Shop a stockful of olive oils and aged vinegars as well as a selection of salumi and rare cheeses right behind the counter.

Address: 43 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 5–11pm; Fri–Sun 11:30am–2pm, 5–11pm

What is it? Restaurateur Andrew Tarlow took on another borough last year, coming to Manhattan with a refined take on Italian.  

Why we love it: Tarlow's fondness for finding a good space to roost carries on at Borgo, as the dramatic curved ceilings and crackling fireplace have comfort on lock. But it is the food that seals the deal. The Focaccia Borgo (a take on a focaccia di recco from Liguria) should be at every table, as the incredibly thin bread is crispy at the edges and tears like a phyllo dough the closer you get the center. Seasonal veggies shine, blackened in the oven or simply tossed in anchovy dressings that read incredibly light over salty. The beef-cheek pasta pie known as the Timballo di Anelletti is currently in the off-season, but we have a feeling that Borgo's Ravioli and Fettuccine will do you just as well. 

Time Out tip: The bar is still just as dreamy and available for walk-ins if you can't get a table. 

Address: 124 E 27th Street, New York, NY 10016

Opening hours: Lunch 11:30am–2:30pm; Dinner Daily 5:15–10:30pm; Bar Daily 11:30am–10:30pm

What is it? Silvia Barban's Fort Greene eatery keeps a cozy home for a date night or a catch-up with friends all over gloriously made pastas. 

Why we love it: After a recent redo, LaRina Pastificio & Vino spells a getaway to the coastline with breezy red and white cushions and gold sconces, while the flush of greenery that lies outback invites you to sit a spell with wine in hand. Her modern take on Italian food is just as transportative with crusty slices of sourdough and focaccia alongside imported cured meats and cheeses. Ever the creative, Barban's spaghetti strays from tradition, as the smoked noodle is tossed with a mess of garlic and Calabrian chilis. But in just one bite, you'll be ready to rebel too.

Time Out tip: Alert: LaRina has a lasagna club. Every month, Barban whips up a new take on her seasonal lasagna, layering in squash and brown butter bechamel one month, and shreddy lamb shoulder with peas the next. It all comes with accouterments to make it a meal, think breads, olive oil, and desserts. 

Address: 387 Myrtle Ave, Fort Greene, Brooklyn 11205

Opening hours: Dinner Mon–Thu 5–10pm; Fri, Sat 5–11pm; Sun 5–10pm; Brunch Sat, Sun noon–4pm 

What is it? Rita Sodi and Jody Williams' thoughtful Tuscan cooking earned the powerhouse chef-couple a James Beard Award in 2019.

Why we love it: Some NYC restaurants with powerfully desirable beginnings settle into easygoing, every-night-type status after a few ‘best of’ seasons. However, Via Carota’s still a hot one even after first opening in 2014—notably enough to make you want to change your plans if you seem to spy an open table en route elsewhere. Its endurance is due to menu items like the overflowing insalata verde, hand-chopped steak and subtly stunning pasta plates. 

Time Out tip: if you can't swing a spot inside the rustic interior, the outdoor terrazza out front is kind of the perfect hang in the warmer months for a spritz and a taste of something fresh. 

Address: 51 Grove St, New York, NY 10014

Opening hours: Mon–Sat 10am–11pm; Fri–Sun 11pm

What is it? An alum of Osteria Francescana and of Massimo Bottura himself, chef Stefano Secchi's continues the mastery the art of water, eggs and flour at his inaugural restaurant.

Why we love it: Rezdôra was bestowed with all manner of accolades when it first opened in 2019, and the awards keep coming as the restaurant has maintained a Michelin Star four years running. Its $110 regional pasta tasting is a terrific introduction to preparations influenced by the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, but lovely à la carte selections are available at lunch and dinner, as well.

Time Out tip: Keep in mind, the full table has to participate in the regional pasta tasting and it runs for about two hours.

Address: 27 E 20th St, New York, NY 10003

Opening hours: Mon 5–11pm; Tue–Fri noon–2:30pm, 5–11pm; Sat, Sun 11:30am–2:30pm, 5–11pm

What is it? A Michelin-rated restaurant run by a wife and husband team. 

Why we love it: Don Angie was the buzziest in town when it first opened in 2017. The popular spot continues to have more interest in reservations than availability; one of those places you’ll need to electronically camp out for bookings at 9am a week in advance. Once you’re in take a spin on the pinwheel lasagna that helped it earn its following.

Time Out tip: If you can't get a table here, you can try your luck at their coastal Italian sister, San Sabino. 

Address: 103 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10014

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 4:30–10:30pm; Lunch Fri–Sun 11:30am–2pm; Dinner Fri–Sun 3:30–10:30pm 

What is it? Missy Robbins' solo venture has proved to be her finest, as the award-winning restaurant is still the talk of the town for its intoxicating rolodex of pastas. 

Why we love it: Even with room for 70 inside and two strips of sidewalk seats outside, Lilia still gets packed after nine years of serving its area’s finest pasta program. Its brick-and-wood-lined interior is casually elegant, and the open kitchen turns out hits like spaghetti with anchovies and a wood-fired leg of lamb with Roman spices.

Time Out tip: Lilia does save some spots for walk-ins, the bar and outdoor patio included. But if you'd rather have a guaranteed table, set an alarm for 10am and race over to Resy. 

Address: 567 Union Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 5–10pm; Fri–Sun 4–10pm 

What is it? Silvia Barban's take on a trattoria involves candlelit interiors, good wine and all manner of Italian comforts on the plate.

Why we love it: When Barban looked at the state of trattorias in New York, she found herself unsatisfied. Because for Barban, trattorias are less about what's trendy, but rather taking care of guests over "hearty, comforting meals prepared with love." And Barban does exactly that, feeding guests slices of melon and prosciutto strips and personally plating up domes of rice that spill with all things cheesy and meaty at the table. The availability of good wines and spritzes only adds to the hospitality, as does the comically-sized dessert cart. It is common to find Barban navigating the wheels, doling out slices of pistachio cakes and tiramisus in silver chalices.

Time Out tip: If you happen to book the last seating on Tuesdays and Wednesday nights, you can learn how to play the Italian card game the restaurant was named for. 

Address: 798A Franklin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11238

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 5:30–9:30pm; Fri: 5–10:30pm; Sat noon–10:30pm; Sun noon–9:30pm

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What is it? A rustic neighborhood trattoria run by a beloved husband and wife team. 

Why we love it: Aspiring restaurateurs in Park Slope should study this convivial Fifth Avenue staple before their own ribbon cutting ceremonies. Though it opened in 1998, Al di Là remains unsurpassed in the neighborhood. Excellent Northern Italian plates include the tagliatelle ragu, black spaghetti with octopus ragu and the braised rabbit. 

Time Out tip: Naturally, there are pasta dishes every which way here. We are partial to the clam-heavy Spaghetti Vongole with a nice zip of heat. 

Address: 248 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 5–9:30pm; Fri, Sat 11am–3pm, 5–10pm; Sunday 11am–3pm

What is it? A glitzy Godfather-like hangout that's created a mob-like following for its spicy rigatoni pasta. 

Why we love it: Carbone is surely one of the most hyped places in NYC, shrouded in a certain secrecy thanks to red curtains and a reservation list that won't quite quit. But once you finally make it past the threshold, you are kind of guaranteed to have a good time at this updated red sauce joint. Burgundy-suited servers drop plump meatballs and bowls of the iconic spicy rigatoni onto tables with swiftness and a smile. Freebies also come with, such as freshly made mozzarella and crispy-edged slices of garlic bread. Which is kind of a nice bump as the prices here can induce a sort of sticker shock.

Time Out tip: You may think the desserts lean into gimmicky territory, especially with the oversized dessert display parked near the front. But the finale is a nice finish, particularly the Lemon Cheesecake. 

Address: 181 Thompson St, New York, 10012

Opening hours: Tue–Sun 11:30am–2pm, 5–11:30pm; Mon–Sun 5–11:30pm

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What is it? Rita Sodi's Italian food continues to triumph in its simplicity at I Sodi. 

Why we love it: I Sodi first opened with Tuscan-influenced menus in the West Village in 2008. Its status as an NYC favorite is evident in the wait for reservations, even as it relocated to a slightly larger space nearby. Burrata, lasagna, chicken, chops and steak are all on the menu.

Time Out tip: I Sodi's sturdy block of lasagna, 20 or sheets high, is tightly layered with swipes of bolognese and bechamel, all with a crown of Parmigiano that makes for a must-order dish. 

Address: 314 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10014

Opening hours: Daily 4:30–10:30pm; Fri–Sun 11:30am–3pm; 4:30–11pm

What is it? A buzy Nolita gem that's churning out gluten-free eats and 'grammable pies.

Why we love it: Follow the red-and-white striped awning on Mulberry Street into Rubirosa’s family-run space downtown. Its as cute as a commemorative plate inside, but the dinnerware here is occupied by crowd pleasing lists of antipasti, fritti, handmade pasta, panini, all manner of pizza configurations and a few familiar red sauce mains. 

Address: 235 Mulberry St, New York NY 10012

Time Out tip: Rubirosa has a surprisingly stellar line-up of vegan, nut-free, and gluten-free dishes, making it ideal for anyone with dietary restrictions.

Opening hours: Daily 11am–11pm

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What is it? Frankie's 457 is an inviting neighborhood Italian spot from the Franks, aka Frank Castronovo and Frank Falcinelli who also own neighboring restaurants, F&F Restaurant and F&F Pizzeria.

Why we love it: This casual spuntino was an instant classic when it debuted in Carroll Gardens in 2004. Of course, it's changed over the years, most notably by absorbing another now dearly departed neighborhood favorite, Prime Meats. Frankies’ wine list is a mile long, its cocktails are uniformly terrific and we’ve recently enjoyed the cavatelli with hot sausage and browned sage butter and the chicken Parm.

Time Out tip: The patio is one of the best in Carroll Gardens, lush with trees and people. 

Address: 457 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11231

Opening hours: Sun–Thu 11am–10pm; Fri–Sun 11am–11pm

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What is it? A pint-sized neighborhood eatery—seriously, there are only six seats—where the pasta is fresh and the feeling is homey. 

Why we love it: This neighborhood favorite started as a cafe and grew into a hot dinner spot a few years ago. It still attracts crowds for its smattering of tables, despite the lack of booze and bathrooms. Lillo’s lasagna ragu is better than grandmom used to make; it's ideally textured, and sauced meatballs are marvelous, and its fettuccine with speck in Parmesan cream sauce is almost too rich to lodge in your memory fully. 

Time Out tip: They are still kicking it old school here, meaning they don't take reservations or credit cards. But most pastas here stay under the $20 mark, making for a relatively cheap feast in the city. 

Address: 331 Henry St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Opening hours: Wed 2–8:15pm; Thu–Sat 12:30pm–8:15pm; Sun 12:30pm–8pm

What is it? A self-billed "unusual Italian restaurant" where Negroni jello shots and dim sum muffaletta are the norm. 

Why we love it: Café Mars is a splashy, colorful house of fun, both in looks and the food department. You’ll sip a little splash of something presented with fancy glassware, as a welcome drink and choose from unique starters like jell-olives, pastas like baked potato gnocchi and large plates like the great smoked pork rib Parm.

Time Out tip: The restaurant's monthly Global Italian Series traverses the planet, picking up flavors and making it Italian-ish. Past iterations have included ravioli bursting with the makings of a crawfish boil and injera fashioned into manicotti. Check it out on the last Saturday and Sunday of the month. 

Address: 272 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215

Opening hours: Wed–Sat 5:30–9pm; Sun 5:30–8pm

What is it? A breezy neighborhood tavern where the pizzas and parms are solid as are the martinis. 

Why we love it: Velma is one part neat neighborhood bar, with big booths and a pool table up front, and one part throwback red sauce spot, replete with wood paneling, checkered tablecloths and family photos in the back. Its martinis are tops, the wine is nice and its pasta, chicken Parm and pizzas are a treat. 

Time Out tip: You can have a martini and play skeeball. Do with that information what you will. 

Address: 584 Seneca Avenue, Ridgewood, NY 11385

Opening hours: Sun–Thu 5-10pm; Fri, Sat 5-11pm

What is it? A cozy string-lit find in Brooklyn Heights for antipasti, pasta and the likes. 

Why we love it: Like a lot of ultimately rewarding pursuits, Noodle Pudding is not easy to achieve: It does not take credit cards or reservations for smaller parties. But if you gather your cash and prepare for the wait (or book for a group!), wonderful rice balls, carpaccio and pasta varieties await. 

Time Out tip: Even without access to Resy or Opentable, Noodle Pudding is relatively easy to get into, averaging about 20 minutes for a wait.

Address: 38 Henry St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Opening hours: Tue–Sun 5–10pm

What is it? An old-timey southern Italian restaurant that does up the classics with charm. 

Why we love it: Emilio's is a special place with intoxicating appeal and a kind of throwback romance that dates to 1956. Its distressed walls are tightly arranged with framed prints illiminated by pretty chandeliers and perfunctory sconces that seem to sum up the spot's duality. Expect a huge veal parm, sausage and broccoli rabe, plenty of pasta and, since they don't take reservations, a wait.

Time Out tip: Maybe we spoke too soon, but Emilio’s Ballato does take reservations if, and only if, you have a large group. 

Address: 55 E Houston St, New York, NY 10012

Opening hours: Mon–Thu noon–4pm, 5–11pm; Fri–Sun noon–4pm, 5pm–midnight

What is it? One of New York's oldest Italian restaurants still stands in Williamsburg. 

Why we love it: Bamonte's is an NYC classic that every red sauce-lover should visit at least once. It first opened in 1900 and still retains a lot of old-world appeal; the platonic ideal of a vintage Brooklyn Italian restaurant with all the menu items to match. You'll find the classics here—clams on the half shell, fresh mozz with tomato slices and mushrooms stuffed to the brim before reaching broiler. They do their chicken parm up here nicely with two cutlets that make for a shareable feast.

Time Out tip: Need a reservation? You'll need to pick up the phone for that one. 

Address: 32 Withers St, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Opening hours: Wed–Sun noon–11pm

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What is it? A quaint trattoria with various locations throughout the city that deals in southern Italian food with a focus on pizzas. 

Why we love it: Arthur Avenue’s Zero Otto Nove (there are others in Manhattan and Westchester) is as darling as can be in the Bronx’s Little Italy. The decor walks a tightrope between generally Italian-inspired and themed to truly charming effect whether you’re on a date or a great big family outing. There’s enough on the menu to satiate tastes in either case. And, they know how to keep it local as the BX location sources meat and fish and other goods from area, including cheeses from Casa de Mozzarella. 

Time Out tip: Their Neapolitan pizza menu runs deep here and for good reason, so make sure to order one for the table. 

Address: 15 W 21st St, New York, NY 10010; 2357 Arthur Ave, Bronx, NY 10458; 16 Depot Square, Tuckahoe, NY 10707; 55 Old Rte 22, Armonk, NY 10504 

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What is it? Hailing from Salerno, Italy, Roberto Paciullo cooks up fresh pastas, seafoods and then some.

Why we love it: A capital of Little Italy in the Bronx, Roberto’s has been delighting and satisfying guests for triple decades. Its exterior sets the stage for homey vibes inside, where the lengthy menu includes oodles of noodles, plenty of seafood, steak, rabbit and eggplant parm. 

Time Out tip: There is a whiteboard with weekly specials from fettucine with black truffle shavings to grilled cantaloupe with prosciutto. Take a peek and order something new. 

Address: 603 Crescent Ave, Bronx, NY 10458

Opening hours: Tue–Fri noon—2:30pm, 5–10pm; Sat noon–2:30pm, 4–11pm

What is it? Established in 1921, Basilio Inn is one of the oldest operating restaurants in Staten Island. 

Why we love it: Over a hundred years later, Basilio Inn still retains its old charms, with little neck clams and homemade veal ragu pappardelle. Don't forget an order of the house-made tiramisu on your way out. 

Time Out tip: There is still a bocce court out back and the restaurant regularly hosts tournaments. 

Address: 6 Galesville Ct, Staten Island, NY 10305

Opening hours: Tue–Sat 3–10pm; Sun 1–8pm