From sourdough pizza to homemade pasta, eat your way around the different neighbourhoods of Manhattan at these stellar Italian restaurants
Simeon is a Senior Editor at Tozome, an amateur wine connoisseur, and a mediocre Tennis player.
Manhattan is New York City’s beating heart and is home to restaurants from every corner of the globe. Italian restaurants are more than abundant throughout the Borough, very much supporting the adage that NYC has more Italian eateries than the motherland. From creamy pasta dishes to pizzas, there are so many great options to choose from in the city that never sleeps.
It’s hard to pick the ‘top 10’ of anything in Manhattan, having so many choices of everything packed into a small 7 miles radius. However, we have done the difficult job of narrowing down the list of Italian restaurants in Manhattan to the 10 must-visit so you don’t have to.
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Photo: Daniel Krieger
Carbone is a perfect example of what every Italian restaurant should be; stylish, elegant, sophisticated, and full of flavor. Sitting in the quaint Greenwich Village, the restaurant pays homage to predecessors with traditional Italian recipes and has earned a ‘high-end’ restaurant status in Manhatten.
Known for its immaculate red-sauce recipe, they are able to blend staple recipes and modern-day styles to make a dish all of its very own. Plan in advance, as tables are hard to come by and reservations are taken in seconds. Carbone is said to have some of the best Penne Alla Vodka in the country, making the effort to eat here worth all the hassle.
181 Thompson St, New York, NY 10012
Photo: Stefan Jeremiah
Located in Central Park South, Marea is a luxurious and elegant restaurant that is well-known for its fine dining experience. The airy dining room, adorned with Indonesian rosewood, is a popular spot for power crowds and boasts an impressive menu.
Start with the Crudo di Alfonsino, a plate of lightly smoked fish with peach slivers and a fermented peach vinaigrette, before moving on to the spaghetti with Manila clams, calamari, garlic, and pepperoncino. For the main course, consider the roasted lamb loin with a croquette of sausage.
For dessert, try the ring of dark chocolate mousse with a crumbly chocolate shortbread crust and fior di latte gelato. Under the guidance of chef Michael White, Marea sets the bar for restaurant culture with its exceptional food and unmatched service. As an anchor of Central Park and a New York City icon, Marea attracts those who appreciate luxury and celebrate life’s special moments with the best food, service, and surroundings.
240 Central Park South, New York, 10019
Photo: Robert Sietsema
With a Tuscan-style flare and a wide range of selections of Italian wine and cocktails, I Sodi is a restaurant oasis in the heart of Manhattan. I Sodi believes that missing a meal is not an option and that only the finest and traditional meals be served.
The owner is an Italian native from the city of Florence, who grew up with traditional family meals around the table. Blending simplicity to the style of her mother’s cooking, with a worldly influence in style and spices, I Sodi is fueled with passion and presents some of the homiest Italian cuisines in the city.
The neighborhood restaurant welcomes everyone with open arms and hospitality, making the worries of the day fade away as you indulge in specialties such as Pancetta Wrapped Rabbit, Chesnut Tortelli, or a magnificent 20-layer lasagna. The drink is on point, the mood is civilized, and there is no better place than I Sodi to become a regular in Manhattan.
105 Christopher Street, New York, NY 10014
Photo: Scarpetta
Scarpetta is a sophisticated Italian restaurant located on Madison Avenue. Made famous for its use of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create rich and bold flavors, the restaurant is rated three-star by the New York Times and in 2009 was nominated for Best New Restaurant in the country by the James Beard Foundation. The menu features classic Italian dishes such as Spaghetti Tomato & Basil, Yellowtail Crudo, and Creamy Polenta, as well as a range of bar and cafe offerings.
The Scarpetta is suitable for intimate dinners and social events and offers private dining options for up to 30 guests. It is also available for full-venue buyouts, private luncheons, and other events. The name Scarpetta, which means “little shoe” in Italian, refers to the shape bread takes when used to soak up a dish and represents the pleasure of savoring a meal down to its last bite.
88 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10016
Photo: Armani
Located in the Armani Fifth Avenue building in Manhattan, the Armani Ristorante 5th Avenue is an elegant restaurant known for its sophisticated atmosphere and upscale Italian cuisine. The dining room features modern decor, with plush seating and dramatic lighting, with picturesque views of Fifth Avenue.
The menu features a selection of traditional Italian dishes, as well as vegetarian options. Alongside its dinner service, Armani Ristorante also offers a lunch menu and a Sunday brunch, and has a well-curated wine list, with a focus on Italian wines.
717 5th Ave, New York, NY 10022
Photo: Emilio’s Ballato
Emilio’s Ballato is one of the most popular Italian restaurants in Manhattan. Located in the SoHo neighborhood, the restaurant has a long storied history having been founded in the 1950s by Emilio Ballato, who immigrated to the US from Italy and began working as a chef in NYC. Emilio’s Ballato is known for its classic Italian cuisine and its old-school atmosphere, with red leather booths and white tablecloths.
The restaurant has received many accolades over the years and has been featured in numerous publications, including The New York Times and Zagat. It is a popular destination for both tourists and locals looking for a taste of traditional Italian cooking in a classic New York City setting.
55 E Houston St, New York, NY 10012
Photo: Melissa Hom
Via Carota is a gastroteca in the West Village neighborhood of Manhattan, opened by chefs Jody Williams and Rita Sodi in 2014, the restaurant was inspired by the 17th-century villa in the hills near Florence where Sodi once lived, Via Carota celebrates old-world Italian roots, lifestyle, food, and décor.
The restaurant is open to the public every day, serving food and drink early until late. The decor is sparse yet warm and inviting, with exposed brick and wood elements. It is a popular spot, where famous figures such as Naomi Campbell have been known to dine, but it is also a place where anyone can feel comfortable.
Via Carota does not take reservations, so wait times during peak hours can be long, but it is worth it for the delicious creations from Williams and Sodi. Some must-try dishes include the pear and gorgonzola bruschetta with walnuts, svizzerina (a hand-chopped grass-fed steak), and pappardelle with wild boar ragu (when available on the monthly changing menu). Via Carota is just one block up from the couple’s other beloved restaurants Buvette and I Sodi, and across the street from Bar Pisellino.
51 Grove St, New York, NY 10014
Photo: Mike Fiorito
You can’t make a list of the best Italian restaurants in Manhattan and not include at least one pizzeria. Located in the Midwood neighborhood of Brooklyn, Di Fara Pizza is a beloved institution known for its traditional Italian-style pizza. Founded by Domenico DeMarco in 1964, the restaurant has gained a devoted following over the years for its high-quality ingredients and expertly crafted pies.
DeMarco, who immigrated to the United States from Italy in 1959, personally handles every aspect of the pizza-making process, from hand-rolling the dough to carefully selecting the toppings.
Despite its popularity, Di Fara has faced numerous challenges, including financial struggles and DeMarco’s battle with health issues, but it remains a beloved destination for pizza lovers. All the ingredients are imported from Italy, so his flavors and tastes are almost impossible to replicate.
1424 Avenue J, Brooklyn, NY 11230
Photo: Piccola Cucina
Known for its traditional Sicilian cuisine, Piccola Cucina Osteria is a beloved restaurant located in the heart of SoHo, Manhattan. It was founded in January 2013 by Philip Guardione, a Sicilian-born chef and restaurateur, who wanted to bring the authentic flavors of Sicily to New York City. The restaurant is renowned for its friendly service, buzzy atmosphere, and home-cooked Italian cuisine.
In 2021, the location underwent renovations, giving it a warm and cozy appearance. In addition to the Osteria location, there are also two other Piccola Cucina restaurants in Manhattan: Piccola Cucina Estiatorio at 75 Thompson Street, and Piccola Cucina Uptown at 106 E 60th Street.
196 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
Photo: Epistrophy
Epistrophy is a beloved Italian restaurant located in the heart of Manhattan’s Nolita neighborhood. Founded by husband-and-wife team Mark and Catherine Cavagnero, the restaurant has been serving up delicious, homemade pasta and other hearty dishes for over 10 years. It’s a favorite among both locals and travelers and is just a 4-minute walk from the New Museum.
The restaurant has a cozy interior, outdoor sidewalk seating, and a newly updated bar. The menu features a variety of healthy Italian breakfast and lunch options, but the real highlight is the dinner menu, which features fresh pasta, incredible flavors, and a great selection of cocktails and Italian wines.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic date spot, a place for a business lunch, or a late-night cocktail and snack, this casual and welcoming restaurant on Mott Street is a perfect choice.
200 Mott St, New York, NY 10012
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