Best Italian in NYC
Carbone is hands down one of my favorite Italian spots in NYC. Not only is the food absolutely incredible but the vibes are pretty great to.
One of major food groups restaurants, they have managed to create a sceney yet classic restaurant with elegant interior, oh and they play some of my favorite r&b hits of all time. Feels very mid-20th century New York with waiters in uniforms, but you may just run into Beyonce or Leonardo Di Caprio here. It's a great spot for date night, birthday dinners or family outings. You really can’t go wrong ordering here, but absolutely have to get the spicy rigatoni. The lobster ravioli and T-bone steak is great too. Oddly enough the carrot cake is also to die for. The whole experience if definitely worth whatever money you’ll drop here.
Cuisine: Italian
Location:Noho
Vibe: Sceney
Favorites: Spicy Rigatoni, lobster ravioli
Money: $$$$
Bar Piti is a NYC staple located right off 6th ave between West Village, Soho and Tribeca. The food is incredible, especially if you are craving a traditional Italian style pasta.
If you know anyone from NYC you are bound to run into them here at some point, so if you are trying to avoid that I would suggest avoiding Bar Piti. They don't take reservations so expect a wait almost always, unless you can get there for lunch during the week. They have outdoor seating- highly recommend during the spring and summer. Go here on a date, with friends, for a lunch meeting. It's great for all occasions.
Cuisine: Italian
Location: West Village
Vibe: Chill
Favorites: Clam Pasta
Money: $$$
You wont hear me say this often, but it is worth it to go to Brooklyn to come here. After coming here I understand the hype, it truly has some of the best pastas in NYC. The food is paralleled with Carbone, but atmosphere couldn’t be more different.
As it is in Brooklyn, the space is large and very modern, with an open kitchen. This place is great for a date, group dinners or to bring your parents.
Cuisine: Italian
Location: Williamsburg
Vibe: Trendy, Chic
Favorites: Grilled Scallops, Spaghetti with lemon, Rigatoni, Sheeps Milk Cheese filled Agnolotti
Money: $$$
This place is great if you have a lot of cravings. They have great starters, pasta and meats. The ambiance is super cute, with great decorations in the winter.
Unlike half of the places in NYC, they actually take reservations and might even have availability at a decent time! I also love the location, right in the heart of West Village are so there are a lot of cute bars around. This place is a good go-to spot and great for a cozy cute night with the girls or a date!
Cuisine: Italian
Location: West Village
Vibe: Cute, rustic
Favorites: Spaghetti with clams, bolognese
Money: $$$
I feel like Olio e Piu has been around for forever. Not sure if that's true or not, but it has that feeling of being a long running NYC establishment.
It's very similar to Rosemary's and Morandi, which are all within a block radius so maybe that's why there are always tables free. It's good, not earth shattering but definitely can't go wrong here. This is a very solid go to spot in the West Village if you want a good variety of Italian food on a Weekend night, or any night really. They have great outdoor seating, perfect for people watching. Everything is pretty good here, the octopus, pizza, pasta etc. Perfect for a casual dinner with friends, or even a first date.
Cuisine: Italian
Location: West Village
Vibe: Cute, Cozy
Favorites: Bolognese, grilled octopus
Money: $$$