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Best Italian Restaurants in Lower East Side

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401 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Sauce restaurant
1. Sauce
4.6
Exceptional(1081)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Lower East Side
Booked 5 times today
Nestled in the vibrant Lower East Side of New York, **Sauce** offers an authentic slice of Italy with dishes that resonate deeply with Italian tradition. Known for its heritage chicken parm and homemade pasta, Sauce truly stands out for its meticulously crafted sauce, a recipe perfected by Italian expert chef consultant Maura Ardu. Patrons rave about the authenticity and quality, with one declaring, “the sauce in every item is beautifully seasoned and tastes amazing.” The cozy ambiance paired with a lively vibe, where hip hop meets classic Italian décor, makes every dining experience memorable. Whether it’s the grass-fed beef meatballs or the extra thin crust pizza, Sauce delivers consistent, classic Italian flavors that keep locals and visitors coming back for more. Cheers to an unforgettable meal at Sauce, where every dish tells a story of culinary passion and heritage.
A photo of Lil' Frankie's restaurant
2. Lil' Frankie's
4.7
Exceptional(805)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • East Village
Booked 30 times today
Lil' Frankie's in the East Village, New York, offers an authentic slice of Neapolitan pizza heaven. Crafted in a hand-built oven using real Vesuvian lava, their pizzas reach a blistering 900 degrees, achieving the perfect crust that aficionados rave about. Reviewers can't get enough, describing it as an "absolutely terrific" experience with the "best Italian food 🍝I’ve ever had." The Vodka and Margherita pizzas are particularly celebrated, with one patron noting, "PIZZAAAA!!! 🤤 can't get enough of the burrata pizza, it's sooo good and delicious." This pizzeria not only promises but delivers a truly authentic, quality Italian dining experience right in the heart of Manhattan, making it a must-visit for any pizza lover.
A photo of Emporio restaurant
3. Emporio
4.7
Exceptional(851)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • SoHo
Booked 29 times today
Emporio, nestled in the vibrant heart of SoHo, New York, is a treasure trove of authentic Italian cuisine that delights its patrons. At Emporio, you can experience the essence of a rustic Roman-style trattoria, where every dish promises a story of tradition and craftsmanship. The restaurant is renowned for its "delicious crisp wood-fired pizzas" and homemade pastas, which are often highlighted as "the best I have had" by satisfied diners. The menu is a testament to authenticity, boasting items like the "perfect squash blossom pizza" and "outstanding Bolognese sauce," all crafted from the finest Italian and local provisions. The ambiance, complemented by skylights and a friendly service, makes Emporio a must-visit for anyone craving genuine Italian flavors in a welcoming setting. Join the chorus of regulars who proclaim it their "favorite restaurant in all of NYC!"
A photo of Carmine's - 44th Street - NYC restaurant
4. Carmine's - 44th Street - NYC
4.6
Exceptional(29457)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Theater District
Booked 352 times today
Carmine's on 44th Street in NYC's Theater District embodies the essence of Southern Italian cuisine, offering a dining experience akin to an Italian American wedding feast. Guests rave about the "abundant portions" and "authentic flavors," highlighting dishes like the "best chicken Parm ever" and "fantastic lasagna." Known for its family-style servings, Carmine's creates a convivial atmosphere where "every meal feels like a Sunday afternoon at Grandma's." Reviewers consistently praise the "amazing atmosphere" and "excellent service," making it a must-visit for both locals and tourists seeking a traditional yet exceptional Italian meal in the heart of Times Square.
A photo of Olio e Più restaurant
5. Olio e Più
4.7
Exceptional(4092)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • West Village
Booked 165 times today
At Olio e Più in the heart of New York's West Village, the essence of authentic Italian pizzeria cuisine comes to life, captivating diners with every bite. The restaurant prides itself on its traditional approach, where "the carbonara is the best I’ve ever had, hands down" and the wood-fire oven bakes house-made dough into "perfect, crisp pizza." Reviewers rave about the ambiance and the "superb service," with one guest highlighting the "velvety" sauce of the carbonara and "perfectly al dente pasta" as unforgettable. Olio e Più not only promises a slice of Italian countryside but delivers an exceptional experience that keeps guests returning for more.
A photo of Trapizzino restaurant
6. Trapizzino
4.1
Excellent(19)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Lower East Side
Booked 4 times today
At Trapizzino on the Lower East Side of New York, the essence of Roman café culture is vibrantly alive, providing a unique blend of Italian street food and café-style ambiance. Customers rave about the "amazing coffee" and the buzzing atmosphere typical of a true Italian piazza. Whether it's starting the day with a robust espresso or ending it with an Espresso Martini, Trapizzino delivers authentic experiences that transport patrons straight to the streets of Rome. Praised for its "friendly service" and "delicious" offerings, this gem embodies the spirit of Italian café life, right in the heart of NYC. A must-visit for anyone craving an authentic café experience with a twist of Roman street food flair.
A photo of Ainslie Bowery restaurant
7. Ainslie Bowery
4.1
Excellent(141)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • NoHo
Booked 9 times today
Ainslie Bowery in NoHo, New York, is a haven for Italian cuisine lovers, offering a truly authentic and quality dining experience. Guests rave about the "excellent" food, with one noting the lasagna as "one of the best I've ever had." The restaurant's ambiance is consistently praised, creating the perfect setting for an Italian feast. The Family Style Menu is a hit for large groups, featuring crowd-pleasers like cacio e Pepe and penne alla vodka. Reviewers are enamored with the service and the atmosphere, describing it as "immaculate" and perfect for "a great meal and ambiance." Whether it's the wood-fired pizza or the exceptional pasta, Ainslie Bowery stands out as a top destination for Italian dining in NYC.
A photo of Da Nico Restaurant - Manhattan restaurant
8. Da Nico Restaurant - Manhattan
4.7
Exceptional(1788)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 58 times today
Enjoy traditional Northern and Southern Italian cuisine at Da Nico. The beautiful indoor dining room is a favorite among movie stars, New York Yankees and former Mayor Giuliani. The casual, family-friendly atmosphere welcomes you to dine on “The Best Coal Brick Oven Pizza,” or one of the delicious items on the menu.Specialties include lobster fra diavolo, baby lamb chops and veal chops. Call for the day’s specials.During the summer, Da Nico features a large outdoor garden which doubles its normal seating capacity. Da Nico is also available for your private parties.There are many keys to having a great dining experience. With that in mind, consider Da Nico the master locksmith of Little Italy!
A photo of Cecconi's Dumbo restaurant
9. Cecconi's Dumbo
4.5
Awesome(5206)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • DUMBO
Booked 208 times today
Cecconi's Dumbo, nestled in the picturesque DUMBO neighborhood of Brooklyn, offers a sublime Mediterranean dining experience that harmonizes beautifully with its stunning waterfront views of the Manhattan skyline. This restaurant is celebrated for its "delicious Mediterranean classics like the Roman style gnocchi and risotto" that transport diners straight to Italy with each bite. Reviewers consistently rave about the authenticity and quality of the cuisine, noting dishes like "octopus, tuna tartare Cecconi’s style, and zucchini Fritti" as must-tries. A guest highlighted, "If you wanna taste real Italian food, this is the place!" With its "fabulous view and great service," Cecconi's Dumbo promises not just a meal, but a memorable Mediterranean feast that's always "on point."
A photo of Fossetta restaurant
10. Fossetta
4.5
Awesome(4)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Lower East Side
Booked 6 times today
Fossetta is a natural wine bar and restaurant in the Lower East Side. Charlene Santiago (formerly of The John Dory Oyster Bar and Reynard) and Josh Even (Tosca Cafe in SF, Breslin Bar & Dining Room, The Spotted Pig) have curated a menu of Sourdough Focaccia, Antipasti, and House-Made Pastas influenced by the flavors of Italy and the Mediterranean. The oft-changing wine list features natural wines from small producers from around the world. Large garage doors provide a casual indoor/outdoor European appeal. Come for a glass of wine and snacks, or enjoy a full dinner, or celebrate a special occasion. Open for Lunch and Brunch as well! We also offer family-style dinners for groups of 9 or more. Please email hello@fossetta-nyc.com for large party inquiries.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Tania
    New York City •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    This restaurant delivers an extraordinary dining experience, with food that is truly exceptional. The highlight of the meal was the polenta, a dish crafted to absolute perfection. Served tableside, the presentation added an elegant and personal touch that elevated the entire experience. The texture was creamy, the flavor rich and perfectly balanced, making it a standout among an already impressive menu. The service matched the quality of the food, with attentive and knowledgeable staff watched very closed by the excepcional manager Austin, enhancing the overall ambiance. From start to finish, the attention to detail and passion for culinary excellence were evident. Highly recommend this spot for anyone seeking a memorable dining experience—don’t miss the polenta!
    More info
    SaucePrice: Moderate• Italian• Lower East Side
    •
    4.6
  • jayvip
    New York City •67 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    a cozy place with a home cooked food feeling. perfect for a quiet dinner
    More info
    FossettaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Lower East Side
    •
    4.5
  • Bryan
    New York City •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    I have been here several times and the food, service, atmosphere and overall experience is consistently awesome. The prices are actually reasonable for NYC which makes it even better. I will continue to come back during the week and on the weekends when there is a nice party vibe later in the night.
    More info
    Ainslie BoweryPrice: Expensive• Italian• NoHo
    •
    4.1
  • Christine
    New York City •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 7, 2024
    Lil Frankie’s is the best. I have been going there for almost 20 years. Spaghetti Limone is outstanding!!! Love Frank!!! Music is always great. Try the Lil Frankie’s Margarita! Perfection
    More info
    Lil' Frankie'sPrice: Moderate• Italian• East Village
    •
    4.7
  • Emma
    New York City •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Oct 12, 2024
    We got the artichokes and ragu and it was amazing. Staff was great — 10/10 recommend this place to anyone looking for a date spot or a spot to eat with friends
    More info
    TrapizzinoPrice: Moderate• Italian• Lower East Side
    •
    4.1

Discover best Italian restaurants in Lower East Side

Discover the essence of Italian cuisine in the vibrant Lower East Side of Manhattan, a neighborhood renowned for its dynamic dining scene. Here, the Italian restaurants cater to a variety of tastes, offering everything from traditional dishes that have been passed down through generations to innovative culinary creations that push the boundaries of Italian cuisine. Each establishment prides itself on using authentic ingredients, often imported directly from Italy, to craft mouth-watering pizzas, homemade pastas, and exquisite seafood dishes that transport diners straight to the heart of Italy. The ambiance of these restaurants ranges from intimate and cozy settings perfect for a romantic dinner to lively and bustling venues ideal for family gatherings or group celebrations. Patrons can expect not only a meal but a truly immersive Italian dining experience, complete with expertly curated wine lists and artisanal desserts. Whether you're a lover of the classics or eager to explore contemporary twists on old favorites, the Lower East Side offers an Italian culinary adventure that promises satisfaction and delight for every palate.

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