🚕 6 Must-Try Italian Spots in NYC

Good morning NY!

New York City is home to countless Italian restaurants, but these six stand out as the absolute best.

Whether you’re seeking innovative pasta creations, traditional Italian-American comfort food, or Michelin-starred excellence, these spots deliver unforgettable dining experiences.

For anyone passionate about Italian food, these are essential stops on your culinary journey.

Da Toscano

Located on Minetta Lane, Da Toscano offers a modern take on regional Italian cuisine. Helmed by Chef Michael Toscano, this restaurant is celebrated for its innovative and comforting dishes.

A highlight is the Pappardelle, featuring Venetian duck ragù and shaved foie gras—a decadent treat for pasta lovers.

The Veal Chop Parmigiana is another standout, topped with Mozzarella di Bufala, tomato sugo, and fresh basil.

The restaurant’s warm, intimate atmosphere makes it perfect for romantic evenings or small gatherings.

Whether you’re drawn by the creative antipasti, like Warm Rosemary Focaccia with Taleggio Butter, or hearty mains like the Branzino alla Piastra, Da Toscano delivers on all fronts.

Social handles: Google Maps: 4.8 | Yelp: 4.6 | Instagram

Misi

Nestled in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Misi has earned its place as a perennial favorite for pasta enthusiasts.

Opened by Chef Missy Robbins in 2018, this sleek, airy restaurant showcases a focused menu of handmade pasta and antipasti.

The Whipped Ricotta Tortelli and Fettuccine are must-tries, each boasting perfectly balanced flavors and textures.

For dessert, the Olive Oil Gelato is a standout, offering a refreshing and unexpected finale to your meal.

Misi’s open kitchen adds to the experience, allowing diners to watch the meticulous preparation of their dishes. The minimalist decor and spacious setting make it a modern haven for Italian dining.

Social handles: Google Maps: 4.4 | Yelp: 4.1 | Instagram

Massara

Located on Broadway, Massara is the second Italian restaurant from Chef Stefano Secchi and David Switzer, the team behind the Michelin-starred Rezdora.

This newcomer focuses on the bold, fresh flavors of Italy’s Campania region, delivering a menu that expertly balances innovation and tradition.

Massara’s pasta dishes are the stars of the show. The Cheesemakers Raviolini, filled with creamy bufala mozzarella, offers a luxurious, indulgent bite, while the whimsically named If Pasta Fredda Was Eaten in Amalfi combines cold spaghettoni with sea urchin and shrimp crudo for a dish that’s both refreshing and full of umami.

In addition to pasta, Massara serves wood-fired pizzette, such as the classic Margherita and the innovative Crudo, topped with bufala mozzarella, arugula, and prosciutto.

The restaurant’s design transports diners to a rustic Italian farmhouse, complete with communal tables crafted from century-old wooden beams and a custom-built wood-burning oven.

It’s the perfect setting for an intimate dinner or a lively meal with friends.

With its creative menu and warm atmosphere, Massara has quickly established itself as a standout in the NYC dining scene.

Social handles: Google Maps: 4 | Yelp: 3.7 | Instagram

Don Angie

A beloved classic, Don Angie has earned its reputation as one of NYC’s most celebrated Italian restaurants.

Known for its impeccable Lasagna for Two, a meticulously layered masterpiece, Don Angie also delights with its Garlic Flatbread and the refreshing Chrysanthemum Salad.

Located in the West Village, Don Angie combines a chic, intimate setting with a menu that pays homage to Italian-American traditions while pushing culinary boundaries.

With its consistent acclaim, this restaurant remains a must-visit for anyone exploring Italian cuisine in New York.

Social handles: Google Maps: 4.6 | Yelp: 4.5 | Instagram

Torrisi

At the pinnacle of New York’s Italian dining scene is Torrisi Bar & Restaurant, a Michelin-starred establishment located in the iconic Puck Building.

Led by Chef Rich Torrisi, this restaurant celebrates the soul of Italian-American cuisine with a modern twist.

The menu features standout appetizers like Prosciutto di Parma, fresh seasonal pasta dishes, and indulgent mains that highlight premium ingredients.

The ambiance is as grand as the cuisine, with vaulted ceilings and stunning interior design by Garrett Singer Architecture.

Torrisi has not only earned a Michelin Star but also secured a spot on The New York Times’s list of the 50 best restaurants in the United States in 2023.

Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins can enjoy the vibrant bar scene.

Social handles: Google Maps: 4.6 | Yelp: 4.5 | Instagram

San Sabino

From the team behind Michelin-starred Don Angie comes San Sabino, a seafood-focused Italian-American gem in Greenwich Village.

This modern spot redefines Italian-American cuisine with inventive dishes like Shrimp Parm, featuring head-on prawns in a sweet and sour arrabbiata sauce, and Lobster Triangoli in a white vodka sauce with black garlic.

The restaurant’s 1960s-inspired coastal design, with warm yellow tones and custom banquettes, adds to the unique dining experience.

Reservations are available through Resy, but walk-ins are welcome at the bar.

Whether you’re drawn by the Pepperoni Carbonara or the playful Crab Mortadella Dip, San Sabino is a celebration of bold flavors and creativity.

Social handles: Google Maps: 4.3 | Yelp: 4.4 | Instagram

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