Set the scene.
Hidden away in one of Greenwich Village’s most famed buildings, Trattoria One Fifth is far more than just another moody Italian restaurant in Manhattan. Its storied walls have witnessed numerous notable events and social gatherings—from patrons toasting martinis while WWII soldiers paraded through downtown, to the ’30s supper club Number One Bar, which launched the careers of Dorothy Lamour and Paul Lynde, and the ’90s seafood restaurant One Fifth Avenue, where acclaimed chef Alfred Portale and Anthony Bourdain made their mark.
Now, as part of Chef Marc Forgione’s esteemed restaurant collection, Trattoria One Fifth excels in attention to detail, from its thoughtful design to high-quality ingredients and impeccable service. It’s no surprise that this outpost has remained a top dining destination in the city.
Upon entering through the revolving glass door, you’re greeted by a welcoming reception desk and an expansive cocktail bar, inviting guests to cozy up for a drink or two before settling in for their meal. The restaurant’s moody atmosphere is instantly felt, with rustic wood accents, candle-lit ambiance, and intimate dining arrangements. Given its historic location, curated photographs and artwork adorn the walls, showcasing the significance of this address since 1927.
What can we expect from the food?
A hallmark of a great restaurant is how exceptional even the simplest items on the menu taste—like the warm chips and guacamole at a Mexican spot or the bread basket with butter at an American eatery. At Trattoria One Fifth, they showcase their talents right away with the Sourdough Pillow—a hollow, fluffy shell of sourdough bread fresh from the oven, served with ricotta cheese and Cesare’s prosciutto. To say this dish made us excited for what was to come is an understatement.
Next, we moved on to the antipasti, starting with Mozzarella in Carrozza—essentially fried mozzarella—and dipped each bite into a spicy chili lobster sauce that added an elegant touch. To continue the cheese theme, we doubled down with the Di Palo Burrata, served alongside a gazpacho medley that balanced the richness of the burrata perfectly. For a vegetable component, we recommend the leafy Lani’s Farm Kale Salad, garnished with sesame and Caesar dressing, and the Tuna Crudo, dressed with olives, celery, and sea beans.
Of course, it’s Italian cuisine, so we had to try several pizza and pasta offerings. Chef Marc’s time in Italy inspired the pizzas’ composition, blending the structure and crunch of a New York slice with the technique and quality ingredients of Neapolitan style. We sampled the Meatball pie, generously topped with cheese, sausage, and a traditional Sunday sauce.
The pasta claims to be crafted in-house daily, and we can confirm the statement. Each bite of the Rigatoni alla Vodka was perfectly al dente, sprinkled with broccolini and basil breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch. The flavor-packed Cappelletti served with prosciutto, fresh corn, and a balsamic glaze, added a sweet punch to each meat-filled pocket.
While the entire meal was delicious and deserving of the spotlight, we were saving our real praise for dessert. Trattoria One Fifth does something special with its sweets. Housed in the former test kitchen of the celebrated Levain Bakery, known for its cake-like chocolate chip cookies, the restaurant honors this legacy by serving a near-identical version of the legendary cookie in a charming cookie jar that’s impossible not to love.
Afterward, they offer a variety of homemade gelato flavors, from classics like Pistachio, Chocolate, and Olive Oil to seasonal choices such as Peach and Sweet Corn for the summer (definitely check this one out). Served in towering scoops atop silver ice cream cups, the gelato ensures you’ll leave both full and happy.
And what about the drinks?
Since we’ve covered the food in detail, here’s a quick summary of the drinks. The wine list is impressive, featuring over 350 bottles from renowned and emerging Italian producers around the globe. Notable cocktails include the Vintage Negroni, crafted with Solera Gin & Vermouth from the 1960s-1980s, and Campari, as well as the Milano-Veneto, which blends Aperol, Carpano Bianco, lemon, orange, soda, and Prosecco.
Final thoughts?
For Italian cuisine aficionados and New York history buffs alike, dining at Trattoria One Fifth will make you want to become a regular at this truly iconic establishment.
Top Takeaways
Location: Greenwich Village, New York City
Address: 1 5th Ave, New York, NY 10003
Cuisine: Italian
The vibe: A rustic Italian trattoria brimming with history, nestled in one of New York City’s most iconic buildings, 1 Fifth Avenue.
Pricing: $$
Takes reservations? Yes – Resy
Our favorite dish on the menu: Although it was the first thing we tried on the menu, the Sourdough Pillow is undeniably a must-order dish.
The attire: Smart casual
Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner: Open Monday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
