Set the scene.
New York City is a metropolis built on Italian trattorias—it’s a culinary tradition that thrives here, with every neighborhood from the West Village to the Upper East Side boasting its own go-to restaurant, proudly deemed superior to the tourist-heavy spots with impossible reservations and two-hour waits.
Tucked behind an unassuming storefront on Great Jones Street, Vic’s New York is the NoHo Italian restaurant that once again proves this enduring truth. Once home to the beloved Mediterranean restaurant Five Points, the space was reimagined by restaurateurs Victoria Freeman and Marc Meyer, the husband-and-wife team behind NYC staples like Shuka and Rosie’s. Their thoughtful reinvention has transformed the circa-1999 bistro into a vibrant dining destination with rustic Italian vibes and modern sensibilities.
It’s not a hidden hole-in-the-wall—but Vic’s strikes a solid balance between intimate charm and contemporary appeal. Exposed brick walls, refurbished wood floors, and cozy banquettes create a warm, inviting atmosphere, while a wraparound bar greets you upon arrival. It’s hard to resist starting the evening with an Amalfi Spritz—a refreshing mix of limoncello Meyer lemon aperitif, prosecco, and seltzer—the ultimate prelude to what lies ahead.
What can we expect from the food?
Known for its fresh-made pasta and wood-fired pizza, Vic’s delivers well-executed meals that stay true to tradition without overcomplicating things. It’s scratch-made, Italian-American comfort food that New Yorkers hold dear—exactly what you’d expect from this Bowery Hospitality Group gem.
Start with the “Per Il Tavolo” (for the table). There’s plenty to indulge in here, but pace yourself—over-ordering might derail the rest of your meal. The Caesar salad is a reliable crowd-pleaser, but Vic’s takes it up a notch with misticanza lettuce mix and olive oil croutons that are toasted to perfection, avoiding the dreaded teeth-shattering crunch. If you’re ready to dive into dairy, don’t miss the burrata, served with cara cara orange, treviso, balsamic, hazelnut, and mint. However, the true can’t-miss dish is the escarole and beans—a warm, soulful plate of cannellini beans sautéed with garlic, olive oil, and freshly grated parmesan.
Next, it’s time for the main event: pasta and pizza. The cacio e pepe (listed simply as “Spaghetti” on the menu) is a revelation—creamy, peppery, and finished with just enough parmesan. On the pizza front, the vodka pie with fontina, marjoram, and chili is a minimalist masterpiece, balancing tomato, cheese, and spice in all the right ways. If you’ve still got room—or are dining with a group—turn to the “Secondi” section. The roasted chicken with smashed potatoes and broccolini is tempting, but the pork Milanese might steal the show.
Finally, dessert is non-negotiable. Vic’s signature rainbow cookies arrive dipped in frozen chocolate, with layers of almond sponge cake in the colors of the Italian flag—a sweet, nostalgic finish to a memorable meal.
Don’t skip the drinks.
On a chilly 20-degree evening in New York, snuggling up to the bar at Vic’s feels like the only right thing to do. The restaurant welcomes you with open arms and an enticing libation and wine list. Start with the Napoli, a clever twist on the classic espresso martini, featuring vodka, house-made espresso liqueur, and a touch of cinnamon to warm you from the inside out. If wine’s more your speed, a glass of their “Rosso” offerings, like the Cabernet Sauvignon Super Tuscan, should do the trick.
When warmer weather inevitably returns, Vic’s terrace is the ideal spritz-hour retreat. Flanked by cheerful, sunshine-yellow deck chairs, it’s made for leisurely sipping. Of course, there’s the classic Aperol spritz, but why not shake things up? Try the Goddess Spritz, a refreshing mix of bianco vermouth, basil, lime, elderflower, and prosecco, or the Hugo Spritz, with elderflower, prosecco, and mint—a change of tune that tastes like summer.
Final thoughts?
For Italian food that truly delivers—without the bone-chilling wait or the disappointment of another elusive Resy reservation—look no further than neighborhood spots like Vic’s New York.
Top Takeaways
Location: NoHo, New York City
Address: 31 Great Jones St, New York, NY 10012
Cuisine: Italian-Mediterranean
The vibe: A low-key neighborhood haunt serving elevated Italian dishes, cocktails, and housemade limoncello—the kind Nonna used to make, reimagined for the modern palate.
Pricing: $$
Takes reservations? Yes – Resy
Our favorite dish on the menu: We haven’t had a cacio e pepe experience quite like this one. (Via Carota was up there, but Vic’s really solidified its spot as our top choice.)
The attire: Smart casual
Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner: Open seven days a week for dinner from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday.
