Outside of Italy, New York City reigns supreme when it comes to Italian cuisine. With an impressive 17,253 establishments, according to IBISWorld, it’s no surprise the Big Apple is a haven for Italian food lovers. HAP Editor Britney Eschelman—a true lover of the pizza-and-pasta-centric fare—has spent the past two years exploring some of the city’s most talked-about establishments.
Below, we highlight the Italian eateries known for their buzzy reputations and hard-to-get reservations. While opinions may differ on whether they’re truly the ‘best of the best,’ these hot spots embody the chic, in-demand dining scene we love at Hotels Above Par.
Don Angie (West Village)
Famous for its Instagram-viral pinwheel lasagna that made waves after its 2017 debut, Don Angie stands out among Manhattan’s top Italian eateries. While the lasagna is without question a must-try, the restaurant offers plenty more that keeps it in high demand—including the stuffed garlic flatbread, chrysanthemum salad (topped with a heap of finely shaved parmesan), and black cocoa tiramisu. Its prime location in the West Village and its stunning new sister restaurant, San Sabino—adorned in butter-yellow decor and exuding a stylish trattoria vibe—creates the perfect hideout for celebrities.
Torrisi (Nolita)
Uh oh, Carbone—has your younger brother, Torrisi, from the Major Food Group family, surpassed you as the city’s most scene-y and impossible-to-get-into Italian-American restaurant? We’re afraid so. New York native Chef Rich Torrisi honors the aromas of Zeppole from Mulberry Street’s San Gennaro Feast with standout dishes like the Italian and American hams with Zeppole antipasti and tortellini pomodoro, inspired by fresh pasta in storefront windows. Reservations are notoriously hard to secure, with many recommending a lunchtime visit if possible.
Via Carota (West Village)
In the Big Apple’s crowded culinary scene, Via Carota shines as a standout, celebrated by locals and celebs alike (for reference, it’s Taylor Swift’s favorite). Situated in the West Village, this trattoria evokes the charm of a 17th-century Florentine villa with its rustic decor, from reclaimed wooden floors to vintage chapel chairs. The menu delights with traditional Italian fare—you can’t miss the tonnarelli cacio e pepe or the salt-baked branzino, which is truly the restaurant’s claim to fame.
Misi (Williamsburg, Brooklyn)
Nestled in Brooklyn’s South Williamsburg, Misi is one of those restaurants that everyone says, “I’ve been dying to go,” but few manage to lock in a reservation. Chef Misi Robbins—also the mastermind behind the popular Lilia—has earned a reputation for her exquisite handmade pasta and vegetable antipasti, inspired by the simplicity of Italian cuisine. While securing a table may be challenging, the part-pasta-shop and part-restaurant MISIPASTA offers a worthy consolation, easing the sting of missing out on the main event. Start daydreaming about the whipped ricotta crostini, the sheep’s milk ricotta-filled occhi, and their homemade gelatos for dessert (do us a favor and try the mint stracciatella and olive oil flavors).
Massara (Flatiron)
Massara is Chef Stefano Secchi’s follow-up to the acclaimed Rezdôra, spotlighting Campania’s cuisine and culture. Located in Flatiron, the expansive dining space exudes a moody, rustic trattoria vibe on the ground floor, while the upstairs offers a sleek, contemporary olive green-hued dining space and cocktail bar. Wood-fired cooking is the star here, with their pizzettes—small, flavor-packed pizzas—being a must-try (go for the classic Margherita or the “Mountain” topped with tomatoes, anchovies, and capers). Don’t miss their Instagram-viral cheesemakers’ ravioli, filled with smoked ricotta, buffalo butter, and Datterini tomatoes.
I Sodi (West Village)
Conceptualized by the legendary chef duo Jody Williams and Rita Sodi—who also founded the acclaimed Via Carota—I Sodi is their second homage to Tuscan cooking in the West Village. In proper New York fashion, the wait for a table can be daunting. (How does 5 hours sound? No, we’re not kidding.) Like its sibling Via Carota, the cacio e pepe garners rave reviews, but the main conversation topic here is the decadent layered lasagna, which steals the spotlight.
L’Artusi (West Village)
Since opening in 2008, L’Artusi has remained one of Manhattan’s most sought-after Italian restaurants for 16 years. A West Village staple, the 110-seat eatery spans two floors and offers cozy banquette seating, an extended bar, a cheese bar, and a chef’s counter with views of the open kitchen. Standout dishes include Wagyu carpaccio, house-made focaccia, pici cacio e pepe, and the moist olive oil cake. Plus, the amiable wait staff only enhances the charm of this beloved spot.
Roscioli (Soho)
Roscioli, a “Roman institution in the heart of Soho,” brings its Italian roots to one of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods. Upstairs, an à la carte alimentari offers a curated selection of deli items and Roscioli-branded products, while downstairs, guests enjoy a prix fixe wine pairing and tasting menu. Expect refined portions, which are ideal for ordering multiple plates. Their burrata plates are a must-order, and the carbonara is among the best in the city. Don’t miss the tiramisù or torta di mandorle (almond cake) for dessert.
Carbone (Greenwich Village)
Oh Carbone, while Torrisi may be shiny and new, you’ll always remain New York’s steadfast, tough-to-snag Italian reservation. As the OG representative of Major Food Group, this iconic spot keeps diners returning for signature touches like the complimentary bread and salami service, the hand-cut prosciutto & mozzarella (sliced tableside with designated scissors), and the pièce de résistance: the spicy rigatoni, perfectly al dente and drenched in its famous vodka sauce. Beyond the food, the ambiance often attracts celebrities like Bad Bunny, Kim Kardashian, and Victoria Beckham on a regular basis.
