Lara Dreux Lara Dreux | February 6, 2023 | Culture Food & Drink Lifestyle Guides
“Best Italian restaurants in the city? That’s a tough one, the list of phenomenal places is endless.”
So says Josh Beckerman, also known as the Instagram-famous food blogger Foodie Magician. He spends night and day trying food across the city, and Italian cuisine ranks among his favorites. Beckerman has curated an exclusive list of standout eateries featuring tempting dishes from Italy’s diverse geographical regions.
Whether you are in search of an unforgettable plate of pasta or a fresh platter of seafood, you'll find a wide range of dishes from Milan, Emilia Romagna, and Tuscany. Savor traditional ravioli or experiment with a modern twist on mushrooms and ricotta. You are guaranteed to leave the city with a full belly and a happy heart. Enjoy our list of New York City’s best Italian restaurants.
See also: The 10 Best Ramen Bowls in NYC | The 10 Best Sushi Omakase Menus in NYC
View this post on InstagramRigatoni diavola, san marzano tomatoes, chilies, oregano, pecorino #ChoosePasta
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Lilia
567 Union Ave., Brooklyn / Website
Beckerman describes this restaurant as his “favorite restaurant in America,” adding that they make the “best focaccia in the country.”
Chef Missy Robbins is a master at her craft, so come sit down at this sophisticated location in Brooklyn and enjoy her immaculately crafted dishes (if you can snag a reservation). Lilia is known for its wood-fired seafood and mouthwatering pasta delicacies. Try one of Josh’s favorites, the sheep’s milk agnolotti with saffron, dried tomato and honey, and leave wanting to come back the next day.
INSIDER TIP Those in the ‘know’ will order the off-the-menu dessert called The Italian Job. A refined and delicious vanilla gelato with honey, fennel and olive oil.
Rezdôra
27 E. 20th Street / Website
Home to many regions, climates and cultures, Italy is a country with a wide array of cuisine depending on where you go. Rezdôra brings the specialized Emilia Romagna chefs d’oeuvres to New York with dishes so authentic you will travel closer and closer to the region’s tuff houses with every bite. From the delectable menu, Beckerman recommends the ravioli filled with egg and ricotta, supreme in their simplicity.
View this post on InstagramAn @aifiori favorite, now at home with us. The signature Trofie Nero is available at dinner!
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Marea
240 Central Park South / Website
For an upscale dining experience, enjoy this Michelin Star restaurant’s beautifully-lit interior as you indulge in their tantalizing entrées. This location is renowned for its Northern Italian seafood, including the lavish lobster burrata dish and fusilli with red wine-infused octopus and bone marrow.
Carbone
181 Thompson St. / Website
“If Frank Sinatra were alive today, he’d go dine here.” This timeless Italian restaurant is a venerated institution known to most New Yorkers (even if they can't secure a reso). "Their spicy rigatoni vodka is one of the best in America,” claims Beckerman. Also noteworthy is the outstanding veal parmigiana and the fresh and aromatic mozzarella.
INSIDER TIP According to Beckerman, the next two spots on the list boast the best lasagna in town.
I Sodi
105 Christopher St. / Website
Decorated in a simple and rustic fashion, I Sodi places all focus on the food. The menu boasts planty of fresh and flavorful creations, including tagliatelle with caramelized onion and parmigiano, and— of course— their juicy lasagne a sugo.
Don Angie
103 Greenwich Ave. / Website
Meticulously crafted to please both your eyes and palate, Michelin-starred Don Angie’s courses convey passion and culinary art in their taste and presentation. In addition to their famous lasagna, try the excellent sourdough pasta cacciatore.
Emilio’s Ballato
55 E. Houston St. / Website
“Expect to spot Hollywood stars at this place, it’s a celebrity hang out.”
Travel downtown to Soho, sink into this restaurant's old-school, eclectic atmosphere and add your name to its long list of celebrity clientele. This lowkey spot boasts of timeless classics such as spaghetti alla puttanesca and vitello alla milanese.
L’ Artusi
228 W. Tenth St. / Website
Named after acclaimed Chef Pellegrino Artusi, this West Village restaurant opened its doors in 2008. Enjoy their modern take on Italian cuisine, combining tradition with creativity. Start your night at the cheese bar and select the perfect bottle of wine to accompany the heavenly main courses. “They have amazing pasta here, but my favorite dish has to be the roasted mushrooms with pancetta-fried egg and ricotta,” says Beckerman.
Altro Paradiso
234 Spring St. / Website
“I’ve been blown away here, Altro Paradiso deserves to be on the list.”
You don’t want to leave New York without stopping by this downtown Italian gem. The setting is inviting and laid back, welcoming all with open arms and appetizing aromas. Customers travel across the country to enjoy the beloved fennel salad with provolone cheese.
INSIDER TIP Foodie Magician highly recommends their steak, elegantly presented in a wagyu burger with caramelized radicchio and gorgonzola.
Photography by: Jupiter Images
