It’s your boyfriend’s birthday next month, and he’s been dying to try Carbone.
Could he be any more basic? Probably not, but you adore his Vineyard Vines-loving self anyways.
You log onto Resy first thing in the morning, and naturally, there is only availability at 4 P.M.
See Also: The Best Pasta Dishes In NYC That Aren't From Carbone
If only Financial Analysts didn’t work till 10 every night (on a good day).
*Rolls Eyes*
Instead of completely forgoing his vodka rigatoni fantasies, you decide to type “best vodka pasta in NYC” into the search engine.
Here is what you found.
ParmView this post on Instagram
Multiple Locations/Website
PSA: if you can’t get into Carbone, Major Food Group’s Parm serves the exact same spicy rigatoni recipe. Not only will your meal be a fraction of the cost, but it’s much easier to secure a table at this casual Italian joint than at the celeb-laden haunt. Unsurprisingly, the Rigatoni Carbone is melt-in-your-mouth delicious, paired with the perfect amount of spice to offset the intoxicating creaminess. If you blindfolded your boyfriend, he would have no idea he wasn’t at the toughest table in town.
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38 8th Ave, Manhattan/Website
A new kid on the block, Arthur and Sons is taking the NYC Italian food scene by storm. And that’s a large statement, considering us Manhannites are obsessed with all things carbs. The old-school Italian Joint’s Spicy Rigatoni explodes with flavor on your tongue, blending the fieriness of the spice with the butteriness of the vodka sauce. Topped with loads of Parmesan cheese, this Instagram-famous dish is a true party in your mouth.
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32 E 10th St, Manhattan/Website
Why have one pasta when you can have three? That’s our justification when ordering the pasta sampler from Carrie Bradshaw’s favorite restaurant. If you know, you know. And while every pasta on the sampler is spectacular, we can’t stop daydreaming about the rigatoni alla vodka. This dish is so rich in flavor, you won’t even realize it’s prepared without spice. If you’re the type who likes their mouth on fire, you can always add some chili flakes, and of course, the obligatory parmesan cheese.
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235 Mulberry St, Manhattan/Website
Most people come here for the famed Tie-Dye pizza, but we’re obviously in it for the pasta. Prepared with fresh tomatoes, heavy cream, and heaping amounts of cheese, Rubirosa’s Lumache Alla Vodka is everything we’ve dreamed about and more. The second your boyfriend tastes this culinary masterpiece, he will instantly fall in love with you all over again. A stronger aphrodisiac than oysters, he may even ask for your hand in marriage!
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136 Mulberry St, Manhattan/Website
Did somebody say vodka sauce gnocchi? Now that’s a made match in heaven if we’ve ever heard of one. This classic Little Italy restaurant pays homage to authentic Italian culture, while also putting its own contemporary twist on each dish. The perfect balance of traditional and innovative, the vodka sauce gnocchi (not pictured) is equally as intriguing as it is tasty. The pillowy pasta dumplings are like clouds in the sky, floating into a sea of creamy deliciousness.
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236 E 77th St, Manhattan/Website
Our favorite part of this charming Upper East Side joint is that it’s completely customizable. Specializing in “mix n match” pastas, diners can choose the type of pasta they want, along with the sauce. If you’ve been on social media, you’re obviously getting the spaghetti with vodka sauce. This may seem like an odd pairing, but trust us on this one. The two go together like peanut butter and jelly, sushi and spicy mayo, and you and your BO.
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1354 1st Ave, Manhattan/Website
Owned by the legendary Nino Selimaj, Nino’s is a must-visit on your NYC food tour. Although the no-frills establishment is famous amongst true foodies, it’s less popular amongst the younger crowd: AKA the Gen-Z Tik Tokers who have never heard of That’s So Raven or Hannah Montana. *Gasps* Ninos’ Rigatoni Alla Vodka is simple yet decadent all at once, resulting in a dish that checks off all your boxes (and then some).
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2904 30th Ave, Queens/Website
It’s totally worth the schlep to Queens for their Rigatoni Vodka. Pro Tip: the Vodka-Roni pie is pretty fantastic, too. Prepared al dente (as all good pasta is), and topped with oozing burrata, this dish is sure to satisfy all of your vodka sauce cravings. The Astoria institution offers both spicy and non-spicy rigatoni, allowing diners to choose whatever their heart desires. We recommend going splitsies with your love and trying both!
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194 Elizabeth St, Manhattan/Website
Marc Forgione’s rustic Italian spot serves some of the best vodka pasta in town. Made with Titos, brocollini, and basil breadcrumbs, Peasant is elevating the traditional recipe by adding exciting new ingredients to the mix. The perfectly oily breadcrumbs add a crunch to the original dish we never knew we needed, while the bitterness of the broccolini pairs with the butteriness of the vodka sauce in exciting and unexpected ways.
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1621 2nd Ave, Manhattan/Website
Nobody does classic Italian food better than Elio’s, so naturally, they’re home to some of the best pasta in Manhattan. Everything they serve here is delicious, but it would be illegal to not order the off-the-menu vodka pasta. It’s truly one of our favorite vodka sauce dishes in NYC, plus you feel like you’re a part of the in-crowd when ordering this coveted “secret” dish. This lowkey spot is celeb-frequented, making the experience all the more special.
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545 E 5th St, Manhattan/Website
The hidden gem of this list, this unpretentious Tuscan eatery knows how to make a mean vodka pasta. Besides, isn’t it so much cooler to go somewhere that isn’t on everybody’s FYP? Lavagna’s rigatoni is prepared with sweet fennel, spicy sausage, peas, and highly-addictive tomato cream, creating a dish that rivals Carbone’s.
From hidden gems to viral TiK Tok dishes, we've got all your vodka pasta needs covered.
Photography by: Getty Images
