Best Italian Restaurants in Lower East Side

Price: Moderate (442)Price: Expensive (401)Price: Very Expensive (157)

401 restaurants available nearby

1. Trapizzino

4.1

Excellent(14)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Lower East Side

Booked 2 times today

In Italy, street food is centered around the lifestyle of the piazza caffès and side alley wine bars, best discovered with friends and family. Here, on the Lower East Side, Trapizzino moves with the rhythms of the day - an espresso alongside warm bomboloni, a midday trapizzini enjoyed al fresco, refreshing spritz with shared vegetable small plates, or a larger feast with friends. The New York outpost of Stefano Callegari's Roman-rooted, internationally-acclaimed restaurant, Trapizzino brings a taste of the Eternal City to the corner of Orchard and Rivington Streets.

2. Cecconi's Dumbo

4.5

Awesome(5058)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • DUMBO

Booked 206 times today

Cecconi's Dumbo, famous for its Contemporary Italian cuisine, has been lauded by many for its exceptional dining experience. The restaurant, nestled under the Brooklyn Bridge, offers stunning views of the waterfront and the Manhattan skyline, creating an unmatched ambiance that guests find irresistible. Patrons have consistently praised the authenticity of the dishes, with one even singling out the vegan sausage pizza for its convincing flavor. The service has been deemed 'outstanding' and 'impeccable' by numerous reviews, with waiters like Mario and Sam earning special mentions for their kindness and attentiveness. Whether for the vegan dessert that is 'decadent and rich', or for the 'amazing' salami pizza, Cecconi's Dumbo has something for everyone, expertly blending traditional Italian cuisine with a touch of modern creativity, promising an experience that 'never disappoints'.

3. Lil' Frankie's

4.7

Exceptional(792)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • East Village

Booked 26 times today

Italy's neighorhood pizzeria's are known as really casual places to hang out, meet friends, eat, drink and talk. Lil' Frankie's is just that. We offer real Neapolitan pizza, made exactly as it's made in Naples, fresh handmade pastas cooked to order, a wine and grappa list that rivals any in the city, and friendly (never pushy) service - all in a setting designed to make you feel at home. Our brick, wood burning, oven was handcrafted by a 3rd generation Neapolitan oven builder, brick by brick. It features real lava from Vesuvio and through a unique double dome design, recycles heat to reach near 900 degrees.

4. Sauce

3.3

Good(1075)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Lower East Side

Booked 4 times today

The neighborhood knows us for our heritage chicken parm, grass-fed beef meatballs, homemade pasta, and extra thin crust pizza, but what people really come back for is the thing that anchors it all: the sauce. Staying true to Italian tradition, the team starts their day with pots of simmering sauce, just like Nonna does when prepping for Sunday dinner. The recipes are tried-and-true and made with the best ingredients with love from Italian expert chef consultant Maura Ardu. The space is cozy, the music is always just a little bit too loud, and the dishes are classic and consistent.

5. Olio e Più

4.6

Exceptional(3903)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • West Village

Booked 203 times today

Olio e Più is a highly recommended Italian restaurant known for its delicious food and exceptional service. One reviewer refers to the Tagliatelle Verdi al Ragù Bolognese as "a symphony of taste," and praises the attention to detail in preparation. Others express appreciation for the outdoor dining environment, highlighting the lobster ravioli and bruschetta as "to die for." Many have made it their favorite Italian spot in the city, praising the outstanding food, atmosphere, and "friendly" staff. Regardless of their location, all visitors to New York City seem to crave Olio e Più and promise to return. As another reviewer put it, this restaurant is definitely "a go-to Italian restaurant when visiting Manhattan."

6. Ainslie Bowery

4.6

Exceptional(128)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • NoHo

Booked 17 times today

Ainslie Bowery is an exceptional provider of delightful Italian cuisine, renowned greatly by many for its incredible service and enticing ambience. Patrons repeatedly commend the delectable food, noting it to be "insanely delicious" with reviewers stating that dishes like the Penne Alla Vodka and Lamb Ragu Parpadelle were indeed "mouth watering". The restaurant embodies the warmth and appeal of a classic Italian eatery and is recommended highly for group gatherings due to its size and a prefixed menu that caters to varied dietary preferences. Ainslie Bowery sets the scene for memorable dining experiences, serving as a hidden gem that is "well worth the trip from any part of the city".

7. Emporio

4.6

Exceptional(829)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • SoHo

Booked 26 times today

Renowned for its super authentic Italian cuisine, Emporio is a favorite amongst locals and visitors alike. Marrying traditional culinary practices with light, varied offerings, the Roman-inspired menu of this downtown gem has been praised for its delectable pizzas, fettuccine with sausage and truffle, and egg benedict with an Italian touch. The charming ambiance, attentive service, and distinctive brick-oven visible to diners further enhance the dining experience. Reviewers have complimented the restaurant for its excellent value, even going as far to call it their favorite Italian destination in NYC. They love it for dates, small celebrations or just a great night out.

A photo of Da Nico Restaurant - Manhattan restaurant

8. Da Nico Restaurant - Manhattan

4.6

Exceptional(1746)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 20 times today

Da Nico Restaurant, situated in Manhattan's vibrant Little Italy neighborhood, is highly praised for its authentic Italian cuisine. This restaurant's excellence is confirmed by numerous glowing reviews from patrons, who frequently highlight the quality of the food and service. Delighted customers mention "tasty Italian food at affordable prices," and "excellent service," with some dining at Da Nico's multiple times within a single trip to New York City. The restaurant's dishes, such as the rigatoni alla vodka, pasta fagioli, spaghetti with meatballs, and the limoncello martini, are consistently lauded. Others compliment the "beautiful garden terrace" and the restaurant's ambiance, enhancing the dining experience at this beloved locale.

9. Raf's

new

4.5

Awesome(17)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • NoHo

Booked 49 times today

This homage to Little Italy, from the same team behind Michelin-starred The Musket Room, has everything you could want, from outstanding pastries courtesy of Camari Mick and incredible entrees from Mary Attea.

A photo of Carmine's - 44th Street - NYC restaurant

10. Carmine's - 44th Street - NYC

4.6

Exceptional(28974)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Theater District

Booked 414 times today

Carmine's on 44th Street in NYC is renowned for its outstanding Italian cuisine. Customers frequently rave about the 'real Italian food' and its 'surprisingly delicious' flavours, describing it as 'simply the best'. Reviewers laud Carmine's for the traditional family-style Italian dining experience, with 'big and tasty dishes' that are 'perfect to share'. The Penne alla Vodka is specifically highlighted as 'delicious and flavourful'. The wine list is no less impressive with a vast selection of Italian wines like Sangiovese, Chianti Classico, and Amarone della Valpolicella. The bustling atmosphere, friendly service, and huge portion sizes add to the quintessential New York dining experience. According to many of the satisfied visitors, no visit to NYC would be complete without a meal at Carmine's.

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Discover best Italian restaurants in Lower East Side

Discover the essence of Italian cuisine in the vibrant Lower East Side of Manhattan, a neighborhood renowned for its dynamic dining scene. Here, the Italian restaurants cater to a variety of tastes, offering everything from traditional dishes that have been passed down through generations to innovative culinary creations that push the boundaries of Italian cuisine. Each establishment prides itself on using authentic ingredients, often imported directly from Italy, to craft mouth-watering pizzas, homemade pastas, and exquisite seafood dishes that transport diners straight to the heart of Italy. The ambiance of these restaurants ranges from intimate and cozy settings perfect for a romantic dinner to lively and bustling venues ideal for family gatherings or group celebrations. Patrons can expect not only a meal but a truly immersive Italian dining experience, complete with expertly curated wine lists and artisanal desserts. Whether you're a lover of the classics or eager to explore contemporary twists on old favorites, the Lower East Side offers an Italian culinary adventure that promises satisfaction and delight for every palate.

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