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Lavagna - NYC, New York, NY

Lavagna - NYC

4.9 (1904)
$31 to $50
Italian
545 E.5th St., New York, NY 10009

Make a reservation

2 people
8:00 PM
Booked 23 times today

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood gem
  • Charming
  • Great for fine wines
Lavagna opened its doors on February 1st 1999.The restaurant offers casual Italian trattoria fare at moderate prices. The vibe is candlelit, cozy, with an old wood burning oven, exposed brick walls, a pressed tin ceiling and a small wine bar where one can dine also. A wall of French doors swing open in the warmer weather to a seasonal sidewalk cafe of 20 seats.
The kitchen concept is to create dishes traditionally Italian, emphasizing fresh, seasonal ingredients and product of the highest quality.
The menu highlights include homemade pastas, a wood oven roasted fish for two, roast pork chop, baby rack of lamb and of course the rigatoni with sweet and spicy sausage that has become a classic over the years.
The wine list has been a yearly recipient of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence since 2002 and it focuses on hard to find wines from regional Italy along with other international selections.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 12:00 pm–3:30 pm Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    Baldo Merlin
  • Private party facilities
    Lavagna restaurant offers several options for private dining. Our space is available daily for daytime private dining for 20 to 50 guests; Noon to 4pm. We also offer seating up to 24 guests Sunday through Thursday evenings in our dining room. Full room buyout options are also available any night.
  • Neighborhood
    East Village
  • Cross street
    Between Avenue A and Avenue B
  • Parking details
    The closest public lot is located at 167 Essex Street and the corner of Houston, near Katz's Deli. It is a five block walk to the restaurant and we recommend the lot for parking during the weekends as street parking can be scarce.
  • Public transit
    By Subway:F train to Second Ave stop6 train to Astor Place
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 1,904 people are saying

Lavagna - NYC reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.9
4.9 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.9Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.7Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Lavagna in NYC is a "cozy, unpretentious" gem offering "authentic Italian food" that many say "feels like Italy." With "phenomenal wine," "friendly, professional staff," and a "warm, lively vibe," it's a beloved spot in the East Village. Consistently praised for "outstanding food and service," it's "well worth the trip."
1,904 Reviews
  1. Judith

    New York City13 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The setting was so amazing. Calm, chill, easy to have a conversation. We loved the ragu, the broccoli rabe and the panacotta was oh so perfect. The wait staff was very gracious. We will return!

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  2. Antonio

    New York City19 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful staff, charming environment and great food.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Ari

    San Antonio1 review

    5.0

    Dined on May 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The friendly hosting made me feel very welcome, and the food was quite decent too!

    Is this helpful?

  4. Mary

    San Francisco Bay Area1 review

    5.0

    Dined on May 14, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This was my 5th visit to Lavagna and it never disappoints. If you’re craving legit Italian food that actually feels like Italy, Lavagna on the Lower East Side is a must. It’s cozy, unpretentious, and packed with charm. The food and service are both outstanding. Robby was beyond accommodating with his excellent wine recommendations, meal selections, and allowing us to stay for over 3.5 hours. Prices are reasonable for NYC and the portions are solid. Can’t wait to return!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Greg VIP

    Kansas City / Kansas30 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 10, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I have been coming here for 20 years. It’s always exceptional. Love Lavagna

    Is this helpful?

  6. Frank VIP

    New York City5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 3, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Great place, great service , great food, and amazing value!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Carlos VIP

    New York City1 review

    5.0

    Dined on May 3, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Delicious trattoria food, phenomenal wine list, and a warm, lively vibe. I've been coming here since it opened in 1999, and even though I moved out of the neighborhood many years ago, it is still and by far my favorite Italian in the East Village and well worth the trip to Alphabet City. Yorgos and his team are charming, knowledgable, and professional. The daily specials stand out in an already great menu. We've been introduced to some outstanding Greek wines throughout the years and always look forward to going back. Dining at Lavagna is what a great night out in the East Village should be.

    1 person found this helpful

  8. Annie

    Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill1 review

    1.0

    Dined on May 2, 2025

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 1
    Do not sit outside at night. Rats were everywhere, and lights from across the street shone directly in my eyes. I had to cover my face throughout the entire meal. The inside looks cute, though. To make matters worse, the waitress forgot our order, the food did not taste fresh (with so much great Italian in NYC, why would you go here?), and the bill was insanely expensive. Maybe I ordered wrong (I did not like the pasta with peas - their most popular dish).

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  9. Melissa VIP

    New York City11 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 27, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was delicious and our service was above and beyond wonderful! We will be back

    Is this helpful?

  10. Samuel

    Greater Boston4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 19, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    Always superior and consistent food. The best price-performance restaurant in NYC. And a fantastic selection of very good wine where even the cheapest selections are excellent.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Lavagna - NYC offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (212) 979-1005.

Lavagna - NYC is rated 4.9 stars by 1904 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. New York City
  4. Manhattan
  5. East Village

Make a reservation

2 people
8:00 PM
Booked 23 times today
Google Map for Lavagna - NYC

545 E.5th St., New York, NY 10009

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Between Avenue A and Avenue B
  • Neighborhood
    East Village
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 12:00 pm–3:30 pm Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    The closest public lot is located at 167 Essex Street and the corner of Houston, near Katz's Deli. It is a five block walk to the restaurant and we recommend the lot for parking during the weekends as street parking can be scarce.
  • Public transit
    By Subway:F train to Second Ave stop6 train to Astor Place
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Baldo Merlin
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
  • Private party facilities
    Lavagna restaurant offers several options for private dining. Our space is available daily for daytime private dining for 20 to 50 guests; Noon to 4pm. We also offer seating up to 24 guests Sunday through Thursday evenings in our dining room. Full room buyout options are also available any night.
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