Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Columbus Circle

Price: Moderate (24)Price: Expensive (33)Price: Very Expensive (8)

64 restaurants available nearby

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

1. Carmine's - 44th Street - NYC

4.6

Exceptional(29017)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Theater District

Booked 389 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.

A photo of Aunt Jake's Pasta Experience restaurant

2. Aunt Jake's Pasta Experience

4.9

Exceptional(645)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Upper East Side

Booked 49 times today

Aunt Jake's Pasta Experience is a gem for Contemporary Italian cuisine, as indicated by numerous glowing reviews. The restaurant offers a unique blend of interactive education and fabulous dining, providing an engaging and enjoyable experience that extends beyond the simple act of eating. As customers often remark, the pasta-making class is a fun experience, with friendly and knowledgeable instructors. They ensure visitors not only learn how to make a variety of pasta shapes but also immerse in the richness of Italian cuisine. Following the hands-on lesson, guests are treated to an exceptional meal. Reviews laud the food for its amazing taste and generous portions, some even asserting that Aunt Jake's is superior to any Italian restaurant in New York City. Whether you're looking for a unique date night, a memorable birthday celebration, or simply a delightful culinary adventure, Aunt Jake's Pasta Experience comes highly recommended.

3. Il Fiorista

4.7

Exceptional(204)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • NoMad

Booked 26 times today

Located in the heart of New York City, Il Fiorista is praised for its exceptional contemporary Italian cuisine. The menu is applauded for its unique blend of traditional Italian flavors infused with floral notes, creating a dining experience that is both refreshing and memorable. The reviewers repeatedly admire the restaurant for its "excellent" and "very good" service, indicating its dedication to a fine dining experience. The ambiance is described as "beautiful", "light" and "airy", contributing to the restaurant's overall appeal. Not only does the food impress, but the drinks, especially the cocktails and espresso martinis, are highly praised as well. Despite the bustling location, reviewers note that Il Fiorista maintains a comfortable dining atmosphere, free from excessive noise and crowding. It's not surprising that it has become a favorite spot for special occasions and celebrations. The freshness, preparation, and thoughtfulness in portion control, as one reviewer puts it, truly underscore the overall quality of Il Fiorista's culinary offerings.

4. Cecconi's Dumbo

4.5

Awesome(5077)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • DUMBO

Booked 203 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'.

A photo of Piccola Cucina Uptown restaurant

5. Piccola Cucina Uptown

4.8

Exceptional(2001)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Upper East Side

Booked 111 times today

Piccola Cucina Uptown is renowned for its authentic Italian cuisine, consistently garnering high praises from patrons who laud it as one of the best Italian restaurants in town. The diners particularly appreciate the warm hospitality, efficient and friendly service, and the casual, yet cozy ambience. The menu features a wide range of delectable offerings, including fresh, handmade pasta, high-quality seafood dishes, and creative salads. Past patrons rave about the restaurant's Italian wines, with numerous reviews complimenting their excellent selection. Moreover, the seafood crudo and delectable tiramisu have also been highlighted for their outstanding taste. From the reviews provided, it's evident that Piccola Cucina Uptown proudly delivers an immersive and enjoyable Italian dining experience, making it a must-visit destination for all food lovers.

A photo of Cecconi's at The Ned NoMad restaurant

6. Cecconi's at The Ned NoMad

4.7

Exceptional(329)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • NoMad

Booked 72 times today

Cecconi's at The Ned NoMad is renowned for its exceptional contemporary Italian cuisine. The restaurant has been consistently praised by diners for its high-quality food, excellent service, and inviting ambiance. Quotes from reviews reveal a delightful culinary journey, with patrons remarking on the "delicious food", "wonderful ambiance", and "perfect service". A standout menu recommendation includes the Branzino, calamari and Cacio e pepe. Whether you're part of a large group or dining solo, the restaurant caters for varying needs. The passionate team at Cecconi's not only execute a beautiful menu but also provide an unforgettable dining experience. This, along with its menu, makes it a prime destination for true Italian food aficionados.

7. Ninos 46

4.4

Awesome(1158)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Midtown West

Booked 12 times today

Ninos 46 has established itself as a haven for those who love Contemporary Italian cuisine. Highly praised for its authenticity and quality, customers rave about their delicious dishes such as the porcini ravioli, lobster fettuccine, and whipped ricotta on toasted bread. Authentically Italian, the restaurant also provides a wide range of gluten-free options, a trait lauded by diners with dietary restrictions. The reviewers' claims range from "the best Italian restaurant I've been to" to applause for the "excellent service" and the "delicious and legit" food offerings. Conveniently located within walking distance of Times Square, Ninos 46 certainly exceed expectations and is recommended for anyone seeking a delightful Italian dining experience.

8. Mama Mia - 44sw

4.4

Awesome(1259)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Hell's Kitchen

Booked 7 times today

Nestled in the heart of Hell's Kitchen, New York City, Mama Mia - 44sw stands out as a favorite Italian restaurant amongst locals and visitors. Renowned for its tantalizing and varied menu offering such as 'Pizza 44', 'Shrimp Toscana', 'Chicken 44' and 'Fettuccine Champignon', and the celebrated 'Homemade Tiramisu' for dessert. Patrons consistently rave about the excellent service, live music, and romantic lighting. Most notably, a review lauded Mama Mia - 44sw for offering "great authentic Italian foods served in traditional style" while others dub it as "the best Italian in Hell's Kitchen." Mama Mia - 44sw has not only created a classic Italian culinary experience but a sense of community and familiarity where "the staff, Angelo and Victor were extremely friendly and welcoming."

A photo of Cafe Ginori at Bergdorf Goodman restaurant

9. Cafe Ginori at Bergdorf Goodman

4.7

Exceptional(14)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Rockefeller Center

Booked 12 times today

Palette, a contemporary American cuisine restaurant, delivers a dining experience that patrons have described as "elegant in every way", "delightful and delicious", and "always great". Located on the beauty level of Bergdorf Goodman, its ambiance strikes a balance between luxurious and cozy, with a decor described as "thrilling" and "eclectic". The restaurant's dedication to excellent service is repeatedly mentioned in reviews, and the delicious food is beautifully presented on sparkling plates. Guests mention the "excellent service", "amazing experience", and "fabulous holiday kick-off lunch". From the food to the staff, the decor, and the overall vibe, visitors to Palette hail its embodiment of the best in contemporary American dining.

A photo of Carmine's - 91st Street - NYC restaurant

10. Carmine's - 91st Street - NYC

4.5

Awesome(8372)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Upper West Side

Booked 108 times today

Carmine's - 91st Street - in NYC is an exceptional example of fine Italian cuisine. This restaurant offers a diverse array of dishes from Steak to Seafood, and Desserts to Drinks, encompassing the very essence of Italian flavor. As per reviews, the restaurant is commended for its "great food, great employees, great atmosphere" and the "authentic Italian food" served in family style. The Lasagna is deemed as the best, with the eggplant parmigiana being so good, it's referred to as food made by angels. Another fan-favorite is the world-class Carbonara. With the consistency in service, taste, and portions, Carmine's has been praised as "outstanding" and "the best Italian in NYC."

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