Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in East Village

61 restaurants available nearby

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

1. Carmine's - 44th Street - NYC

4.6

Exceptional(29544)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Theater District

Booked 493 times today

Carmine's on 44th Street in NYC's Theater District embodies the essence of Southern Italian cuisine, offering a dining experience akin to an Italian American wedding feast. Guests rave about the "abundant portions" and "authentic flavors," highlighting dishes like the "best chicken Parm ever" and "fantastic lasagna." Known for its family-style servings, Carmine's creates a convivial atmosphere where "every meal feels like a Sunday afternoon at Grandma's." Reviewers consistently praise the "amazing atmosphere" and "excellent service," making it a must-visit for both locals and tourists seeking a traditional yet exceptional Italian meal in the heart of Times Square.

2. Il Fiorista

4.5

Awesome(242)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • NoMad

Booked 20 times today

Il Fiorista in NoMad, New York, is a Mediterranean culinary gem that truly stands out for its commitment to quality and authenticity. Nestled just a short walk from Madison Square Park, this restaurant excels in incorporating fresh, local, and seasonal produce into its dishes, much like traditional Mediterranean cuisine. Guests rave about their experiences, with one noting, "the food was absolutely delicious, every bite was so yummy and stunningly presented!" Another guest praised the restaurant's ambiance and service, saying, "the design evokes the calm beauty of the flowers that give its name, the service is impeccable and warm." At Il Fiorista, the attention to detail, from the botanical ingredients to the beautifully crafted dishes, ensures a Mediterranean dining experience that is both delightful and memorable.

3. Cecconi's Dumbo

4.5

Awesome(5219)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • DUMBO

Booked 187 times today

Cecconi's Dumbo, nestled in the picturesque DUMBO neighborhood of Brooklyn, offers a sublime Mediterranean dining experience that harmonizes beautifully with its stunning waterfront views of the Manhattan skyline. This restaurant is celebrated for its "delicious Mediterranean classics like the Roman style gnocchi and risotto" that transport diners straight to Italy with each bite. Reviewers consistently rave about the authenticity and quality of the cuisine, noting dishes like "octopus, tuna tartare Cecconi’s style, and zucchini Fritti" as must-tries. A guest highlighted, "If you wanna taste real Italian food, this is the place!" With its "fabulous view and great service," Cecconi's Dumbo promises not just a meal, but a memorable Mediterranean feast that's always "on point."

A photo of Aunt Jake's Pasta Experience restaurant

4. Aunt Jake's Pasta Experience

4.9

Exceptional(775)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Upper East Side

Booked 54 times today

Aunt Jake's Pasta Experience on New York’s Upper East Side offers a truly authentic and interactive Italian dining adventure. Renowned for its hands-on pasta-making classes followed by a delectable 3-course meal, Aunt Jake's ensures every guest not only eats like an Italian but learns the art too. Patrons rave about the quality and ambiance, with glowing reviews like, "This was one of the best pasta making experiences I’ve had. & the food .. omg delicious" and "Anthony was amazing! Overall, we had such a great experience." Whether it's a fun date night, a family gathering, or a solo culinary escapade, Aunt Jake’s provides an exceptional blend of education, entertainment, and gastronomic delight, making every visit memorable.

A photo of Cecconi's at The Ned NoMad restaurant

5. Cecconi's at The Ned NoMad

4.5

Awesome(350)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • NoMad

Booked 76 times today

Cecconi's at The Ned NoMad in the vibrant NoMad neighborhood of New York offers an exquisite taste of Mediterranean cuisine with an Italian flair. Patrons rave about the "delicious Italian plates," highlighting the "finest quality" ingredients and "impeccable service." The restaurant's ambiance, featuring hand-chipped mosaic floors and plush seating, perfectly complements its sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere. Reviewers consistently praise dishes like the "best fusilli pomodoro I have ever had" and the "fresh, locally caught fish," underscoring Cecconi's commitment to quality and authenticity. With its elegant setting and renowned Mediterranean offerings, Cecconi's remains a top choice for a memorable dining experience in Manhattan.

A photo of Cacio e Pepe Downtown restaurant

6. Cacio e Pepe Downtown

4.5

Awesome(1476)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • East Village

Booked 17 times today

Consistently excellent, this East Village gem is known for innovation and excellence in Roman cuisine. While Chef Salvatore Corea creates a seasonal menu, partners Alessandro Peluso and Giusto Priola note that Cacio e Pepe remains faithful to its signature namesake dish: home-made pasta brought to your table and spun in a wheel of pecorino cheese, then dusted with a flourish of pepper. Voted a ‘Critic’s Pick’ by New York Magazine, Cacio e Pepe is celebrated by reviewers as a classic Italian restaurant with a sense of style: A 50-seat garden is set behind the main dining room, there is al-fresco dining out front, and waiters with superior wine knowledge help you select the perfect beverage accompaniment to your meal. The mystery remains whether it is the garden, the cuisine, or the service which lifts Cacio e Pepe above and beyond its peers on the NYC restaurant scene. The answer, however, may best be expressed in French: It has that je ne se qua.

7. Sogno Toscano

4.8

Exceptional(106)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • West Village

Booked 15 times today

Sogno Toscano in West Village, New York, offers a truly authentic Italian Wine Bar experience that transports you straight to Tuscany. Diners rave about the "immaculate food, wine, vibes, and service," with a special mention for the "Lambrusco and charcuterie board that make you think you’re in Italy." This gem is known for its extensive selection of imported wines that perfectly complement their gourmet offerings. As one happy guest put it, "the wine is top notch," underscoring the quality that Sogno Toscano prides itself on. Whether you're a local or just visiting, Sogno Toscano provides a perfect slice of Italy with its exceptional wine and food pairings, making every visit a memorable one.

A photo of Piccola Cucina Uptown restaurant

8. Piccola Cucina Uptown

4.8

Exceptional(2108)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Upper East Side

Booked 119 times today

Piccola Cucina Uptown, nestled in the vibrant Upper East Side of New York, offers a delightful escape to the heart of Sicily with its authentic cuisine. As praised by diners, it's a place where "the food was amazing" and where traditional Sicilian dishes like "pasta alla bottarga" and "branzino cooked in bread" shine. Chef Philip Guardione brings Sicilian flavors to life with creativity and flair, ensuring each dish is a testament to Sicilian culinary traditions. The atmosphere is consistently lauded as "cozy" and "welcoming," making every visit memorable. Whether it's the "homemade pistachio gelato" or the "freshly cooked lasagna," every bite at Piccola Cucina Uptown transports diners straight to Sicily, making it a must-visit for authentic Sicilian cuisine in New York City.

9. Osteria Nonnino

4.5

Awesome(219)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • West Village

Booked 63 times today

Nestled in the vibrant West Village of New York, Osteria Nonnino offers a stellar dining experience with its contemporary Italian cuisine that blends the culinary traditions of northern and southern Italy. Chef Tony Kavaja, along with his wife Vita Russo, crafts authentic Italian dishes that resonate with diners. The rave reviews highlight dishes like the "fabulous" Orecchiette Con Bufala and the table-side Cacio e Pepe, emphasizing freshness and authenticity. Guests are especially fond of the "delicious and perfectly prepared" entrees and desserts, like the tiramisu made fresh at your table, which one diner described as "life-changing!" The restaurant's cozy atmosphere and attentive service make it a neighborhood gem, where every meal feels like a special occasion. This blend of excellent food, immersive ambiance, and warm hospitality ensures Osteria Nonnino is not just a meal, but a memorable experience, making it a must-visit for lovers of refined Italian cuisine.

A photo of Il Mulino Prime - SoHo restaurant

10. Il Mulino Prime - SoHo

4.7

Exceptional(709)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary italian • SoHo

Booked 20 times today

Il Mulino Prime, nestled in the vibrant SoHo neighborhood of New York, epitomizes exceptional Steakhouse cuisine with a touch of Italian flair. Renowned for its "perfect steak" and ambience that's "sophisticated by night," Il Mulino Prime offers a culinary experience that is both authentic and memorable. Guests rave about the "unforgettable" porterhouse steak and the "amazing" New York strip, highlighting the quality and preparation that make each visit spectacular. With praise like "the food was aaammaazing" and descriptions of experiences that are "truly worth every penny," it's clear this steakhouse stands out in the bustling NYC culinary scene. Enthusiasts of fine dining and high-quality steaks will find Il Mulino Prime a must-visit destination.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

C
Carlosvip
Caribbean •37 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
An overall amazing experience. The food, the service… The hostesses were arrogant and not very friendly, but my server made up for that. She was awesome. All her recommendations spot on!
More info
Cecconi's at The Ned NoMadPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• NoMad
•
4.5
T
Tracy
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Great service!!! The desserts were wonderful ! The pasta was cooked to perfection
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Cacio e Pepe DowntownPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• East Village
•
4.5
T
Tania
New York City •4 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 24, 2024
This restaurant delivers an extraordinary dining experience, with food that is truly exceptional. The highlight of the meal was the polenta, a dish crafted to absolute perfection. Served tableside, the presentation added an elegant and personal touch that elevated the entire experience. The texture was creamy, the flavor rich and perfectly balanced, making it a standout among an already impressive menu. The service matched the quality of the food, with attentive and knowledgeable staff watched very closed by the excepcional manager Austin, enhancing the overall ambiance. From start to finish, the attention to detail and passion for culinary excellence were evident. Highly recommend this spot for anyone seeking a memorable dining experience—don’t miss the polenta!
More info
SaucePrice: Moderate• Italian• Lower East Side
•
4.6
D
Dulce
Los Angeles •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 24, 2024
I couldn’t have chosen a better restaurant to enjoy all by myself it was just perfect in every way even the branzino which I don’t normally eat was perfect
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Il FioristaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• NoMad
•
4.5
C
Colleen
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined on Nov 23, 2024
A great atmosphere and the food was amazing. Every dish was delicious. Andrea was a hospitable and efficient server. Definitely will return to eat here again!
More info
Sogno ToscanoPrice: Moderate• Italian• West Village
•
4.8

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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in East Village

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61 restaurants available nearby

1. Carmine's - 44th Street - NYC

2. Il Fiorista

3. Cecconi's Dumbo

4. Aunt Jake's Pasta Experience

5. Cecconi's at The Ned NoMad

6. Cacio e Pepe Downtown

7. Sogno Toscano

8. Piccola Cucina Uptown

9. Osteria Nonnino

10. Il Mulino Prime - SoHo

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