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Lavagna - NYC

4.8
4.8
1689 Reviews
$31 to $50
Italian
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.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 32 times today

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • 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

    (212) 979-1005

  • 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.

  • Private party contact

    Jeff Tischler or Yorgos Hatziefthimiou: (212) 979-1005

  • 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:<br />F train to Second Ave stop<br />6 train to Astor Place

  • Additional

    Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 1,689 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

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

NoiseModerate

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  1. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Lavagna was perfect after a long day of exploring NYC! My mom and I came here for dinner and both got the fettuccine Alfredo. It was wonderful. Small and felt local and comfortable. Would recommend!
  2. melonbrain

    New York Area

    55 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    55 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    My wife and I have been dining at Lavagna ever since it opened, well over 20 years ago. The kitchen has never lost its touch and the food is delicious. Service is outstanding and the staff remembers what we enjoy eating. Unfortunately, the price of my Manhattan cocktail has reached $18 and is beyond my willingness to pay for it. Will still return for the food.
  3. AdamR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    I recently had the pleasure of dining at Lavagna and I must say that I was truly impressed. The food was delicious and the service was prompt and friendly. Everything was cooked to perfection, and there were a great variety of dishes to choose from. The atmosphere was also wonderful - it had a cozy, inviting vibe that made me feel at home. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for an enjoyable dining experience.
  4. WenS

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were there to celebrate our son's milestone birthday. The reservation, when I had to change it slightly, was handled seamlessly, the food was fantastic, and the female server was absolutely wonderful!
  5. RaulB

    Los Angeles

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on March 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As usual, great meal and amazing service! We keep coming back here, it’s just the best!
  6. rutgert

    London

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always loved this place. My neighborhood. Not too fussy but nice. Always has a good vibe. The staff is attentive food is solid.
  7. KenB

    New England

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 15, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    A charming spot with good food and engaging service. The menu is short but full of good bets, from artisanal pizza to fine pasta and a roast pork chop. Quite pricey for what you get, but the ambience helps make up for that.
  8. JimDandy

    New York Area

    53 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    53 reviews

    Dined on March 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A neighborhood gem that’s still delish. Like everywhere post-pandemic, prices have gone way up, but the quality is high so you don’t mind.
  9. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 11, 2023

    overall5food4service4ambience4
    A lovely and intimate neighborhood spot with a lively, entertaining staff.
  10. OpenTable Diner

    New Orleans

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful experience … friendly and warm with absolutely delicious food
  11. LauraR

    New York Area

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lavagna is one of my top 3 restaurants in nyc. The people who run and work there, atmosphere/ambiance and excellent food make it a very special place. I highly recommend and send friends there often - NEVER disappoints Mushroom pizza is out of this world !!!
  12. FernandoO

    Orlando

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding food. Owner was great. Would definitely return.
  13. nycnightlife

    New York Area

    26 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Never disappoints. Excellent service. Friendly owners. Incredible ambiance and food. One complaint: they should extend their hours till 11 or midnight
  14. BrendanB

    Raleigh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Consistently one of the best restaurants in the city
  15. CarenB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The hospitality, food, ambience was amazing. From now on every time I visit NY I will be making reservations here.
  16. OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on February 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Can’t wait to come back!!
  17. Debra

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Celebrating my daughter and her friends having a show at Fashion Week.
  18. Carl

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 25, 2023

    overall2food1service3ambience4
    Poor food quality. Mushy pasta, simple pizza, flavorless and retoasted focaccia Come for the atmosphere which is very cozy.
  19. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love this place, the food, the ambiance, the people who run it. I have been frequenting it for 15 years.
  20. Jazzman

    Richmond

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on January 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Professional and welcoming
  21. ChristianTalbot

    New York Area

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on January 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    For over twenty years this has been our go to place. The best.
  22. mehmet

    New York Area

    39 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    39 reviews

    Dined on January 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always delicious
  23. OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on January 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely perfect.
  24. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lavagna is always friendly, cozy, delicious, and consistent. This is a neighborhood staple.
  25. BerkowitzM

    New England

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 7, 2023

    overall1food4service4ambience1
    This restaurant has a small, intimate dining room. Last night, they put a party of 16 in that dining room. That group was so boisterous and noisy, that the noise level became unbearable. We could not even hear the other people at our table. It ruined the whole evening. No matter how good the food may be, it cannot compensate for that kind of experience--especially for a dinner that cost almost $500 for the five of us. It was a terrible evening. They should not have private parties that large in the dining room where other patrons have to sit.
  26. RoxannS

    Washington DC

    8 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on January 7, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    The pasta is absolutely amazing. Instead of dessert we ordered more pasta! Lovely space. Too bad we were the only Saturday lunch diners… a gem that deserves more clientele.
  27. Jubilee

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lavagna is always an amazing experience! The food is wonderful and I love that they have cozy outdoor seating even in the winter.
  28. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love this place! My best friend and I decided to try this place as we live nearby and it instantly became our local favorite. The staff is all incredible and friendly from the moment you walk in. Their prices are great across the board as well for the delicious food and wines that they have. Perfect for solo dinner and dates of all kinds!
  29. LDS1125

    New York Area

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always the best food, friendly service fun ambiance. I would eat here every night if I could!!
  30. Adchck

    New England

    19 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on December 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a great meal and experience. Ty for welcoming us back. Been coming since they opened 25 years ago and won’t be stopping anytime soon. Just so good.
  31. CRed

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a wonderful dining experience at Lavagna — food, ambience, service (especially the delightful Kay) all top-notch. An awesome restaurant!
  32. BrentG

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always wonderful service and amazing food. The truffle pizza should not be skipped
  33. Nandy

    New York Area

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on December 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Cozy restaurant. Welcoming staff.Inviting food. Grazie.
  34. ChefLily

    Nashville

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My flights were cancelled on Christmas Eve, and after an unfortunate day at the airport, Lavagna was a warm and cozy spot to spend alone. The food was absolutely delicious, ambiance was lovely & waitresses were incredibly kind. 10/10 recommend!
  35. MarC

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Lavagna is a go-to restaurant for us. Always accommodating, great service, delicious food and yummy cocktails. Prices are fair. What else could you ask for?
  36. Scott

    San Francisco

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on December 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best Italian food in NYC - yes, I know the weight of that claim. But it is.
  37. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Favorite place!
  38. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on December 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The best Italian Restaurant in NYC
  39. Bomb

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Consistent quality Italian. A cozy spot with great service.
  40. Scott

    San Francisco

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on December 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolute perfection. Food was amazing. Service was excellent (Ben was especially delightful). Every dish was perfect. We’re bringing friends and family back to this place repeatedly.

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

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

Lavagna - NYC is rated 4.8 stars by 1689 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 32 times today
Google Map for Lavagna - NYC

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

Dining areas

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

  • 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

    (212) 979-1005

  • 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.

  • Private party contact

    Jeff Tischler or Yorgos Hatziefthimiou: (212) 979-1005

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