Lavagna - NYC

Name: Lavagna - NYC
Address: 545 E.5th St., New York, NY, United States, 10009
Telephone: (212) 979-1005
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.9

4.9

1766 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Top Tags:

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

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 2, 2023

11:30 PM

Booked 35 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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
(212) 979-1005
Website
http://www.lavagnanyc.com/
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

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

Seared Scallops "Agrodolce"$16.00
with parsnip puree and crisp pancetta
Tuscan Kale Caesar$13.00
finely slice kale, parmesan, and housemade croutons
Carciofo al Forno$13.00
wood oven roasted artichoke heart with white bean puree, and cremini mushrooms
Prosciutto di San Daniele$13.00
with figs and balsamic vinegar, topped with arugula and parmigiano
Insalata Mista$11.00
baby arugula, lola rossa, shaved asiago with roasted garlic vinaigrette
Zuppa di Cozze$15.00
pan roasted mussles in a tomato and basil broth
Octopus Carpaccio$15.00
with fresh lemon juice, evoo, chives and pepperoncini

Pizzette from the Wood Burning oven

Margherita$19.00
tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese and fresh basil
Pizzetta del Bosco$19.00
roasted wild mushrooms, fontina and white truffle oil

Pasta

Gluten free pasta is available. Please ask your server.

Fedelini Fini$16.00
with toasted gardlic and rustic tomato sauce
Rigatoni$20.00
with sweet fennel and spicy sausage, peas and tomato cream
Fresh Pappardelle$24.00
with braised rabbit, fresh thyme and black olives
Homemade Sweet Pea Ravioli$20.00
with parmesan cream and mint

Secondi

Whole Wood Oven Roasted Fish for 2
served flambe with sauteed spinach and grape tomato relish
- M/P
Pan Seared Monkfish$24.00
with roasted portabello mushrooms, baby artichokes, and a green olive vinaigrette
Pan Seared Atlantic Cod Fish$26.00
with baby carrots, fingerling potatoes, cippolini onions, in a light red wine reduction
Roast Pork Chop$27.00
with braised swiss chard, bacon, barlotti beans, and pickled red onions
Steak Lavagna$35.00
marinated beef tenderloin with seasonal vegetables, yukon gold mash, and classic au poivre sauce
Roasted Baby Rack of Lamb$34.00
with cannellini beans, broccoli rabe and rosemary jus

Cantorni

Grilled Asparagus$9.00
Sauteed Spinach$9.00
Yukon Gold Mash$7.00
Broccoli Rabe$9.00

What 1,766 people are saying

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

4.9Food
4.8Service
4.8Ambience
4.7Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Manhattan
Best Overall
Manhattan
Best Food
Manhattan
Best Value
Manhattan
Italian

1,766 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
Yorkshire
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall4food4service4ambience4
Very friendly neighborhood restaurant, will come back for sure, food was very good.
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SF
SummerF
Coastal Georgia
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great little Italian gem. Our server was very kind and efficient. I will definitely eat here again!
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AR
AgentReacher
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Yorgi the head server and host was a brilliant assistant in deciding a wine for dinner. He also had the best special and food pairings for us. Came here for business dinner and will gladly be returning.
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CS
ClaireS
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a pleasure - delicious drinks and dinner and lovely service.
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GW
GregW
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We were there early (5:30), it was empty, but the ambiance was rich and moody, yet homey. The staff were great, helping out with wine selection, as I know nothing, and all the food was delicious. The apple crostata with butterscotch and ice cream to finish things off, was a joy. Great meal. Very friendly neighbourhood vibe.
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S
Somsgirl
New York Area
22 reviews
vip
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on November 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Feels like home. Great wait staff, delicious food! Always consistent.
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MG
MaGe
New York Area
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
What a gem. Zero hype establishment with excellent food, outstanding service and classic East Village Italian restaurant vibes.
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B
Beverley
New York Area
13 reviews
vip
4.0
13 reviews
Dined on November 13, 2023
overall4food4service3ambience3
Excellent food and service. Can be a bit noisy for conversation as it’s an intimate space.
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D
Dominic
New York Area
26 reviews
vip
5.0
26 reviews
Dined on November 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
A neighborhood favorite. Always great food. Can get busy at prime times. But the excellent staff is more than up to task. The octopus is served uniquely: sliced paper thin with just a hint of olive oil. It’s a must order.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Terrific food and staff. One of our personal favorites for over 10 years
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FF
FamousFresser
New York Area
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on November 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We came here quite serendipitously when another restaurant in the area that requests reservations only by phone, failed to return my call. Staff was warm and welcoming, the food delicious and the cocktails generous. What’s not to love? We would return in a heartbeat!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best food and best service for the 15 years I have enjoyed dining there.
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IS
InaS
San Francisco
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on October 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
My new favorite Italian restaurant. The food and service were exceptional, the ambiance is cozy, and the wine selection is fantastic.
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L
Local
Key West
6 reviews
vip
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on October 20, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
Very cozy and friendly place with outstanding food. What they did with the lowly pork chop was brilliant. On my list of recommendations for friends visiting the east village.
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DL
DominikL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
amazing italian food, lovely staff, great wine and loud but still great atmosphere!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on October 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
What a phenomenal evening celebrating a friends birthday. Ruby was terrific as was all who work there. Great cocktail, wine, and unbelievably delicious food! Particularly the fish for two. Generous amount of fish. perfectly cooked, spinach, and the braised tomatoes with a little vinegar were absolutely perfect! Dessert was also delicious with the blueberry spot or scotch and the chocolate mousse. Everyone there is absolutely stellar, caring, and right on top of making sure you are going to have a wonderful evening and experience. We will be back. Thank you all!!!!
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JT
JohnT
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Continues to provide the excellent food and service it is noted for over the years. Our meal there last night was of excellent quality and the service was outstanding.
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DL
DavidL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
LaVagna is one of my favorite restaurants. I first tried it the year they opened when I lived in the neighborhood and I’ve since gone back many times when visiting the city. The atmosphere is great: always busy and bustling but also warm and comfortable with friendly, attentive and knowledgeable staff. And most importantly, the food is superb. It’s a small menu but everything is delicious and artfully presented. I’ve never left disappointed.
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A
Amani
New York Area
38 reviews
vip
5.0
38 reviews
Dined on September 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful food, gracious staff, pretty surroundings and a perfect location make for a wholly delicious experience.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Orange County
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lavagna is just the best. Love it. Standout dishes are always the focaccia, the rigatoni, and the salmon
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JT
JulieT
Nashville
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I visit Lavagna every time I come to NYC. Great food in the East Village.
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K
Kidteacher
New York Area
114 reviews
vip
5.0
114 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lavagna is a gem in the east village. Service was friendly and excellent. We all loved our dinners. My salmon entree was perfectly cooked and I loved the fact bean risotto. Our friends thoroughly enjoyed the flatiron steak. We would definitely go back!
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t
tigabump
New York Area
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on September 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Terrific smallish traditional Italian place, nice rustic feel
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RS
RobS
New York Area
17 reviews
vip
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on August 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a great meal, great service and a fun time!
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JC
JC21
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great vibes. Great food. Huge wine selection. Perfect for a little date night.
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C
Caroline
New York Area
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 11, 2023
overall4food5service2ambience3
Food was very good, but service was lacking. Our waiter definitely rushed us and seemed displeased when we weren’t ready to order the first time he came around.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Consistently outstanding food and service in a charming room. Our favorite neighborhood Italian restaurant…a go-to for casual meal or special occasion. Non vedo l’ora!
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PE
PaulE
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Exceptionally special neighborhood place though surely LaVagna attracts devoted customers from everywhere. The service is professional, unpretentious, and conscientious. Oh, the food is consistent, fresh, and delicious. Love this place and happy to be a “regular “.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Austin
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on August 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Second time eating here and we love it. I brought my wife back for her Birthday on Saturday and it was another great experience. We will be back : )
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I
Italian
New York Area
70 reviews
vip
5.0
70 reviews
Dined on August 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Well, this restaurant keeps on delivering. Just great food, service and vibe. The owner is almost always present, and knows food and wine the way you want it. And then they cook and serve it all that way. Get swept away to Italy in this east village gem. Smile and say thank you.
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RB
RuggieroB
New York Area
20 reviews
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on August 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent dining experience at LAVAGNA - excellent wine selection - very satisfying menu;pizzette especially appetizing Waitstaff attentive; well run room bit surprising gif East Village
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SA
SusanA
New York Area
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on August 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always delightful and delicious. Great food and service.
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GK
GregK
Kansas City
28 reviews
vip
5.0
28 reviews
Dined on July 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best pasta ever! Love the Rigatoni! Also a big fan of the artichoke.
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HF
HarrietF
San Francisco
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on July 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is my whole family's favorite restaurant. The food is always excellent. Their pizza is the best I ever had. I do not even like anyone else's pizza. Both the regular dishes and the specials are exceptional. Our family is really into good food. We always find it al Lavagna. The service is friendly relaxed and yet attentive. The prices are moderate.As an all around experience this is NYC's best restaurant.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
So delicious!! Will definitely return. Great find and nice vibe
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TK
TK719
New York Area
666 reviews
vip
5.0
666 reviews
Dined on July 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This marked the 20th anniversary of my first visit to Lavagna, and I am happy to report that it is better than ever. The brick and candle space is simply gorgeous. The scallops with parsnip purée, fettuccine with eggplant and blueberry crostata were all absolutely delicious. My server Margaret was an absolute star, and made certain that my dining experience was perfect. I can’t recommend this place enough!
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LF
LeslieF
Palm Springs
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This gem never disappoints. Three of us shared the special white pizza...FAB! Then the special whole fresh fish from Montauk prepared in the wood oven, a bottle of crisp white and 2 yummy desserts. Perfect evening!
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SS
ScottS
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I've been going to Lavagna since it first opened around 2001. It's been consistently wonderful - the food, quality, service and overall experience. Its casual yet intimate atmosphere makes Lavagna the perfect place for entertaining friends, family or dates. Again, the food is amazing. This is my favorite restaurant in the City.
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A
Amani
New York Area
38 reviews
vip
5.0
38 reviews
Dined on July 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Every meal at this place is better than the last. The warmth of the staff and the excellence of the food blend into a wholly charming experience. Delicious.
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SD
SDFNYC
New York Area
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on June 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing East Village standout!! Been coming here for terrific food, ambiance and personalized service for over 20 years!! Still wonderful!!
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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 4.9 stars by 1766 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 2, 2023

11:30 PM

Booked 35 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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

Website
http://www.lavagnanyc.com/
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

Lavagna - NYC

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Gianduja Flourless Chocolate Mousse Cake

Rigatoni

Steak Lavagna

Antipasti e Insalate

Seared Scallops "Agrodolce"$16.00

Tuscan Kale Caesar$13.00

Carciofo al Forno$13.00

Prosciutto di San Daniele$13.00

Insalata Mista$11.00

Zuppa di Cozze$15.00

Octopus Carpaccio$15.00

Pizzette from the Wood Burning oven

Margherita$19.00

Pizzetta del Bosco$19.00

Pasta

Fedelini Fini$16.00

Rigatoni$20.00

Fresh Pappardelle$24.00

Homemade Sweet Pea Ravioli$20.00

Secondi

Whole Wood Oven Roasted Fish for 2

Pan Seared Monkfish$24.00

Pan Seared Atlantic Cod Fish$26.00

Roast Pork Chop$27.00

Steak Lavagna$35.00

Roasted Baby Rack of Lamb$34.00

Cantorni

Grilled Asparagus$9.00

Sauteed Spinach$9.00

Yukon Gold Mash$7.00

Broccoli Rabe$9.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Cleaning & sanitizing

Screening

FAQs

Does Lavagna - NYC offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Lavagna - NYC restaurant rated?

Is Lavagna - NYC currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information