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Lavagna - NYC

4.8
4.8
1672 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

2 people
9:00 PM
Booked 17 times today

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

  • 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

What 1,672 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
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.7Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Manhattan

    Best Value

  • Manhattan

    Italian

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Filters

  1. C

    Carl

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

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

    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.
  3. J

    Jazzman

    Richmond

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on January 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Professional and welcoming
  4. CT

    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.
  5. m

    mehmet

    New York Area

    36 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    36 reviews

    Dined on January 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always delicious
  6. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on January 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely perfect.
  7. OT

    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.
  8. BM

    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.
  9. RS

    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.
  10. J

    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.
  11. OT

    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!
  12. LD

    LDS1125

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on December 31, 2022

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

    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.
  14. CR

    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!
  15. BG

    BrentG

    Atlanta

    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
  16. N

    Nandy

    New York Area

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on December 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Cozy restaurant. Welcoming staff.Inviting food. Grazie.
  17. CL

    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!
  18. MC

    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?
  19. S

    Scott

    San Francisco

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on December 24, 2022

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

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Favorite place!
  21. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on December 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The best Italian Restaurant in NYC
  22. B

    Bomb

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Consistent quality Italian. A cozy spot with great service.
  23. S

    Scott

    San Francisco

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 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.
  24. JO

    JOHNW

    Seattle

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on December 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    When weee in NYC we always enjoy the great energy, service and food at Lavagna. The owner and are so warm and welcoming
  25. GG

    GG718

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As always, the food was amazing. It’s one of our go to restaurants. Make sure to get the Rigatoni.
  26. MF

    MeghanFarrell

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I’ve been coming to Lavagna for years and it is always consistently top notch- a lively downtown city buzz, beautiful wines and incredible food. The waitstaff is always so kind and amazing. I took my boyfriend (he hadn’t been yet) last night and he super loved the rigatoni (which is one of the best items on the menu)! I ordered the rack of lamb, which is my favorite- and perfect for a cold city night. We didn’t feel rushed at all on a busy Saturday, and had the best date night!!
  27. J

    John

    Cincinnati

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on December 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We arrived early and received a warm welcome. Enjoyed two appetizers, scallops and able to order a 1/2 pasta dish. Both very good. Pasta cooked al dente perfectly. Focaccia bread excellent. For our main course we thoroughly enjoyed steak Lavagna and the fettuccine special. for desert we shared a delicious crostata del giorno. Definitely worth the trip.
  28. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolute gem in the EV. 5-6 Italian men running around topping off waters, giving wine recommendations, and coaching servers all while pumping out perfect southern Italian food. Will absolutely be back
  29. SW

    ScottW

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on December 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food and the service is amazing!
  30. J

    Janie

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service and delicious food!
  31. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The pastas were great so was the pizza, very authentic Italian. The appetizer (oven burnt mozarella) was tiny though which wouldve been good to know prior to ordering. Service was excellent.
  32. f

    foodfan

    New York Area

    63 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    63 reviews

    Dined on December 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    outstanding food and warm service as always. one of my favorites.
  33. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Hawaii

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on December 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    From the moment you step inside, the warm vibe grabs you, and the cheerful energy of the staff and patron carries you along. The fresh and delicious food with an authentic Italian flare doesn't disappoint. Highly recommend.
  34. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great birthday with amazing food!
  35. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    39 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    39 reviews

    Dined on November 29, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    Ben exceptionally welcoming, courteous and professional. Your room, though, needs to have a better insulation of some sort, from the cold.
  36. AH

    AdamH

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 27, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Great food and a great atmosphere. I will definitely be back
  37. BW

    BobandWendy

    Columbus

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic Food and service, I look forward to my next trip back
  38. CW

    CheeseWheelOfLove

    New York Area

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of our favorite local Italian dinners! Staff so friendly, food so delicious!!
  39. MM

    MillicentM

    New Mexico

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on October 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fabulous menu with something for everyone. Great arrive in a quaint Neil setting. We love this place
  40. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Miami

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I love this place. Whenever I’m in NYC, for whatever reason, I schlepp to Lavagna. It’s small, intimate, relaxed, intimate. Very dim. The food is phenomenal. Obv the rigatoni is a must, but we loved the special wild boar fettuccini as well. Phenomenal server and wine service with thoughtful personalized recommendations. Nice values and hidden gems on the list. The daily crostata is a must! In this case, pear. Chef’s kiss!

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Sealed or wrapped utensils used
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available

  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables

  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Proof of vaccination required to dine indoors

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 1672 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
9:00 PM
Booked 17 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

  • 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

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