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.
Menu
A little loud and hard to hear, but overall a great meal!
Always and amazing time and meal here
Great food
Innovative, luscious food with sweet and friendly service. Classic East Village awesomeness tucked into a tree-lined side street. Loved it!
Been to Lavagna several times and have always enjoyed it. This time we (4 people) were put in a tight corner where the foot traffic was so close that I got bumped several times despite pulling my chair in as close as comfortably possible. A minor inconvenience but it did detract a little from an otherwise enjoyable meal.
We had 4 different dishes all were excellent! It’s noisy but a nice neighborhood atmosphere. We will definitely go back!
Amazing place, great food and atmosphere.
The ravioli was amazing!
Our go-to Italian restaurant! Consistently superb.
Fantastico! Always is!
Consistent, solidly delicious food from lovely staff who know the menu very well. Food comes out quickly but we never feel rushed to leave. Excellent cocktails (full bar) and wine list. The rabbit pappardelle is the best.
We have been here four times and every time, it's a great experience. The food and the service are wonderful. In addition to a nice atmosphere.
Staff was friendly and the water glasses were always full. The food was flavorful and came out of the kitchen quickly. Another wonderful experience eating at Lavagna.
Great food and great owner
Charming East Village Italian restaurant. Low key and well-executed.
Loved the place and the food- perfect for a an early friday dinner in a charming location. The pappardelle were perfect.
Loved our meal. From the salads to the pasta dishes and the wonderful pork chop. Everything was fabulous! Oh and the desserts too. Had a beautiful tart and a chocolate cake. Would totally recommend it to anyone.
A great birthday meal. Great service, with attention to detail, in a homey environment.
We've been here several times, it may be my husband's favorite restaurant in the whole city. The rigatoni with sausage is absolutely outstanding. The service this time was a little more scattered than usual though- it may have had to do with sitting outside. Would definitely still return.
Delicious food and great vibe/ambiance. Very authentically Italian which was awesome. On the pricier side but would definitely recommend this place for a nice night out!
Great place. Great food, great wine list. Quite loud, though. Try to get the outdoor seating if this bothers you.
Last time at Lavagna was at least 12 years earlier....I told the manager/owner exactly what I had then and was looking forward to a same incredibly delicious meal. Took another couple who had never been there and we all left with gustatorial raves, appeased palates and a truly remarkable evening. Arrived at 7pm, left at 10:15pm; no rush by the staff to empty the table even though we arrived to a a nearly empty dining room it was to capacity by 8 and still humming when we left....on a rainy, Thursday night!! From appetizer to dessert all were excellent. The cost for 4 with appetizers, entrees, wine (bottle and glasses) and dessert was under $290 (tax and %20 tip came to $330). Not inexpensive but have paid as much for dinner equally disappointing as this was marvelous. The owner/manager needs one thing only....smile it won't hurt!
Warm, competent service, with sweet outside tables and excellent food. Lavagna hits every mark!
Amazing pasta and great service!
This place always delivers in an elegant and consistent way. I think if you don't like this place you really don't know much about Italian food. It is also very, very reasonable. The wine list is very good as well.
Amazing!!! Food never disappoints!
This is a true find! The fish dishes are superb, and very generous portions at that. The restaurant is attractive, not a run of the mill ordinary venue, and the staff are wonderful. You feel comfortable here. The restaurant is close to Avenue B, but the walk through the neighborhood is interesting. And besides, as far east as it is, this Lavagna is not as far east as the town of Lavagna in Liguria, Italy. Ha! Oh, and I almost forgot: the wines are absolutely delicious, and not the same old, same old you find everywhere in the city.
As usual everything was perfect...... I wish I lived closer!
As usual, everything was fantastic
Went for brunch. Poor service (food took over an hour to come out despite only two people in the restaurant) and overpriced average food. Maybe dinner is better!
Always the best
Absolutely fantastic! The fish for two is fantastic!
The service and food here is consistently perfect. This is our go to.
Always love it here, and I’ll be there again on August 24th!
Enjoyed a dinner with friend! Really nice food and a great place.
On of my favorite spots- beautiful and delicious! Lovely outdoor seating on a sweet East Village side street
one of my favorite restaurants in NYC (or anywhere for that matter). Always welcoming, always great food. It's the most consistently excellent restaurant i know. And the one i take friends to when i need to make sure to impress.
Delicious food and great service. Just a wonderful experience!
Always delicious! Reached out of my Rigatoni comfort zone and had a half portion of the day’s special pasta: bacon fat, pecorino. Perfect for summer lunch al fresco
We loved the experience. From the cocktails and delicious bread, and savory olive oil to the cod and the rigatoni -- dinner was excellent.