These 14 Italian Restaurants In New York Stay Fully Booked Night After Night
New York City is home to some of the most incredible Italian restaurants in the world, and trust me, getting a table at the best ones feels like winning the lottery. These spots serve up everything from handmade pasta to wood-fired pizzas that’ll make you dream about them for weeks.
What makes them special isn’t just the food, but the atmosphere that keeps people coming back again and again. Dining rooms buzz with regulars, servers know the menu inside out, and every table seems to be celebrating something, even if it’s just a really good plate of carbonara.
If you’re planning to eat at any of these places, you’ll need to book ahead, sometimes way ahead, because they’re packed every single night.
1. Carbone
Step into a time machine that runs on garlic butter and red sauce, and you’ll find yourself at Carbone. This Greenwich Village legend channels the glamour of a 1950s supper club with tuxedoed waiters, tableside preparations, and Italian-American classics that taste like they were invented by someone’s extremely talented nonna.
Located at 181 Thompson Street, this spot has become so iconic that even celebrities struggle to snag a reservation.
Reservations open exactly 30 days in advance, and I mean you need to be ready at midnight with your phone in hand because they vanish faster than garlic bread at a family dinner. The spicy rigatoni vodka is legendary, and the veal parmesan is the size of a small pizza.
What makes Carbone worth the hassle is the full theatrical experience, servers present dishes with flair, and every bite feels like an event. If you can’t get a table, try showing up for a walk-in seat at the bar during off-hours, but honestly, good luck with that too.
2. Rao’s
Getting into Rao’s is harder than getting Beyoncé tickets, and I’m not even exaggerating. This tiny Harlem gem at 455 East 114th Street has only ten tables, and they’re basically all claimed by regulars who’ve had the same reservation night for decades.
We’re talking about a place where tables get passed down like family heirlooms.
Founded in 1896, Rao’s serves old-school red-sauce Italian that’s so authentic you’ll feel like you stepped into a movie. The lemon chicken is famous, the meatballs are perfection, and the marinara sauce is so good they bottle and sell it nationwide.
Unless you know someone who knows someone, your chances of eating here are slim to none. But hey, the mystique is part of the charm, right?
Some people spend years trying to get in, and when they finally do, they say it’s worth every second of the wait.
3. Misi
Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood is packed with great restaurants, but Misi stands out because it does one thing extraordinarily well: pasta. Chef Missy Robbins focuses entirely on handmade noodles, and every single one is a work of art.
You’ll find it at 329 Kent Avenue, right in the heart of the action.
The menu changes with the seasons, but the occhi with lamb sausage and the sheets pasta with pork ribs are the kind of dishes that haunt your dreams. Reservations disappear the moment they drop online, so set your alarms and be ready to click fast.
What I love about Misi is how unpretentious it feels despite being wildly popular. The space is bright and open, the vibe is relaxed, and the pasta is just ridiculously good.
Even if you’re not usually a pasta person, this place will convert you into a true believer in the power of perfectly cooked noodles.
4. Don Angie
Imagine if Italian food and creativity had a baby, and that baby grew up to open a restaurant in the West Village. That’s Don Angie for you.
Located at 103 Greenwich Avenue, this spot reinvents Italian-American classics in ways that’ll make you rethink everything you thought you knew about lasagna.
Their chrysanthemum salad is unexpectedly addictive, but the real star is the lasagna for two, it’s rolled up like pinwheels and tastes like heaven decided to take pasta form. Reservations open at midnight exactly 30 days out, and you’ll be competing with half of New York to grab one.
Chefs Angie Rito and Scott Tacinelli have created something truly special here. The space is cozy and buzzing with energy, and every dish feels like a delicious surprise.
If you manage to score a table, order the garlic bread too because it’s basically garlic butter on steroids, and you won’t regret it one bit.
5. I Sodi
Tucked away on Christopher Street in the West Village, I Sodi is the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve been transported straight to Tuscany. Chef Rita Sodi runs this intimate trattoria at 105 Christopher Street with just a handful of tables, so every meal feels personal and special.
The menu is simple but perfect, think house-made pici pasta, roasted chicken that’s crispy and juicy, and vegetables that actually taste like vegetables. Everything here is made with care and authenticity, and you can tell the chef puts her heart into every plate.
Reservations are tough because the space is tiny and the food is incredible. My advice?
Call as early as possible or try to snag a walk-in spot if you’re feeling lucky. The vibe is warm and unpretentious, and eating here feels less like dining out and more like being invited to someone’s very talented friend’s dinner party.
6. Lilia
Lilia is the restaurant that put Williamsburg on the serious Italian food map. Chef Missy Robbins (yes, the same genius behind Misi) opened this place at 567 Union Avenue, and it quickly became one of the hardest reservations to get in all of Brooklyn.
The space is gorgeous, industrial-chic with an open kitchen and a wood-fired grill that works overtime.
The sheep’s milk ricotta with honeycomb is the stuff of legend, and the mafaldini with pink peppercorns and parmesan is so good it should be illegal. But honestly, everything on the menu is a winner, from the wood-fired seafood to the house-made pastas.
Reservations book up weeks in advance, so plan ahead or try your luck at the bar for walk-ins. The energy here is lively and buzzing, and the food is worth every bit of effort it takes to get a table.
Just trust me and order the ricotta, you’ll thank me later.
7. Paesano Of Mulberry Street
Right in the heart of Little Italy, Paesano of Mulberry Street keeps the old-school Italian-American tradition alive and thriving. You’ll find it at 136 Mulberry Street, and let me tell you, this place packs in the crowds every single night, especially on weekends when the whole neighborhood comes alive.
The menu is classic red-sauce heaven: chicken parmigiana, baked ziti, seafood fra diavolo, and portions big enough to share (or not, no judgment here). The atmosphere is lively and festive, with checkered tablecloths and enough garlic in the air to ward off vampires for miles.
Reservations are strongly recommended because walk-ins often face long waits, especially during dinner service. What makes Paesano special is how it holds onto that classic Italian-American vibe without feeling like a tourist trap.
The food is hearty, the service is friendly, and you leave feeling like you just ate at your Italian uncle’s house, in the best way possible.
8. Da Andrea – Greenwich Village
Nestled on a charming Greenwich Village block, Da Andrea has been a neighborhood favorite for years, and locals guard this secret like treasure. You’ll find it at 35 West 13th Street, where the cozy, rustic interior makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into a hidden gem in the Italian countryside.
The menu features authentic Italian dishes with a focus on fresh ingredients and simple preparations that let the flavors shine. The gnocchi is pillowy and perfect, the risotto is creamy and rich, and the daily specials are always worth asking about.
Because the space is small and the reputation is strong, reservations are essential, seriously, don’t even think about showing up without one. The staff treats regulars like family, and even first-timers get that warm Italian hospitality.
It’s the kind of place where you want to linger over a glass of wine and savor every bite, and honestly, that’s exactly what you should do.
9. Da Andrea – Chelsea
Chelsea got its own slice of Da Andrea magic when the sister location opened, and it’s been packed ever since. Located at 557 Hudson Street, this spot brings the same authentic Italian charm and delicious food that made the original so beloved, just with a slightly different neighborhood vibe.
The menu mirrors the Greenwich Village location with all the same favorites, think perfectly al dente pasta, fresh seafood, and rustic Italian dishes that taste like they came straight from someone’s nonna’s kitchen. The space is warm and inviting, and the energy is always buzzing with happy diners.
Just like its sister restaurant, reservations here are a must because tables fill up fast, especially on weekends. What I love is that even though it’s a second location, it doesn’t feel like a copy, it has its own personality while keeping that same commitment to quality and authenticity.
Whether you’re a Chelsea local or just passing through, this is the kind of place that’ll make you want to come back again and again.
10. Rubirosa
Just north of Little Italy in Nolita, Rubirosa has earned a cult following for its thin-crust pizza and Italian-American comfort food. Located at 235 Mulberry Street, this place gets absolutely mobbed, especially during peak dining hours when the line can stretch down the block.
The tie-dye vodka pizza is what put them on the map, it’s swirled with regular and vodka sauce and tastes as good as it looks. But don’t sleep on the classic Italian dishes either, like the baked ziti or the chicken parmigiana, which are just as satisfying.
Locals know to either arrive early or be prepared to wait because this place doesn’t take reservations for parties under six. The atmosphere is casual and lively, with a neighborhood feel that makes you want to become a regular.
Honestly, once you try that pizza, you’ll understand why people are willing to wait. It’s crispy, flavorful, and absolutely worth the hype.
11. L’Artusi
Over on West 10th Street in the West Village, L’Artusi has been serving exceptional Italian food since 2008, and the hype has never died down. You’ll find it at 228 West 10th Street, where the sleek, modern interior and open kitchen create a sophisticated but approachable atmosphere.
The pasta here is outstanding, the olive oil cake dessert is famous, but honestly, I could eat the ricotta gnocchi or the spaghetti with bottarga every single day and die happy. The wine list is extensive and thoughtfully curated, making this a perfect spot for a special occasion or a really good Tuesday.
Weekend reservations book up fast, so plan ahead if you want to guarantee a table. The bar area accepts walk-ins, which is a great backup option if you’re flexible.
What sets L’Artusi apart is the consistency. Every visit feels polished and delicious, and the staff clearly knows their stuff when it comes to both food and wine.
12. Pappardella
Upper West Siders are fiercely loyal to Pappardella, and once you eat here, you’ll understand why. Located at 316 Columbus Avenue, this neighborhood Italian spot has been serving consistently delicious food for years, earning a devoted following that keeps the tables full night after night.
The pappardelle (obviously) is a must-try, especially when it’s tossed with a rich Bolognese or wild mushroom sauce. But the menu goes beyond pasta, the grilled branzino is fantastic, and the veal dishes are tender and flavorful.
Everything feels thoughtfully prepared and generously portioned.
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend dinners when the neighborhood comes out in full force. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with a classic Italian restaurant vibe that feels both elegant and comfortable.
It’s the kind of place where you can celebrate a birthday or just grab dinner on a random Wednesday, and either way, you’ll leave satisfied and already planning your next visit.
13. Il Monello
Midtown Manhattan isn’t always known for its food scene, but Il Monello is a shining exception. Tucked away at 1460 Second Avenue, this Italian classic has been serving exceptional food for decades, and it’s still going strong with a loyal clientele that books tables well in advance.
The menu features traditional Italian dishes executed with skill and care, think homemade pastas, perfectly cooked risottos, and meat dishes that are tender and flavorful. The osso buco is particularly noteworthy, and the tiramisu is the kind of dessert that makes you want to order a second one to go.
Dinner reservations are especially important here because the restaurant fills up quickly with both locals and visitors looking for a quality Italian meal in Midtown. The atmosphere is elegant but not stuffy, with attentive service that makes you feel taken care of from start to finish.
It’s proof that even in the busiest part of Manhattan, you can find authentic, delicious Italian food that’s worth seeking out.
14. Torrisi Bar & Restaurant
Nolita’s Torrisi Bar & Restaurant is the elevated Italian spot that has everyone talking and scrambling for reservations. Located at 275 Mulberry Street, this polished establishment from the team behind Carbone delivers an upscale Italian experience that feels both classic and contemporary at the same time.
The menu changes regularly but always features impeccably prepared dishes that showcase seasonal ingredients and Italian technique. From house-made pastas to perfectly cooked proteins, every plate is a masterclass in flavor and presentation.
The attention to detail extends to the wine list, which is carefully curated to complement the food.
Reservations open 30 days in advance and disappear almost immediately, so you’ll need to be quick if you want to snag a table. The atmosphere is refined and buzzing with energy, and the service is professional and knowledgeable.
It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’re part of something special, and honestly, with food this good, you absolutely are.