13 New York Italian Restaurants Serving Spaghetti Worth Remembering
Spaghetti sounds simple until you have a plate that makes you rethink your entire pasta history. That’s what’s happening at these spots across New York.
No drama. No overcomplicated twists. Just bowls that land hot, glossy, and smelling like someone actually cared.
You twirl that first forkful and immediately know if it’s serious. Sauce that clings properly. Pasta with the right bite. Garlic doing exactly what it’s supposed to do.
In New York, where everyone claims to know great Italian food, these restaurants quietly let the spaghetti speak for itself. Some plates disappear fast. Others make you slow down because you don’t want it to end.
Either way, once you’ve had spaghetti like this in New York, you start comparing every other bowl to it without even meaning to.
1. Malatesta Trattoria (West Village, Manhattan)
Walking into Malatesta feels like stumbling into someone’s actual Italian home, except the food is way better than anything I could make. The space is tiny, the tables are packed close together, and the energy buzzes with conversations in multiple languages.
You’ll find this gem at 649 Washington Street in the West Village, tucked between brownstones and boutiques.
Their spaghetti alla carbonara is ridiculously good. I’m talking silky egg sauce that coats every strand without being goopy, crispy guanciale that adds the perfect salty crunch, and enough black pepper to make you sneeze if you lean in too close.
The pasta is made fresh daily, and you can taste the difference in every bite.
What really gets me about Malatesta is how unpretentious everything feels. The servers are friendly without being fussy, the prices won’t make your wallet cry, and the portions are generous enough that you might actually have leftovers.
The wine list focuses on Italian bottles that pair beautifully with the food, and the tiramisu afterwards is non-negotiable. This place proves that you don’t need fancy decorations or celebrity chefs to serve incredible Italian food that makes you want to come back every week.
2. Lil’ Frankie’s (East Village, Manhattan)
Lil’ Frankie’s has been my go-to spot for years when I want solid Italian food without the attitude. Located at 19 First Avenue in the East Village, this place has a laid-back vibe that makes you feel instantly comfortable.
The outdoor garden in back is absolutely magical during warmer months, with string lights and plants creating this secret escape from the city chaos.
Their spaghetti pomodoro might sound basic, but trust me when I say it’s anything but ordinary. The tomato sauce tastes like summer in a bowl, bright and fresh with San Marzano tomatoes that bring just the right amount of sweetness and acidity.
Fresh basil gets torn over the top, and the pasta has that perfect al dente bite that makes Italian grandmothers nod in approval.
The menu goes way beyond spaghetti, offering fantastic pizzas from their wood-burning oven and other pasta dishes that rotate seasonally. But I keep coming back to that simple pomodoro because sometimes the classics just hit differently.
The prices are reasonable for the neighborhood, and the staff remembers regulars, which always makes me feel like I’m part of some delicious secret club that happens to serve phenomenal Italian food.
3. Supper (East Village, Manhattan)
Supper remains one of those spots that locals whisper about like it’s some classified information. You’ll find it at 156 East 2nd Street in the East Village, in a cozy space that feels more like a wine cellar than a restaurant.
The dim lighting and brick walls create this romantic atmosphere that’s perfect for date nights or catching up with friends over bottles of wine.
Their spaghetti alle vongole is legitimately the best version I’ve had in the city. Littleneck clams sit atop perfectly twirled pasta, swimming in a garlicky white wine sauce that begs to be soaked up with crusty bread.
The clams are always fresh, never sandy or chewy, and there are enough of them that you’re not playing a sad game of hunt-the-shellfish.
The restaurant operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so showing up early or being prepared to wait is part of the experience. But honestly, grabbing a drink at a nearby bar while you wait just adds to the adventure.
The menu changes regularly based on what’s fresh and seasonal, and everything is priced surprisingly well for the quality you’re getting. Supper proves that sometimes the best meals happen in small, unassuming spaces where the focus stays firmly on the food.
4. Il Posto Accanto (East Village, Manhattan)
Il Posto Accanto translates to “the place next door,” and it literally sits next door to its sister restaurant, creating this cool little Italian compound on East 2nd Street at number 190. The space is narrow and intimate, with exposed brick and a bar that runs along one side where you can watch the magic happen if you snag those coveted seats.
What blows my mind about their spaghetti is how they change it up based on what’s actually in season. One month you might get spaghetti with wild mushrooms and truffle oil that tastes like autumn in Italy, and the next it’s fresh spring peas with mint and pecorino that makes you forget winter ever happened.
The pasta itself has this incredible texture that only comes from careful cooking and quality ingredients.
The wine program here deserves its own standing ovation. They focus heavily on natural and organic Italian wines that you won’t find everywhere else, and the staff actually knows their stuff without being snobbish about it.
Portions are thoughtfully sized, letting you actually enjoy multiple courses without needing to be rolled out the door. This spot embodies what I love about the East Village dining scene: serious food served in a relaxed environment where everyone just wants you to have a great meal.
5. Forsythia (Lower East Side, Manhattan)
Forsythia brings a more modern approach to Italian dining while keeping things rooted in tradition. Located at 233 East Houston Street on the Lower East Side, this restaurant feels bright and airy with its large windows and minimalist design that lets the food take center stage.
Chef Angelo Romano comes from a serious Italian culinary background, and it shows in every dish.
The spaghetti cacio e pepe here is a masterclass in simplicity done right. Just pecorino romano, black pepper, and pasta water create this creamy, peppery sauce that clings to each strand like it’s got nowhere else to be.
Watching them toss it tableside in the cheese wheel is basically dinner theater, and the aroma alone could make you weep with joy.
Beyond the pasta, Forsythia offers a full menu of Italian classics reimagined with modern techniques and seasonal ingredients. The space works for everything from casual weeknight dinners to special celebrations, and they’ve got a solid cocktail program if you want to start with something other than wine.
Reservations are definitely recommended because word has gotten out about how good this place is. It’s proof that Italian restaurants can evolve and experiment while still honoring the soul of traditional cooking.
6. Song’ E Napule (Greenwich Village, Manhattan)
Song’ E Napule brings legitimate Neapolitan flavors to Greenwich Village, and I mean the real deal, not some watered-down tourist version. You’ll find this spot at 146 West Houston Street, where the energy stays lively and the Italian accents are thick.
The restaurant feels like a slice of Naples dropped into Manhattan, complete with soccer matches playing on TV and passionate discussions about the best way to make pasta.
Their spaghetti alla pescatora is an absolute seafood lover’s dream. Mussels, clams, shrimp, and calamari tumble over the pasta in a light tomato sauce that lets the ocean flavors shine through.
Everything tastes fresh, never fishy or overcooked, and there’s enough seafood that you’re not just eating pasta with occasional shellfish cameos. The portion sizes are generous without being overwhelming.
What I appreciate most about Song’ E Napule is the authenticity that never feels forced or performative. The staff treats you like family, whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, and they’re genuinely excited to explain dishes or make recommendations.
Prices are fair, especially considering the quality and quantity of food you’re getting. This is the kind of place where you can bring out-of-town friends to show them what real Italian food tastes like.
7. Monte’s Trattoria (Greenwich Village, Manhattan)
Monte’s has been serving Italian food in Greenwich Village since 1918, making it one of those rare places where you can literally taste history. Located at 97 MacDougal Street, this restaurant has fed generations of New Yorkers, and walking in feels like stepping back in time.
The red-and-white checkered tablecloths, the vintage photos on the walls, and the old-school service all contribute to the nostalgic atmosphere.
Their spaghetti and meatballs is the platonic ideal of Italian-American comfort food. The meatballs are massive, tender, and seasoned perfectly, sitting on top of spaghetti that’s coated in a rich tomato sauce that’s been perfected over decades.
This isn’t fancy or trendy, it’s just really good food made the way it’s supposed to be made, with quality ingredients and care.
Monte’s represents a disappearing breed of New York restaurants, the kind that have stayed true to their roots while the city changes around them. The portions are huge, the prices are surprisingly reasonable for the location, and you’ll probably leave with leftovers.
The staff includes servers who’ve been there for years, adding to that family restaurant feeling. If you want to experience the Italian-American dining tradition that helped define New York’s food scene, Monte’s delivers that experience on every plate.
8. Da Toscano (West Village, Manhattan)
Da Toscano brings the flavors of Tuscany to the West Village with an elegance that never feels stuffy. Situated at 1109 First Avenue, this restaurant has maintained its reputation for quality Italian cuisine since opening its doors.
The space feels warm and inviting with soft lighting and Italian artwork adorning the walls, creating an atmosphere that encourages you to slow down and savor your meal.
Their spaghetti aglio e olio is deceptively simple but incredibly satisfying. Garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and parsley come together to create a dish that proves Italian cooking is about technique and quality ingredients rather than complicated recipes.
The pasta is perfectly cooked, the garlic is fragrant without being overpowering, and the olive oil tastes like liquid gold.
What sets Da Toscano apart is their commitment to Tuscan cooking traditions while using the best ingredients they can source. The menu extends beyond pasta to include excellent meat dishes and seafood preparations, all executed with precision and care.
The wine list focuses heavily on Tuscan bottles, giving you a chance to explore regions and producers you might not encounter elsewhere. Service is attentive and knowledgeable, striking that perfect balance between professional and personable that makes for a memorable dining experience.
9. Bar Pitti (Greenwich Village, Manhattan)
Bar Pitti practically defines the Greenwich Village dining scene with its sidewalk tables and see-and-be-seen energy. You’ll find it at 268 Sixth Avenue, where people-watching is just as important as the food.
The outdoor seating area buzzes with conversation in multiple languages, fashion industry folks discussing their latest projects, and tourists who stumbled upon something special. There’s no reservations policy, so showing up and waiting is part of the ritual.
The spaghetti al limone here is a revelation if you’ve never had it before. Lemon zest and juice combine with butter and parmesan to create this creamy, tangy sauce that feels light and rich at the same time.
It’s the kind of dish that sounds weird on paper but makes perfect sense once it hits your tongue. Fresh herbs add brightness, and the pasta texture is always spot-on.
Bar Pitti embodies that effortlessly cool Italian vibe that’s hard to manufacture. The menu is written on a chalkboard, the servers have that confident casualness down to an art form, and everything tastes like it came straight from someone’s Italian grandmother’s kitchen.
Prices are reasonable for the quality and location, though the lack of reservations means you need patience. This is the kind of place that makes you fall in love with New York dining all over again.
10. Locanda Vini & Olii (Clinton Hill, Brooklyn)
Locanda Vini & Olii operates out of a converted pharmacy in Clinton Hill, and the space alone is worth the trip to Brooklyn. Located at 129 Gates Avenue, the restaurant has preserved the original apothecary details including gorgeous woodwork, antique fixtures, and a marble counter that now serves wine instead of prescriptions.
The high ceilings and vintage atmosphere create this romantic, old-world feeling that transports you straight to Italy.
Their spaghetti with Sunday gravy is the kind of dish that makes you understand why people get emotional about Italian food. The slow-cooked tomato sauce is rich and meaty, studded with various cuts that have been braising for hours until they’re fall-apart tender.
Every bite tastes like love and patience, the two secret ingredients that can’t be rushed or substituted.
What I love about Locanda is how they’ve created this neighborhood gathering spot that feels special without being pretentious. The menu changes seasonally, focusing on regional Italian dishes that don’t always get attention in more mainstream restaurants.
The wine selection is thoughtfully curated with interesting Italian bottles at various price points. Service is warm and genuinely hospitable, making you feel welcomed whether you’re a regular or a first-timer.
This is Brooklyn dining at its finest, honoring tradition while creating something uniquely its own.
11. Saraghina (Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn)
Saraghina has become a Bedford-Stuyvesant institution since opening, creating the kind of neighborhood spot where everyone knows everyone. You’ll find it at 435 Halsey Street, anchoring a corner with its welcoming storefront and bustling energy.
The restaurant focuses on Neapolitan-style cooking with a wood-burning oven as the centerpiece, though their pasta game is equally strong and deserves serious recognition.
The spaghetti puttanesca here packs a flavorful punch with olives, capers, anchovies, and tomatoes coming together in that classic bold combination. It’s salty, briny, and slightly spicy, hitting all those savory notes that make your taste buds stand at attention.
The pasta quality is excellent, and they’re not shy with the ingredients, so every forkful delivers that intense puttanesca flavor profile.
Beyond the food, Saraghina has cultivated this community-focused atmosphere that makes it more than just a restaurant. They host events, support local artists, and have genuinely become part of the neighborhood fabric.
The prices are fair, the portions are generous, and the staff treats everyone like they’re happy you showed up. They also have a bakery next door if you want to grab pastries and coffee during the day.
This is the kind of place that reminds you why neighborhood restaurants matter so much to a city’s character.
12. L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele NYC (West Village, Manhattan)
L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele brings its legendary Naples reputation to the West Village, and while most people know them for pizza, their pasta deserves equal attention. Located at 64 MacDougal Street, this outpost of the 140-year-old Neapolitan institution maintains the same commitment to simplicity and quality that made the original famous.
The space is casual and often crowded, with that energetic buzz that comes from people eating really good food.
Their spaghetti al pomodoro e basilico showcases the Neapolitan philosophy that great food doesn’t need to be complicated. San Marzano tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and excellent olive oil create a sauce that’s bright, fresh, and perfectly balanced.
The pasta is cooked just right, and the whole dish comes together in a way that makes you wonder why anyone bothers making tomato sauce more complicated than this.
What makes Da Michele special is their unwavering dedication to doing a few things exceptionally well rather than offering a massive menu of mediocre options. The ingredients are imported from Italy, the recipes are time-tested, and the execution is consistent.
You won’t find fusion experiments or trendy twists here, just honest Italian food made the way it’s been made for generations. Sometimes that’s exactly what you need, especially when it’s done this well.
13. Piccola Cucina Uptown (Upper East Side, Manhattan)
Piccola Cucina Uptown brings Sicilian flavors to the Upper East Side with a sophistication that matches the neighborhood. You’ll find this location at 1634 York Avenue, offering a more polished experience than some of their other outposts while maintaining the same commitment to authentic Sicilian cooking.
The restaurant feels elegant without being intimidating, with a bright, airy space that works for both casual dinners and special occasions.
Their spaghetti ai ricci di mare features sea urchin in a preparation that lets the delicate, briny sweetness shine through. This isn’t a dish for everyone, but if you love uni, this version will make you ridiculously happy.
The pasta is perfectly al dente, the sea urchin is fresh and abundant, and the whole dish tastes like the Mediterranean coast. It’s luxurious without being heavy, sophisticated without being fussy.
Piccola Cucina excels at showcasing Sicilian ingredients and cooking techniques that don’t always get spotlight in Italian-American restaurants. The menu changes based on what’s available and in season, and the seafood is consistently fresh and beautifully prepared.
The wine list emphasizes Sicilian producers, giving you a chance to explore bottles you won’t find everywhere. Service is polished and professional, and while prices reflect the upscale neighborhood, the quality justifies the cost.
This is the kind of place that elevates Italian dining while staying rooted in tradition.