New York, NY

restaurants

Carbone

Carbone is hands down one of my favorite Italian spots in NYC. Not only is the food absolutely incredible but the vibes are pretty great to. One of major food groups restaurants, they have managed to create a sceney yet classic restaurant with elegant interior, oh and they play some of my favorite r&b hits of all time. Feels very mid-20th century New York with waiters in uniforms, but you may just run into Beyonce or Leonardo Di Caprio here. It's a great spot for date night, birthday dinners or family outings. You really can’t go wrong ordering here, but absolutely have to get the spicy rigatoni. The lobster ravioli and T-bone steak is great too. Oddly enough the carrot cake is also to die for. The whole experience if definitely worth whatever money you’ll drop here.

New York, NY

restaurants

Bar Pitti

Bar Piti is a NYC staple located right off 6th ave between West Village, Soho and Tribeca. The food is incredible, especially if you are craving a traditional Italian style pasta. If you know anyone from NYC you are bound to run into them here at some point, so if you are trying to avoid that I would suggest avoiding Bar Piti. They don't take reservations so expect a wait almost always, unless you can get there for lunch during the week. They have outdoor seating- highly recommend during the spring and summer. Go here on a date, with friends, for a lunch meeting. It's great for all occasions.

Brooklyn, NY

restaurants

Lilia

You wont hear me say this often, but it is worth it to go to Brooklyn to come here. After coming here I understand the hype, it truly has some of the best pastas in NYC. The food is paralleled with Carbone, but atmosphere couldn’t be more different. As it is in Brooklyn, the space is large and very modern, with an open kitchen. This place is great for a date, group dinners or to bring your parents.

New York, NY

restaurants

Morandi

This place is great if you have a lot of cravings. They have great starters, pasta and meats. The ambiance is super cute, with great decorations in the winter. Unlike half of the places in NYC, they actually take reservations and might even have availability at a decent time! I also love the location, right in the heart of West Village are so there are a lot of cute bars around. This place is a good go-to spot and great for a cozy cute night with the girls or a date!

New York, NY

restaurants

Olio e Piú

I feel like Olio e Piu has been around for forever. Not sure if that's true or not, but it has that feeling of being a long running NYC establishment. It's very similar to Rosemary's and Morandi, which are all within a block radius so maybe that's why there are always tables free. It's good, not earth shattering but definitely can't go wrong here. This is a very solid go to spot in the West Village if you want a good variety of Italian food on a Weekend night, or any night really. They have great outdoor seating, perfect for people watching. Everything is pretty good here, the octopus, pizza, pasta etc. Perfect for a casual dinner with friends, or even a first date.

New York, NY

restaurants

Lil' Frankie's

Good for brunch and drinking, casual dinners, the pizza is one of the best in NYC. Get the bianca. Make sure you have cash as its a cardless spot.

New York, NY

restaurants

Pasquale Jones

Nice italian place, oven only cooks 2 pizzas at a time, good wine list, one of my favorite pizzas in NYC. The diavola and the clam pizza are TO DIE for. Ambiance is great nice and romantic- go on a date here.

New York, NY

restaurants

Don Angie

This place has all the hype and for a good reason. The food is increablleeeee, it's definitely a place you should go with multiple people as the dishes are big and hearty. The lasagna for 2 is actualyl for 4 and is allegedly fantstic. Unfrotunately we didnt get. The appetizers were to die for, the "salad" drenched in parmesean cheese, the garlic flatbread starter was arguambly one of the best bread products i've put in my mouth- comparable to the bianca at lil frankies, but better. The carpaccio was also unreal. The octopus could be passed and the ragu was pretty good but ive had better (i.e. lilia). Definietly need to go back when you arent on a diet. Viebs are cute and cozy, very open room very dark, good for date night or girls night out. Note- there are no good cocktails and they do not have any ingredients that would makea spicy tequila cocktail.. allegedly.

New York, NY

restaurants

Rosemary's

Classic west village italian spot with a rooftop farm and open big space. It was created by Carols Suarez, owner of Babo and Claudette. Executive chef Wade Moises serves seasonal italian dishes that highlt the herbs and produce from the rooftop farm, as well as house made pastas and a selection of focacce.

New York, NY

restaurants

Piccola Cucina Estiatorio

This is a hidden gem on the west side of Soho, there are 3 of them in a 3 block radius- which is very confusing. All of them are different apparently, I have only been to this one and it was great. It has a very authentic Italian vib\e, feeling like you are in Italy in the middle of downtown Manhattan, is absolutely fantastic. The pasta was heavy hadned with the Salt, but still great. It comes out in these indivdual pots, which really gets me going. The apps are also great- the fried zuchini, tuna tartar, cheese eggplant thingy is to die for. The cacio and pepe is something you can probably find better elsewhere, but the black ink pasta with langouustine is a must. Didnt try the seafood, but hears its great. Its also relatively cheap and you can get a really great lunch deal for $10 homemade pasta. Must go.