Best Affordable Pasta in Union Square | Top 18 Affordable Spots

27 restaurants in Best Affordable Pasta in Union Square | Top 18 Affordable Spots

• Joe's Pizza — Italian · rated 5/5: The rhythmic slap of hand-tossed dough and the warm glow of the stone oven define this bustling neighborhood staple, where the air is perpetually perfumed with the scent of bubbling mozzarella and toasted flour. Each slice offers a masterclass in simplicity, featuring a perfectly charred, foldable crust topped with a vibrant tomato sauce that captures the soul of traditional Italian street food. It is a vibrant, flour-dusted sanctuary where the frantic energy of the city gives way to the timeless, savory comfort of a classic pie.
• Misirizzi — Italian · rated 4.6/5: This charming neighborhood escape wraps guests in a warm embrace of rustic textures and soft, amber light, setting a whimsical stage for soulful Italian cooking. Hand-rolled pastas take center stage, tossed in vibrant, herb-flecked sauces that celebrate the seasons alongside crisp wines and effervescent spritzes. The atmosphere hums with the convivial spirit of a modern trattoria, inviting diners to linger over the comforting aromas of freshly baked focaccia and slow-simmered ragu.
• Da Andrea — Italian · rated 4.5/5: Stepping into this sun-drenched corner of Italy, guests are greeted by the comforting aroma of slow-simmered sauces and the sight of flour-dusted chefs hand-rolling delicate ribbons of pasta. The intimate, rustic space hums with a convivial energy, where every glass of robust red wine and plate of velvety pappardelle feels like a heartfelt invitation to slow down and savor the timeless traditions of the Italian table.
• Tre Giovani — Italian · rated 4.5/5: Stepping into Tre Giovani feels like entering a sun-drenched kitchen in the heart of Italy, where the air is thick with the comforting scent of simmering pomodoro and toasted garlic. Guests linger over plates of silken, hand-rolled pasta and vibrant antipasti in an intimate space that hums with the warmth of genuine hospitality and lively conversation. It is a soulful retreat where every bite celebrates the timeless marriage of fresh, seasonal ingredients and traditional culinary craft.
• Senza Gluten — Italian · rated 4.4/5: Sunlight dances across white tablecloths in this intimate sanctuary, where the comforting aroma of garlic and fresh basil invites guests to rediscover the soulful joy of Italian tradition. Velvety pastas and crusty, artisanal breads arrive with a rustic elegance that defies expectation, offering a seamless dining experience where the absence of gluten is felt only in the lightness of the meal and the inclusive warmth of the table.
• Pasta Eater — Italian · rated 4.4/5: Step into a sun-drenched sanctuary where the rhythmic dusting of flour and the heady aroma of simmering sauces create an atmosphere of rustic charm and culinary dedication. Golden ribbons of house-made pasta are tossed in velvety, slow-cooked ragus and vibrant seasonal pestos, offering a soulful tribute to the timeless traditions of the Italian kitchen. This vibrant space invites guests to linger over perfectly al dente creations and glasses of robust red wine, turning every meal into a warm, communal celebration of authentic Mediterranean flavors.
• John's of 12th Street — Italian · rated 4.4/5: Stepping into this East Village landmark feels like a journey back to 1908, where flickering candles in wax-encrusted bottles cast a warm glow over mosaic-tiled floors and vintage murals. The air is thick with the comforting aroma of slow-simmered red sauce and garlic, inviting diners to linger over generous plates of classic Italian-American comfort food that bridge the gap between old-world tradition and soulful vegan innovation.
• Joe & Pat's — Italian · rated 4.4/5: Step into a bustling neighborhood institution where the glow of the ovens illuminates a space filled with the irresistible aroma of toasted flour and simmering marinara. The experience centers on a legendary paper-thin crust that delivers a delicate, airy crunch, perfectly balancing the bright tang of house-made sauce and velvety melted mozzarella. It is a vibrant celebration of Staten Island tradition, where the lively, unpretentious atmosphere is as inviting as the first crisp bite of a fresh-baked pie.
• Paul & Jimmy's Ristorante — Italian · rated 4.4/5: Stepping into this Gramercy Park institution feels like a warm embrace, where the soft glow of candlelight reflects off exposed brick and the air carries the rich, savory perfume of slow-simmered sauces. The kitchen honors time-tested traditions with plates of silky handmade pasta and tender, herb-crusted meats, offering a soulful dining experience that captures the timeless spirit of a classic Italian family table.
• Osteria 57 — Italian · rated 4.4/5: Nestled in a cozy Greenwich Village corner, this candlelit sanctuary wraps diners in the rustic warmth of exposed brick and reclaimed wood, evoking the timeless charm of a hidden Mediterranean escape. The kitchen celebrates the bounty of the sea and soil, crafting vibrant, pescatarian-focused Italian dishes where handmade pastas and delicate crudos are elevated by the bright, seasonal flavors of fresh herbs and citrus. It is a place where the clink of wine glasses and the soft hum of intimate conversation turn a simple meal into a lingering, soulful experience of coastal elegance.
• Babbo — Italian · rated 4.3/5: Housed in a storied Greenwich Village carriage house, Babbo hums with a vibrant energy where the soulful strains of rock music meet the timeless elegance of white-tablecloth dining. The kitchen transforms traditional Italian ingredients into daring, unforgettable masterpieces, from the rich, velvety depth of beef cheek ravioli to delicate handmade pastas that dance with seasonal brightness. Every corner of the warm, glowing dining room invites guests to linger over rare Italian vintages, creating an atmosphere that is simultaneously high-octane and deeply intimate.
• Rezdôra — Italian · rated 4.2/5: Stepping into this intimate sanctuary feels like entering a sun-drenched kitchen in Modena, where the air is thick with the scent of simmering sauces and the flour-dusted artistry of handmade pasta. Each plate is a masterclass in regional tradition, offering silken ribbons of tagliatelle and jewel-like tortellini that capture the soulful, buttery essence of Northern Italy. The experience is a vibrant celebration of the Italian matriarchal spirit, blending rustic warmth with a polished, modern energy that makes every meal feel like a homecoming.
• Il Buco Alimentari — Italian · rated 4/5: Step into a sun-drenched Italian marketplace where the scent of freshly baked bread and bubbling wood-fired pizzas fills the air, inviting guests to linger over rustic wooden tables. Hand-stretched dough meets vibrant toppings like spicy green olives and savory pepperoni, while crusty panini overflow with paper-thin prosciutto, creamy mozzarella, and marinated eggplant for a true taste of old-world craftsmanship. It is a vibrant culinary sanctuary that celebrates the simplicity of high-quality ingredients, offering a soulful escape where every bite feels like a journey to the heart of Italy.
• Misirizzi — Italian · rated 4/5: This vibrant Italian hideaway captures the essence of a soulful feast, where the table is laden with golden-crisped artichokes and delicate plates of raw fluke dressed in bright, clean flavors. The kitchen breathes life into tradition through the heart-warming layers of "Grandmother’s" lasagna and the velvety richness of hand-folded pumpkin cappelletti, creating an atmosphere that feels both sophisticated and deeply nostalgic.
• Lulla — Italian · rated 4/5: Lulla unfolds as a chic, light-filled sanctuary where the air is scented with Mediterranean-inspired aromas and the hum of sophisticated conversation. The kitchen balances refined artistry with rustic comfort, offering everything from the cool silkiness of hamachi crudo to the bubbling, golden layers of a classic eggplant parmesan. It is a destination where shared plates of creamy burrata and marinated olives transform a simple meal into a lingering, sensory escape.
• Baita by Birreria — Italian · rated 3.9/5: Perched high above the city, this rustic rooftop sanctuary transports diners to the Italian Alps with its warm timber beams and the cozy, communal glow of a mountain lodge. The air is thick with the savory aroma of melted fontina and wood-fired specialties, inviting guests to linger over hearty plates of polenta and spiced mulled wine while the city skyline glimmers in the distance. It is an
• Rosemary's — Italian · rated 3/5: Sun-drenched and spirited, this neighborhood sanctuary invites guests to linger over effervescent spritzes and plates of silk-smooth, hand-rolled pasta. The kitchen marries rustic charm with seasonal vibrance, serving up blistered sourdough pizzas and garden-bright salads that capture the essence of a breezy, Mediterranean-inspired afternoon.
• Mark's Off Madison — Italian: This vibrant Madison Avenue haunt blends the soul of a classic New York bakery with the heart of a traditional Italian kitchen, where the morning air carries the aroma of hand-rolled bialys and warm, glazed donuts. As the day unfolds, the space transforms into a cozy sanctuary for comfort, serving up bubbling crocks of Lasagne della Nonna and golden-crusted chicken parm alongside heaps of their signature, paper-thin potato chips. The experience is a nostalgic embrace of Manhattan flavors, finished perfectly with the simple, shared joy of an overflowing house-made cookie tray.
• Paul & Jimmy's Ristorante — Italian: Paul & Jimmy’s Ristorante invites guests into a timeless sanctuary where the comforting aroma of golden-fried zucchini and simmering marinara sets the stage for a soulful Italian feast. Mornings transform into a vibrant celebration of flavor, from the zesty brightness of lemon ricotta pancakes topped with bursting blueberries to the rustic, spicy warmth of eggs poached in a bubbling tomato sauce. Whether sharing a platter of crisp, savory arancini or lingering over a farm-fresh frittata, diners find a spirited atmosphere that honors the heart of traditional hospitality.
• Joe & Pat's — Italian: This storied neighborhood gem invites guests into a lively atmosphere where the irresistible aroma of paper-thin, crackling pizzas and slow-simmered sauces fills the air. Friends gather over artfully curated charcuterie boards and chilled vodka cocktails, transitioning seamlessly into hearty plates of al dente pasta that honor deep-rooted Italian traditions. Whether sharing a signature thin-crust pie or a modern gluten-free creation, every meal feels like a spirited celebration of classic flavors and warm hospitality.
• Unregular Pizza — Italian: This vibrant pizzeria redefines the classic slice with its signature Roman-style crusts that offer a satisfying, airy crunch beneath a landscape of bold, imaginative toppings. The star of the show is the decadent Burrapizza, where a whole, creamy ball of burrata rests atop a golden canvas of zesty sauce and savory meats, creating a messy, magnificent indulgence that playfully defies tradition. Whether you are diving into a spicy Diavolona or a hearty, overstuffed stromboli, the atmosphere hums with a creative energy that transforms a simple meal into a celebration of unconventional flavor.
• Frank — Italian: Frank serves as a soulful neighborhood retreat where the air is perfumed with the rich aroma of slow-simmered veal ragu and earthy wild mushrooms. Guests gather over rustic tables to share creamy burrata and vibrant antipasto before diving into hearty plates of silken pappardelle or tender, charred Tagliata Toscana. It is a place where the simplicity of fresh ingredients—from the bright snap of asparagus parmigiana to the comforting warmth of butternut squash soup—creates a dining experience that feels both timeless and deeply personal.
• Carroll Place — Italian: This lively Italian gastropub hums with a rustic energy, where the enticing scent of wood-fired rosemary wings and simmering meatballs in pomodoro drifts through a warm, dimly lit space. Guests gather over artfully arranged boards of artisanal salumi and creamy burrata, pairing spirited conversation with golden arancini and savory sliders that elevate classic comfort into a communal art form. It is a vibrant neighborhood sanctuary that captures the essence of a spirited dinner party, inviting diners to linger long after the last plate is cleared.
• Tarallucci e Vino — Italian: Sunlight streams into this vibrant Italian haunt where the clinking of wine glasses and the aroma of simmering pomodoro create an atmosphere of effortless Roman charm. Guests linger over plates of crispy fritto misto and tender arrosticini, while handmade pastas like silken orecchiette and classic rigatoni capture the soulful, sun-drenched flavors of the Mediterranean. It is a place where the simple joy of a perfectly creamy burrata or a savory eggplant tart transforms a casual meal into a spirited celebration of the Italian lifestyle.
• Eataly — Italian: Step into a vibrant Italian marketplace where the air is thick with the scent of freshly extruded dough and the lively energy of a sun-drenched Roman piazza. Artisanal shapes ranging from twisted busiate to ink-stained linguine are tossed in fragrant, seasonal sauces, celebrating the diverse regional traditions of Italy through every perfectly al dente bite. This bustling culinary destination invites guests to linger over bowls of truffle-infused ribbons and vibrant fusilloni, capturing the soulful, communal joy of an authentic Mediterranean feast.
• John's of 12th Street — Italian: This legendary neighborhood haunt wraps diners in a warm, nostalgic embrace, where the glow of wax-dripped candles illuminates a space steeped in history and the lively hum of shared conversation. The table becomes a vibrant tapestry of textures, from the garlicky crunch of golden baked clams to the silky indulgence of burrata and prosciutto paired with sweet melon. Every dish, whether it’s the earthy char of grilled portobello or the bright, herbaceous pop of tomatoes and fresh basil, honors a tradition of bold, soul-warming flavors that turn a meal into a timeless celebration.
• Panineria — Italian: This vibrant Italian escape hums with the energy of a classic deli, where the aroma of toasted artisan bread and savory, slow-cooked sauces invites you to linger over a perfectly pressed panino. Hand-crafted pasta dishes and crisp, herb-flecked salads bring a refreshing taste of tradition to the table, whether enjoyed as a quick midday retreat or shared through bountiful platters. The experience finds its sweet finale at the bakery counter, where golden pastries and decadent desserts offer a lingering taste of Mediterranean sunshine.