Best Affordable Pasta in Upper East Side | Top 18 Affordable Spots

27 restaurants in Best Affordable Pasta in Upper East Side | Top 18 Affordable Spots

• Donna Margherita — Italian · rated 4.7/5: Stepping into Donna Margherita feels like a warm embrace from a Neapolitan kitchen, where the intoxicating scent of blistered crusts and simmering San Marzano tomatoes fills the air. Beneath the glow of soft lighting, diners gather over rustic tables to share hand-stretched pizzas and silken pastas that celebrate the vibrant, sun-drenched flavors of the Italian soul.
• L'Osteria — Italian · rated 4.7/5: L'Osteria transports diners to a rustic Italian escape where the golden glow of candlelight dances across weathered wood tables and the air hums with the convivial spirit of a neighborhood gathering. Here, the kitchen honors tradition through the slow simmer of aromatic sauces and the artistry of hand-rolled pasta, creating a soulful experience that pairs robust regional wines with the comforting, sun-ripened flavors of the Mediterranean.
• Sandro's Restaurant — Italian · rated 4.7/5: Sandro’s Restaurant captures the soulful essence of Italy, where the warm glow of soft lighting meets the intoxicating aroma of garlic-infused olive oil and simmering San Marzano tomatoes. Guests are invited to linger over silken, hand-crafted pastas and robust regional wines in an atmosphere that hums with the effortless charm of a classic Roman trattoria. It is a place where culinary heritage is honored in every bite, turning a simple dinner into a vibrant celebration of Mediterranean life.
• Enzo Bruni La Pizza Gourmet — Italian · rated 4.7/5: Enzo Bruni La Pizza Gourmet elevates the humble Neapolitan tradition into a refined culinary art form, where the intoxicating aroma of wood-fired dough and sun-ripened tomatoes greets guests at the door. Each masterpiece features a cloud-like, leopard-spotted crust adorned with jewel-toned ingredients like creamy buffalo mozzarella and fragrant basil, creating a symphony of textures and authentic Italian flavors. The sleek yet inviting space hums with the energy of the oven’s golden glow, offering a sophisticated escape where every slice celebrates the marriage of passion and artisanal precision.
• Don Filippo — Italian · rated 4.5/5: Don Filippo transports guests to a bustling Roman trattoria, where the intoxicating aroma of garlic, basil, and bubbling mozzarella drifts through a warm, candlelit dining room. Velvety ribbons of house-made pasta and crisp, charred pizzas showcase a mastery of simple, soul-warming flavors, creating a vibrant sanctuary where every meal feels like a spirited family celebration.
• Sfoglia — Italian · rated 4.5/5: This intimate, rustic sanctuary transports diners to a sun-dappled Italian farmhouse, where the air is thick with the intoxicating aroma of golden, pull-apart bread and slow-simmered ragu. Hand-rolled ribbons of pasta and seasonal treasures are served atop weathered wooden tables, creating a soulful experience that feels less like a restaurant and more like a lingering, candlelit dinner in a friend’s country kitchen.
• Il Carino — Italian · rated 4.5/5: Stepping into this intimate sanctuary feels like a warm embrace, where soft candlelight flickers against rustic accents and the air is thick with the intoxicating scent of slow-simmered ragù and fresh basil. Silken ribbons of hand-rolled pasta are tossed in vibrant, sun-ripened sauces, creating a soulful experience that invites guests to linger over the rhythmic pour of robust Italian wines. It is a place where the charm of the Old World meets modern elegance, turning every meal into a timeless celebration of authentic Mediterranean flavors.
• York Ave Pizza — Italian · rated 4.5/5: York Ave Pizza captures the soulful energy of a neighborhood haunt, where the scent of bubbling cheese and toasted garlic spills onto the sidewalk to welcome every passerby. Inside, the rhythmic toss of hand-stretched dough leads to golden, thin-crust pies and steaming bowls of pasta that celebrate the vibrant, sun-drenched flavors of traditional Italian cooking. It is a convivial space where the warmth of the ovens and the lively hum of conversation create a dining experience that feels both timeless and deeply personal.
• San Matteo Pizzeria e Cucina — Italian · rated 4.4/5: Stepping into this vibrant enclave feels like a journey to the heart of Salerno, where the rhythmic toss of dough and the golden glow of the wood-fired oven create a theater of authentic Italian craft. Pillowy, leopard-spotted pizzas arrive at the table alongside bowls of handmade pasta draped in rich, sun-ripened sauces, all served in a bustling atmosphere that hums with the convivial warmth of a Mediterranean home.
• Famous Famiglia Pizzeria — Italian · rated 4.4/5: Famous Famiglia Pizzeria captures the vibrant energy of a classic New York slice shop, where the air is thick with the comforting scent of garlic, oregano, and hand-tossed dough baking to a perfect golden crunch. Each slice offers a harmonious balance of tangy tomato sauce and bubbling, molten mozzarella, providing a nostalgic and soul-warming experience that brings the authentic spirit of an Italian kitchen to the heart of the city.
• Delizia — Italian · rated 4.4/5: Delizia transports diners to a sun-drenched corner of Italy, where the intoxicating aroma of roasted garlic and hand-rolled pasta wafts through a space bathed in warm, golden light. Every plate is a celebration of heritage, from the delicate bite of house-made ravioli to the rich, slow-simmered sauces that invite you to linger over a final crust of bread and a deep pour of ruby-red wine.
• Mezzaluna — Italian · rated 4.4/5: Bathed in the soft, amber glow of an intimate trattoria, Mezzaluna invites diners into a world where the aroma of slow-simmered ragù and toasted pine nuts lingers beautifully in the air. The kitchen transforms sun-drenched ingredients into elegant masterpieces, from silken strands of hand-rolled pasta to delicate seafood crudo that tastes of the salt-kissed Mediterranean coast. It is a sanctuary of rustic refinement, where the clink of wine glasses and the warmth of shared plates create a soulful tribute to the timeless art of the Italian table.
• Botte UES — Italian · rated 4.4/5: Botte UES transports guests to a rustic Roman enoteca, where the glow of candlelight against exposed brick creates an inviting haven for savoring the soul of Italy. The kitchen turns out plates of silky, hand-rolled pasta and crisp pinsa that pair beautifully with a deep cellar of Italian vintages, filling the air with the comforting aromas of toasted flour and slow-cooked sauces. It is a charming neighborhood escape that balances the lively spirit of a village wine bar with the sophisticated intimacy of the Upper East Side.
• Bottega — Italian · rated 4.4/5: Stepping into this sun-drenched haven feels like entering a master artisan’s workshop, where the rhythmic toss of handmade pasta and the aroma of garlic simmering in golden oil provide a lively soundtrack to the meal. Each plate captures the soulful essence of the Italian countryside, marrying rustic, earth-bound flavors with an effortless elegance that lingers long after the final sip of wine.
• Uva Next Door — Italian · rated 4.4/5: Bathed in the warm glow of flickering candlelight and rustic brick, this intimate Italian escape invites guests to linger over artisanal small plates and soul-warming bowls of handmade pasta. The air hums with the conviviality of a neighborhood enoteca, blending the rich aromas of simmering sauces with a sophisticated energy that makes every meal feel like a timeless celebration. It is a sanctuary of Old World hospitality, where every glass of wine poured feels like an invitation to slow down and savor the vibrant spirit of Italy.
• Barbaresco — Italian · rated 4.4/5: Barbaresco captures the soulful elegance of Northern Italy, where the soft glow of candlelight dances across walls lined with vintage bottles and the air carries the rich scent of slow-simmered ragù. Guests are invited to linger over silky, hand-rolled pastas and tender braised meats that celebrate the region's bold flavors, all paired with a curated wine list that honors the restaurant's namesake.
• Maruzzella — Italian · rated 4.4/5: Maruzzella captures the spirited heart of a Neapolitan kitchen, where the warmth of a wood-fired oven meets the lively hum of a neighborhood gathering spot. Hand-stretched pizzas emerge from the flames with perfectly charred crusts, while bowls of silky, house-made pasta carry the vibrant flavors of sun-ripened tomatoes and fragrant basil. Every meal feels like a spirited celebration of tradition, inviting guests to linger over glasses of crisp Italian wine and the simple, soulful joy of a shared feast.
• Saba's Pizza — Italian · rated 4.3/5: Saba’s Pizza serves as a flour-dusted sanctuary where the air is perpetually perfumed with the intoxicating scent of toasted garlic and bubbling mozzarella. Golden, thin-crust pies emerge from the oven with a signature char, offering a satisfying crunch that gives way to layers of vibrant tomato sauce and hand-stretched cheese. It is a lively, welcoming space where the rhythmic energy of the kitchen and the warmth of a shared slice create an atmosphere of pure, unpretentious comfort.
• Caffe Buon Gusto — Italian · rated 4.3/5: This charming Italian haunt captures the spirit of a bustling Roman bistro, where the clinking of wine glasses harmonizes with the aroma of garlic-infused olive oil and toasted focaccia. Hand-stretched pastas and tender, herb-roasted meats arrive at linen-topped tables, offering a masterclass in simple, soulful flavors that transport the palate straight to the heart of the Mediterranean. It is a place where time slows down, encouraging long, laughter-filled evenings fueled by robust red wines and the comforting embrace of authentic hospitality.
• Giacomo's Pizza — Italian · rated 4.3/5: The air at Giacomo's Pizza is a heady perfume of toasted yeast and roasted garlic, drawing guests into a vibrant space where the rhythmic toss of hand-stretched dough sets the tempo for the evening. Each pie emerges from the glowing oven with a perfectly blistered crust and a molten layer of artisanal cheeses, offering a soulful taste of Italy that transforms a simple meal into a spirited celebration of tradition and flavor.
• Patsy's Pizzeria — Italian · rated 4.1/5: Step into a timeless slice of New York history where the smoky perfume of coal-fired ovens mingles with the sweet scent of simmering San Marzano tomatoes. Paper-thin crusts emerge from the flames with a signature blistered char, providing a crisp foundation for pools of molten mozzarella and fragrant, hand-torn basil. The bustling, old-school atmosphere hums with the warmth of a neighborhood institution, inviting guests to savor the simple, soul-satisfying artistry of a legendary pie.
• La Mia Pizza — Italian · rated 4/5: The air at La Mia Pizza hums with the warmth of a roaring wood-fired oven, where hand-stretched dough transforms into charred, blistered masterpieces under the watchful eye of passionate pizzaiolos. Each slice offers a harmonious balance of tangy tomato sauce, fragrant basil, and molten cheese, inviting diners to linger over a glass of red in a space that feels like a spirited neighborhood gathering in the heart of Naples.
• Grace's Marketplace — Italian · rated 4/5: This bustling culinary destination blends the charm of an artisanal market with the polished comfort of a neighborhood bistro, inviting guests into a space filled with the enticing aromas of toasted brioche and savory herbs. The kitchen masterfully balances rustic comfort and modern elegance, serving everything from vibrant, citrus-kissed sea bass crudo to hearty steak and eggs that satisfy the soul. Whether lingering over a smoked salmon board in the morning light or sharing crispy sesame cauliflower and creamy burrata by evening, every visit feels like a curated celebration of fresh, seasonal flavors.
• Ottomanelli Bros. — Steakhouse · rated 4/5: Stepping into this neighborhood landmark feels like a warm embrace, where the air is thick with the aroma of slow-simmered marinara and the inviting sizzle of a bustling kitchen. Golden-baked eggplant parmesan and velvety penne ala vodka anchor a menu rooted in Italian-American tradition, offering a soulful dining experience that honors the art of the perfect pasta. Every plate, from delicate pillows of cheese ravioli to hearty ribbons of linguine, is elevated by a legacy of craftsmanship and the rich, savory depth of their signature sauces.
• Pavin — Italian · rated 4/5: Stepping into Pavin feels like entering a refined sanctuary where the comforting aromas of simmering bolognese and toasted pistachios drift through a sophisticated, inviting space. The kitchen transforms artisanal ingredients into soul-warming masterpieces, from the velvety richness of gorgonzola-infused risotto to the delicate, briny elegance of linguine tossed in white wine. Each plate is a celebration of texture and tradition, inviting guests to linger over vibrant salads and perfectly al dente pastas for a truly elevated Italian dining experience.
• Milano Market — Italian · rated 4/5: This bustling gourmet hub captures the vibrant spirit of a classic Italian larder, where the air is rich with the aroma of artisanal cheeses and freshly sliced cured meats. Sun-drenched platters of creamy mozzarella and vine-ripened tomatoes sit alongside golden, crispy arancina and savory potato croquettes, offering an abundant feast that transitions seamlessly from morning smoked salmon spreads to sophisticated evening antipasto. Every corner of the market invites discovery, blending the charm of a neighborhood deli with a curated selection of Mediterranean flavors designed for communal celebration.
• L'Osteria — Italian: L’Osteria captures the spirited essence of a Mediterranean escape, where the air is thick with the scent of charred seafood and the convivial hum of shared plates. Crispy golden fritto misto and velvety burrata take center stage alongside savory, slow-simmered meatballs and vibrant roasted beets that celebrate the season’s bounty. From the salty crunch of prosciutto-topped crostini to the smoky char of grilled shrimp, every bite invites guests to linger in a setting that feels like a warm, rustic home away from home.