Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in East Village | Upscale Italian Food

30 restaurants in Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in East Village | Upscale Italian Food

• Gnocco — Italian · rated 5/5: Sunlight streams into this lively haunt where the aroma of bubbling Margherita pizzas and savory truffle fries sets the stage for boisterous bottomless brunches and spirited happy hours. Guests linger over plates of tender handmade tagliatelle and golden arancini, pairing each bite with a signature cocktail in an atmosphere that balances rustic charm with a modern, social pulse.
• Pizzazz — Italian · rated 5/5: Welcome to Pizzazz, nestled in the heart of Union Square, New York. This highly-rated takeout gem offers a delightful selection of Neapolitan-style pizzas crafted with top-tier ingredients. Open daily from 11 AM to 8 PM, Pizzazz prides itself on its friendly staff and vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy their perfectly balanced flavors and airy dough at 38 Union Square E. Credit cards are accepted for your convenience. Bon Appetit!
• Uncle Sam's Pizza — Italian · rated 4.9/5: Uncle Sam’s Pizza serves as a warm neighborhood anchor where the comforting aroma of garlic and toasted dough fills a space buzzing with local energy. Golden, blistered crusts emerge from the oven topped with vibrant sauces and molten cheese, offering a soulful taste of Italian tradition that turns every meal into a festive community gathering.
• Fortuna — Italian · rated 4.9/5: Fortuna captures the soulful essence of Italy in a space where warm, honeyed lighting and the hum of spirited conversation create an atmosphere of effortless elegance. Hand-rolled pastas and sun-ripened ingredients take center stage, delivering a parade of bold, rustic flavors that feel both deeply nostalgic and refreshingly modern. Every meal unfolds as a leisurely celebration, where the clink of crystal and the aroma of slow-simmered ragu invite diners to linger long after the last drop of wine is poured.
• Two Perrys — American · rated 4.9/5: Nestled in Alphabet City, Two Perrys is a laid-back mini-tavern offering an array of expertly crafted cocktails, pub fare, and enticing happy hour specials. With a cozy and harmonious atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot for enjoying pizza, anchovy stuffed olives, and boquerones. Whether you're craving a beer, wine, or an espresso martini, the great staff ensures a delightful experience every time.
• Mama Pearls Kitchen — American · rated 4.9/5: Nestled in the heart of Harlem at 2181 Madison Ave, Mama Pearls Kitchen offers a delightful culinary journey through vegan cuisine. Led by renowned chef Stephanie St. Clair, this vegan establishment boasts a stellar 4.9 rating from 16 reviews. With dishes like vegan oxtails, creamy mac and cheese, and vibrant Rasta pasta, every meal showcases Stephanie's passion and innovation. Perfect for families, and with options for curbside pickup and delivery, Mama Pearls Kitchen is a must-visit for delicious, healthy, and soulfully prepared food.
• Maretta — Italian · rated 4.8/5: Maretta transports guests to a sun-drenched Italian escape, where the scent of fresh lemon and sea salt drifts through a bright, airy space designed for lingering over shared plates. Hand-rolled pastas and coastal-inspired dishes celebrate the vibrant simplicity of the Mediterranean, paired with crisp wines that evoke the effortless elegance of a seaside afternoon.
• Lil Frankie’s Grocery — Italian · rated 4.8/5: This sun-drenched East Village corner hums with the vibrant energy of a classic Roman alimentari, where the intoxicating scent of freshly baked focaccia and sharp provolone fills the air. Guests linger over overstuffed sandwiches and velvety espressos at marble counters, surrounded by floor-to-ceiling shelves brimming with artisanal oils, cured meats, and hand-pressed pastas. It is a rustic, soulful sanctuary that transforms a simple neighborhood stop into a sensory celebration of Italian heritage and old-world charm.
• Figlia — Italian · rated 4.8/5: Nestled in the heart of Queens at 23-02 31st St, Figlia is a delightful Neo-Neapolitan pizzeria serving up housemade pasta and delicious antipasti, complemented by an array of wines and cocktails. Its friendly and welcoming atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for a date night or a casual dinner with friends. With outdoor seating and takeout options available, Figlia offers something special for everyone. Rated 4.8 stars by over 134 patrons, it’s truly a hidden gem in the neighborhood.
• Kōbo by Nai — Italian · rated 4.8/5: Nestled in the heart of Manhattan at 202 Avenue A, Kōbo by Nai is a Mediterranean restaurant that offers an exquisite dining experience with a glowing 4.8-star rating from 56 reviews. Known for its intimate ambiance perfect for date nights, it serves delightful tapas-style dishes alongside a curated selection of wines and cocktails. Accepting both credit and debit cards, Kōbo by Nai ensures a seamless and elegant evening out.
• Chef Cozzolino — Italian · rated 4.8/5: Chef Cozzolino, located at 48 E 12th St, New York, offers a delightful Italian dining experience, featuring a diverse menu that caters to all tastes, including vegetarian options and a special children's menu. With an impressive 4.8 rating from 50 reviews, the restaurant promises top-notch food and service. Enjoy outdoor seating, a comprehensive drink menu, and indulgent desserts. Reservations, takeout, and delivery are available. Open daily from 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM.
• Unregular Pizza — Italian · rated 4.8/5: Located at 135 4th Ave, New York, Unregular Pizza offers a delightful selection of Roman-style, square-shaped pizzas in a laid-back setting. Highly rated with a 4.8-star average from over 1,100 reviews, this cheerful, neon-lit venue specializes in both traditional and nontraditional pizza flavors. Vegan options are available, and they accept various payment methods. With outdoor seating and takeout options, Unregular Pizza is perfect for a casual and enjoyable meal.
• The Oven’s Slice — Italian · rated 4.8/5: 🍕 **The Oven's Slice** 🇮🇹 Located at 84 Rivington St, New York, The Oven's Slice is a go-to spot for pizza enthusiasts. With a stellar rating of 4.8 based on 54 reviews, it specializes in mouthwatering slices, curbside pickup, and delivery. Enjoy outdoor seating, a family-friendly atmosphere, and a variety of payment options. Open daily from 11 AM, it's perfect for a late-night bite. 📞 (646) 368-1713 🌍 [The Oven's Slice on Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=13539742000485216623) 🌐 [Visit Website](http://theovensslice.com/)
• Jose Luis Mediterranean Cuisine — Mediterranean · rated 4.8/5: Located at 186 Avenue B in New York, Jose Luis Mediterranean Cuisine offers a flavorful blend of Spanish and Italian dishes in a cozy, casual setting. With its inviting back patio, it’s perfect for both intimate dinners and group gatherings. Rated 4.8 with 585 reviews, this spot serves wine, coffee, and delightful desserts. Enjoy tapas, delicious paellas, and pasta, all while benefiting from easy payment options and a family-friendly atmosphere.
• Pizza Loves Sauce — Italian · rated 4.8/5: Located at 147 E Houston St in New York, Pizza Loves Sauce is a New York-style pizzeria celebrated for its unique tie-dye pies. With a stellar rating of 4.8 from 449 reviews, this cozy spot offers a variety of delicious options including garlic knots, chicken rolls, and their famous spicy vodka chicken cutlet sandwich. The restaurant is family-friendly and provides curbside pickup, takeout, and delivery services. Open daily from noon till late, Pizza Loves Sauce is a must-visit for pizza enthusiasts.
• Mille Nonne — Italian · rated 4.8/5: Nestled within Essex Market on the Lower East Side, Mille Nonne is a cozy Italian gem, celebrated for its homemade dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. With a focus on healthy and sustainable cuisine, their menu offers a delightful array of options, including lasagna, gnocchi, and vegan pesto, complemented by delicious desserts like chocolate pudding. Diners appreciate the warm atmosphere, kind staff, and reasonable prices ranging from $10 to $20. Whether you're looking for a hearty meal or a vegan-friendly treat, Mille Nonne is a must-visit destination.
• Giano — Italian · rated 4.7/5: Giano welcomes guests into an intimate, brick-lined sanctuary where the soft glow of candlelight and the intoxicating aroma of slow-simmered sauces evoke the spirit of a hidden Roman trattoria. The kitchen masterfully balances rustic tradition with contemporary elegance, crafting velvety handmade pastas and vibrant seasonal plates that celebrate the rich heritage of Italian soul food. Tucked away from the city’s bustle, this soulful retreat offers a timeless experience where every shared plate and glass of wine feels like a warm, heartfelt embrace.
• Taverna Di Bacco — Italian · rated 4.7/5: Taverna Di Bacco transports guests to a candlelit sanctuary of old-world charm, where the air is rich with the heady perfume of simmering sauces and freshly baked focaccia. Silken ribbons of hand-rolled pasta and robust, wine-braised meats take center stage, inviting diners to lose themselves in a leisurely celebration of authentic Italian flavors and spirited hospitality.
• Soda Club — Italian · rated 4.7/5: Bathed in the warm, moody glow of a retro-glam wine bar, Soda Club invites guests into a world of plush velvet and spirited conversation where the art of the Italian aperitivo is celebrated. The kitchen turns out vibrant, plant-based pastas that sing with seasonal freshness, perfectly paired with a curated selection of natural wines that flow as easily as the evening’s laughter. It is a sophisticated yet soulful sanctuary where traditional flavors are reimagined with a modern, conscious flair.
• Fossetta — Italian · rated 4.7/5: Fossetta unfolds as a rustic-chic sanctuary where the aroma of toasted focaccia and the rhythmic clink of wine glasses create an effortlessly vibrant neighborhood pulse. Silken ribbons of house-made pasta and charred, seasonal small plates celebrate the honest beauty of Italian ingredients, offering a soulful dining experience that feels like a warm, candlelit embrace.
• Appas Pizza — Italian · rated 4.7/5: Nestled in the heart of the East Village, Appas Pizza offers a unique twist on traditional pizza by blending it with Korean culinary flavors. From kimchi and bulgogi pizzas to chicken and waffle fries, the menu promises a delightful fusion dining experience. With a cozy atmosphere and attentive staff, it's a perfect spot for groups to enjoy a meal. Open daily from 11 AM to midnight, reservations are welcome. Visit Appas Pizza at 210 1st Ave., New York, or call +1 929-280-0921.
• Brodo - East Village — Italian · rated 4.7/5: Nestled in the heart of the East Village, Brodo is a trendy takeout spot specializing in healthy, quick bites to suit any palate. Offering an array of soups, including vegan and bone-broth options, it's a go-to for flavorful nourishment on the go. With vegetarian and vegan dishes, plus unique drinks like turmeric spritz, there's something for everyone. Rated 4.7 stars and priced affordably, it's a must-try!
• Ray’s Pizza Bar — Italian · rated 4.7/5: Located at 2048 Amsterdam Ave, New York, Ray’s Pizza Bar is a popular spot known for its delicious slices and inviting atmosphere. With a rating of 4.7 from 137 reviews, this pizza restaurant offers dine-in, takeout, and delivery options. Open daily from 11 AM, Ray’s Pizza Bar is family-friendly, serves desserts, and accepts credit cards. Don't miss out on their classic and creative pizza selections! For more information, visit their website or call +1 646-609-1295.
• La Citta Pizzeria — Italian · rated 4.7/5: Nestled in Midtown Manhattan's Gramercy Park neighborhood, La Citta Pizzeria is a family-friendly restaurant serving up delicious lunch and dinner options along with quick bites and desserts. With a diverse menu featuring whole pizzas, slices, cheesesteaks, and even desserts like the Oreo, there's something for everyone. Known for its clean, informal atmosphere and late-night hours, it's a local favorite for both the quality and affordability of its offerings. Visit La Citta at 162 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10003.
• Unregular Forno Pizza — Italian · rated 4.7/5: Located in Lower Manhattan, Unregular Forno Pizza is a delightful spot offering a range of comfort foods for lunch and dinner. Featuring pizza by the slice, vegan options, garlic knots, and desserts, it caters to varied tastes. The casual atmosphere is perfect for families and kids. With catering, takeout, and delivery options, convenience is a top priority. Enjoy this highly-rated (4.7) eatery with a cozy setting and friendly staff.
• Via Della Pace — Italian · rated 4.6/5: This intimate neighborhood gem transports diners to the heart of Rome, where the warm glow of candlelight and the hum of spirited conversation create a sanctuary of rustic charm. The kitchen breathes life into traditional flavors, serving up bowls of silkily sauced pasta and crisp bruschetta that pair perfectly with a lingering glass of Chianti and the timeless feeling of home.
• Risotteria Melotti — Italian · rated 4.6/5: This rustic Italian gem transports diners to the heart of Verona, where the warm glow of copper accents and the comforting aroma of slow-simmered broth create an intimate sanctuary for the senses. Velvety mounds of estate-grown Vialone Nano rice are transformed into creamy, al dente masterpieces that celebrate the soul-warming simplicity of authentic, rice-centric craftsmanship. The experience is one of quiet sophistication and rustic charm, inviting guests to savor the rich, earthy flavors of the Italian countryside in every perfectly textured bite.
• Il Posto Accanto — Italian · rated 4.6/5: This intimate neighborhood enoteca wraps guests in a warm, candlelit embrace, where the rhythmic clinking of wine glasses and the aroma of slow-simmered ragu create an atmosphere of effortless Roman charm. Rustic wooden accents and a curated wall of regional vintages set the stage for soulful, authentic plates that transform a simple meal into a lingering celebration of Italian tradition.
• Grand Street Pizza — Italian · rated 4.6/5: Located at 384 Grand St, New York, Grand Street Pizza serves up traditional New York-style pizza in an easygoing atmosphere. With offerings like pepperoni, vodka slices, and sausage, this hip venue is ideal for lunch or dinner. Enjoy your meal indoors or on the outdoor seating, paired with craft beer or wine. Loved by locals for its great music and friendly service, it's perfect for a casual hangout or watching sports.
• Biga Bite — Italian · rated 4.6/5: Discover Biga Bite, a cozy spot in NYC, renowned for its delightful Roman-style pizzas featuring light, crispy crusts and seasonal toppings. Pair your slice with a carefully curated selection of Italian wines and beers. With accessible parking, curbside pickup, and kid-friendly vibes, it's perfect for any outing. Rated 4.6 stars by over 600 patrons, this is a must-visit for true pizza aficionados.