Best Upscale Pasta in East Village | Top 1 Upscale Spots

14 restaurants in Best Upscale Pasta in East Village | Top 1 Upscale Spots

• 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.
• Spaghetti Incident — Italian · rated 4.5/5: This spirited neighborhood haunt invites guests into a world of twirling forks and steam-fogged windows, where the comforting aroma of bubbling marinara and sharp pecorino fills the air. Hand-crafted pastas are tossed with bold, rustic flavors and served in generous portions that celebrate the messy, soul-warming joy of traditional Italian cooking. It is a vibrantly alive sanctuary, where the clatter of plates and
• 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.
• Lil' Frankies — Italian · rated 4.3/5: This boisterous East Village hideaway pulses with a vintage energy, where the crackle of a wood-burning oven and a soulful soundtrack set the stage for long, candlelit nights. Guests crowd around rustic tables to savor blistered Neapolitan pies and the legendary brightness of lemon pasta, all served with an unpretentious flair that captures the effortless charm of a Roman trattoria. It is a spirited sanctuary where the wine flows freely and the atmosphere hums with the vibrant, communal joy of a true neighborhood institution.
• Frank's Trattoria — Italian · rated 3/5: Frank’s Trattoria invites guests into a lively, sun-drenched space where the comforting aroma of garlic and simmering seafood wafts from the kitchen to greet every arrival. Golden, crispy calamari and steaming bowls of mussels in rich marinara sauce anchor a menu of timeless Italian classics, perfectly complemented by vibrant, garden-fresh salads and savory antipasto platters. It is a neighborhood sanctuary where the clinking of wine glasses and the warmth of traditional hospitality turn a simple meal into a spirited family feast.
• Supper — American: Supper captures the soulful essence of a shared evening meal, where the warm glow of the dining room sets the stage for a menu rich with rustic, Italian-inspired flavors. Earthy wild mushrooms crown golden rounds of grilled polenta and delicate branzino simmers in a vibrant Livornese sauce, while crisp greens and creamy burrata offer a fresh counterpoint to the kitchen’s signature golden-fried veal. Every plate, from the unexpected crunch of black salt on a Caesar salad to the rich indulgence of asparagus parmigiana topped with a perfectly runny egg, celebrates the art of simple, beautifully executed comfort food.
• Bar Primi — Italian: This spirited corner destination radiates a rustic-chic energy, where the air is thick with the aroma of garlic-scented hot knots and smoky grilled artichokes. Vibrant, seasonal plates like jewel-toned garden beets and creamy burrata pockets invite communal feasting, creating a lively atmosphere where traditional Italian soul meets a modern, vegetable-forward flair.
• 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.
• Tre — Italian: Tre captures the spirited essence of a modern Italian enoteca, where the warm glow of the dining room sets the stage for a communal feast of vibrant small plates and rustic classics. The table comes alive with the aroma of earthy truffle fries and tender meatballs, while the simple joy of scarpetta—swiping charred, crusty bread through savory sauces—invites guests to linger and savor every last drop.
• Spaghetti Incident — Italian: This lively neighborhood haunt hums with a spirited energy, drawing guests in with the irresistible aroma of slow-simmered meatballs and the golden, crispy allure of hand-crafted arancini. The experience celebrates the joy of the shared table, where velvety burrata and vibrant beet salads meet the satisfying crunch of fried calamari in an atmosphere that feels both nostalgically rustic and effortlessly cool.
• 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.