John's of 12th Street – Italian
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.
302 East 12th Street +1-212-475-9531 https://www.johnsof12thstreet.com/Rating: 4.4/5 (1292 reviews)
Cuisine: Italian
Price range: $$
Dietary options: dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, high-protein, keto, low-carb, nut-free, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-fat, low-sodium, mediterranean, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, atkins, dash-sodium-reduced, gerd, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, south-beach, aip, alkaline, carnivore, low-fodmap, renal, tlc, volumetrics, zone, lectin-free, macrobiotic, slow-carb, sesame-free, soy-free
What to order at John's of 12th Street
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| John's Special Chicken alla Rosa | 9.1 g | 56.4 g |
| Shrimp Fra Diavolo | 73.1 g | 53.4 g |
| Veal Scallopina al Limone with Spaghetti | 14 g | 44.3 g |
| Veal Cutlet Parmigiana with Spaghetti | 32.9 g | 40.2 g |
| John's Special Chicken Arreganata | 6.1 g | 38.8 g |
| Chicken al Limone with Spaghetti | 11.5 g | 38.8 g |
| Sausages Broiled with Peppers | 10.3 g | 36.6 g |
| Penne Broccoli Rabe | 5.2 g | 34.9 g |
| Prosciutto & Melon | 1.3 g | 28.7 g |
| Roasted Peppers & Anchovies | 4.6 g | 27.8 g |
| Avocado Bruschetta | 47.8 g | 27.5 g |
| House Special Salad | 19.8 g | 23.6 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
Currently closed
Hours
- Monday - Sunday
- 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
What diners are saying
Celebrated as a classic NYC destination, diners rave about the massive portions and "elite" Chicken
Menu
Cold Appetizers
- Avocado Bruschetta - $14.95 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Anti-Inflammatory, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol
- Roasted Peppers & Anchovies - $14.95 Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Halal, Pescatarian, Atkins, South-Beach, Alkaline, Slow-Carb
- Mozzarella, Basil & Tomatoes - $16.95 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC
- Roasted Peppers & Mozzarella - $16.95 Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC
- Prosciutto & Melon - $16.95 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Atkins, South-Beach, Low-Fodmap, Carnivore, AIP, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free, Sesame Free
- Burrata - $17.95 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC
Hot Appetizers
- Stuffed Mushrooms - $14.95 Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian
- Fried Calamari - $16.95 Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, Carnivore, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Renal, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
- Baked Clams Arreganata - $16.95 Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, Carnivore, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Renal, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
- Grilled Portobello Mushroom - $16.95 Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Renal, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
- Spedino Mozzarella Romana - $18.95 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC
- Polpetto di Vitello (Veal Meatballs) - $22.95: Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives
Pasta
Gluten-Free or Whole Wheat pasta for additional $2
- Butter Sauce - $11.95 Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, South-Beach
- Tomato Sauce - $13.95 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Anti-Inflammatory
- Marinara - $14.95 Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC, Renal, Slow-Carb
- Mushroom Sauce - $16.95 Dietary tags: Anti-Inflammatory
- Meat Sauce - $19.95
- Homemade Manicotti - $19.95 Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, Carnivore, TLC, AIP, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
- Garlic, Oil & Anchovies - $19.95 Dietary tags: Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal
- Fettuccini Alfredo - $22.95 Dietary tags: Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, AIP, Renal, Lectin-Free
- Penne Broccoli Rabe - $22.95 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Penne alla Vodka - $23.95
- Carbonara - $24.95
- Spaghetti with Meatballs - $24.95 Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC, Renal
- Add Sausage - $6: Addition to pasta Dietary tags: High-Protein
- Add Chicken - $8: Addition to pasta Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, Macrobiotic
- Add Shrimp - $9: Addition to pasta Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Macrobiotic
Soups
- Pasta Fagioli - $12.95 Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Halal, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
- Minestrone Milanese - $12.95 Dietary tags: AIP, Lectin-Free
Seafood
- Fried Calamari - $25.95 Dietary tags: AIP, Lectin-Free
- Calamari Marinara - $26.95: over linguini Dietary tags: Halal, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Low-Sodium, High-Fiber, Alkaline, AIP, Lectin-Free
- White or Red Clam Sauce - $27.95: over linguini Dietary tags: Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, Alkaline, AIP, Lectin-Free, Soy Free
- Branzino - $31.95 Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Renal, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free
- Shrimp Fra Diavolo - $31.95 Dietary tags: Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, High-Fiber, Alkaline, AIP, Lectin-Free, Soy Free
- Shrimp Scampi - $32.95 Dietary tags: Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC
- Shrimp Parmigiana - $32.95 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC
- Shrimp & Calamari Marinara - $33.95: over linguini Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics
Vegetables
- Escarole Sautéed with Garlic & Oil - $10.95 Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, Carnivore, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Renal, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free, Sesame Free
- Fresh Mushrooms Sautéed with Garlic & Oil - $11.95 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, Carnivore, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Renal, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free, Sesame Free
- Broccoli Rabe Sautéed with Garlic & Oil - $12.95 Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Renal, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free
- GARLIC BREAD (per order) - $5 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC
Specialties of the House
- Chicken Parmigiana with Spaghetti - $27.95
- Eggplant alla Parmigiana - $27.95 Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC
- Rollatina of Eggplant Parmigiana - $27.95 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory
- Sausages Broiled with Peppers - $27.95 Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Halal, Dairy-Free, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC, Renal, Slow-Carb
- Sausages Parmigiana with Spaghetti - $27.95 Dietary tags: Halal, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Volumetrics
- Baked Homemade Lasagna - $27.95 Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory
- John's Special Chicken Arreganata - $29.95 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, Low-Fodmap, Carnivore, TLC, AIP, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free, Sesame Free
- Chicken al Limone with Spaghetti - $29.95 Dietary tags: Halal, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal
- John's Special Chicken alla Rosa - $32.95 Dietary tags: Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, AIP, Renal, Lectin-Free, Soy Free
- Polla Mimosa - $32.95: Chicken d'Ore with Prosciutto & Mozzarella Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Macrobiotic
- Tuscan Ragu over Homemade Pappardelle - $34.95: Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC
- Veal Cutlet Parmigiana with Spaghetti - $34.95 Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, High-Fiber
- Veal Scallopina al Limone with Spaghetti - $34.95 Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC, Renal
- Saltimbocca alla Romana - $34.95 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Anti-Inflammatory
Salad
- Mixed Greens Salad - $12.95 Dietary tags: Halal, Dairy-Free, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Renal, Soy Free
- Arugula - $13.95 Dietary tags: Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, High-Fiber, Soy Free
- House Special Salad - $21.95 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Macrobiotic, Soy Free
- Add Sausage - $6: Addition to salad Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC
- Add Grilled Chicken - $8: Addition to salad Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Add Shrimp - $9: Addition to salad Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, High-Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions about John's of 12th Street
- What are the standout dishes based on the menu?
- Standout dishes include "elite" Chicken, Chicken al Limone with Spaghetti, Avocado Bruschetta, Burrata, and Eggplant alla Parmigiana.
- Is this restaurant currently open and operational?
- John's of 12th Street is an operational Italian restaurant with an active website and reviews praising its classic Italian-American comfort food.
- How extensive is this restaurant's menu selection?
- The menu features an extensive selection of 40 diet categories, including vegan and keto options like Avocado Bruschetta and Chicken al Limone.
- Does this restaurant offer good ambiance?
- This 4.4/5 rated landmark provides a historic 1908 ambiance featuring flickering candles, wax-encrusted bottles, mosaic-tiled floors, and vintage murals.
- What makes this restaurant unique or special?
- This 1908 East Village landmark features vintage murals while bridging old-world Italian tradition with soulful vegan innovation and massive portions.
- What type of diner would most enjoy this restaurant?
- Diners seeking classic Italian-American comfort food, massive portions, and extensive dietary options like vegan and keto would enjoy this 4.4/5 rated restaurant.
- What do customers love most about this restaurant according to reviews?
- Diners rave about the massive portions and "elite" chicken at this classic NYC destination, which holds a 4.4/5 rating.
- What is the price range at this restaurant?
- The price range at John's of 12th Street is categorized as moderate ($$) for its Italian comfort food menu.
- How does this restaurant compare to others in the same cuisine type?
- Compared to other Italian restaurants, this 4.4/5 rated landmark offers massive portions, "elite" chicken, and soulful vegan innovation.
- What percentage of this menu works for vegan, keto, gluten-free, or low-carb diets?
- Vegan options include Avocado Bruschetta; keto, gluten-free, and low-carb dishes include Roasted Peppers & Anchovies, Burrata, and Prosciutto & Melon.
- What is the highest-protein dish at John's of 12th Street?
- John's Special Chicken alla Rosa, at roughly 56.4g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
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