Best Family Friendly Italian Restaurants in East Village (10003)
7 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
East Village Pizza
High-volume, decades-old slice shop that stays sharp after midnight.
Notable Picks
8.7
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A long-running East Village slice counter known for reliably crisp, thin New York–style pies at truly late hours. The cheese and pepperoni staples hit the sweet spot of salty, stretchy, and lightly charred, and the shop keeps quality steady even deep into the night. Since 1997, it’s been a default post-bar stop for the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Cheese Slice, Pepperoni Slice, White Pie Slice
What makes it special: High-volume, decades-old slice shop that stays sharp after midnight.
8.4
A century-old red-sauce standby where big portions of Italian-American classics keep multigenerational tables happy. The cozy, old-school room and broad menu (including vegan versions) make it easy for families to find crowd-pleasers.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baked lasagna, Chicken parmigiana, Meatballs with ricotta
What makes it special: A legacy red-sauce spot where lasagna stays true to form.
8.3
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Comfort Food Classics
Late Night Legends
A lively neighborhood trattoria with a wood-oven pizza focus and pasta that skew simple and satisfying. The energetic dining room and shareable plates work well for families and bigger kid-friendly groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mezze rigatoni ragu with meatballs, Pizza Norcina, Homemade tiramisu
What makes it special: A boisterous, affordable private-dining pick for classic Italian comfort.
8.3
A candlelit East Village favorite with a strong wine program and comforting, well-executed pastas. While it feels date-nighty later on, early seatings are relaxed and welcoming for families who want a more traditional trattoria dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spaghetti Carbonara, Penne Arrabbiata, Tiramisu
What makes it special: Old-school trattoria energy with dependable classic pastas.
#5
Cacio e Pepe
8.2
A Roman-leaning spot best known for housemade pastas and the tableside cacio e pepe toss. The bright garden seating and approachable menu make it a solid family option for a slightly nicer East Village meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe, Spaghetti Carbonara, Lasagna alla Bolognese
What makes it special: Tableside pecorino-wheel pasta adds a fun, kid-friendly wow factor.
A historic Italian pastry café that’s been an East Village staple since the 1890s, with a massive dessert case that delights kids and adults alike. Great for an after-dinner stop or weekend treat run with family.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic ricotta cannoli, Rainbow cookies, New York-style cheesecake
What makes it special: Serving the East Village since 1894 with a vast Italian pastry canon.
Worthy Picks
7.8
A tiny BYOB storefront known for straightforward pasta and parm-style comfort dishes in a homey room. It’s best for families with calm kids who enjoy a quiet, neighborhood feel rather than a loud scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Parmigiana, Homemade Lasagna, Cannoli
What makes it special: A BYOB, apartment-cozy setup with reliable home-style Italian.