Best Italian Restaurants in East Village (10003)
7 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
Ribalta
Deeply traditional Neapolitan pizza from a long-running specialist team.
Notable Picks
#1
Ribalta
8.6
A Neapolitan-focused pizzeria with a big, lively dining room and a dough program led by veterans of NYC’s Neapolitan scene. The cornicione is airy and char-kissed, and the kitchen keeps pasta and antipasti at a reliably high level for groups or pre-theater dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita Verace, Diavola Pizza, Calamari & Fritto Misto
What makes it special: Deeply traditional Neapolitan pizza from a long-running specialist team.
8.5
A cash-only East Village trattoria with a cozy, brick-lined room and a serious wine list. Pastas lean classic and hearty, and the kitchen’s red-sauce comfort hits best in colder months.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spaghetti Carbonara, Penne Arrabbiata, Tiramisu
What makes it special: Old-school trattoria energy with dependable classic pastas.
#3
Gemma
8.4
A perennial Bowery/East Village favorite for wood-fired Italian plates and a bustling brunch-to-late-night flow. The menu runs from airy pizzas to clean seafood pastas, with a polished-but-not-stuffy dining room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prosciutto Pizza, Chitarra Cacio e Pepe, Grilled Branzino
What makes it special: All-day Italian hangout with strong wood-fired pizza and pasta.
#4
Carlotto
8.3
A chic, modern trattoria with a lively open-kitchen feel and a menu that leans Southern Italian-American. Pastas are refined rather than rustic, and the room plays well for celebratory dinners without going full white-tablecloth.
Must-Try Dishes:
King Crab Risotto, Beef Carpaccio with Truffle Aioli, Housemade Pasta of the Day
What makes it special: Michelin-recognized newcomer with elevated Southern Italian flavors.
An all-day Italian cafe-restaurant that shifts smoothly from espresso and pastries to pasta and wine. The cooking stays straightforward—think Roman-style comfort with a reliable aperitivo scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bucatini Cacio e Pepe, Polpettine Meatballs, Seasonal Focaccia
What makes it special: Day-to-night Italian cafe with a deep wine-and-aperitivo bench.
#6
Vallata
8.1
Tom Colicchio’s neighborhood trattoria near Union Square emphasizes polished classics and hand-made pastas. It’s a smaller, calmer room than many Gramercy peers, best for a focused pasta-and-wine dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Paccheri with Fennel Sausage & Broccoli Rabe, Veal & Ricotta Meatballs, Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
What makes it special: Celebrity-chef trattoria with a tight, pasta-forward menu.
Worthy Picks
#7
Panineria
7.7
A compact panini counter turning out Italian sandwiches on crusty bread with imported meats and cheeses. The menu is focused and fast, ideal for a lunch recharge rather than a linger-long meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Olga Panino (Prosciutto Cotto & Mozzarella), Chicken Parm Panino, Torre del Greco Panino
What makes it special: Straightforward Italian panini shop with high-quality imports.