Best Italian Restaurants in Garment District (10018)
12 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
Ai Fiori
Michelin-recognized Riviera cuisine with Wine Spectator Grand Award wine program
Essential Picks
#1
Ai Fiori
9.1
Located within the Langham Hotel, this Michelin-recognized destination from Chef Michael White delivers refined French-Italian Riviera cuisine with impeccable execution. Handmade pastas and a Wine Spectator Grand Award-winning list of over 1,000 selections elevate the experience, while the elegant dining room with Fifth Avenue views sets the stage for special occasions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sagne Pasta with Braised Rabbit, Hiramasa Crudo, Risotto ai Funghi
What makes it special: Michelin-recognized Riviera cuisine with Wine Spectator Grand Award wine program
Notable Picks
8.8
A Hell's Kitchen stalwart since 2004, owner Antonino Pecora has built a devoted following with house-made pastas, exceptional seafood, and the signature Insalata Gelato featuring tomato gelato. The intimate three-room setting with full bar creates a genuine Italian trattoria atmosphere just blocks from Broadway.
Must-Try Dishes:
Insalata Gelato, Lobster Ravioli, Lamb Chops
What makes it special: Signature tomato gelato salad and 20+ years of consistent quality
#3
Tavola
8.6
Chef-owner Nicola Accardi honors his Sicilian roots in the former Manganaro Grosseria Italiana space, featuring a dual-chambered wood-burning oven crafted from Mount Vesuvius volcanic clay. The NY Times-recognized menu spans Neapolitan pizzas, handmade pastas, and regional specialties from Sicily, Apulia, and Rome.
Must-Try Dishes:
Littleneck Clam Pizza, Pappardelle with Porcini Veal Ragù, Castelvetrano Olives
What makes it special: Dual wood-burning oven from Mount Vesuvius clay for authentic Neapolitan pizza
#4
Mercato
8.5
Owner Fabio Camardi recreates his hometown Taranto's Apulian cuisine in this cozy trattoria near Port Authority. Homemade pastas, daily-sourced seafood from Seabreeze, and imported regional wines create an authentic Southern Italian experience where regulars become family.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna Tradizionale, Orecchiette, Tiramisu
What makes it special: Authentic Apulian cuisine from Taranto with daily-sourced fish
8.4
This buzzing all-day Italian offers house-made pastas and wood-fired dishes steps from Bryant Park. The signature rigatoni vodka with optional burrata has earned a devoted following, while the negroni bar and aperitivo hour bring Milanese cocktail culture to Midtown.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rigatoni Vodka, Tagliatelle Bolognese, Olive Oil Cake
What makes it special: All-day dining with house-made pasta and vibrant aperitivo program
8.3
A Garment District institution since 1984, this white-tablecloth Northern Italian delivers classic dishes with uniformed waiters and old-world hospitality. The rolling dessert cart, extensive wine list, and flexible private dining spaces make it ideal for business occasions and celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tortellini Bolognese, Pollo alla Limone, Calamari Fritti
What makes it special: 40 years of white-tablecloth service with classic Northern Italian cuisine
8.2
Owners Sergio and Massimo travel annually to Sicily sourcing the finest cured meats, cheeses, and olive oils for their authentic paninoteca. House-baked bread, daily-made mozzarella, and lasagna slabs that rival Sunday dinner make this deli counter a Midtown essential.
Must-Try Dishes:
VIP Panini, Lasagna, Cannoli
What makes it special: Owner-sourced Sicilian ingredients with house-made mozzarella daily
The Durollari family brings 38 years of restaurant expertise to this stylish Hell's Kitchen spot where Roman-trained chef Andrea Cinus Napolitano crafts fresh pastas daily. The 1950s Noir-meets-1980s New York aesthetic, curated by the owners' sons from fashion brand BOND, creates an Instagram-worthy backdrop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pappardelle Bolognese, Linguine with Clams, Tiramisu
What makes it special: Rome-trained chef and fashion-forward design by BOND brand founders
8.0
Carmelo 'Pisillo' Nazzaro brought his sandwich dreams from Italy to NYC in 2008, earning Food Network recognition and winning Robert De Niro's Tribeca Film Festival sandwich contest. Freshly baked bread from a 30-year Bensonhurst bakery and imported Italian cold cuts create what many call the city's best panini.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pisillo Panini, Capri Panini, Prosciutto di Parma
What makes it special: Food Network-featured paninis with bread from legendary Bensonhurst bakery
Worthy Picks
#10
Upside Pizza
7.9
This 90s-throwback slice joint near Port Authority elevates the NYC pizza experience with naturally leavened sourdough crusts and homemade mozzarella pulled daily. Creative specialty slices like the Falcowitz with lemon-cream sauce and the Fuzzy Dunlop with pickled peppers have earned Grub Street recognition.
Must-Try Dishes:
Falcowitz Slice, Pepperoni Papi, Detroit Square Slice
What makes it special: Naturally leavened sourdough crust with daily house-made mozzarella
#11
Zeppola Bakery
7.8
This authentic Italian pasticceria brings bomboloni culture to Midtown with giant cream-filled donuts, flaky croissants, and fresh focaccia sandwiches baked throughout the day. The pistachio cream creations and signature Zeppola with Nutella have built a loyal following among locals and commuters.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pistachio Bomboloni, Zeppola with Nutella, Prosciutto Focaccia
What makes it special: Authentic Italian bomboloni and pastries baked fresh all day
#12
Casa Louie
7.7
This Hudson Yards newcomer specializes in both square and round pizzas alongside pastas under $25, with standout gluten-free options including dedicated GF pizza crust. The stylish, dog-friendly space with outdoor seating fills a needed neighborhood gap near the Javits Center.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hot Louie Pizza, Carbonara Pizza, Meatballs Marinara
What makes it special: Best gluten-free pizza options in Midtown West with outdoor dining