Best Italian Restaurants in Midtown East (10017)
9 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
Il Tinello
38 years of tradition with owner Benny personally greeting every guest
Notable Picks
#1
Il Tinello
8.6
A 38-year tradition of Northern Italian excellence continues at this East Side outpost. Owner Benny Bello delivers white-glove hospitality with tableside flambéed bananas foster and complimentary grappa, making every guest feel like family.
Must-Try Dishes:
Veal Milanese, Shrimp Scampi Il Tinello, Crab Cappellini
What makes it special: 38 years of tradition with owner Benny personally greeting every guest
#2
Il Monello
8.6
Reopened in Turtle Bay after a storied history dating to 1974, this fine dining destination near the UN features Executive Chef Jaime Chabla's refined Italian seafood and steaks. The garden patio and private dining rooms host diplomats and discerning locals alike.
Must-Try Dishes:
Potato-Crusted Sea Bass, Veal Chop Milanese, Chicken Il Monello
What makes it special: 50-year legacy reborn with garden dining near the United Nations
#3
Toscana 49
8.5
Sister restaurant to Café Fiorello delivers homemade pasta made daily in-house using traditional Tuscan methods. The intimate white-tablecloth dining room and private upstairs space host devoted regulars who return for poetic recitations of daily specials.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spinach Lasagna, Spaghetti alla Chitarra e Gamberi, Pappa al Pomodoro
What makes it special: Daily handmade pasta and servers who describe specials like Italian poetry
#4
Pietros - NY
8.5
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Luxury Dining Elite
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Founded in 1932 by brothers Natale and Pietro Donini, this Italian-American steakhouse icon reopened at its new 2nd Avenue location in October 2025. The legendary coat-check lady's perfect memory and servers with 25+ year tenures define old-school NYC hospitality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Caesar Salad, Chicken Parmigiana, Porterhouse for Two
What makes it special: 93-year legacy with original recipes and multi-generational staff
8.4
Classic Italian-American fine dining in The Bernic Hotel featuring tableside preparations of Caesar salad and branzino. The 300+ wine list and flambéed desserts create an elevated experience, while host Elio ensures warm hospitality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Branzino (Tableside), Bistecca di Manzo à la Diane, Lobster Crab Meat Ravioli
What makes it special: Theatrical tableside preparations and an extensive 300+ bottle wine collection
8.4
Chef Diego Bigucci channels his grandmother Nonna Maria's Emilia-Romagna recipes after training at Alain Ducasse in Paris. Heart-shaped ravioli and what many call NYC's best lasagna draw tennis stars during US Open and devoted regulars year-round.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spinach Lasagna, Pumpkin Ravioli with Sage, Linguine con Vongole
What makes it special: Alain Ducasse-trained chef honoring grandmother's Emilia-Romagna traditions
#7
Barolo East
8.3
Handmade pasta and daily chef specials anchor this Northern Italian gem where rustic exposed brick meets white tablecloths. Late hours and an extensive bourbon selection make it a favorite for Midtown professionals unwinding after work.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gnocchi alla Gorgonzola, Fettuccine Bolognese, Seafood Spaghetti
What makes it special: Handmade pasta daily with an impressive bourbon and wine selection
8.2
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Venetian elegance meets Grand Central convenience at this spacious Northern Italian stalwart. The central brick oven produces excellent thin-crust pizzas while the 30-foot mahogany bar anchors a dependable crowd-pleasing menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pappardelle with Lamb Ragù, Speck Pizza, Polenta with Meatballs
What makes it special: Spacious Venetian-inspired setting steps from Grand Central
Worthy Picks
7.6
A neighborhood institution delivering consistent NY-style pizza and Italian-American classics at honest prices. The Eggplant Rollatini Pizza is a local sleeper hit, and the kitchen stays open late for Midtown's night owls.
Must-Try Dishes:
Eggplant Rollatini Pizza, Garlic Knots, Chicken Parmigiana Hero
What makes it special: Reliable neighborhood slice shop with late hours and fast delivery