Best Italian Restaurants in Midtown East (10022)
10 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
Santi
Six-time Michelin-starred Chef Michael White's flagship return to Manhattan with handmade pasta perfection
Notable Picks
#1
Santi
8.9
Chef Michael White's triumphant return to NYC brings six Michelin stars of pedigree to this sophisticated Midtown destination. The handmade pastas showcase White's mastery of Emilia-Romagna techniques, with the garganelli and tortellini earning particular acclaim from serious Italian food devotees.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tri-Colored Garganelli with Scallops, Orecchiette with Blue Crab and Uni, Delizie al Limone
What makes it special: Six-time Michelin-starred Chef Michael White's flagship return to Manhattan with handmade pasta perfection
8.5
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
A Midtown power-lunch institution since 1993, this Scotto family-run establishment blends celebrity appeal with genuine Italian-American comfort. The rigatoni bolognese and Mama Scotto's meatballs have earned cult status among NBC executives and Wall Street dealmakers who fill the dining room daily.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mama Scotto's Meatballs, Rigatoni Bolognese, Homemade Ricotta Cheesecake
What makes it special: Scotto family hospitality since 1993 with genuine celebrity clientele and NBC commissary reputation
8.4
Nestled in the Kimberly Hotel lobby, this modern Italian destination has earned devotion from the gluten-free community with its dedicated allergen-free kitchen. Beyond dietary accommodations, the wood-fired flatbreads and homemade pastas deliver genuine Italian flavors in a cozy, candlelit setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Butternut Squash Ravioli, Fig and Speck Pizza, Squid Ink Lobster Ravioli
What makes it special: Dedicated gluten-free kitchen preparing entire menu safely for celiac guests
8.3
This bright, farm-to-table Italian spot emphasizes whole-grain housemade pastas and seasonal produce in a sun-filled space. The rigatoni vodka has achieved near-legendary status among Midtown office workers, while the aperitivo hour draws a sophisticated post-work crowd.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rigatoni Vodka, Tagliatelle Bolognese, Burrata with Ramp Pesto
What makes it special: Farm-to-table approach with whole-grain housemade pastas and seasonal Italian wines
8.2
This intimate Turtle Bay wine bar captures the essence of a rustic Italian countryside retreat with exposed brick and chandeliers. The handmade pizzas with bolognese burrata topping and Mike's hot honey have developed a devoted following among neighborhood regulars since 2009.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bolognese Burrata Pizza, Mike's Hot Honey Pizza, Homemade Meatballs
What makes it special: Cozy wine bar atmosphere with authentic Italian wines and handmade pizzas since 2009
#6
Da Raffaele
8.1
Owner-chef Raffaele brings genuine Southern Italian warmth to this intimate Turtle Bay gem, where regulars are greeted by name and specials change daily. The grilled octopus with eggplant puree and handmade pastas reflect decades of culinary experience including cooking for Frank Sinatra.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled Octopus with Eggplant Puree, Linguine with Baby Octopus, Veal Milanese
What makes it special: Owner-chef Raffaele's personal hospitality and Southern Italian cooking legacy
8.0
The beloved West Village institution brings its farm-to-table Italian approach to corporate Midtown with housemade pastas and produce from their rooftop garden. The Neapolitan pizzas and La Sagra prix-fixe dinner offer accessible seasonal Italian dining steps from Grand Central.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rigatoni Arrabbiata, Soppressata Pizza with Hot Honey, Pappardelle Verde
What makes it special: Farm-to-table Italian with rooftop garden ingredients from flagship West Village location
Worthy Picks
7.9
Milan Licul's 40-year-old nameplate returns to Manhattan with refined Venetian cuisine featuring fresh seafood and handmade pastas. The elegant amber lighting and Murano glass accents transport diners to Northern Italy's lagoon country while Executive Chef Cesar Dutan blends French techniques with Italian tradition.
Must-Try Dishes:
Saffron Risotto with Bone Marrow, Grilled Octopus, Pappardelle with Wild Boar Ragu
What makes it special: Revival of legendary 1980s nameplate with Venetian-inspired cuisine and elegant glass accents
This women-owned trattoria offers fresh housemade pasta and curated Italian wines in a cozy upper-level space between 2nd and 3rd Avenues. The intimate setting proves ideal for business lunches and casual date nights, with daily happy hour featuring $12 spritzes drawing neighborhood regulars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cacio e Pepe, Quattro Formaggi Pasta, Nutella Tiramisu
What makes it special: Women-owned neighborhood trattoria with fresh housemade pasta and accessible pricing
#10
La Cava
7.5
This rustic wine bar has anchored Midtown East since 2010 with an inviting blend of Old World and California wines alongside Italian small plates. The happy hour deals and bottomless brunch make it a neighborhood favorite for casual gatherings and date nights alike.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prosciutto Burrata, Salmon Tartare, Vodka Pasta
What makes it special: Neighborhood wine bar since 2010 with exceptional happy hour and bottomless brunch