Best Italian Restaurants in Midtown Manhattan (10019)
9 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
Marea
Seafood-driven Italian mastery in a Michelin setting.
Essential Picks
#1
Marea
9.1
A Michelin-starred Central Park South institution specializing in coastal Italian seafood with high-gloss technique. The crudo program and house-made pastas remain the calling cards, served in a power-dining room that feels celebratory without going stuffy. Expensive, but the kitchen’s precision keeps it destination-worthy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fusilli with octopus and bone marrow, Crudo tasting, Gnocchetti with lobster
What makes it special: Seafood-driven Italian mastery in a Michelin setting.
Notable Picks
8.6
Elegant southern Italian cooking in a serene, high-ceilinged space favored by opera and theater crowds. The menu leans classic—antipasti, pastas, and carefully roasted meats—executed with consistent finesse. A reliable upscale pick when you want old-world formality without stiffness.
Must-Try Dishes:
Orecchiette with sausage and broccoli rabe, Branzino al forno, Housemade ricotta ravioli
What makes it special: Polished southern Italian classics in a grand, quiet room.
8.4
A buzzy, design-forward Italian steakhouse that’s become a Midtown fixture for big flavors and big rooms. Pastas and chops share the spotlight, with playful hits like the chicken parm pizza drawing repeat visits. Expect energy, crowding at peak times, and food that generally justifies the hype.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken parm pizza, Veal chop Milanese, Beet gnudi
What makes it special: Italian comfort meets steakhouse spectacle in a high-energy space.
#4
Felice 56
8.1
A refined Tuscan wine bar-restaurant with a warm, art-forward dining room and a crowd that skews local. Pastas and grilled mains hit the classic notes with careful sourcing, and the by-the-glass list is a real asset. Works equally well for lingering dinners or a civilized aperitivo stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pappardelle with ragù, Bistecca tagliata, Burrata with seasonal vegetables
What makes it special: Tuscan cooking anchored by a serious wine program.
8.0
A Midtown pre-theater standby that blends steakhouse heft with Italian-American comfort. Regulars praise reliably well-executed chops alongside pastas and seafood, with a polished but unpretentious dining room. Strong choice for classic, crowd-pleasing dinners near Carnegie Hall.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bone-in ribeye, Jumbo shrimp scampi, Fresh mozzarella & tomato salad
What makes it special: Italian-leaning steakhouse menu that stays dependable for years.
#6
Don Antonio
8.0
A theater-district Neapolitan spot known for wood-fired pies and excellent pizza fritta. The room is lively but focused on craft, with dough that stays light and blistered. One of the more chef-driven pizza options in the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Montanara pizza fritta, Margherita D.O.P., Prosciutto e burrata pizza
What makes it special: Neapolitan pies plus rare, well-done fried pizza.
Worthy Picks
7.9
A coal-oven Broadway pizzeria that balances quick service with sit-down comfort. The crust comes out char-kissed and sturdy enough for classic toppings or house specialties. Great for a casual pre-show meal when you want more than a slice shop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Coal-oven margherita, Meatball parm hero, Calzone with ricotta and mozzarella
What makes it special: Coal-oven pies in the heart of Broadway.
A neighborhood ristorante on 10th Avenue where red-sauce staples and pizzas keep locals coming back. It’s not about reinvention—just hearty portions, friendly service, and a menu built for repeat weeknight use. A dependable Hell’s Kitchen classic for casual Italian.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken parmigiana, Baked ziti, Pepperoni pizza
What makes it special: Old-school, no-fuss Italian comfort cooking.
7.6
A sleek, store-set dining room delivering Italian-inspired plates with a Pacific Northwest touch from chef Ethan Stowell. The menu leans toward approachable pastas, salads, and shareables with solid execution. Best used as a stylish reset between shopping and shows.
Must-Try Dishes:
Burrata bruschetta, Seasonal pasta, Fried oysters
What makes it special: Italian comfort food in a surprisingly calm luxury-retail setting.