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Forsythia
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Forsythia
8.3
Forsythia is a modern Italian spot where handmade pastas and seasonal small plates lean creative without losing comfort. The tight, softly lit dining room and bar make it ideal for dates or a focused dinner built around a couple of pastas and a bottle of wine.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal stuffed cappellacci, Cacio e pepe-style tonnarelli, Short rib ragu pasta
Scores:
Value: 6.3
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Creative, pasta-driven Italian cooking in an intimate, chef-focused space.
Who should go: Pasta-obsessed diners looking for a newer LES favorite.
When to visit: Weeknights or early weekends before the room gets loud.
What to order: One seasonal appetizer, two different pastas, and a shared dessert.
Insider tip: Bar seats are ideal if you want more interaction with the team and a shorter wait.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Forsyth Street and Rivington; expect metered spots to be scarce after 6pm. Nearest reliable option is the Allen Street garage, 5–7 minutes away.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but most guests lean slightly dressy—think date-night tops, button-downs, or elevated casual wear.
Noise level: Moderate. You can comfortably hold a conversation, though the room gets livelier at peak dinner hours due to its tight layout.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for prime 7–8pm slots. Bar seats turn faster but still fill early.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; early dinner on weekdays is also easier for walk-ins.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several strong options, especially among the pastas and seasonal small plates. Staff can guide you toward the most veg-friendly dishes.
Vegan options: Limited—most dishes rely on dairy or eggs. You may find 1–2 vegan-leaning plates depending on the season, but this is not a vegan-focused kitchen.
Gluten-free options: They can accommodate by recommending non-pasta dishes, but gluten-free pasta substitutions are not guaranteed. Cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The intimate lighting, bar seating, and focused pasta-driven menu create a warm, conversation-friendly environment without feeling too formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? You can, especially early on weekdays or if you're willing to take a bar seat. On weekends, walk-ins should expect a wait or consider arriving right at opening.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. The room is small, lighting is low, and the menu skews adult. Best suited for teens and older rather than younger children.
Best For
Better for: Handmade pasta with a creative edge, intimate date-night energy, and a chef-driven feel that’s more personal than larger Italian spots nearby.
Skip if: You need large-group seating, vegan-friendly options, or a loud, bustling trattoria vibe—this is more refined and intimate.
Forsythia
8.3
Forsythia is a Roman-inspired trattoria where chef-owner Jacob Siwak offers handmade pastas through both set menus and à la carte ordering in a warmly lit Stanton Street space. Multi-course dinners often start with focaccia and snacks before moving into plates of richly sauced pasta that lean more comforting than fussy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried cacio e pepe risotto suppli, Short rib agnolotti with duck jus, Classic Roman-style carbonara
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Roman-style pastas served through approachable set menus in an intimate trattoria setting.
Who should go: Pasta obsessives looking for cozy, grown-up dinners.
When to visit: Midweek evenings for set menus without peak-weekend crowds.
What to order: Start with cacio e pepe suppli, then share carbonara and short rib agnolotti.
Insider tip: If you can’t snag a table, bar seats often open for walk-ins and still offer the full menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Stanton Street; expect to circle during peak dinner hours. Nearest paid garage is on Essex Street, a 5–7 minute walk.
Dress code: Smart casual. Most guests lean polished—think nice jeans, boots, sweaters, or casual dresses.
Noise level: Moderate. You can hold a full conversation, but the room carries a warm, lively hum during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for prime times.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; early weekday dinners typically have minimal waits for walk-ins.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several solid options, including vegetable antipasti and at least one pasta built around seasonal produce.
Vegan options: Limited; the kitchen can adjust a couple of starters but most pastas rely on eggs, butter, or cheese.
Gluten-free options: Limited; some antipasti are naturally gluten-free, but pastas are wheat-based and the kitchen does not make gluten-free dough.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The lighting is warm, the tables are close enough to feel intimate, and the dishes are shareable without being messy—ideal for an easy, low-stress first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes. Bar seats open throughout the evening, and early walk-ins on weekdays have the best odds. Weekends fill quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Better suited for adults. The room is compact, the menu leans rich, and there’s no dedicated kids’ menu—older teens may enjoy it, but families with small children may feel cramped.
Best For
Better for: Handmade Roman-style pastas with comforting, deeply seasoned sauces in an intimate setting—more approachable and homey than the more formal tasting-menu spots nearby.
Skip if: You need robust vegan or gluten-free pasta options, prefer very quiet dining rooms, or want broader Italian menus beyond pasta-focused cooking.