Best Hidden Gems Heaven Italian Restaurants in University Village
3 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Da Toscano
Creative regional Italian with unexpected flavor profiles from a James Beard-recognized chef
Notable Picks
#1
Da Toscano
8.5
James Beard Rising Star semi-finalist Michael Toscano returned to his former Perla space with this Greenwich Village gem focused on bold, creative Italian. The kitchen excels at unexpected flavor combinations—think orecchiette with broccoli rabe pesto and pickled cherry peppers, or roasted oysters in crab fat butter.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb Neck Agnolotti, Octopus Carpaccio, Porchetta Sandwich
What makes it special: Creative regional Italian with unexpected flavor profiles from a James Beard-recognized chef
8.3
A rare showcase of Piedmontese cuisine in SoHo, this 50-seat trattoria transports diners to Turin with dishes like vitello tonnato, tajarin with truffle, and agnolotti del plin. The wine program spotlights over 250 labels with deep focus on Barolo and Barbaresco, plus SoHo's most extensive amaro collection.
Must-Try Dishes:
Agnolotti del Plin, Fassona Beef Tartare, Tajarin with Truffle
What makes it special: Only Piedmont-focused restaurant in the neighborhood with 250+ wine labels
8.1
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Hidden Gems Heaven
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Husband-and-wife team Ciro and Austria bring authentic Neapolitan soul to this brick-oven pizzeria where the margherita arrives with proper char and chew. Beyond pizza, dig into lesser-known Campanian dishes like paccheri alla Genovese and scialatielli alla scarpariello while Neapolitan music plays overhead.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita Pizza, Salsiccia e Friarielli Pizza, Gnocchi Sorrentina
What makes it special: Family-run Neapolitan authenticity with dishes rarely found outside Naples