Best Italian Restaurants in Upper East Side-Carnegie Hill
4 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Piccola Cucina Uptown
High-energy Sicilian dining with serious pastas and a balcony setting.
Notable Picks
8.8
Sicilian chef Philip Guardione’s Uptown outpost turns house-made pastas and baked dishes like Lasagna della Mamma Rosa into a polished, bustling experience steps from Central Park. Expect tightly packed tables, a balcony level, and a wine-forward crowd that treats this as both date-night spot and pre-park pasta stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna della Mamma Rosa, Pasta alla Norma, Spaghetti cacio e pepe
What makes it special: High-energy Sicilian dining with serious pastas and a balcony setting.
#2
Casa Tua
8.2
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Luxury Dining Elite
Birthday & Celebration Central
Instagram Worthy Wonders
A luxe hotel-anchored Italian-Mediterranean room that works for families when it’s a special-occasion meal and the table is comfortable sharing. Order a composed starter, one pasta, and a main like chicken—then finish with dessert instead of chasing extra sides.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken alla diavola, Tagliatelle with mushrooms, Tiramisu
What makes it special: High-service Italian dining with a special-occasion finish.
#3
L'Osteria
8.1
A cozy Upper East Side Italian restaurant serving refined yet approachable dishes like fusilli pesto and fettuccine ragù. Intimate dining and attentive service complement its well‑executed classic menu. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Must-Try Dishes:
Fusilli Pesto, Fettuccine Ragu, Spaghetti Pomodoro
What makes it special: Intimate, classic Italian dishes in a neighborhood setting
Worthy Picks
#4
Pavin 86
7.7
A cozy Italian spot offering handmade pasta and seasonal Italian entrees, perfect for a quiet, intimate dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Handmade Pasta, Seasonal Entrées, Antipasti
What makes it special: Quiet neighborhood Italian with crafted pasta