Best Italian Restaurants in Upper East Side-Lenox Hill-Roosevelt Island
2 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Finestra
Classic Italian comfort in a family-run, neighborhood dining room.
Notable Picks
#1
Finestra
8.1
A family-owned Upper East Side Italian dining room that keeps the menu classic, the portions generous, and the pacing flexible for kids and groups. It shines when you order like regulars: a shared antipasto, one pasta, and one main that everyone can pick at.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pizza Margherita, Meatballs, Gnocchi
What makes it special: Classic Italian comfort in a family-run, neighborhood dining room.
Worthy Picks
#2
Mezzaluna
7.8
A longtime neighborhood Italian trattoria with classic baked lasagna and hearty, old‑school pasta offerings in a casual, family‑friendly setting. Portions are generous and the comfort‑food focus makes it a reliable choice for familiar Italian favorites. Reviews note that some dishes vary in execution, but the lasagna remains a recognizable classic.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagne Alla Bolognese, Vegetable Lasagna, Eggplant Parmigiana
What makes it special: Generous portions of classic Italian comfort dishes like meat and vegetable lasagna