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Nonna Dora's
ZipPicks Awards
Best Lasagna in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Best Hidden Gem Restaurants in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Best Family Friendly Italian in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Best Date Night Italian in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Master Critic Review
Nonna Dora's
8.9
Nonna Dora's is a Kips Bay pasta bar where Dora’s Lasagna, layered with meat sauce and béchamel, anchors a tight list of handmade noodles. Open since 2022, it draws pasta obsessives for carefully crafted plates, negroni variations, and counter seating that works for both dates and solo meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dora’s Lasagna, Maccheroncini Grano Arso, Pappardelle del Ristoro
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Handmade pasta bar where Dora’s Lasagna is a headline dish.
Who should go: Pasta obsessives who want handmade noodles and serious lasagna.
When to visit: Early evening for calmer bar seats and shorter waits.
What to order: Dora’s Lasagna, maccheroncini grano arso, negroni from the list.
Insider tip: Grab a bar seat facing the open kitchen to watch lasagna and pastas being finished to order.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only, very limited after 6pm; nearby public garages on 3rd Ave and 33rd/34th Streets are the safest bet.
Dress code: Smart casual to trendy casual — jeans are fine, but lean polished for date nights.
Noise level: Moderate — energetic bar buzz but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially between 7–9pm
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait, occasional short bar wait during peak noon rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple vegetarian pastas and vegetable-driven starters.
Vegan options: Limited — a few oil-based pasta preparations may work with adjustments.
Gluten-free options: Limited — occasional gluten-free pasta runs, but not always guaranteed daily.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the intimate bar seating, handmade pasta focus, and cocktail program create a romantic but relaxed setting that’s ideal for low-pressure first dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weekdays or early evenings, but weekend prime time is tough without a reservation — bar seating is your best walk-in option.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially — the space is small, geared toward adults, and better suited for teens or older rather than young children.
Best For
Better for: Handmade pasta craftsmanship, focused menu execution, and a tightly curated lasagna experience that feels more chef-driven than most neighborhood Italian spots.
Skip if: You’re looking for a traditional red-sauce family-style Italian restaurant, large group dining, or a broad menu with pizza and classic American-Italian staples.