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Osteria Nonnino
Master Critic Review
Osteria Nonnino
8.5
Osteria Nonnino is a cozy pasta-focused osteria and cocktail bar known for tableside cacio e pepe in a pecorino wheel and generous portions. With over 1,000 aggregated reviews and a strong recent rating, it reads as a newer neighborhood fixture rather than a tourist stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cacio e pepe prepared tableside, Paccheri di Nonnino, Osso buco
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Cheese-wheel cacio e pepe and homestyle pasta in a snug, warmly lit space backed by strong multi-platform review volume.
Who should go: Pasta lovers wanting lively but not overly scene-y dining.
When to visit: Prime dinner hours on weekends; weekdays for easier reservations.
What to order: Cacio e pepe, paccheri di Nonnino, tiramisu.
Insider tip: Ask for a seat where you can watch the cheese-wheel cacio e pepe being finished tableside.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in the West Village; expect difficulty after 6pm. No valet. Nearby paid garages on Hudson St. and Greenwich Ave.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and nice tops are common. Slightly dressy works best for date night.
Noise level: Moderate—lively but still workable for conversation at most two-tops.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation depending on party size.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; seating is straightforward.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage—several pastas and starters can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—most dishes rely on cheese or egg; may have 1–2 modifiable options depending on the day.
Gluten-free options: Partial—gluten-free pasta is sometimes available but not guaranteed; cross-contamination precautions are limited.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—warm lighting, close table spacing, and pasta-forward comfort make it intimate without feeling stuffy. Not overly loud, which helps first-date conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights or late evenings, but weekend prime hours usually require a wait. Parties of two have the best walk-in success.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably for older kids (8+) who enjoy pasta. Space is tight, and there are no dedicated kids’ amenities, so not ideal for strollers or toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Rich, comforting pastas, generous portions, and the tableside cheese-wheel experience—great for casual dates and neighborhood regulars.
Skip if: You want extensive seafood, ultra-modern Italian, spacious seating, or robust vegan/gluten-free accommodations.