Sitting in your SoHo studio dreaming of an Italian vacation that you just don’t have the time (or money) to pull off right now? Well, dream no longer.
There are plenty of restaurants right here that make you feel like you momentarily stepped outside of the hustle and bustle of New York City and into a beautiful restaurant along the Tuscan countryside. Or on the beach in Sardinia. Or on the Isle of Capri. Or in the heart of Rome. No matter what sort of Italian experience you’re craving, there’s an Italian restaurant in this city that will be able to give you the vibe your seeking. And not to mention mouthwatering food that tastes like it just came straight out of your Nonna’s kitchen.
From Palma’s beautiful rose-filled garden where you can enjoy the best gnocchi you’ll have in your entire life to Gemma’s dining room filled with beautiful wood accents and overflowing candles where you can treat yourself to a Nutella calzone that will leave you licking your plate for more, here’s a list of the best of the best NYC Italian restaurants.
These aren’t just the restaurants with the most aesthetic. They aren’t just the ones with the best food, either. No, these are the restaurants that have it all. The ones with the delicious food and the beautiful aesthetic to match. Think of them like the hot girl in your sorority who also happened to have a great personality.
Palma
What’s the scene like? Palma’s garden area looks like you stepped out of reality and into a dreamy Italian fairytale world where the only thing more awesome than your surroundings is the food. What should  you order? Arancini,Tartare di Tonno, Zuppa di Pesce, Gnocchetti al Pesto, Ricotta Cheesecake
Trattoria Dell’Arte
What’s the scene like? With gorgeous sculptures of various body parts adorning the walls of the massive, otherwise traditional Italian restaurant, the scene at Trattoria Dell’Arte makes you feel like you just walked into Italy’s most chic art gallery…that also happens to serve a mean veal parm.
What should  you order? Real Italian Caesar Salad, Veal Chop Parmigiana, Tiramisu
Santina
What’s the scene like? Santina’s bright, colorful aesthetic looks nothing like any other traditional Italian restaurant you’ll find in the city. No, instead, it looks like you just left MeatPacking and stepped into the most beautiful restaurant on the coast of Italy. What should  you order? Cecina with Avocado Trabanese, Shrimp Zingara, Chicken Diavola, Grapefruit Italian Ice
Rubirosa
What’s the scene like? Make your way past Rubirosa’s deep red velvet curtains to find the sort of place you’d imagine stumbling upon while strolling around a side street on a warm summer night.
What should  you order? Heirloom Tomato Caprese,Tie-Dye Pizza, Cavatelli
Isle of Capri
What’s the scene like? I dare you to walk past Isle of Capri and not do a double-take to confirm you haven’t suddenly teleported out of uptown NYC and into the Isle of Capri. What should  you order? Carpaccio, Linguini Alle Vangole, Melanzane al Parmigiana, Cannoli Siciliana
Gemma
What’s the scene like? The breathtakingly gorgeous model-filled Italian restaurant in the Bowery Hotel makes you feel like you just walked into an exclusive dinner party at an Italian king’s castle in the countryside.
What should  you order? Burrata, Pappardelle al Ragout, Truffled Polenta Fries, Calzone di Nutella
Cotenna
What’s the scene like? Cotenna looks like the cute, intimate Italian date spot you’d picture yourself falling in love in.
What should you order?Costicine D’Agnello,Calamari In Umido, Tortellini D’Aragosta, Pappardelle Osso Buco
Now time to get out of your office and get eating.
