Italian Restaurants and Pizzas

New York is the city of pizzas!

• When you think of New York, pizza doesn’t necessarily come to mind. Yet, there’s an incredible selection of pizzerias and pizza recipes in New York. The city has indeed benefited from significant Italian immigration at the beginning of the 20th century.
• In total, it’s estimated that there are around 2,000 pizzerias in New York. You’ll find them in every neighborhood, often at affordable prices. In some places, it’s even possible to buy just a slice to go.
• Other pizzerias are more upscale, offering more elaborate and original recipes. It’s impossible to stay in New York without trying a local pizza!

The 4 best pizzas in New York

1. Lombardi’s Pizza

   Founded in 1905, Lombardi’s Pizza is simply the very first pizzeria in America! More than a century later, the restaurant is still there, faithful to its post. And the recipe hasn’t changed: the dough is thin, with tomato sauce and mozzarella. It’s up to you to choose the additional ingredients to create your pizza! We recommend the homemade meatballs.

   

   Address: 32 Spring Street and 290 8th Avenue, between 24th and 25th Streets.

   Neighborhood: Little Italy.

   Metro: Spring St.

2. Fornino

   Founded in 2004, Fornino invites you to choose between 3 generations of wood-fired pizzas: from traditional recipes to new flavors, with black truffle or chicken sausage. As a reference, note that chef Michael Ayoub has been honored by The New York Times! He is also an artist: he himself made the suspended lampposts in his restaurants. Fornino has 2 locations, one of which is in the Brooklyn Bridge Park.

   Address: Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park and 849 Manhattan Avenue, Greenpoint.

   Neighborhood: Brooklyn.

   Metro: Clark St.

3. Lazzara’s Pizza and Café

   Open since 1985 in the Garment District, the fashion district, Lazzara’s Pizza and Café is influenced by this atmosphere. Many customers work for designers and Calvin Klein himself is a regular. On the menu, Sebastian and Tony Lazzara offer a wide choice of pizzas in an unprecedented square format. Unless you opt for the pasta and notably the new “Ravioli Pesce”, lobster and ricotta ravioli accompanied by a shrimp sauce.

   Address: 221 West 38th Street, between 7th and 8th Avenues.

   Neighborhood: Midtown.

   Metro: 42 St.

4. Napoli’s

   Frank Volpe opened his pizzeria in 2007 on Washington Avenue, the busiest avenue in Hoboken, New Jersey. Since then, he has been offering Neapolitan pizzas, fresh pasta, paninis and wraps. Don’t hesitate to personalize your pizza by choosing your own ingredients. Italy is also on the menu for dessert, notably with tiramisu and Nutella pie!

   Address: 1118 Washington Avenue, Hoboken

   Neighborhood: Hoboken.

   Metro: Hoboken

The 4 Best Italian Restaurants in New York

1. Trattoria Trecolori

   Located in the Theatre District, Trattoria Trecolori has been a family business since its creation in 1991. The restaurant is run by three brothers, Marco, Victor and Phil. The menu features the great classics of Italian cuisine, with pasta at the forefront. For dessert, order the Ricotta Cheesecake, Tiramisu or Chocolate Cake with your eyes closed: everything is homemade as it should be!

   

   Address: 254 West 47th Street, between 7th Avenue and 8th Avenue.

   Neighborhood: Theater District.

   Metro: 49 St.

2. Patsy’s Italian Restaurant

   Since 1944, Patsy’s Italian Restaurant has been honoring traditional Neapolitan cuisine. Father, son and grandsons have successively led the brigade since the restaurant’s opening. And Patsy’s has indeed won over some famous clients: Robert de Niro, Madonna, George Clooney or Calvin Klein. Don’t miss the steaks and the fresh pasta, especially the trio of lobster, mushroom and spinach ravioli. For dessert, go for the tiramisu.

   Address: 236 West 56th Street, between 7th Avenue and 8th Avenue.

   Neighborhood: Theater District.

   Metro: 57 St-7 Av.

3. Da Andrea

   Da Andrea is a traditional Italian restaurant located in Greenwich Village since 2001. Chef Meliano Andrea prepares the dishes of the day according to the market products. Pasta and focaccia are of course homemade as they should be. In summer, sit on the terrace and you will see that Emilia-Romagna is not so far away!

   Address: 35 West 13th Street.

   Neighborhood: Greenwich Village.

   Metro: Union Square.

4. Giano

   Located in the East Village, this Italian restaurant and wine bar is inspired by Janus, the two-headed Roman god. And like Janus, Giano also looks in two directions: on one side, the decoration and atmosphere are modern, on the other the menu offers traditional specialties, from homemade tagliatelle to Milanese chicken. In summer, enjoy the terrace!

   Address: 126 East 7th Street.

   Neighborhood: East Village.

   Metro: Astor Pl.