New York State possesses an extraordinary Italian culinary landscape, a rich mosaic that spans from historic, red-sauce neighborhood institutions and Michelin-starred powerhouses in New York City to destination spots scattered throughout the Hudson Valley, Upstate, and Long Island. Whether you are looking for century-old culinary traditions passed down through generations or modern, live-fire interpretations of regional classics, the Empire State offers an endless array of extraordinary dining experiences.

Here is a closer look at the absolute best Italian restaurants across New York State, categorized by region and style.

In New York City: Manhattan and the Boroughs

New York City remains one of the premier food capitals of the world, and its Italian dining scene is both fiercely traditional and relentlessly innovative.

Ci Siamo (Chelsea / Manhattan West)

Led by acclaimed Chef Hilary Sterling, Ci Siamo brings a vibrant, contemporary energy to live-fire Italian cooking. Located in the heart of Manhattan West, the restaurant focuses on simple, bold, ingredient-driven dishes cooked over an open hearth. While everything on the menu shines, the house-made pastas have achieved cult status—most notably the caramelized onion tortluoni, a dish that balances rich, sweet depth with impeccable technique. The lively atmosphere and exceptional Italian wine list make it a cornerstone of the modern Manhattan dining scene.

Scarpetta (NoMad / Flatiron)

For sophisticated, high-end Italian dining that marries elegance with comfort, Scarpetta is an enduring destination. The menu features seasonal interpretations of Italian classics, but the true star of the restaurant is deceptively simple: the Spaghetti with Tomato and Basil. Despite having only a handful of ingredients, the dish is an absolute masterpiece of balance, texture, and flavor, proving that true culinary excellence often lies in refinement rather than complexity.

Lilia and Misi (Williamsburg, Brooklyn)

Across the river in Brooklyn, Chef Missy Robbins has built a dual-empire that sets the modern gold standard for Italian cuisine. Lilia operates out of a cavernous, beautifully converted auto body shop in Williamsburg, serving up wood-fired seafood, stellar antipasti, and peerless handmade pastas like the agnolotti al plin. Just a short walk away, its sister restaurant Misi narrows the focus even further, celebrating the purity of handmade pasta and vegetable antipasti. Securing a reservation is notoriously difficult, but experiencing these dishes firsthand is well worth the effort.

Don Peppe (Howard Beach, Queens)

Venture out to the outer boroughs, and you will find institutions that have defined Italian-American culture for decades. Don Peppe in Howard Beach, Queens, is a legendary, old-school red-sauce haven tucked away in a quiet residential neighborhood. It is famous for its massive, family-style portions served with unapologetic neighborhood charm. Platters of baked clams, scungilli marinara, and linguine with white clam sauce arrive at tables ready to be shared among large groups, cementing its status as an untouchable piece of culinary history.

Carbone (Greenwich Village)

No survey of New York’s Italian scene is complete without mentioning Carbone. Operating as a theatrical throwback to the mid-century Italian-American restaurants of New York’s golden era, Carbone delivers an upscale dining experience complete with tuxedoed captains, tableside Caesar salad preparation, and soaring velvet booths. Beyond the spectacle, the food holds its own, particularly the legendary spicy rigatoni vodka, which has become one of the most photographed and sought-after plates of pasta in the world.

Beyond New York City: The Hudson Valley, Upstate, and Long Island

While New York City often dominates the culinary conversation, leaving the five boroughs reveals an equally vibrant world of destination Italian dining.

Tutto Pazzo (Huntington, Long Island)

On Long Island, Tutto Pazzo serves as a vibrant staple in the heart of Huntington. Known for blending a high-energy, celebratory ambiance with exceptional regional Italian dishes, the restaurant draws crowds with its fresh seafood, bustling bar scene, and top-tier homemade pasta. It captures the convivial spirit of coastal Italy while offering a distinct Long Island hospitality.

Gus’s Restaurant (Beacon, Hudson Valley)

Tucked into the artsy, historic Hudson Valley town of Beacon, Gus’s Restaurant has cultivated a reputation as a beloved neighborhood hub. It offers a cozy, welcoming atmosphere paired with brilliant handmade pastas and locally sourced Italian comfort food. It proves that world-class cooking does not require white tablecloths; sometimes, it simply requires great ingredients, meticulous execution, and a warm community space.

The Left Bank (Saranac Lake, Upstate / Adirondacks)

For travelers heading deep Upstate into the Adirondacks, The Left Bank in Saranac Lake provides a stunning waterfront dining experience. Paired with serene views of the water, this intimate restaurant offers a surprisingly sophisticated, seasonally driven northern Italian menu. It stands as proof that culinary excellence can thrive in even the most remote and picturesque corners of the state.

Salvatore’s Italian Garden (Depew / Buffalo Area)

A massive Western New York landmark, Salvatore’s Italian Garden is famous for its lavish, old-world decor, stunning gardens, and classic upscale Italian-American dining. Stepping inside feels like entering a European estate, complete with crystal chandeliers, classical statues, and an extensive wine cellar. It remains a legendary destination for celebrations, anniversaries, and classic culinary indulgence in the Buffalo region.

Exploring the Empire State’s Italian Heritage

New York’s deep connection to Italian immigration is woven into the very fabric of its towns and cities. From the historic bakeries of Arthur Avenue in the Bronx and the historic enclaves of Utica to contemporary farm-to-table Italian kitchens in the Hudson Valley, the state’s culinary identity is forever shaped by Italian tradition.

Whether you choose to sit in a bustling, high-energy dining room in Manhattan, share a massive family-style platter in Queens, or enjoy a quiet plate of handmade agnolotti overlooking an Adirondack lake, New York State’s Italian restaurants offer a delicious reminder of why this cuisine remains universally beloved.

About The Author