Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Morningside Heights

64 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Aunt Jake's Pasta Experience restaurant

1. Aunt Jake's Pasta Experience

4.9

Exceptional(811)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Upper East Side

Booked 83 times today

Aunt Jake's Pasta Experience on New York’s Upper East Side offers a truly authentic and interactive Italian dining adventure. Renowned for its hands-on pasta-making classes followed by a delectable 3-course meal, Aunt Jake's ensures every guest not only eats like an Italian but learns the art too. Patrons rave about the quality and ambiance, with glowing reviews like, "This was one of the best pasta making experiences I’ve had. & the food .. omg delicious" and "Anthony was amazing! Overall, we had such a great experience." Whether it's a fun date night, a family gathering, or a solo culinary escapade, Aunt Jake’s provides an exceptional blend of education, entertainment, and gastronomic delight, making every visit memorable.

A photo of Carmine's - 44th Street - NYC restaurant

2. Carmine's - 44th Street - NYC

4.6

Exceptional(29779)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Theater District

Booked 355 times today

Carmine's on 44th Street in NYC's Theater District embodies the essence of Southern Italian cuisine, offering a dining experience akin to an Italian American wedding feast. Guests rave about the "abundant portions" and "authentic flavors," highlighting dishes like the "best chicken Parm ever" and "fantastic lasagna." Known for its family-style servings, Carmine's creates a convivial atmosphere where "every meal feels like a Sunday afternoon at Grandma's." Reviewers consistently praise the "amazing atmosphere" and "excellent service," making it a must-visit for both locals and tourists seeking a traditional yet exceptional Italian meal in the heart of Times Square.

A photo of Carmine's - 91st Street - NYC restaurant

3. Carmine's - 91st Street - NYC

4.6

Exceptional(8498)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Upper West Side

Booked 165 times today

Carmine's on 91st Street in NYC’s Upper West Side is a beacon of Contemporary Italian cuisine, where every meal is a festive celebration akin to an Italian American wedding feast. Known for its generous family-style servings, Carmine's delights diners with meticulously crafted Southern Italian dishes. As one diner raves, "The food never disappoints. It's always a great experience." From the succulent Chicken Parmesan to the divine pasta with sauce, every dish is a testament to authentic Italian flavors, prepared with a contemporary twist. The ambiance is lively and welcoming, perfect for large groups or a family dinner, making every visit to Carmine's a memorable culinary journey.

4. Il Fiorista

4.5

Awesome(251)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • NoMad

Booked 14 times today

Il Fiorista in NoMad, New York, is a Mediterranean culinary gem that truly stands out for its commitment to quality and authenticity. Nestled just a short walk from Madison Square Park, this restaurant excels in incorporating fresh, local, and seasonal produce into its dishes, much like traditional Mediterranean cuisine. Guests rave about their experiences, with one noting, "the food was absolutely delicious, every bite was so yummy and stunningly presented!" Another guest praised the restaurant's ambiance and service, saying, "the design evokes the calm beauty of the flowers that give its name, the service is impeccable and warm." At Il Fiorista, the attention to detail, from the botanical ingredients to the beautifully crafted dishes, ensures a Mediterranean dining experience that is both delightful and memorable.

A photo of Piccola Cucina Uptown restaurant

5. Piccola Cucina Uptown

4.8

Exceptional(2146)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Upper East Side

Booked 80 times today

Piccola Cucina Uptown, nestled in the vibrant Upper East Side of New York, offers a delightful escape to the heart of Sicily with its authentic cuisine. As praised by diners, it's a place where "the food was amazing" and where traditional Sicilian dishes like "pasta alla bottarga" and "branzino cooked in bread" shine. Chef Philip Guardione brings Sicilian flavors to life with creativity and flair, ensuring each dish is a testament to Sicilian culinary traditions. The atmosphere is consistently lauded as "cozy" and "welcoming," making every visit memorable. Whether it's the "homemade pistachio gelato" or the "freshly cooked lasagna," every bite at Piccola Cucina Uptown transports diners straight to Sicily, making it a must-visit for authentic Sicilian cuisine in New York City.

A photo of Cecconi's at The Ned NoMad restaurant

6. Cecconi's at The Ned NoMad

4.5

Awesome(365)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • NoMad

Booked 39 times today

Cecconi's at The Ned NoMad in the vibrant NoMad neighborhood of New York offers an exquisite taste of Mediterranean cuisine with an Italian flair. Patrons rave about the "delicious Italian plates," highlighting the "finest quality" ingredients and "impeccable service." The restaurant's ambiance, featuring hand-chipped mosaic floors and plush seating, perfectly complements its sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere. Reviewers consistently praise dishes like the "best fusilli pomodoro I have ever had" and the "fresh, locally caught fish," underscoring Cecconi's commitment to quality and authenticity. With its elegant setting and renowned Mediterranean offerings, Cecconi's remains a top choice for a memorable dining experience in Manhattan.

7. Ninos 46

4.4

Awesome(1183)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Midtown West

Booked 51 times today

Nino's 46, nestled in the heart of Midtown West, New York, is a beacon of authentic Italian cuisine, lovingly crafted by a family-owned establishment. Patrons rave about the "delicious wood-fired brick oven pizza" and "handcrafted pasta" that transport diners straight to Italy with every bite. The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident, with one guest exclaiming, "Amazing food! We got the linguine clams and truffle pizza and both were delicious." Nino's 46 also caters wonderfully to special dietary needs, offering an array of gluten-free options that do not compromise on taste or authenticity. Whether you're coming in for a "glass of wine, a cocktail or an espresso," or to indulge in "homemade desserts," Nino's 46 promises a delightful dining experience that keeps guests returning. This hidden gem is a must-visit for anyone craving genuine Italian flavors in a cozy, inviting ambiance.

8. Serafina 105

4.6

Exceptional(443)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Upper West Side

Booked 9 times today

Serafina Restaurant Group was conceived when Vittorio Assaf and Fabio Granato made a pact while traumatically lost at sea. The two friends agreed to open a restaurant serving the best pizza and pasta in the world if they were to survive the ordeal. In 1995, they fulfilled their promise by launching the highly acclaimed Serafina Fabulous Pizza. Following the success of their first location, they have gone on to open numerous locations worldwide!In 2008, they opened Brasserie Cognac in the Theater District where Chef Florian V. Hugo, a great-great-great grandson of poet Victor Hugo, serves fine French cuisine. Vittorio and Fabio energetically guarantee comfort, excitement and fabulous food at every location!

A photo of Stella 34 Trattoria restaurant

9. Stella 34 Trattoria

4.4

Awesome(3527)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Midtown West

Booked 58 times today

Stella 34 Trattoria in Midtown West, NYC, marries modern Italian cuisine with breathtaking views of the Empire State Building, creating a dining experience that is as visually stimulating as it is gastronomically satisfying. Esteemed for its authenticity, the pizzeria at Stella 34 beckons with "consistently excellent" pizzas that are a testament to traditional Italian craftsmanship. One patron praised the pizza as "very good," highlighting its stand-out quality even in a city known for great pizza. With its spacious, airy ambiance on the 6th floor of Macy’s and an attentive staff that enhances the dining experience, Stella 34 ensures every meal is memorable. Whether it's a casual dinner or a special event, this restaurant’s combination of delicious pizzas, stunning views, and impeccable service makes it a must-visit destination in NYC.

A photo of Cafe Ginori at Bergdorf Goodman restaurant

10. Cafe Ginori at Bergdorf Goodman

4.6

Exceptional(37)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Rockefeller Center

Booked 16 times today

Tucked away in the legendary New York store Bergdorf Goodman, Café Ginori is a bold, elegant, and innovative culinary venture that reimagines the art of the table. Step inside the iconic world of Ginori 1735 and enjoy Italian-inspired fare, afternoon tea, or refreshing cocktails and savory bites for the time-honored Italian tradition of Aperitivo. As the menu shifts throughout the day, so does the colorful table setting, complimenting and accentuating the enchanting dining experience.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

A
Abagail
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Expectations were low as we would’ve been happy with anything since we were so hungry. The place was so cute and nicely decorated for Christmas. The ravioli was outstanding and definitely a fan favorite in our family. Will 100 percent be going back ❤️
More info
Carmine's - 44th Street - NYCPrice: Moderate• Italian• Theater District
•
4.6
C
ChristineVIP
New York City •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Such a fun experience! The pasta class was very beginner friendly. The instructor was patient, checked in on everyone, & loud enough to hear. Our group was huge & took up the entire length of the table. Afterwards, our food was great. Super generous portions, friendly service. I would come back & do it again with a friend it was that good. Highly recommend!
More info
Aunt Jake's Pasta ExperiencePrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Upper East Side
•
4.9
G
Gabby
Baton Rouge / Lafayette •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Small restaurant with amazing atmosphere. I lived in Rome for a period so my standards for Italian food are pretty high. THIS MET THAT LEVEL. The food was authentic and so was the service. The owner (I'm assuming) greeted each party with a "Ciao!" The food was top notch too. We got the Arancini Catanesi to start. Felt like I was back in Trastevere. The atmosphere was warm and inviting and noise level was energetic but not hectic. Would definitely come back during the spring/summer to sit out on the balcony.
More info
Piccola Cucina UptownPrice: Moderate• Italian• Upper East Side
•
4.8
T
Tracy
Calgary / Southern Alberta •14 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 16, 2024
Absolutely LOVED our first time at Carmines! From the service to the food everything was spectacular. It felt like we were part of the family and not only did Sarah, our sever, make sure we were well taken care of but everyone else who took our plates or tidied our table was so attentive and friendly. Definitely one of those core memory experiences. 10/10 Carmines…we will see you again :)
More info
Carmine's - 91st Street - NYCPrice: Expensive• Italian• Upper West Side
•
4.6
C
Chie-Schin
Philadelphia County •1 review
4.0
Dined on Dec 14, 2024
Food was great service was a bit on the slower side
More info
Serafina 105Price: Moderate• Italian• Upper West Side
•
4.6

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Morningside Heights

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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Morningside Heights

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64 restaurants available nearby

1. Aunt Jake's Pasta Experience

2. Carmine's - 44th Street - NYC

3. Carmine's - 91st Street - NYC

4. Il Fiorista

5. Piccola Cucina Uptown

6. Cecconi's at The Ned NoMad

7. Ninos 46

8. Serafina 105

9. Stella 34 Trattoria

10. Cafe Ginori at Bergdorf Goodman

See what locals rave about

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