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(753)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Upper East Side

Booked 20 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(29431)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Theater District

Booked 383 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(8416)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Upper West Side

Booked 211 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(239)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • NoMad

Booked 28 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

4.7

Exceptional(2091)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Upper East Side

Booked 117 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(349)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • NoMad

Booked 45 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. Serafina 105

4.5

Awesome(439)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Upper West Side

Booked 12 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

8. Stella 34 Trattoria

4.4

Awesome(3474)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Midtown West

Booked 54 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.

9. Ninos 46

4.3

Awesome(1167)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Midtown West

Booked 24 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.

10. Siena Cafe

4.4

Awesome(584)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Upper East Side

Booked 30 times today

Siena Cafe on Upper East Side, New York, is a beacon of Contemporary Italian cuisine, offering an exceptional experience that stands out in the bustling NYC dining scene. Known for its fresh, in-house made pasta and a variety of fresh fish, steaks, and chops, Siena Cafe captures the essence of modern Italian cooking with a creative twist. Diners rave about the "absolutely outstanding establishment" and the "amazing food served by a wonderful group of wait staff in a great environment." The speak-easy style setting and cozy outdoor patio only enhance the dining experience, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic and innovative Italian dishes. With glowing reviews like "You cannot get a better meal anywhere in NYC," it's clear Siena Cafe is a top destination for both locals and visitors alike.

‘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

N
Nigel
Dublin •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
What a wonderful and authentic Italian experience with terrific ambience and lovely staff! The food was delightful -stuffed zucchini flowers and caprese salad ,followed by tagliatelle with wild boar ragu and ravioli as our main courses .Finished off with a lovely tiramisu and double espressos - - and I had a Merlot grappa to end a wonderful dinner. Someone must have contacted the restaurant - - a candlelit treat was brought out with the whole restaurant singing happy birthday to me— a great evening!
More info
Piccola Cucina UptownPrice: Moderate• Italian• Upper East Side
•
4.7
M
Mike
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Service was great. Food was very very good. Will definitely go back again.
More info
Carmine's - 91st Street - NYCPrice: Expensive• Italian• Upper West Side
•
4.6
E
eileen
New York City •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
I’m so happy we were able to make a reservation online! We Got our table right on time. Our server took care of us brilliantly! Shout out to Patty P, our server. She was lovely! She did a great job with explaining the menu and the specials, making suggestions for wine. And just overall entertaining. She did a fabulous job of getting us everything we asked for.
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Carmine's - 44th Street - NYCPrice: Moderate• Italian• Theater District
•
4.6
AC
AmyC
Dallas - Fort Worth •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
The pasta making was fun. We had great company next to us and since we were traveling we gave them our pasta. The portions of each course of the meal are huge! Don’t order the same as your partner. Try different things and share! We love Aunt Jake’s. This was our 4th time to dine with them, first time making pasta!
More info
Aunt Jake's Pasta ExperiencePrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Upper East Side
•
4.9
S
Sindy
Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 16, 2024
The food was excellent, and the service was terrific. It was a pretty restaurant and very comfortable.
More info
Serafina 105Price: Moderate• Italian• Upper West Side
•
4.5

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Morningside Heights

Contemporary italian

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. Serafina 105

8. Stella 34 Trattoria

9. Ninos 46

10. Siena Cafe

See what locals rave about

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