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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Upper East Side

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62 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Aunt Jake's Pasta Experience restaurant
1. Aunt Jake's Pasta Experience
4.9
Exceptional(755)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Upper East Side
Booked 55 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(29455)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Theater District
Booked 359 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 Il Fiorista restaurant
3. Il Fiorista
4.5
Awesome(240)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • NoMad
Booked 25 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
4. Piccola Cucina Uptown
4.8
Exceptional(2093)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Upper East Side
Booked 100 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 Carmine's - 91st Street - NYC restaurant
5. Carmine's - 91st Street - NYC
4.6
Exceptional(8420)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Upper West Side
Booked 175 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.
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 57 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.
A photo of 83 1/2 restaurant
7. 83 1/2
4.7
Exceptional(1117)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Upper East Side
Booked 6 times today
Located in the heart of the Upper East Side, 83 1/2 stands as a beacon of Contemporary Italian cuisine, crafted with a genuine love for food by Chef Vincenzo Mangiafridda. Celebrating Sicilian roots, the restaurant offers a menu filled with silky pastas, inventive antipasti, and sumptuous entrees, each dish telling a story of tradition and modern flair. Patrons rave about the "fresh pasta" and claim it's the "best Italian around the neighborhood." With its cozy ambiance, 83 1/2 is described as a "neighborhood gem," perfect for both family dinners and intimate gatherings. The exceptional service complements the exquisite food, making every visit memorable.
A photo of Ninos 46 restaurant
8. Ninos 46
4.3
Awesome(1167)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Midtown West
Booked 21 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.
A photo of Cafe Ginori at Bergdorf Goodman restaurant
9. Cafe Ginori at Bergdorf Goodman
4.8
Exceptional(26)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Rockefeller Center
Booked 22 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.
A photo of Il Postino restaurant
10. Il Postino
4.9
Exceptional(1065)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Midtown East
Booked 14 times today
Il Postino, nestled in the heart of Midtown East, New York, is a beacon of Contemporary Italian cuisine, where authenticity and culinary artistry meet. Owners Luigi Russo and Piero Trotta have crafted a dining experience that's both genuine and innovative, earning accolades such as "always the best NYC has to offer for Italian." The restaurant's vibrant atmosphere is matched by its menu, which features standout dishes like spinach ravioli in truffle sauce and a seafood risotto that left one diner "beyond satisfied." Guests rave about the exceptional service and the intimate, welcoming ambience, making Il Postino a must-visit for anyone seeking the pinnacle of Italian dining in Manhattan. Whether it's the meticulously prepared osso bucco or the homemade cannoli, every dish is a testament to the restaurant's commitment to excellence.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Suzettevip
    Miami - Dade •23 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    I was pleasantly surprised by Carmine’s given its location in a tourist area. The pasta was cooked al dente and chicken parm still had its crisp from the fryer and just enough sauce. Portions are for 2-4 ppl. Service was very attentive. Highly recommend for a family or group meal.
    More info
    Carmine's - 44th Street - NYCPrice: Moderate• Italian• Theater District
    •
    4.6
  • PAULA
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Great food and great service! We all enjoyed our experience
    More info
    Carmine's - 91st Street - NYCPrice: Expensive• Italian• Upper West Side
    •
    4.6
  • Crisvip
    New York City •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    This is my second time going to 83 1/2. Great food and great service. Intimate surroundings, just a lovely experience. I will be making it my local favorite.
    More info
    83 1/2Price: Moderate• Italian• Upper East Side
    •
    4.7
  • Nigel
    Dublin •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days 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
    •
    4.8
  • AmyC
    Dallas - Fort Worth •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 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

Discover best Contemporary Italian restaurants in Upper East Side

Discover the charm of contemporary Italian cuisine in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, where a collection of restaurants offers an exquisite blend of modern flavors and traditional Italian culinary arts. Each venue in this vibrant neighborhood showcases a dedication to quality ingredients, inventive recipes, and exceptional service, creating a dining experience that is both unique and memorable. From expertly crafted pastas to innovative Italian entrees, these establishments cater to a diverse palate, ensuring every dish is a testament to authentic Italian craftsmanship. The dining scene in the Upper East Side is renowned for its elegant ambiance and culinary sophistication, making it a prime destination for those seeking a refined gastronomic adventure. Whether you're a local foodie or a visiting epicurean, the array of contemporary Italian restaurants here promises an unforgettable culinary journey that blends the rich traditions of Italy with the dynamic flair of New York City. Indulge in a culinary landscape where each meal is served with a side of warm hospitality and a dash of New York charm. From casual chic eateries to upscale dining venues, the Upper East Side offers a diverse range of settings to enjoy contemporary Italian cuisine at its finest. Experience the joy of dining where every restaurant strives not only to meet but exceed expectations with dishes that are as visually appealing as they are delicious. Join us in the Upper East Side and taste the passion and creativity that define contemporary Italian dining in Manhattan.

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