Lavagna - NYC

4.9

1892 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 15, 2025

8:30 PM

Booked 15 times today

Charming
Neighborhood gem
Great for fine wines

Lavagna opened its doors on February 1st 1999.The restaurant offers casual Italian trattoria fare at moderate prices. The vibe is candlelit, cozy, with an old wood burning oven, exposed brick walls, a pressed tin ceiling and a small wine bar where one can dine also. A wall of French doors swing open in the warmer weather to a seasonal sidewalk cafe of 20 seats.
The kitchen concept is to create dishes traditionally Italian, emphasizing fresh, seasonal ingredients and product of the highest quality.
The menu highlights include homemade pastas, a wood oven roasted fish for two, roast pork chop, baby rack of lamb and of course the rigatoni with sweet and spicy sausage that has become a classic over the years.
The wine list has been a yearly recipient of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence since 2002 and it focuses on hard to find wines from regional Italy along with other international selections.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Italian
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 12:00 pm–3:30 pm Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(212) 979-1005
Website
http://www.lavagnanyc.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Baldo Merlin
Private party facilities
Lavagna restaurant offers several options for private dining. Our space is available daily for daytime private dining for 20 to 50 guests; Noon to 4pm. We also offer seating up to 24 guests Sunday through Thursday evenings in our dining room. Full room buyout options are also available any night.

Location
545 E.5th St., New York, NY 10009
Neighborhood
East Village
Cross street
Between Avenue A and Avenue B
Parking details
The closest public lot is located at 167 Essex Street and the corner of Houston, near Katz's Deli. It is a five block walk to the restaurant and we recommend the lot for parking during the weekends as street parking can be scarce.
Public transit
By Subway:F train to Second Ave stop6 train to Astor Place
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Private dining

Seared Scallops "Agrodolce"$16.00
with parsnip puree and crisp pancetta
Tuscan Kale Caesar$13.00
finely slice kale, parmesan, and housemade croutons
Carciofo al Forno$13.00
wood oven roasted artichoke heart with white bean puree, and cremini mushrooms
Prosciutto di San Daniele$13.00
with figs and balsamic vinegar, topped with arugula and parmigiano
Insalata Mista$11.00
baby arugula, lola rossa, shaved asiago with roasted garlic vinaigrette
Zuppa di Cozze$15.00
pan roasted mussles in a tomato and basil broth
Octopus Carpaccio$15.00
with fresh lemon juice, evoo, chives and pepperoncini

Pizzette from the Wood Burning oven

Margherita$19.00
tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese and fresh basil
Pizzetta del Bosco$19.00
roasted wild mushrooms, fontina and white truffle oil

Pasta

Gluten free pasta is available. Please ask your server.

Fedelini Fini$16.00
with toasted gardlic and rustic tomato sauce
Rigatoni$20.00
with sweet fennel and spicy sausage, peas and tomato cream
Fresh Pappardelle$24.00
with braised rabbit, fresh thyme and black olives
Homemade Sweet Pea Ravioli$20.00
with parmesan cream and mint

Secondi

Whole Wood Oven Roasted Fish for 2
served flambe with sauteed spinach and grape tomato relish
- M/P
Pan Seared Monkfish$24.00
with roasted portabello mushrooms, baby artichokes, and a green olive vinaigrette
Pan Seared Atlantic Cod Fish$26.00
with baby carrots, fingerling potatoes, cippolini onions, in a light red wine reduction
Roast Pork Chop$27.00
with braised swiss chard, bacon, barlotti beans, and pickled red onions
Steak Lavagna$35.00
marinated beef tenderloin with seasonal vegetables, yukon gold mash, and classic au poivre sauce
Roasted Baby Rack of Lamb$34.00
with cannellini beans, broccoli rabe and rosemary jus

Cantorni

Grilled Asparagus$9.00
Sauteed Spinach$9.00
Yukon Gold Mash$7.00
Broccoli Rabe$9.00

What 1,892 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.9

4.9 based on recent ratings

4.9Food
4.9Service
4.9Ambience
4.8Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

New York City
Best Value
New York City
Italian
Manhattan
Best Value
Manhattan
Italian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Lavagna in NYC is a charming neighborhood gem known for its consistently "excellent food" and "friendly service." With a cozy, inviting atmosphere, it offers a delightful dining experience. The menu features standout pasta dishes like the "rigatoni" and "pappardelle," complemented by an exceptional wine selection. Regulars praise its "warm staff" and "personal touch."

1,892 Reviews

R
Robert VIP
New York City14 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Terrific service and food. Wonderful meal. Highly recommended. Looking forward to returning.
Is this helpful?
EM
EricM
New York City1 review
4.0
Dined on March 8, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
For cozy neighborhood Italian, you could do a LOT worse. There’s a reason this place has been around forever, and is busy almost every night. No fail date night spot!
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J
James VIP
New York City61 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 24, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
A delicious Alphabet City mainstay and well worth the detour. The pastas are generous and incredibly flavorful. Same goes for the apps and mains and desserts.
Is this helpful?
S
Seth
New York City10 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 22, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We’ve been coming to Lavagna for over twenty years. It’s our go to choice in the East Village.
Is this helpful?
S
Sonia VIP
New York City2 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 14, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had a wonderful meal and enjoyed the fantastic, authentic atmosphere. Such a warm, happy place to enjoy a really good meal!
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m
maurac VIP
Greater Boston31 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 13, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always delicious. I have always enjoyed the food and wine here. The people make this a very special place!
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M
Marianna VIP
Miami6 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 8, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
The rigatoni with sausage and cream sauce was the best thing I’ve had since pasta happened! And I’m a New Yorker! They’ve been open for 26 years just for this dish!
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L
Louise
New York City3 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 7, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
A lovely neighborhood gem. Food was delicious, service was friendly, professional, and informed.
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s
sherri VIP
New York City12 reviews
5.0
Dined on January 26, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The warmth in winter of the food, the staff, the lighting, the decor were all welcome and abundant. Amazing ravioli, pollack (seasoned perfectly), insulate mista (amazing dressing!) and Clafoutis were amazing! Highly recommend and will be back (again and again!)
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R
Robert
New York City1 review
5.0
Dined on January 26, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great neighborhood place. Highly recommend. Nice people in a comfortable friendly atmosphere.
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FAQs

Lavagna - NYC offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (212) 979-1005.

Lavagna - NYC is rated 4.9 stars by 1892 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 15, 2025

8:30 PM

Booked 15 times today

Order delivery or takeout

545 E.5th St., New York, NY 10009

Additional information

Cross street
Between Avenue A and Avenue B
Neighborhood
East Village
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 12:00 pm–3:30 pm Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Italian
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
The closest public lot is located at 167 Essex Street and the corner of Houston, near Katz's Deli. It is a five block walk to the restaurant and we recommend the lot for parking during the weekends as street parking can be scarce.
Public transit
By Subway:F train to Second Ave stop6 train to Astor Place
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Baldo Merlin
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.lavagnanyc.com/
Phone number
(212) 979-1005
Private party facilities
Lavagna restaurant offers several options for private dining. Our space is available daily for daytime private dining for 20 to 50 guests; Noon to 4pm. We also offer seating up to 24 guests Sunday through Thursday evenings in our dining room. Full room buyout options are also available any night.

Lavagna - NYC

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining Room

Custom inquiry

Antipasti e Insalate

Seared Scallops "Agrodolce"$16.00

Tuscan Kale Caesar$13.00

Carciofo al Forno$13.00

Prosciutto di San Daniele$13.00

Insalata Mista$11.00

Zuppa di Cozze$15.00

Octopus Carpaccio$15.00

Pizzette from the Wood Burning oven

Margherita$19.00

Pizzetta del Bosco$19.00

Pasta

Fedelini Fini$16.00

Rigatoni$20.00

Fresh Pappardelle$24.00

Homemade Sweet Pea Ravioli$20.00

Secondi

Whole Wood Oven Roasted Fish for 2

Pan Seared Monkfish$24.00

Pan Seared Atlantic Cod Fish$26.00

Roast Pork Chop$27.00

Steak Lavagna$35.00

Roasted Baby Rack of Lamb$34.00

Cantorni

Grilled Asparagus$9.00

Sauteed Spinach$9.00

Yukon Gold Mash$7.00

Broccoli Rabe$9.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Lavagna - NYC offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Lavagna - NYC restaurant rated?

Is Lavagna - NYC currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information