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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Union Square

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64 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Carmine's - 44th Street - NYC restaurant
1. Carmine's - 44th Street - NYC
4.6
Exceptional(29784)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Theater District
Booked 316 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
2. Il Fiorista
4.5
Awesome(252)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • NoMad
Booked 19 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 Aunt Jake's Pasta Experience restaurant
3. Aunt Jake's Pasta Experience
4.9
Exceptional(811)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Upper East Side
Booked 74 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 Cecconi's at The Ned NoMad restaurant
4. Cecconi's at The Ned NoMad
4.5
Awesome(366)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • NoMad
Booked 36 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 Cecconi's Dumbo restaurant
5. Cecconi's Dumbo
4.6
Exceptional(5258)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • DUMBO
Booked 134 times today
Cecconi's Dumbo, nestled in the picturesque DUMBO neighborhood of Brooklyn, offers a sublime Mediterranean dining experience that harmonizes beautifully with its stunning waterfront views of the Manhattan skyline. This restaurant is celebrated for its "delicious Mediterranean classics like the Roman style gnocchi and risotto" that transport diners straight to Italy with each bite. Reviewers consistently rave about the authenticity and quality of the cuisine, noting dishes like "octopus, tuna tartare Cecconi’s style, and zucchini Fritti" as must-tries. A guest highlighted, "If you wanna taste real Italian food, this is the place!" With its "fabulous view and great service," Cecconi's Dumbo promises not just a meal, but a memorable Mediterranean feast that's always "on point."
A photo of Sogno Toscano restaurant
6. Sogno Toscano
4.8
Exceptional(111)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • West Village
Booked 2 times today
Sogno Toscano in West Village, New York, offers a truly authentic Italian Wine Bar experience that transports you straight to Tuscany. Diners rave about the "immaculate food, wine, vibes, and service," with a special mention for the "Lambrusco and charcuterie board that make you think you’re in Italy." This gem is known for its extensive selection of imported wines that perfectly complement their gourmet offerings. As one happy guest put it, "the wine is top notch," underscoring the quality that Sogno Toscano prides itself on. Whether you're a local or just visiting, Sogno Toscano provides a perfect slice of Italy with its exceptional wine and food pairings, making every visit a memorable one.
A photo of Stella 34 Trattoria restaurant
7. Stella 34 Trattoria
4.4
Awesome(3527)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Midtown West
Booked 43 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 Cacio e Pepe Downtown restaurant
8. Cacio e Pepe Downtown
4.4
Awesome(1481)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • East Village
Booked 6 times today
Consistently excellent, this East Village gem is known for innovation and excellence in Roman cuisine. While Chef Salvatore Corea creates a seasonal menu, partners Alessandro Peluso and Giusto Priola note that Cacio e Pepe remains faithful to its signature namesake dish: home-made pasta brought to your table and spun in a wheel of pecorino cheese, then dusted with a flourish of pepper. Voted a ‘Critic’s Pick’ by New York Magazine, Cacio e Pepe is celebrated by reviewers as a classic Italian restaurant with a sense of style: A 50-seat garden is set behind the main dining room, there is al-fresco dining out front, and waiters with superior wine knowledge help you select the perfect beverage accompaniment to your meal. The mystery remains whether it is the garden, the cuisine, or the service which lifts Cacio e Pepe above and beyond its peers on the NYC restaurant scene. The answer, however, may best be expressed in French: It has that je ne se qua.
A photo of Osteria Nonnino restaurant
9. Osteria Nonnino
4.6
Exceptional(234)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • West Village
Booked 57 times today
Nestled in the vibrant West Village of New York, Osteria Nonnino offers a stellar dining experience with its contemporary Italian cuisine that blends the culinary traditions of northern and southern Italy. Chef Tony Kavaja, along with his wife Vita Russo, crafts authentic Italian dishes that resonate with diners. The rave reviews highlight dishes like the "fabulous" Orecchiette Con Bufala and the table-side Cacio e Pepe, emphasizing freshness and authenticity. Guests are especially fond of the "delicious and perfectly prepared" entrees and desserts, like the tiramisu made fresh at your table, which one diner described as "life-changing!" The restaurant's cozy atmosphere and attentive service make it a neighborhood gem, where every meal feels like a special occasion. This blend of excellent food, immersive ambiance, and warm hospitality ensures Osteria Nonnino is not just a meal, but a memorable experience, making it a must-visit for lovers of refined Italian cuisine.
A photo of Piccola Cucina Uptown restaurant
10. Piccola Cucina Uptown
4.8
Exceptional(2147)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Upper East Side
Booked 58 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.
‘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.

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