Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Union Square

65 restaurants available nearby

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

1. Carmine's - 44th Street - NYC

4.6

Exceptional(30032)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Theater District

Booked 470 times today

Carmine's - 44th Street in NYC's vibrant Theater District is a gem for Contemporary Italian cuisine that truly stands out. The restaurant's dedication to delivering generous family-style portions echoes the warmth of an Italian American wedding feast, making every visit feel like a "Sunday afternoon at Grandma's." With a menu brimming with made-to-order pasta, succulent seafood, and exquisite homemade desserts, diners are in for a treat. The glowing reviews speak volumes with remarks like "food was truly amazing" and "service was fast and attentive." Carmine's is not just a meal; it's a delightful culinary experience worth savoring.

2. Il Fiorista

4.5

Awesome(264)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • NoMad

Booked 29 times today

Il Fiorista, nestled in the vibrant NoMad neighborhood of New York, offers an exquisite Mediterranean dining experience that stands out for its authenticity and quality. This delightful spot brings a "taste of classic Italy with a modern twist," as praised by delighted patrons. With a strong emphasis on local and seasonal produce sourced from the Union Square Greenmarket, the restaurant crafts dishes that are fresh and flavorful. Guests rave about the "outstanding food, wine selection, and service," making it a favorite for both intimate meals and lively celebrations. Whether for brunch, dinner, or special events, Il Fiorista promises an unforgettable culinary journey.

A photo of Aunt Jake's Pasta Experience restaurant

3. Aunt Jake's Pasta Experience

4.9

Exceptional(856)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Upper East Side

Booked 3 times today

Aunt Jake's Pasta Experience on the Upper East Side offers a delightful and immersive journey into authentic Italian cuisine. Known for crafting high-quality, handmade pasta with fresh ingredients, Aunt Jake's stands out by allowing diners to customize their pasta dishes, blending traditional flavors with contemporary twists. "The food was AMAZING!" rave patrons, highlighting both the flavor and generous portions. The pasta-making class is a beloved feature, described as "a must-try" and "fun for everyone," guided by engaging instructors like Anthony. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice, Aunt Jake's combines laughter and learning, making it a perfect spot for a memorable Italian meal.

A photo of Cecconi's at The Ned NoMad restaurant

4. Cecconi's at The Ned NoMad

4.4

Awesome(380)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • NoMad

Booked 40 times today

Cecconi's at The Ned NoMad offers an exceptional Mediterranean dining experience in the heart of Manhattan's NoMad district. Celebrated for its "outstanding dishes" and "excellent service," this restaurant crafts an authentic taste of Northern Italy with hand-made pasta and wood oven-fired pizza. The ambiance, described as "lovely" and "welcoming," pairs beautifully with the exquisite flavors on offer. Diners rave about the "fantastic food," including favorites like Burrata and Calamari Fritti, making Cecconi's a go-to spot for both casual meals and special occasions. Whether it's a date night or a business lunch, Cecconi's promises a memorable Mediterranean experience.

5. Cecconi's Dumbo

4.6

Exceptional(5293)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • DUMBO

Booked 135 times today

Cecconi's Dumbo, located in the heart of Brooklyn's DUMBO neighborhood, offers an exceptional Mediterranean dining experience with a focus on authentic Italian cuisine. Guests rave about the “stunning views” of the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge, which enhance the lively yet elegant atmosphere. The restaurant is praised for its “delicious, creative twists on Italian classics,” such as the truffled whipped ricotta and hand-made pasta, making each dish a delightful journey through Mediterranean flavors. With “fantastic service” and an inviting ambiance, Cecconi's Dumbo is a must-visit for those seeking a memorable blend of taste and scenery.

6. Sogno Toscano

4.8

Exceptional(114)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • West Village

Booked 31 times today

Sogno Toscano, nestled in the charming West Village at 17 Perry Street, offers an exquisite Contemporary Italian experience that transports diners straight to Italy. Known for its gourmet foods and imported wines, this hidden gem is praised for its "immaculate" food, wine, and service. Guests rave about the authentic vibe, with one diner noting, "Just got back from Italy two weeks ago and felt like I was right back." The restaurant's paninis are hailed as the best in the area, while their wine tastings receive enthusiastic recommendations. With its warm ambiance and attentive service, Sogno Toscano is a must-visit for Italian cuisine lovers.

A photo of Stella 34 Trattoria restaurant

7. Stella 34 Trattoria

4.4

Awesome(3543)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Midtown West

Booked 11 times today

Stella 34 Trattoria in Midtown NYC offers a delightful Contemporary Italian dining experience that blends modern culinary artistry with authentic Italian flavors. Perched on the 6th floor of Macy's, diners are treated to "gorgeous views of the Empire State Building" while enjoying a menu that is consistently praised for its freshness and "delicious" quality. The restaurant's warm and spacious ambiance is perfect for both intimate gatherings and larger parties, with many reviewers noting the "wonderful atmosphere" and "attentive service" that enhance the dining experience. Don't miss their "fig and prosciutto pizza" and "fried calamari," which have become crowd favorites for their exquisite taste.

A photo of Cacio e Pepe Downtown restaurant

8. Cacio e Pepe Downtown

4.3

Awesome(1482)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • East Village

Booked 25 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.

9. Osteria Nonnino

4.5

Awesome(249)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • West Village

Booked 55 times today

Osteria Nonnino in West Village, New York, offers an exquisite Contemporary Italian dining experience that marries the rich culinary traditions of northern and southern Italy. This family-owned gem, helmed by Chef Tony Kavaja, delights guests with a menu that is both innovative and authentic. "Fresh ingredients, tasty food, it was definitely a great experience," rave diners, applauding the impeccable service and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant's charming outdoor area provides a serene escape, making every visit feel like a stroll through Italy. With dishes prepared tableside and a menu that leaves guests spoiled for choice, Osteria Nonnino "truly is a taste of Italy."

10. Ninos 46

4.4

Awesome(1199)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Midtown West

Booked 17 times today

Ninos 46 in Midtown West, New York, is a true gem for Italian cuisine enthusiasts seeking authenticity and quality. Their wood-fired brick oven pizzas are a must-try, earning praise for their "perfectly baked crust and flavorful toppings." Handcrafted pasta dishes are another highlight, with patrons noting the "outstanding, freshly made" taste that transports you straight to Italy. The restaurant's warm and inviting atmosphere, coupled with exceptional service, enhances the dining experience. Gluten-free options abound, making it inclusive for all diners. Whether you're indulging in their famous lobster pasta or savoring a decadent homemade dessert, Ninos 46 promises a delightful Italian culinary journey.

‘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

D
DENISEVIP
New York City •32 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Fabulous meal start to finish. Our family of five arrived early for our dinner reservations. We were welcomed to sit at the bar. The staff allowed us to enjoy our bottle of wine and order when ready, no rush, no pressure. We ordered from the prix fixed menu. The beet salad and burrata were delicious. For the main course we had the branzino and lobster pappardelle. Fabulous! Dessert we chose the lavender panna cotta and tiramisu. Simply scrumptious. Service was impeccable. Beautiful decor, fresh flowers and candles on all the tables. The little details add up to a warm and welcoming atmosphere. I would eat here again and again.
More info
Il FioristaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• NoMad
•
4.5
T
ToniVIP
New York City •93 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Once again, my girlfriend and I enjoyed a lovely dinner after the theatre! Chris was our server. He was attentive to our every need. And once again the French Martinis were perfection!! We enjoyed the price fix menu of salad and risotto with tiramisu for dessert.
More info
Stella 34 TrattoriaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Midtown West
•
4.4
C
CynthiaVIP
New York City •82 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Such a nice experience. Yummy cocktails. Delicious tuna appetizer and fabulous pizza. The crust is AMAZING. Chicken paillard is excellent as is the branzino. Wonderful GF accommodations and GF pasta options. They even had GF bread!!! Lovely communications through messaging to arrange desserts ahead of time for our birthday guest. We will return to Cecconi’s and recommend to others
More info
Cecconi's at The Ned NoMadPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• NoMad
•
4.4
C
CathleenVIP
New York City •19 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Absolutely amazing Italian food in a warm, inviting space with excellent service.
More info
Sogno ToscanoPrice: Moderate• Italian• West Village
•
4.8
B
Brittany
Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 27 Dec 2024
Excellent service and the food was divine! I highly recommend this restaurant.
More info
Cacio e Pepe DowntownPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• East Village
•
4.3

Explore OpenTable

Union Square

Contemporary italian

Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Union Square

Price

Regions

Areas

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating options

Award-winning

Accessibility

65 restaurants available nearby

1. Carmine's - 44th Street - NYC

2. Il Fiorista

3. Aunt Jake's Pasta Experience

4. Cecconi's at The Ned NoMad

5. Cecconi's Dumbo

6. Sogno Toscano

7. Stella 34 Trattoria

8. Cacio e Pepe Downtown

9. Osteria Nonnino

10. Ninos 46

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable