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Lavagna - NYC, New York, NY

Lavagna - NYC

4.9
4.9
1888 Reviews
$31 to $50
Italian

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 26 times today
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Charming
  • 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 12:00–15:30 Dinner Tue–Sat 17:00–22:00 Sun 16:00–21:00
  • Phone number
    (212) 979-1005
  • 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.
  • Area
    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, Takeaway, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 1,888 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
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.8Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Manhattan

    Italian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Lavagna in NYC is a beloved "hidden gem" known for its "authentic Italian food" and "incredible wine options." Patrons rave about the "amazing ravioli" and "phenomenal rigatoni." With a "warm, inviting atmosphere" and "attentive service," it's a perfect spot for both special occasions and casual dining.

1,888 Reviews
  1. Sonia

    VIP

    New York City

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    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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  2. maurac

    VIP

    Greater Boston

    29 reviews

    5.0

    29 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    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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  3. Marianna

    VIP

    Miami

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on 8 February 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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  4. Louise

    New York City

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 7 February 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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  5. sherri

    VIP

    New York City

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on 26 January 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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  6. Robert

    New York City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 26 January 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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  7. John

    VIP

    New York City

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on 25 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Lavagna is always a deliciously wonderful experience.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Andy

    New York City

    7 reviews

    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on 18 January 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 2
    First thing we noticed when we entered was a smell, and we couldn’t figure out what it was and then all four of us in our party noticed the same thing it smelled like a musty basement or a subway, and it was quite noticeable and took away from the overall experience significantly.They need to address. This makes it absolutely not worth going. That said the food was good and priced moderately. however, beware of the limited menu. 

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  9. jonathan

    New York City

    16 reviews

    4.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on 12 January 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    We have been dining at Levagna since it opened in 1999. It is a golden nugget of a restaurant owned by the same owner since the days of the New York Time’s Eric Asimov’s $25 and Under reviews and has consistently been a wonderful place to eat.

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  10. Robert

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 9 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    One of our favorite NYC restaurants. Consistently excellent food and menu. Try it you’ll love it!!

    Is this helpful?

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 1888 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 26 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Lavagna - NYC

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

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Between Avenue A and Avenue B
  • Area
    East Village
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 12:00–15:30 Dinner Tue–Sat 17:00–22:00 Sun 16:00–21:00
  • 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, Takeaway, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • 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.
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