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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Central Ward

Italian food spots

Made for those who have a deep appreciation for traditional Italian cooking and prioritize authentic flavors in every meal.

Based on 616 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Sihana Bistro image 1
Sihana Bistro image 2
Sihana Bistro image 3
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Restaurant

Restaurant offers a romantic vibe with live music enhancing the atmosphere. Space features modern, intimate design with private dining rooms and an outdoor patio. Noise level can be high, balancing relaxed and luxurious ambiance.

Food stands out for being fantastic, unique, and perfectly cooked with great seasoning.

Tiramisu and espresso come after meals as a classic finish. Chicken parmigiana offers a hearty option, while carbonara leans lighter with less meat.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are strong and perfectly balanced."

"I found the food here to be really delicious and rich."

"I found the Italian food here really delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure seating.

2

Happy hour runs all day with special appetizers available.

3

Street parking is plentiful and safe at night.

02
Ellie's Bistro image 1
Italian restaurant

Small Italian restaurant with a modern rustic vibe and a visible brick oven adds character to the space. Atmosphere feels warm and cozy but can get tight and crowded, creating a lively buzz. Known for excellent pizza and pasta, it offers a variety of well-crafted cocktails and wines.

Food arrives super fast with a variety of amazing appetizers, salads, and main courses. Options include pizza, meatballs, and wings, all served with attentive service.

Fresh pasta shines with dishes like Wild mushroom ravioli and clam linguine rich in garlic. Creamy Penne A La Vodka and hearty lasagna add variety, while tiramisu finishes the meal on a sweet note.

People are saying

"The Kristin Salad's raspberry vinaigrette is addictive."

"The Italian food here is genuinely delicious and flavorful pasta and pizza perfection."

"The food here is delicious and amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from Monday to Friday from 4-6 pm at the bar.

2

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times, especially before events.

3

Expect a one-hour wait during busy times, particularly before shows.

03
Black Oyster Cocktail Company image 1

Compact space filled with upbeat music and a dope DJ spinning old school R&B creates lively energy. Diverse crowd enjoys charbroiled oysters and strong, flavorful cocktails like Blueberry Lemon Drop. Decor includes a stylish bar area and a private party room downstairs.

Calamari, tacos, and Cajun pasta stand out as flavorful dishes. Charbroiled oysters and a catering menu with diverse options add to the food variety. The chef interacts directly with diners about the food.

Cajun pasta with shrimp stands out, served with crispy bread and generous portions. Other dishes include alfredo pasta, calamari, and chicken wings, all delivering solid Italian flavors.

People are saying

"The DJ played upbeat music and created a good vibe."

"The food here is delicious and deserves a chef's kiss."

"The Cajun pasta here is delicious and melts in your mouth."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is all day on Sunday.

2

Expect higher prices similar to NYC standards.

3

Parking can be challenging during events at the Prudential Center.

04
Dutch's Restaurant image 1

Restaurant offers stylish retro decor with inviting, peaceful atmosphere and wide bar countertops. Bartenders prepare notable cocktails like Irish Coffee and Old Fashioned, contributing to a lively vibe. Seating feels comfortable, enhancing the overall pleasant experience.

Food features delicious flavors and fresh ingredients with many menu options. Service is fast and excellent, complementing the food and drinks well.

Salmon pasta stands out as a superb dish here. Chicken piccata, chicken alfredo, and chicken parmesan also feature as popular entrees alongside well-made pasta and shrimp appetizers.

People are saying

"The bartenders here are so polite and make great conversation."

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

"The Italian Food here is amazing, with super attentive and helpful staff."

Good to know

1

The restaurant charges a 20% service charge on all bills.

2

Dutch's Restaurant is a 5-minute walk from the Prudential Center.

3

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

05
Ikoyi Restaurant and Lounge image 1
West African restaurant

West African restaurant offers elegant decor and a cool, lively vibe with live music and hookah available even in the afternoon. The atmosphere blends authentic Lagos lounge energy with attentive service and spacious seating options.

Food features excellent quality, with dishes rated consistently high. The menu pairs well with drinks and hookah, creating a complete dining experience.

Spaghetti stands out with its spicy and flavorful taste. Rasta Pasta offers a unique twist, while the jollof rice and spaghetti come seasoned to perfection.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really good."

"The DJ was great and really on point."

"The spaghetti is so good and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 1 PM to 7 PM on weekdays with $5 appetizers.

2

The restaurant does not serve alcohol due to a lack of liquor license.

3

Expect a 16% gratuity fee added to your bill for dining in.

06
Mulberry Street Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Pizza restaurant offers New York style pizza with thin crust and fresh ingredients. Atmosphere feels welcoming and safe, attracting local workers. Menu includes a full Italian American selection with reasonable prices and generous portions.

Food features a really crunchy crust and consistently amazing flavors. Pizza stands out with its great taste and solid quality.

Pizza and pasta come out absolutely delicious here. The chicken penne vodka stands out with a massive portion and great value, especially as a lunch special.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was fantastic and the crust was really crunchy."

"The food here is amazing, especially the crunchy pizza crust."

"The Italian food here, especially the pizza, is delicious."

Good to know

1

The prices are reasonable for the quality of food offered.

2

Portion sizes are generous, making it a good value.

3

The large pizza typically arrives in about 15 minutes.

07
NICO Kitchen + Bar image 1
New American restaurant

New American restaurant offers a calm and smooth atmosphere with spacious seating in the back room. The vibe suits families and pre-concert diners, featuring excellent cocktails and local beers alongside well-prepared dishes like smoked chipotle wings and roasted mushroom risotto.

Pasta and steak dishes stand out with great taste and quality. The food arrives hot and fast, matching a clean setting and friendly service that suits a pre-show meal.

Roasted mushroom risotto stands out as a vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free option. Pasta, steak, black-eyed pea soup, and gnocchi all come out well-prepared and flavorful.

People are saying

"The Caesar salad was really good with fresh parmesan."

"The chicken pot pie food has a light and flaky crust."

"The gnocchi and pasta dishes here are so good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers half-price drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm on weekdays.

2

Reservations are recommended for dining, especially during busy hours.

3

A limited menu is available in the lounge area for walk-in guests.

08
Medallion Steakhouse & Seafood image 1

Open concept floor plan creates a cozy, family atmosphere with stylish yet understated decor. The space feels warm and inviting, suitable for intimate gatherings and larger parties. A small bar adds to the relaxed vibe, blending modern comfort with a welcoming mood.

Food comes with excellent service and is consistently outstanding. The quality of dishes impresses every time.

Pasta and risotto stand out with generous prawns and well-cooked shrimp. The penne with vodka sauce and seafood dishes show strong seafood flavors.

People are saying

"The pasta dishes here are a culinary gem, especially with generous prawns."

"I thought the food here was amazing."

"The Italian food here has amazing pasta with a generous amount of prawns."

Good to know

1

During happy hour, I paid $15 for two margaritas.

2

They automatically add a 20% tip to the bill.

3

They charge a credit card fee.

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Central Ward, Newark

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