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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in the Flatiron District

Unique Italian food

Made for those who seek out unconventional Italian dishes and refuse to dine anywhere that serves a standard, predictable menu.

Based on 751 Opinions
+748
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Updated May 2026
01
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Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant offers an upbeat yet cozy atmosphere with beautiful, non-pretentious decor and an expansive layout including a well-appointed bar area. The vibe suits intimate dinners, date nights, or small group outings with lively music and a warm, comfortable setting.

Charred octopus and pesto pasta stand out with bold flavors. The lemon pasta offers a bright, tasty twist. Shrimp, pasta, and branzino also deliver solid Italian dishes.

Food features unique and interesting flavors with every dish perfectly cooked.

People are saying

"The dinner spots here have amazing lobster pasta and lamb."

"The Italian food, especially the whipped feta with zaatar, was perfection."

"The food here is delicious with unique and interesting flavors."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

2

Opto accommodates various dietary needs, making it suitable for all guests.

3

The restaurant offers a family-style dining option for larger groups.

02
Stretch Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Outdoor dining includes a trolley car-style hut with cozy booths and bar seating inside. Atmosphere blends warmth and thoughtfulness with occasional noise from a slamming door. Cocktails and pizza stand out for quality, offering a unique upscale sit-down experience.

Gnocchi stands out with a perfect 10 rating and is the highlight of the menu. Pesto mozzarella sticks offer a great cheese pull and rank among the best ever tasted.

Square pies blend Neapolitan and Roman styles with toppings that echo Thai street food flavors. Appetizers like chickpea fries and potato chip salad add to the unique menu.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was seriously great."

"The Italian food here has incredible flavor and a light, airy crust."

"The pizza here has unique flavors, like Thai street food."

Good to know

1

The price of a personal pizza pie is $25.

2

Pizzas come in a 12 inch pie, which is plenty for two people to share.

3

The bathroom is several flights down, but there is elevator access.

03
Aqua Kyoto | New York image 1

Massive sushi bar anchors a stylish, modern space filled with warm, inviting details. Atmosphere balances chic elegance with a relaxed vibe, supported by great music that enhances without overwhelming. Cocktail bar offers unique drinks like the Kyoto Martini, complementing fresh, beautifully presented sushi and signature rolls.

Two distinct kitchens serve handmade pastas and pizzette on the Italian side. The Mafalde pasta comes with slow-cooked oxtail for rich flavor.

A massive sushi bar dominates the space, creating a striking visual and dining experience. The Kyoto Martini stands out with its balanced, smooth flavor profile.

People are saying

"The sashimi here is so fresh and beautifully presented."

"The space here is stunning and made the experience feel unique."

"The handmade pastas here are incredible."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

2

Aqua Kyoto is family-friendly and welcomes children.

3

The menu features high-quality ingredients and seasonal specials.

04
Aqua Roma | New York image 1
Italian restaurant

Large space features a huge bar and 70-foot sushi bar with nets surrounding the bar adding visual interest. Atmosphere shifts from cozy, dimly lit dining to lively with a late-night DJ creating vibrant energy. Guests enjoy a stylish setting with thoughtful design and private rooms upstairs.

Pasta dishes include ravioli with burrata wrapped in thin dough and arancini. Tiramisu is prepared tableside, adding to the experience. Desserts feature unique options like forest floor panna cotta.

Dishes feature unique presentations that catch the eye. The menu blends contemporary Japanese and Italian styles, creating an exceptional dining experience. Pairing Italian with Japanese food offers a distinctive flavor mix.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and spectacular."

"The Italian food, especially the pasta, is creative and delicious."

"The Italian dishes here offer a unique, chef-level experience."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour offers discounted drinks from 4-6pm on weekdays.

2

Reservations are highly recommended due to limited seating.

3

The 3-course lunch meal deal costs $30, providing good value.

05
Eataly - Flatiron image 1
Gourmet grocery store

Italian market and dining space combines multiple restaurants, specialty counters, and rooftop seating under one roof. Atmosphere ranges from warm and inviting to loud and bustling, with a mix of casual shoppers and diners. Frequent demonstrations and sample bars add an interactive element to the experience.

Good pasta to go stands out here. The Tiramisu arrives unwrapped at the table creating a lava effect.

A unique mix of restaurants and markets under one roof offers a fresh experience. The place features specialized Italian products, including fresh pastas, cheeses, and hard-to-find groceries.

People are saying

"It's an amazing Italian grocery store with high-quality, hard-to-find products."

"The Italian food here is so fresh, especially the pasta."

"I found the authentic Italian groceries and gifts here to be truly unique."

Good to know

1

Pizza by the slice costs between $7-12.

2

You walk along to pick what you want to eat and drink.

3

The location is tucked away in the back left corner by La Pizza.

06
Sagaponack image 1
Seafood restaurant

Modern seafood restaurant blends Hamptons chic with coastal vibes and Asian influences in a stylish, seaside-inspired space. Atmosphere stays relaxed and welcoming, with comfortable seating and a bar designed for happy hour. Private event space overlooks the bar, adding versatility to the setting.

Fluke tartare and risotto with shrimp stand out for their rich flavors and perfect bite. The panna cotta offers a silky, smooth finish, while the menu includes meat, fish, pasta, and shellfish options.

Menu blends Mediterranean and Asian flavors for a distinct taste. Lobster roll features a unique chili twist that stands out.

People are saying

"You have to try the dollar oysters during Happy Hour; they're excellent."

"The Italian food, especially the seafood and beef, was perfectly cooked."

"You'll find unique happy hour deals, like gazpacho-dressed oysters."

Good to know

1

Customers must order a minimum of 6 oysters per person.

2

There is a maximum limit of one dozen oysters per person.

3

Sagaponack's happy hour offers $1 oysters, $5 beer/wine, and $9 cocktails until 6:30 PM.

07
La Tête d'Or by Daniel image 1
French steakhouse restaurant

French steakhouse combines modern elegance with an intimate, cozy atmosphere featuring high ceilings and velvet seating. Spacious bar area accommodates walk-ins, while the open kitchen and soothing colors create a relaxing, upscale vibe. Noise control balances liveliness and privacy, attracting diners seeking both sophistication and comfort.

House-made pasta topped with caviar offers a surprising twist. The porterhouse steak comes with creamed spinach and hazelnut gnocchi, delivering rich, balanced flavors.

Wood-fired bone stands out with its unique preparation and flavor. The place blends elegance with a cozy atmosphere, creating a distinct dining experience. Soft serve dessert appears as a rare offering here.

People are saying

"The filet mignon was perfection, and the steak frites had an exceptional crust."

"The food here has unique, rich flavors and a stylish atmosphere."

"The homemade pasta here is so good, I ordered it twice."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for large groups.

2

Expect a sophisticated menu featuring local ingredients and seasonal dishes.

3

The steakhouse has a deep wine list for pairing with meals.

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Rezdôra image 1
Italian restaurant

Small, tightly packed Italian restaurant with close seating and a loud, hectic atmosphere. Classic rock music plays loudly, making conversation difficult. Known for authentic, highly praised pasta dishes and an upscale yet chill vibe.

Pasta stands out with unique dishes like the grandma walking through the forest and uovo raviolo. The tasting menu showcases a range of exceptional flavors and textures.

Dishes like the grandma walking through the forest and uovo raviolo offer unique, intense flavors. The cacio e pepe salad stands out with its crisp and distinct taste.

People are saying

"The pasta tasting was fantastic and delicious."

"The Italian food, especially the pasta, is delicious and packed with flavor."

"The pastas here are unique and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended and should be made at least 10 days in advance.

2

Expect very small portion sizes; order multiple dishes per person.

3

The pasta tasting experience includes a wine pairing for an additional cost.

09
AMALFI Rooftop by Birreria image 1

Rooftop dining space features glass roof and tasteful decor, creating a romantic atmosphere with loud, lively energy. Tables sit close together, fostering an intimate yet bustling vibe. The setting suits groups and singles, with a comfortable feel even for families with babies.

Pasta stands out as a highlight with rich flavors. The tiramisu impresses with exquisite presentation and taste. Burrata serves as a creamy starter with an extra cost.

Cocktails feature creative blends with unique flavors that stand out. The decor is beautiful and photo-worthy, adding to the overall unique vibe.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and authentic Italian."

"The Italian food here, especially the tiramisu, is amazing."

"The rooftop decor with flowers and vines is so unique and beautiful."

Good to know

1

During NYC Restaurant Week, you can get a 2-course lunch or 3-course dinner.

2

There is a happy hour from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM at the bar area.

3

The cocktail making class with Jesse is a unique experience.

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Flatiron District, New York

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