Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in the LES

Unique Italian spots

There is a specific satisfaction in finding an Italian kitchen that does things differently than the standard red-sauce joints.

Based on 616 Opinions
+613
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
LECIEL image 1
LECIEL image 2
LECIEL image 3
View all
New American restaurant

New American restaurant offers an intimate, elegant space with a calm, romantic atmosphere that suits both casual nights and special occasions. The vibe balances stylish and welcoming with a warm glow that sets a cozy mood. Cocktails stand out as creative and perfectly balanced, complementing the overall inviting energy.

Menus feature tiger prawn risotto, chicken steak, and steak three ways. Mushroom soup pairs well with mushroom raviolis and Mac n cheese. The panna cotta reveals layered flavors, starting creamy and finishing with butter crumble.

Cocktails stand out with Asian notes and flavors, each one carefully crafted. Drinks offer a unique twist alongside delicious food.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and amazing."

"The food and drinks here are so unique and delicious."

"The bacon & shrimp with cheese grits is a must-order."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

Gluten-free options are available and clearly labeled on the menu.

02
Cuts & Slices image 1
Pizza restaurant

Small dining space blends skateboard and hip hop culture with classic 90s hip-hop, R&B, and reggae music creating a hipster vibe. Staff shout orders amid organized chaos while a diverse crowd chats and relaxes in line. Unique idiosyncratic signage adds character to the cozy atmosphere.

Creative pizzas feature Black Truffle chicken Alfredo and sweet chili oxtail toppings. Pasta options include a rich oxtail vodka dish and a generous shrimp and lobster Alfredo.

Unique pizzas feature different flavors and delicious slices that stand out. The overall experience offers distinctive choices not found elsewhere.

People are saying

"You have to try the Oxtail pizza, especially the sweet chili and curry flavors."

"You have to try these unique, flavorful pizza slices."

"I've never had a slice of Italian food this good."

Good to know

1

Slices cost about $14 each, making it pricey for a full meal.

2

They offer vegan options, catering to diverse dietary preferences.

3

The restaurant is always busy, so expect long wait times.

03
Cactus Wren image 1
Restaurant

Stunning light fixtures cast a warm glow over a cozy, intimate space with big windows and a beautiful pizza oven. Loud music fills the main area, creating lively energy, while a dimly lit private dining space offers quiet comfort. The atmosphere blends charming, well-designed details with a friendly, dinner club vibe.

Mortadella tartine stands out with rich flavor. The menu also features shrimp toast and a creamy lobster pot pie that draw attention.

Shrimp toast features old bay seasoning and a pickled green tomato remoulade that stands out from typical dips. The 7-layer bean dip includes lots of caviar and comes with hot tortillas that tear like roti canai, adding to its uniqueness.

People are saying

"You have to try their signature caviar dip; it's a must-order."

"The Italian food, especially the pasta and pizza, was awesome."

"The pork and wings here are juicy and outstanding."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner service, especially on weekends.

2

Happy hour features half-price appetizers from 4-6pm on weekdays.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted, but cash is preferred for tips.

04
Trapizzino image 1
Italian restaurant

Small space with counter seating and outdoor dining offers a cozy, intimate atmosphere with authentic Italian vibes. Music selection adds to the relaxed energy, attracting those seeking casual yet classy dining. Known for quality suppli and trapizzini, it provides a taste reminiscent of Rome.

Roman street food shines with crispy focaccia stuffed with savory fillings. Pasta dishes like homemade ragรน and Cacio e Pepe come sauced perfectly and taste authentic.

Offers a unique dining experience with Italian street food that stands out. The Doppia Panna sandwich is tart and savory, adding to the distinctiveness.

People are saying

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

"You have to try the olive oil cake; it's phenomenal."

"I found the food here unique and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

A meal for two can cost between $80 to $130 depending on choices.

3

Most food items on the menu are under $15.

05
Fossetta image 1
Restaurant

Small space with large garage doors opens to the street, blending indoors and outdoors with plenty of natural light. Dim lighting and intimate tables create a cozy atmosphere ideal for quiet dinners or date nights. A carefully curated playlist adds to the warm, relaxed vibe.

Focaccia stands out with honey and ricotta variants that pair well with spreads like smashed eggplant and labne. Pasta dishes like chicken liver pasta and bucatini Amatriciana also feature prominently alongside a notable lasagna.

Menu features never-tried-before combinations and inventive takes on Italian dishes. Starters like Smashed Pumpkin & Pecorino Focaccia and Burrata with Roasted Peppers offer unique flavors. The wine list includes a natural wine selection with distinctive options.

People are saying

"I found the focaccia to be amazing."

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

"The menu's unique combinations were unlike anything I'd tried before."

Good to know

1

Reservations can be made easily for brunch on Sundays.

2

There is a 3.99% discount if you pay by cash.

3

The restaurant allows last minute Saturday night reservations.

06
Beauty & Essex image 1
Restaurant

Entrance through a pawn shop leads to a hidden speakeasy with gorgeous chandeliers and a grand staircase. The interior divides into smaller rooms, each with its own dimly lit ambiance and stylish decor. Music stays at a comfortable volume, creating a sleek, social vibe suited for evening gatherings.

Lemon Ricotta Ravioli offers a very lemony and unique flavor. Mushroom-stuffed ravioli and other dishes like chicken parmigiana and sea scallops come with strong, distinct tastes.

The atmosphere offers a unique vibe that stands out. Drinks and menu items feature distinctive flavors and creative ingredient blends for a one-of-a-kind taste.

People are saying

"The food here was amazing and delicious."

"The wild mushroom ravioli here is fantastic."

"The entrance is unique, disguised as a pawn shop."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required to secure a table.

2

Parking costs $90, which is quite high.

3

The entrance to the restaurant is through a pawn shop.

07
The Historic Blue Moon Hotel image 1

Hotel combines art deco charm with historic artifacts and unique artwork throughout. Rooms offer panoramic city views from balconies and blend vintage style with modern comforts. Atmosphere feels like stepping into a living museum with quiet, spacious accommodations.

Fresh cannolis, cappuccino, and homemade pastas fill the air with amazing smells. Desserts like lemon tiramisu and orange-almond cookie stand out as authentic and beautifully prepared.

A blend of classic and modern comfort shapes the stairwells, rooms, lobby, and dining areas. Each room offers a very unique design, and the strong sense of history adds a special touch throughout.

People are saying

"The hotel staff made me feel like family."

"It's a unique, historic place filled with art and personality."

"The Italian food here has a breathtaking view and atmosphere."

Good to know

1

The hotel charges a $30 resort fee despite lacking resort features such as a pool, gym, or spa.

2

Guests must walk through a little Italian cafe with homemade delicious treats to get to the main desk.

3

The hotel is conveniently located near subway stations and popular neighborhoods.

08
Dudleys image 1
Restaurant

Bar planted in the center anchors a stylish space with exposed bricks, wooden beams, and indoor orange trees. Atmosphere shifts from lively and warm with an Aussie twist to occasionally loud music that challenges conversation. Outdoor seating offers comfortable shade and fans, attracting brunch crowds who often wait for entry.

Pasta dishes stand out with shrimp linguine and truffle pasta cooked very well, scoring at least 9 out of 10. Bruschetta with bufala and pear adds a unique touch to the Italian food offerings.

Soft serve features unique flavors. The bar sits in the center of the restaurant. Dishes like the Shrooms Benedict offer aromatic, distinctive twists.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the crispy bacon."

"The ricotta hotcakes are delicious and moist."

"The crispy rice salad is uniquely great for cutting fat."

Good to know

1

Expect about an hour wait on Saturday mornings.

2

Reservations are not accepted for Sunday brunch.

3

Happy hour runs from 4:30 PM to 7 PM on weekdays with discounted cocktails.

09
Davelle image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small space with rustic decor and kissaten-style fixtures creates a calm, cozy atmosphere. Indoor and outdoor seating accommodate limited groups, with a warm, welcoming vibe inside despite some cramped areas. Creative Japanese toast and cocktails add a unique touch to the experience.

Mentai spaghetti stands out with its savory, slightly briney, and creamy flavor. The uni pasta offers a creamy, umami-rich sauce with perfectly chewy noodles and generous portions.

A unique vibe fills the space with a distinct atmosphere. The menu features a unique Japanese selection including savory dishes and sandwiches with jam inside, plus a variety of delicious drinks and desserts.

People are saying

"The toast here is so good, it's a cozy Japanese spot."

"The mentai pasta here is fantastic with a creamy, umami sauce."

"Their toasts are ridiculously beautiful and unlike anything I've seen."

Good to know

1

You need to put your name down to get a table.

2

Be prepared for an extremely long wait to dine in and even for take out.

3

The restaurant is quite popular during weekends and has a small space with no reservations.

10
Dirt Candy image 1
Vegetarian restaurant

Open kitchen reveals chefs crafting inventive vegetarian dishes in a cozy, dim setting with sticky tables and dated decor. Atmosphere balances creative energy with a welcoming vibe, featuring thoughtful touches like surprise gifts between courses. Wine pairings highlight women-owned wineries, adding a unique element to the dining experience.

Corn dishes combine corn chips, corn soup, and small pasta bites for a layered texture. Artichoke ravioli offers an explosive garlic and cheese aroma with contrasts between soft pasta, tender leaves, and crispy breadcrumbs.

Unique dishes focus on vegetables with bold flavors. The desert sunrise drink stands out. Wine selections come from women producers and are well curated.

People are saying

"I had one of the best vegetarian meals I've ever experienced."

"The food here is unique, creative, and flavorful."

"The Italian Food here is amazing, especially the green bean fettuccine."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required to dine at this restaurant.

2

The tasting menu costs $105 per person.

3

Wine pairing is an additional $50 on top of the meal cost.

11
Double Chicken Please image 1

Small, Japan-inspired bar splits into two distinct rooms: dark, refined backroom with craft cocktails and lively front room offering draft drinks and casual bites. Atmosphere feels chic and sexy, with innovative cocktails and standout chicken dishes drawing a dedicated crowd despite long waits.

Bolognese grilled cheese stands out with rich, savory flavors. The menu also features a hot honey chicken sandwich and unique items like mochi donut and chicken liver mousse.

Cocktails here offer a 3-course drink experience that feels like a tasting menu in liquid form. Each cocktail is innovative and intelligent, with unique flavors and recommended ways to enjoy them.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are inventive and unlike anything I've tried."

"The cocktails here are unique, tasting just like the food they're named for."

"The Italian Food drinks were creative, fun, and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are definitely needed, as they sell out quickly.

2

Be prepared to wait outside for at least an hour on weekends.

3

The wait time for the coop side can be 3-4 hours.

Discover more

Lower East Side, New York

Area guide
Loading Map...