The Best Noods in Nolita and Beyond
If you know me, you know I’m a foodie and pasta is my favorite dish. Since moving here, I’ve visited numerous Italian restaurants trying to find the perfect pasta. I shouldn’t have been surprised that I found quite a few more than one restaurant, this is NYC after all. Are you ready to hear my NYC pasta place secrets?
If you want to eat pasta and celebrity sight: Bar Pitti
Bar Pitti is a small, family owned restaurant that sits on the very busy and boujee Bleecker street. Be sure to go when it's warm outside so you can sit on their front patio—this is one of my favorite places to people watch. All of their pasta is so light and fresh, and the sauces are such cheesy creamy deliciousness. Expect to spend around $25-$35 a person.
What I would order: The Pappardelle Alla Fiesolana pasta
Neighborhood: West Village / 268 6th Ave
If you love a beautiful scenery with your dinner: Olio e Piú
Located in the heart of Greenwich Village, Olio e Piú may be one of the most scenic restaurants in all of NYC. Sitting on the corner of a busy street, the restaurant stands out with plant life layering a bright shade of hunter green. All pizzas at this adorable Italian spot are $22, while pastas and main dishes average around $27.
What I would order: Spaghetti Chitarra Alla Carbonara
Neighborhood: Greenwich Village / 3 Greenwich Ave
If you need cute pictures for Instagram: Pietro Nolita
I always make sure to take my girlfriends to Pietro Nolita when they come to town. It is the ideal spot for a girly, aesthetic, and delicious outing. This is a great place to visit for brunch, midday coffee, or my favorite: a pasta filled dinner. They offer fresh pastas with a variety of fresh fruit and vegetable medleys that are always perfect for the season. Pastas range from $18-$24.
What I would order: Homemade Ravioli with butternut squash and ricotta cheese
Neighborhood: Noho / 174 Elizabeth St
If you want to eat outside and feel transported to Italy: Sofia’s of Little Italy
Have you ever been to Italy? Have you ever been to Mulberry street? Not the same thing, but it's the closest I'll get for now. Mulberry street is filled with Italian restaurants and cafes with colorful awnings and outdoor seating. Older men stand outside by the menu, smoking a cigar, inviting you into their restaurant, yelling across the street at each other. Sofia’s of Little Italy stands out of the crowd to me because of the playful environment, no rush attitude, and creamy pasta.
What I would order: Tortellini Alla Bolognese
Neighborhood: Little Italy / 143 Mulberry St
If you prefer to eat pasta with a big group: San Marzano
San Marzano has an industrial vibe, candlelight setting, and long tables that are great for big groups. This is a great place for large parties because the menu is so simple and they have great sangria pitcher deals. You choose from a list of 6 different pasta shapes that they make fresh, and then you choose from a list of 12 sauces, for only $9! It's really cool that you can personalize your pasta while sipping sangria with your friends.
What I would order: The Pappardelle pasta with a sausage and pepper sauce
Neighborhood: Ukrainian Village / 117 2nd Ave, New York
If you’re craving authentic and affordable pasta in NYC: Via Della Pace
A personal favorite, Via Della Pace is a snug little restaurant that definitely serves the most authentic Italian I’ve ever had. You can tell they’ve been cooking Italian for a while; their mastery shows in all parts of the food that they serve. The best part is, most dishes range between $13-$20!
What I would order: Rigatoni Alla Carbonara
Neighborhood: East Village / 48 E 7th street
If you have out of town visitors: Elios
Perfectly located near the MET and the iconic 5th Ave shopping area, this restaurant is the perfect place for dinner after a day of exploring the city. Elios is a comfortable old-style Italian restaurant that never fails to leave everyone satisfied.
What I would order: Pasta Al Pesto
Neighborhood: Upper East Side / 1621 2nd Ave
I hope that one of these restaurants caught your attention. It’s time to take the pasta plunge! I hope you try some of these spots and find some favorites of your own.