with love, ashni

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The Absolute Best Pasta Dishes in NYC

New York City undeniably has some of the world’s best pasta outside of Italy — which is amazing because obviously pasta is the greatest food on the planet. Everyone knows how much I love carbs, ESPECIALLY pasta. It’s my go-to comfort food, my breakfast of choice, and comprises about 70% of my weekly diet. So, of course, I had to compile a list of my favorite places to get pasta in New York!

I’ll be updating this list as I discover more local pasta paradises, so make sure to keep checking back.

Carbone

Greenwich Village | $$$

I’m drooling just thinking about the spicy rigatoni vodka at Carbone. It is hands down one of the best pasta dishes in the city — quite possibly the world. The restaurant is an experience in itself: great service, large menu, and the perfect music to go along with it. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported away from NYC as soon as you walk in the door. Carbone is perfect for special occasions, as it’s a bit on the pricey side. And make sure to make a reservation ahead of time (sometimes up to a whole month before) or you will not be able to get a table — but trust me, it’s well worth the wait!

Uva

Upper East Side | $$

The epitome of a cozy and romantic Italian restaurant — Uva is the Upper East Side’s best pasta destination. The ambiance is perfect, the service is exceptional, and the pasta is to die for. The ricotta gnocchi tops the list for me. I don’t think I’ve ever had more pillowy gnocchi in my life. I’m in heaven just thinking about how soft and creamy the gnocchi was. And the baked eggplant appetizer in pink sauce is also incredible!

Mamo 

Noho | $$$

Okay, Mamo might have the best plate of truffle pasta I’ve had in New York and that’s saying A LOT. It is $50 a plate, but I honestly think it’s SO worth it. Not only is the truffle flavor just perfect (*chef’s kiss*), the raviolis are so cute and tiny that I’m truly still not over it. I’m adding Mamo’s truffle ravioli to the list of foods I would ask for as my last meal.

Becco

Theater District | $$

I stumbled upon Becco when I was looking for the closest place that offered generous servings of carbs after a very long photoshoot not too long ago. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. Becco has an amazing all-you-can-eat pasta option. They bring out three of their signature pasta dishes — all of which are absolutely delicious — and you get to eat to your heart’s desire! And when you’re done, they’ll even let you pack some up to take home. We were able to get a bottle of wine, an appetizer to share, the all-you-can-east pasta, and a dessert for only $55 each! Highly recommend Becco, especially if you’re going to a Broadway show that evening.

ABC Kitchen

Gramercy | $$$

You don’t usually find ABC Kitchen on the list of best pasta dishes in New York, but honestly I just LOVE the cheese ravioli. ABC Kitchen is known for its farm-to-table menu, and the freshness of the food really does shine through. I can’t explain what makes the food here better than the hundreds of other restaurants across Manhattan with similar menus — but it just is. So go try it for yourself and let me know what you think!

Scarpetta

NoMad | $$$

You’ll be hard pressed to find a better plate of spaghetti anywhere else in the city. If you’re as big of a fan of spaghetti as I am, Scarpetta should top your list! Perfect for date night or a cute girls night out. The creamy polenta here is also delicious.

Trattoria L’incontro

Astoria | $$$

I literally stumbled upon this restaurant after a failed attempt at going to a Mexican restaurant without a reservation on Cinco de Mayo. We saw it across the street and just decided to walk in because we were hungry, and it was AMAZING. Trattoria L’incontro is known to Queens locals as one of the best Italian restaurants in the borough. I ordered the eggplant parm with spaghetti, and it was some of the best I’ve ever had. Literally everything on this menu is amazing!

Maiella

Long Island City | $$$

I’d probably come here for the ambiance and the views alone. But even if you ignore the incredible outdoor waterfront seating with skyline views, Maiella still gets five stars! The service is amazing — the chef and the managers all personally walk around the restaurant and greet their customers to ensure the best experience for their diners. The food is authentic Italian with traditional ingredients, and the wine pairing options are fantastic. Definitely get the the bucatini, which is prepared table side in a giant cheese wheel! I also highly recommend the fettuccini maiella and the ravioli di ricotta as well.

Bar Primi

East Village | $$

Bar Primi is a no frills Italian restaurant in the East Village known for its delicious pasta. The linguine with breadcrumbs and garlic is a personal favorite!

L’Artusi

West Village | $$$

An amazing wine list, great service, and savory pasta — you really can’t go wrong with L’Artusi. Start with the house made ricotta and the roasted mushrooms. The spaghetti is incredible and they also make the potato gnocchi vegetarian with a different sauce!

Sola Pasta Bar 

Noho | $$

Don’t just take my word for it, Sola Pasta Bar has been featured in Eater, The New York Times, Vox and nearly 30 other major outlets! Whether you’re seated indoors or outdoors the setup is beautiful. Make sure you try the truffle tagliatella and the ricotta stuffed gnocchi that are truly to die for! If you go with a bigger group, I highly recommend doing the tasting menu, so you can try a little of everything.

I Sodi

West Village | $$$

I haven’t actually been to I Sodi yet, but have heard so many incredible things that I wanted to add it to this list for y’all! I Sodi is a classic Italian choice if you’re in the West Village, definitely check it out and let me know how it is. I’ll be updating this with my personal review as soon as I get a chance to go.

I’m always on the hunt for more pasta, so as I mentioned, make sure you check back for more updates. Know a place that needs to be on this list? Let me know! And as always, message me if you have any questions. xo