Trying to find a table in Greenwich Village is a competitive sport.
Between the NYU crowds and the celebrity-packed lines outside Carbone and Via Carota, getting a reservation here is harder than getting tickets to a Broadway show.
But if you look past the hype, this neighborhood is still the beating heart of New York dining.
We filtered out the tourist traps to find the red-sauce institutions and new viral bistros that are actually worth the wait.
For the rest of the 12 best spots in Greenwich Village, read on.
1. Olio e Più
Olio e Più brings a slice of Neapolitan charm to Greenwich Village with its cozy, rustic setting and a menu that sings with Mediterranean flavors.
The Spaghetti Carbonara here is a must-try, known for its rich, creamy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta that summons a torrent of bliss in every forkful of delight.
Go heartier with the Fusilli Del Cacciatore, where slow-cooked meats and mushrooms meet a deep red-wine sauce, or share the Tartufata pizza for a white pie with earthy truffle and sautéed mushrooms.
The Ravioli Di Short Ribs Al Ragu adds another layer, pairing short rib-filled pasta with butter-sage notes and a bolognese finish.
What to order: Spaghetti Carbonara, Fusilli Del Cacciatore, Tartufata Pizza, Ravioli Di Short Ribs Al Ragu, Panna Cotta Al Pistacchio
Address: 3 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10014
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2. Carbone
Carbone elevates the Italian-American dining experience in Greenwich Village with its Michelin-star flair and celebrity allure.
The Spicy Rigatoni Vodka, celebrated for its perfect al-dente texture and satisfying spice, is a dish that lives up to its fame.
For an indulgent follow-up, the Veal Parmesan melds succulent meat with rich tomato and molten mozzarella, proving itself a menu highlight.
What to order: Spicy Rigatoni Vodka, Veal Parmesan, Assorted Baked Clams
Address: 181 Thompson Street, New York, NY 10012
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3. Da Andrea
Tucked into a cozy, wood-lined dining setting, Da Andrea invites you into a glimpse of authentic Italian cooking, offering homemade pasta and expertly paired wines.
Try the Cavatelli Di Ricotta for a celebration of shrimp, salmon, and lush pesto sauce that hits all the right notes.
For a taste of simplicity done right, the Tigelle Modenesi Con Prosciutto showcases delicate buns with prosciutto and parmesan that melt together beautifully.
Don’t skip on the Tiramisu: light, creamy, and the ultimate sweet finish.
What to order: Cavatelli Di Ricotta, Tigelle Modenesi Con Prosciutto, Tiramisu
Address: 35 W 13th St, New York, NY 10011
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4. Loring Place
Loring Place captures the essence of comfort with its warm, wood-accented dining room.
Start your meal with the Roasted Beets, a unique blend of spicy lemon jam, goat cheese, and pecans, before diving into the heartier Roasted Short Rib, where succulence meets sweet spiced perfection alongside heavenly mashed potatoes.
The Baked Ricotta, another favorite among guests, served with kabocha squash, chilies, and mint, perfect for scooping up with grilled sourdough slices.
What to order: Roasted Beets Roasted Short Rib, Baked Ricotta
Address: 21 W 8th St, New York, NY 10011
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5. Petite Boucherie
Tucked into the charming corner of Christopher and Gay Streets, Petite Boucherie stands as a quintessential French bistro.
The star of their menu is the steak tartare, a classic rendition topped with a silky raw quail egg, perfectly complemented by crusty bread.
Their charcuterie board is simply amazing, featuring an array of cured meats like prosciutto di parma and duck salami.
Green Hour adds a fun twist, too: order the Absinthe (Drip or Frappe), served only from 2pm–7pm.
What to order: Steak Tartare, Charcuterie, Absinthe
Address: First Floor, 14 Christopher St, New York, NY 10014
6. Osteria 57
Step inside and Osteria 57 feels like a polished little hideaway, with stylish details that set the mood for a long, lingering meal.
For something crisp, the Crispy Cauliflower arrives in a light tempura with a smoky, punchy dressing that keeps you reaching back for another piece.
Their Bucatini Cacio e Pepe is where each strand of freshly made pasta dances with Pecorino Romano, black pepper, shaved Burgundy truffle, and a poached egg, creating an irresistible ensemble on your palate.
Then go for the Halibut, delicate and clean, with bright sweet-pepper notes and a nutty finish.
What to order: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe, Crispy Cauliflower, Paccheri Pomodoro Burrata, Halibut
Address: 453 6th Ave, New York, NY 10011
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7. Osteria Carlina
Set in a cozy, intimate space, Osteria Carlina nails that date-night energy without trying too hard.
Begin with their Insalata Mista Con Verdurine, a fresh mix of greens and seasonal veggies.
Then indulge in the Agnolotti Alla Piemontese, a savory pasta filled with braised meats and topped with sage butter for a nutty twist.
Wrap up your meal with the Tiramisu Della Casa, where Savoyardi cookies meet bitter Lavazza coffee and sweet mascarpone cream.
What to order: Insalata Mista Con Verdurine, Agnolotti Alla Piemontese, Tiramisu Della Casa
Address: 455 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014
8. Tartine
Tartine is a cherished French bistro, where brunch queues are a testament to its culinary appeal.
For example, their French Onion Soup Gratinee, where nutty and creamy merge beneath a crust of melted cheese, creates a comforting indulgence on a chilly day.
Don’t overlook the Spicy Tuna Tartare, a melody of buttery tuna and smooth guacamole that’s jazzed up with fresh ginger and crisp vegetables for a refreshing finish.
The Marinated Grilled Chicken Paillard is light yet satisfying, with that simple bistro polish that feels just right.
What to order: French Onion Soup Gratinee, Spicy Tuna Tartare, Marinated Grilled Chicken Paillard
Address: 253 W 11th St, New York, NY 10014
9. Pommes Frites
Pommes Frites transforms the humble French fry something worth a stop with its thick-cut, double-fried Bintje potatoes.
Indulge in a cone of crispy fries paired with imaginative sauces like the Sweet Mango Chutney, which blesses sweetness with savory depth, or the decadent Black Truffle Mayo, rich with earthy mushroom undertones.
Pick a dip, and it gets even better.
This bustling spot is perfect for late-night cravings or a casual daytime snack as it delivers a rich, satisfying taste experience that goes beyond typical fast food.
What to order: Sweet Mango Chutney, Black Truffle Mayo, Rosemary Garlic, Vietnamese Pineapple
Address: 128 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012
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10. Mamoun’s Falafel
Mamoun’s Falafel serves up an iconic taste of the Middle East with its celebrated falafel sandwich, a perfect blend of crispy falafels wrapped with vibrant vegetables, all enhanced by a delectable sauce.
Another head-turner is the shawarma sandwich, where succulent lamb shimmers with a robust red sauce.
This stalwart establishment remains a beloved fixture for its consistently fresh and flavorful fare that has captivated loyal patrons and newcomers alike for over five decades.
What to order: Falafel Sandwich, Shawarma Sandwich, Chicken Kebob
Address: 119 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012
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11. L‘ Artusi
Opened in December 2008, L’Artusi nods to businessman and writer Pellegrino Artusi, pairing classic Italian comfort with a modern point of view.
Inside, the 110-seat space spans two floors with banquettes, an extended bar, a cheese bar, and a chef’s counter facing the open kitchen.
A smart choice is the Wagyu Carpaccio, silky and savory with rye crisps and a horseradish crema.
On the side, the Brussels Sprouts cut through richer plates with bright lemon and pecorino.
The Garganelli lands as comfort food with a mushroom ragù and ricotta salata, then the Hanger Steak follows with crispy potatoes and salsa bianca.
Don’t miss the Olive Oil Cake, finished with golden raisin marmellata and a crème fraîche mousse.
What to order: Brussels Sprout, Garganelli, Wagyu Carpaccio, Hanger Steak, Olive Oil Cake
Address: 228 West 10th Street, New York, NY 10014
12. Little Owl
Little Owl enchants with bold Mediterranean flavors wrapped in a cozy embrace.
Savor the crowd-pleaser Gravy Meatball Sliders, crispy like Vietnamese banh mi; and succulent Faroe Island Salmon paired with braised napa.
For the finishing touch, the Apple Strudel with creamy vanilla gelato is the way to go. Given its popularity, it’s best to secure a reservation to fully enjoy the warm, attentive service.
What to order: Gravy Meatball Sliders, Faroe Island Salmon, Apple Strudel
Address: 90 Bedford St, New York, NY 10014
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We’ve hoped that the list above has helped you make your decision more easily! If you’re looking for the same thing in Brooklyn, we’ve had everything on the plate.
Don’t hesitate to check out our Best Restaurants in Brooklyn for further enjoyable experiences!
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