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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in East Elmhurst

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65 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Aunt Jake's Pasta Experience restaurant
1. Aunt Jake's Pasta Experience
4.9
Exceptional(818)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Upper East Side
Booked 21 times today
Aunt Jake's Pasta Experience on New York’s Upper East Side offers a truly authentic and interactive Italian dining adventure. Renowned for its hands-on pasta-making classes followed by a delectable 3-course meal, Aunt Jake's ensures every guest not only eats like an Italian but learns the art too. Patrons rave about the quality and ambiance, with glowing reviews like, "This was one of the best pasta making experiences I’ve had. & the food .. omg delicious" and "Anthony was amazing! Overall, we had such a great experience." Whether it's a fun date night, a family gathering, or a solo culinary escapade, Aunt Jake’s provides an exceptional blend of education, entertainment, and gastronomic delight, making every visit memorable.
A photo of Piccola Cucina Uptown restaurant
2. Piccola Cucina Uptown
4.8
Exceptional(2153)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Upper East Side
Booked 85 times today
Piccola Cucina Uptown, nestled in the vibrant Upper East Side of New York, offers a delightful escape to the heart of Sicily with its authentic cuisine. As praised by diners, it's a place where "the food was amazing" and where traditional Sicilian dishes like "pasta alla bottarga" and "branzino cooked in bread" shine. Chef Philip Guardione brings Sicilian flavors to life with creativity and flair, ensuring each dish is a testament to Sicilian culinary traditions. The atmosphere is consistently lauded as "cozy" and "welcoming," making every visit memorable. Whether it's the "homemade pistachio gelato" or the "freshly cooked lasagna," every bite at Piccola Cucina Uptown transports diners straight to Sicily, making it a must-visit for authentic Sicilian cuisine in New York City.
A photo of VIA VAI - Astoria restaurant
3. VIA VAI - Astoria
4.9
Exceptional(274)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Astoria
Booked 1 time today
VIA VAI in Astoria is a gem for wine lovers, offering a meticulously curated selection of Italian wines that perfectly complement their authentic Italian cuisine. This rustic and cozy wine bar features a beautiful slate and marble top bar, providing an intimate setting that enhances the sipping experience. Praised for its authenticity and quality, the wines are carefully chosen to pair with Chef Antonio Morichini's artisanal dishes, created from ingredients imported directly from Italy. As noted in glowing reviews, "Every single item on the menu has a unique authentic flavor," making VIA VAI a must-visit for anyone seeking an exceptional Wine Bar experience in Queens.
A photo of Il Postino restaurant
4. Il Postino
4.9
Exceptional(1077)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Midtown East
Booked 10 times today
Il Postino, nestled in the heart of Midtown East, New York, is a beacon of Contemporary Italian cuisine, where authenticity and culinary artistry meet. Owners Luigi Russo and Piero Trotta have crafted a dining experience that's both genuine and innovative, earning accolades such as "always the best NYC has to offer for Italian." The restaurant's vibrant atmosphere is matched by its menu, which features standout dishes like spinach ravioli in truffle sauce and a seafood risotto that left one diner "beyond satisfied." Guests rave about the exceptional service and the intimate, welcoming ambience, making Il Postino a must-visit for anyone seeking the pinnacle of Italian dining in Manhattan. Whether it's the meticulously prepared osso bucco or the homemade cannoli, every dish is a testament to the restaurant's commitment to excellence.
A photo of Siena Cafe restaurant
5. Siena Cafe
4.3
Awesome(598)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Upper East Side
Booked 17 times today
Siena Cafe on Upper East Side, New York, is a beacon of Contemporary Italian cuisine, offering an exceptional experience that stands out in the bustling NYC dining scene. Known for its fresh, in-house made pasta and a variety of fresh fish, steaks, and chops, Siena Cafe captures the essence of modern Italian cooking with a creative twist. Diners rave about the "absolutely outstanding establishment" and the "amazing food served by a wonderful group of wait staff in a great environment." The speak-easy style setting and cozy outdoor patio only enhance the dining experience, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic and innovative Italian dishes. With glowing reviews like "You cannot get a better meal anywhere in NYC," it's clear Siena Cafe is a top destination for both locals and visitors alike.
A photo of 83 1/2 restaurant
6. 83 1/2
4.6
Exceptional(1125)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Upper East Side
Booked 8 times today
Located in the heart of the Upper East Side, 83 1/2 stands as a beacon of Contemporary Italian cuisine, crafted with a genuine love for food by Chef Vincenzo Mangiafridda. Celebrating Sicilian roots, the restaurant offers a menu filled with silky pastas, inventive antipasti, and sumptuous entrees, each dish telling a story of tradition and modern flair. Patrons rave about the "fresh pasta" and claim it's the "best Italian around the neighborhood." With its cozy ambiance, 83 1/2 is described as a "neighborhood gem," perfect for both family dinners and intimate gatherings. The exceptional service complements the exquisite food, making every visit memorable.
A photo of Cacio e Pepe Uptown restaurant
7. Cacio e Pepe Uptown
4.7
Exceptional(488)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Upper East Side
Booked 7 times today
Cacio e Pepe Uptown on the Upper East Side offers a transcendent slice of Contemporary European cuisine with its hearty embrace of authentic Italian dishes. Renowned for its unique take on the classic Cacio e Pepe, prepared tableside in a wheel of cheese, this restaurant has captured the hearts of diners and critics alike. One reviewer exclaimed, "The food was outstanding in presentation, taste, and quality. Exceptional food with a very reasonable price." The creativity of Chef Salvatore Corea shines through in every meticulously crafted dish, offering a menu that blends traditional flavors with modern twists. The restaurant's atmosphere is described as inviting and perfect for any occasion, from a casual dinner to a special celebration. With glowing testimonials about both the food and the service, Cacio e Pepe Uptown is a must-visit for anyone seeking an exemplary Contemporary European dining experience in New York City.
A photo of Terrone restaurant
8. Terrone
4.7
Exceptional(30)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Long Island City
Booked 7 times today
At Terrone in Long Island City, the essence of Contemporary Italian cuisine comes alive with every dish served. Known for its "real Napoletana" pizzas and an array of modern Italian dishes, Terrone emphasizes freshness and authenticity, using "the highest quality" ingredients. Diners rave about the "perfect Neapolitan pies" and the "exquisite selection of Italian wines," making it a culinary gem in NYC. The atmosphere is described as "intimate and cozy," perfect for both family dining and romantic evenings. With glowing recommendations like "the best Pizza Napoletana" and a welcoming staff that makes you feel like you're "transported to Italy," Terrone promises not just a meal but an exquisite Italian experience right on the waterfront of Queens.
A photo of Amata restaurant
9. Amata
4.8
Exceptional(956)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Midtown East
Booked 4 times today
Nestled in the heart of Midtown East, Manhattan, Amata delights patrons with its exquisite Modern Tuscan cuisine, blending traditional Italian elements with innovative culinary techniques. Praised for its "reliably good food and ambiance," Amata offers a menu that highlights seasonal specials and artisanal pastas, making every dish a testament to high-quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation. Guests rave about the "delicious food, great service, and beautiful atmosphere," frequently noting the "superb food" like the celebrated veal Bociaola and the perfectly prepared branzino. Whether it's for a casual dinner or a special occasion, Amata consistently provides a memorable dining experience, making it a beloved gem in NYC's vibrant culinary scene.
A photo of Serafina Vino e Cucina 84th Street restaurant
10. Serafina Vino e Cucina 84th Street
4.4
Awesome(58)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Upper East Side
Serafina Vino e Cucina on 84th Street in the Upper East Side masterfully blends contemporary Italian cuisine with an inviting atmosphere, making it a standout in New York City. Celebrated for its creative twist on homestyle Italian fare, Serafina delivers dishes that are "simply divine, each dish outshining the last" as per enthusiastic diners. The restaurant is particularly noted for its "excellent food" from thin, crispy pizzas to perfectly cooked pasta, all served by a "very attentive" staff that makes everyone "feel at home." Adding to its charm is the ambiance which complements the delectable menu, making every meal a memorable experience. Whether it's the all-beef meatballs or the neatly plated salmon, Serafina ensures a top-notch dining experience that keeps its clientele, including celebrities, coming back for more.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

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