Let’s talk about the ultimate foodie dream: authentic Italian cuisine! Picture this: tantalizing flavors, perfectly cooked pasta, mouth-watering seafood, and pizzas that blow your taste buds away. Hungry yet? You’re in for a treat because Bloc has rounded up the best Italian restaurants on the East Coast that will have you coming back for seconds. Trust them, they’re experts, and you won’t be able to resist the temptation!
1. A Salute – New Jersey
If you’re a foodie who craves Italian deliciousness, you cannot miss A Salute in New Jersey. Not only is this place a hidden gem, but it’s also one of the top Italian restaurants on the entire East Coast! Picture this: chowing down on amazing food while basking under the twinkling stars in their massive outdoor area. And if you’re throwing a shindig, A Salute is the ultimate party spot. They have unbeatable deals for big groups, so you can feast, sip, and be jolly without breaking. We swear, once you’ve tasted their food, you’ll never want to leave. Please go check it out; trust us!
2. L’Artusi – New York City, New York
If you’re in NYC craving some seriously divine Italian cuisine, L’Artusi is the place to be. They’ve got the perfect combo of fancy dining and mouthwatering food. Kick off your meal with one of their killer cocktails, and get ready to be blown away by their incredible pasta dishes. Trust us; you HAVE to try the Spaghetti with Garlic, Chilies, and Parmesan or the Garganelli with Ragu alla Bolognese. And let’s not forget about the top-notch service and gorgeous decor that add a touch of magic to the whole experience. Don’t miss out on this truly special spot!
3. Eataly – Boston, Massachusetts
Located in the Prudential Center, Eataly is more than your average restaurant – it’s a food emporium. While there are many dining options, the Italian market section is where you’ll find some of the tastiest food. From wood-fired pizzas to fresh pasta, Eataly has it all. We recommend trying the Burrata with Prosciutto di Parma to start and the spaghetti with tomato and basil for your main dish. Don’t forget to grab some of their homemade gelato for dessert.
4. Goodfellas – Staten Island, NY
If you’re hunting for killer Italian food on the East Coast, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better spot than Goodfellas in Staten Island. The wood-fired pizzas alone are worth the trip, with their crispy crusts and the perfect blend of toppings. But what sets this joint apart is the insane deals they offer on their pies. I’m talking crazy-cheap, like, “How is this even possible?!” kind of cheap. And don’t even get me started on their drink specials. Suffice it to say that you won’t leave thirsty. So if you’re in the mood for some seriously good eats in a laid-back, fun atmosphere, Goodfellas is the place to be.
Trattoria Toscana – Wilmington, Delaware
If you’re looking for an intimate setting with homemade Italian food, Trattoria Toscana in Wilmington is the place to go. This restaurant is an absolute gem, from the warm and cozy ambiance to the friendly service. We recommend starting the Polenta Frita with Parmesan and Truffle Oil and the Linguine alle Vongole for your main dish. Bonus tip – be sure to save room for their homemade Tiramisu.
Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana – New Haven, Connecticut
If you’re hunting for the ultimate Italian restaurant, you can’t go wrong with Frank Pepe’s famous pizza joint. This bad boy has been slinging delicious pizzas since way back in 1925, making it an absolute legend in New Haven, Connecticut. They’ve got all the goods – fresh ingredients, a badass coal-fired oven, and pizzas that’ll have you drooling. Trust me; you haven’t lived until you’ve tried their Original Tomato Pie. Picture this: crushed tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and grated Romano cheese, all piled high on a crispy crust. It’s like a slice of heaven, my friends.
Vannucchi Brothers – Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Ever been to Chapel Hill? Well, smack dab in the middle of that charming little town lies Vannucchi Brothers, a kickass Italian joint run by a hilarious family. And let me tell you, their homemade Italian grub is out of this world. The service? So welcoming, you’ll feel like family. The decor? Classic Italian vibes that’ll transport you straight to the boot-shaped country. Now, regarding what to order, we’ve got two words for you: Gnocchi alla Sorrentina. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you. Or, if you’re in the mood for something meaty and delicious, go for the Veal Scaloppine. And you know you can’t leave this joint without diving into their famous Tiramisu. Holy cannoli, it’s the bomb! So, what are you waiting for? Get your butts over to Vannucchi Brothers, stat!
Carbone, New York, NY
Step back at Carbone, a throwback Italian-American joint in Greenwich Village. The vibe here is old-school cool, with tuxedo-clad servers and red leather banquettes. But the real star of the show is the food. Don’t miss the spicy rigatoni vodka or the veal parmesan – both are legendary.
Osteria Morini, Washington, DC
This rustic Italian spot on Capitol Hill is perfect for date night or a group dinner with friends. Their menu contains comforting, hearty dishes like cacao e pepe, braised lamb shank, and wood-fired pizzas. Pair your meal with a bottle of wine from their extensive list, which features Italian and American varietals.
Regina Pizzeria, Boston, MA
Another iconic pizzeria, Regina’s, has been serving pie in the North End since 1926. Their brick-oven pizzas are crispy and chewy at the same time, with toppings like pepperoni, sausage, and mushroom. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, order a side of their addictive fried dough balls, aka “pizza fritter.”
The Red Cat, New York, NY
If you want to take Italian food up a notch, you must hit up The Red Cat in Chelsea. This joint has been the go-to spot in the hood for ages. They put their twist on classics like bucatini all amatriciana and grilled branzino, making it all fancy and schmancy. Plus, their Italian wine selection is killer. Sip on a glass while you soak in the awesome vibes. Trust me; it’s worth it.
Have you craved some authentic Italian cuisine on the East Coast? Well, you’re in luck because there are tons of amazing options! Whether you’re into fancy schmancy fine dining in the Big Apple or prefer a cozy family-owned joint in North Carolina, we’ve got you covered. Picture yourself devouring wood-fired pizzas and twirling forkfuls of homemade pasta – it’s a food lover’s dream come true! So, for a minute, forget about your diet and check out these phenomenal Italian restaurants that will make your taste buds dance happily. Trust us; you won’t be able to resist coming back for seconds!
