Cacio e pepe and ricotta gnocchi in a brass-lit SoHo room

Ignacio Mattos opened Altro Paradiso on Spring Street in 2016, and it still pulls a steady mix of locals and travelers into Hudson Square. High ceilings, polished woodwork, and a glimmering brass bar frame the room, while clean marble tabletops keep the focus on the plates. The kitchen leans regional Italian, and the ricotta gnocchi and cacio e pepe are the reasons regulars hold a table. A snap pea and fennel salad brightens the lineup when you want something lighter. From the dining room you can watch chefs working with precision and care, which is half the draw at dinner. Service and atmosphere earn steady praise, though a few classics land better than others on a given night. Arrive early for the aperitivo hour between 4 and 6pm, or settle in for dinner, which starts at 5pm and runs late. Tables move quickly here. Plan ahead for a marble-topped seat.