Four Upper East Side Italian Dinners for a Date Night

4.4 (363)

Mon – Thu, 12:00 – 15:30, 17:00 – 22:00; Fri – Sat, 12:00 – 16:00, 17:00 – 22:30; Sun, 12:00 – 16:00, 17:00 – 22:00

1295 Third Avenue

Since 1984 this cozy trattoria has served wood-fired pizzas and simple pastas, with everything in the room brought directly from Italy. Seasonal produce and high-quality ingredients shape the pastas, pizzas and appetizers. Lunch and dinner run daily with an afternoon break.

4.5 (498)

Mon – Sat, 17:00 – 23:00; Sun, 17:00 – 22:00

1382 1st Avenue

For more than three decades this intimate room has served country-style Italian classics, and elbows are meant to touch. Order the four-pasta tasting set, baby octopus salad or veal pizzaiola, and the kitchen splits portions for the table. It can get loud and expensive.

4.5 (377)

Mon – Sun, 12:00 – 22:00

23 East 74th Street

An elegant, modern dining room suited to people-watching, with polished, attentive service in the old-school New York style. The kitchen focuses on authentic Italian flavors and careful presentation. Many guests describe a welcoming neighborhood feel, though a few report inconsistent visits.

4.7 (432)

Mon – Sun, 11:30 – 21:30

1379 3rd Ave

A cozy Upper East Side Italian spot on Third Avenue serving daily-made pasta, where you choose the shape to match your favorite sauce. Open 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM daily.