Lavagna Reviews

We order artichokes and focaccia, and both are amazing. The fettuccine with eggplant was delicious. Loved this restaurant.

Really nice ambience and fantastic food! We both had fish which was really good. But the pasta dishes being delivered to other tables looked amazing! I would highly recommend it. Btw we took advantage of a 5 to 7 pm Sunday fixed price menu that was only $38. Definitely worth a visit and a good meal.

I can't believe this has such a low ranking! This was recommended to us by someone who has been to NY a lot, this was our first trip and I would absolutely return to this restaurant if I come back again. It's a little way out and the neighbourhood isn't the most salubrious but the journey is absolutely worth it. Fantastically tasty bottle of Pinot noir and I had the special fish dish that was on that night. Fish was perfectly cooked and the flavours were just incredible and my husband was very impressed with the PIzza. Quite easily the best meal we had all week and, as a bonus, also the cheapest. This place does fabulous food very reasonably. Loved it.

So authentic. Saturday night at 9 p.m. and the place was packed. The food was outstanding, fish on fire, artichoke, pasta and pork chop. A wine list with lots to choose from and a variety of prices. Our server was very friendly and helpful. Our group were all very pleased and we will be back.

This was a second time in a year that I have had dinner here with friends. It surprised me again. Creative Italian food, different ingredients blended in special dishes. Save room for the disserts

I am a regular here. Every time I go its better and better. This place is so tasty. Homemade raviolis were literally the best raviolis I have ever had. I usually hate mushroom or spinach raviolis but these were so good I wanted to lick my plate and order another batch!! Sooooo good. Whole fish is incredible. Order the specials --they really know what they are doing. Perfect for a date, very romantic atmosphere. The owner was awesome he was very knowledgeable on the wine selection and sat us right away w/out a reservation.

This is one of the best Italian restaurants in the city ... the carbonara is fantastic, and we've not been disappointed with any of the other choices on the menu, nor the wine list. Cozy, romantic atmosphere. It's a small place, so make your reservation on OpenTable.

My wife and I ate here during the Christmas party season, so the small restaurant was packed and noisy. Good that we reserved early in the day. Despite the crowd, the service and the food was excellent. We had a tasty and unusual sliced octopus appetizer, the pappadelle with braised rabbit, cod, and a wonderful dessert of a tiny apple pastry with vanilla gelato. The pappadelle dish was unusual. I would describe the cooking as the top of the scale for basic Norther Italian -- that is, nothing fussy or elaborate, but well done.

Nice little place in a cute neighborhood. Food was good but not memorable and NYC has so much GREAT Italian cuisine that you can do better. Prices not bad and they are inventive.

Unlike so many East Village places that lack an upscale feel even though they charge upscale prices, Lavagna affords the diner a genuine, inventive menu, excellent wine list, great service, and a lovely, if cramped, dining room, all at reasonable pricing. The food is excellent and Lavagna gives other established Italian places including the ubiquitous Mario Battali establishments around town a run for their money.

Excellent Italian / New American in Lower East Side. Try the artichoke or asparagus starters. Good main courses including an excellent "fish for two". Decent wine list. Average desserts.

love the sausage and pea pasta!

This restaurant does some things very well. It has a great short menu with really interesting choices, serves wholesome, decently sized plates in a convivial atmosphere. Some of the food was great, inparticular the artichoke and scallop starters. However, the main courses were rather less interesting. Rabbit pasta had great flavour but an overcooked texture, while the pork chop was tasty but on a bed of over seasoned kale. Chocolate pudding was a sort of textureless stodge. Its was a shame really because it was on the point of being really good.

I went with my wife and grown up children (2) on Thursday before mother's day. The service was good and the food was pretty ok but not outstanding. Good to try if you are nearby but next time I will try one of the other plenty Italian restaurants in the city. Not to take anything from this one, though.

Ive stayed in new york a lot but never in the east Village. I went to eat with friends who are born and bred new yorkers and this was their first trip to lavagna. It was as previously said, a very cozy welcoming restaurant, the food was great and the service excellent I would certainly go again next time im there. would recommend you book to ensure your not disappointed.

How can you go wrong with a wood burning oven. Great crust on the pizza but heavy on the cheese. Good flavors on all he dishes we had. The special salad with grapefruit, fennel and hazelnuts, was a stand out. Prompt service.

When I visit the city, I think it's irresponsible to go to the same places and eateries every time. One must extend their comfort zone and enjoy all that Manhattan has to offer. But, I've just discovered Lavagna. And now, Game Over! Lavagna is my new obsession and I'm already daydreaming about my next trip. Lavagna, with open french doors on a warm city night, is an inviting extension of the neighborhood feel that a Maine girl knows exists in the big city, but has yet to experience. This intimate restaurant hums with professional staff moving around the space attending to the needs of guests while serving beautifully presented dishes from the open kitchen. The owner also worked tables with crafted etiquette and ease alongside his staff. And even though I noticed all of this, they were not the main event. You're left alone when you would like to enjoy your table companions and they are by your side as soon as you are in need of anything. And this is perfect, as the real show is every morsel that goes from plate to mouth. The food is like another guest at your table and you're just as excited to see dish after dish as well as faces of friends. The cocktails and the wine list are equally impressive. Overall, a superb night. I'm sorry NYC - I just can't go anywhere else for a long long time. I will never cheat on Lavagna.

this is a neighborhood classic - so please don't tell ALL your friends! One of the few remaining Italians in the EV (or NYC?) that feel like a real Italian trattoria: great basic italian food, reliable, sophisticated and unpretentious. Of course we'd all like it to be a bit cheaper so we could go EVERY week.....Excellent pastas and especially pizza - even tho it rightly does not bill itself as a pizzeria. Perfect splittable appetizer pizzas from the wood oven where most of the specialities are also cooked - aim for the nightly roasted fish special. Excellent wine list, superb waitstaff make this the place for grown-ups in a neighborhood rapidly declining into an NYU cafeteria.

We traipsed through the snow to get to Lavagna on 1 March and we were so pleased we did as we had a wonderful meal there. The restaurant is fairly small and has a lovely intimate feel to it. I had a small portion of pasta to start and my partner had a baked cheese special. We both thoroughly enjoyed our starters. We then shared the flambéed fish main and this was absolutely delicious! It was really well flavoured and the relish and potato sides gave a lovely balance to the meal. I then finished off with a divine apple tart that I wasn’t willing to share! It was a fantastic meal to end our NYC trip.

Dishonest about the PF menu. Food was good, however. Service was lacking. The 'bartender' was more interested in watching TV. Very disappointing.

I have been going here for the past year about twice a month. The Service is great, The food stellar. Great wine selection. They have pasta dishes where you can order a half order. Food is cooked in a wood oven, Fish dishes to die for. And best of all reasonable prices for Manhattan.

Arrived late on a Thursday, was clearly busy but they accommodated us at the bar, tasty food, good service, friendly staff, all round good experience.

What a find on a side street in the LES - Great food and atmosphere. Wonderful wines with a great somm. I would go back all the time i lived here.

On a Friday night my daughter and I stopped this East Village restaurant without reservations. The manager cleared a spot for us at the small bar which was just fine. Although neither of us was hugely hungry, we quite easily we found something. The mushroom pizza was incredible as were the mussels. We will definitely return.

We took a BIG chance in NYC on a Sat night, luckily it was before 7. We walked in and got lucky with a 4 top, after that they were turning folks away. Everything we had (except perhaps my red wine rec) were top notch. The waiter made a mistake on my order, but he was apologetic, even though we were ok with it. Lo and behold, he brought out the other dish too and charged us for the cheaper one. Great leftovers for my daughter as we flew out the next day. Recommend it!

I always make a point to stop by here once or twice during each visit to NYC, but in about a dozen visits I've only ever ordered the same dish, the Lavagna Steak. A delicious piece of filet with mash potatoes and a green vegetable. It's never been anything less than perfect and is the reason I so routinely come down to eat

This was an extremely quaint place with excellent service. The food was amazing and reasonably priced. It was a romantic atmosphere with a friendly staff and was an overall wonderful dining experience.

we went here for the early sitting new years eve as part of a group of 8 I had scallops followed by monkfish which were both perfectly executed the decor of the place reminded me a little of alice in wonderland,but I like that sort of thing the waiters were courteous and efficient overall I would give lavagna 10/10 it did everything I want a restaurant to do which is all you can ask for it cost around £50 a head sterling including drinks/tips and taxes which I thought was great value for such a lovely spot highly recommend it

Was down in Chelsea to see a play on Sunday afternoon and after the play and a drink at a local pub, we were fortunate enough to find this great place. It is not a big place by any means which is one of the reasons that I really liked it. This place had an intimate feel about it and the decor was very tasteful. But the real reason that I enjoyed this place, was the food. Excellent on all counts. I had the monk fish ( my first time) and it was fantastic. Cooked to perfection and nicely complimented with wilted greens. My dinner mates had the truffle pizza and the pork chop that were all terrific especially the pork which can turn out rubbery but in this case, it was one of the best I have ever tasted and it was huge. We also were very well served by the staff that was both extremely friendly and attentive (that is why I like small places). We finished with three desserts the best of which was the apple pie with caramel sauce and ice cream. We all fought over this one and wished that we had each gotten our own individual helping. I am not going to say that this place is easy to get to if you are in the midtown area but I will highly advise that you to go. You will not be disappointed by any sense of the word and it is a very cool area to walk around in after you are done.

We were a party of four with different experiences of This restaurant. All of us loved the atmosphere and could see why its Such a hot neighborhood spot. Two of us loves the food and want to go back back. Two of us thought the food mediocre and wouldn't go back. All agreed that spaghetti with spicy marinara sauce was very good.

We were late for our reservation by 45 mins on a friday night, but they found room for us at the bar! We thoroughly enjoyed our evening. Two drinks each and dinner for $100, wow can't usually find that in the city. Had a wonderful evening, will come back again our next trip to the city

Excellent Northern Italian fare. Delicious food in the East Village. Great wine selection and serve gluten-free pasta.

If you're in the East Village, this is a must for dinner. They offer an extensive wine list. Gluten free spaghetti is available with any of their pasta dishes. Warm and comfortable inside. Beautiful bar along with table seating. Sit back and enjoy this dining experience.

It has been a year since we ate here and I want to kick myself for lapsing that long. The wine selection is deep and we had a very nice reasonably priced Tuscany red. Our apps were off the charts; scallops and mussels as stand outs and we also shared the artichoke which was quite good. For mains we were all over the place, the rack of lamb and ravioli special were the real stand outs. The lamb was simple in prep and its quality stands out along with the broccoli rabe. The ravioli was spinach and ricotta in a porcini sauce – out of this world! The atmosphere is east village brick wall and open kitchen. It is a hit every time and we will be back soon.

The reviews for this place were quite good, so we were surprised at how mediocre the food was. Maybe it was their off day, but the pork chop was overcooked, veggies too salty, scallops mushy and basically every element on the plate was handled sloppily. The service was friendly and pleasant and the wine good, I will gladly give them that and with that Average rating, because the chef, at least on the night we visited, earned Poor rating from both of us.

Small and cosy restaurant off the tourist track. Delicious food served by knowledgable staff with good wine recommendations. My only comment is that you are whisked through your meal too quickly - the next diners are ready and waiting for your table. Very impressive table turnaround - stripped and relaid in 45 seconds!

They have most of my most favorite Italian dishes from the octopus carpaccios, to the monk fish, plates of pasta..... all with attentive service and beautiful romantic setting in such intimate space.

Reservation for 3 at 7:45 on Saturday night. Friendly greeting at then door. Seated about 8:00. Drink order quickly taken Nice wine pour. Started meal by sharing a delicious pizza. Large enough for 3 to share. One of my companions had a small salad she enjoyed. 2 if us had a delicious special fish entree and 1 had the scallops appetizer for an entree. We passed on the dessert because there was nothing special for us. The bread is great. The sound level is moderate and low enough so we did not have to yell to carry on a conversation despite the restaurant being full. It is not a large dining room and there is outside seating in front. The service is friendly and efficient. The wait staff smiles and the smiles seem genuine. Third time there and we will return.

Booked this restaurant prior to our stay in NYC, which was a few blocks from where we were staying in East Village. Host was very welcoming and offered advice on a choice of wine, and recommended some specials to try.The waitress and waiter were very polite and attentive, which is always a good sign. Food and wine was of good quality, we all cleared our plates so it must have been ok! Would recommend you try this Italian if you are over IinEast Village around 5th St

one of my favorite italian venues.

What about Lavagna's kitchen? It's special and meets all tastes. Then think Yorgo to recommend a good wine and everything goes better.- Our reference to NY. Super

Came here during the US Open with friends who live in the city. We made a reservation, showed up a little late with no issues getting our table. The two guys running the place were friendly but I could see how some people might take them the wrong way. They know what hey are doing and they do a great job. We ordered a couple of bottles of wine, some appetizers( try the cod balls) really, they are awesome. Mussels were good with such an interesting sauce, we asked for more bread! Our friends ordered the salmon special and the pizza- both simply amazing. I ordered the steak, flipping out of this world, and my wife ordered the monkfish. All in all, the meal was great, the service was great and the ambiance was exactly what we were looking for. It's worth a very short cab ride from mid town.

A few friends went here and thoroughly enjoyed the night. From the moment you walk in the door, you feel at home. We were promptly seated at the nice cozy table. The service was very good and the food outstanding. The Kale Ceasar was great as was the Rigatoni with sausage. Would definitely go back.

I had the opportunity to visit this humble establishment last evening. The atmosphere is warm and the staff was on it. I started with the Tuscan Kale salad and i liked that they served it shredded. It made it easier to eat and it was a good healthy plate. Then came the pan seared Monkfish with roasted portabellos, baby artichokes, and a green olive vinaigrette. The fish was tasty without any kind of fishy smell. I loved the portabellos that were roasted. The parts just came together beautifully to make an exceptional entree. But,wait, theirs more. Before you leave, go to heaven. Order the Crostata del Giorno and spoon over that butterscotch on top of the ice cream and you are gone. Kudos to the owner. This is a home run, so do not miss out. Make time for this experience and you will thank me many times over.

This is the best restaurant in the east village. Not over priced and always serving great food. I love it and highly suggest a visit!

I ate here this past Saturday. It was my second time at this restaurant, and I was excited to return. it did not disappoint. It is a small, wonderfully cozy and intimate restaurant. Just a great warm, homey feeling. we had an 8:30 reserviation and unfortunately our table was not ready until about 9:15. They comped us cocktails while we waited, and then comped us a beautiful octopus carpaccio. It was delicious. My cousin, who doesn't really eat seafood, thought it was good. Nice, caring staff, so they did good with the wait. Dinner was good and we all enjoyed it. I had the kale ceasar and the rabbit pappardelle. Both were delicious. My brother had the special pasta which was excellent and my cousin the pork. All delicious - just what we wanted. Nice varied wine selection at various price points. All in all a great place that I'll return to. Great selection of food, wonderful ambience, and service that pleases.

Arrived with a reservation and was shown to our table without any greeting. Rude service from start to finish. Pasta was undercooked completely and after telling the staff they came back to counter me and tell me I was wrong that this is what “al dente pasta is”, however after arguing back to the crunchy pasta and my new plate came it was edible. Plate was set down loudly with a “well here’s round two” and no apology. Credit card machine broken and was pointed to atm w no apology. Average food. Bad overpriced wine. So many better places in New York that are worth your money. Avoid.

I’ve eaten here 10-12 times during the past 7 years. I seek this place out when in NYC, the Rigatoni is second to none. Before 7:00 they have a prix fixe----Scallops are outstanding as is the ceaser, and the warm apple tart-WOW!!Let the boss man pick a tasty vino for you as well. Well worth the trip to the east village.

We recently dined here with friends. We were looking for a small Italian Trattoria and we found it. The ambiance, food and service were excellent. We will be back!

I get to New York three or four times a year, and Lavagna is my favorite dinner in town. It's cozy, informal, and friendly. The menu isn't very large and doesn't change frequently, but there are no bad choices among the pizzas, pasta, meat, salads and handful of specials. It's a great value for the price. My parents, who are famously difficult to please, rarely complain when they eat here, which is about the best thing I can say about a restaurant. The tables are close together and the conversation and music make for a lively level of noise, but that's part of the charm.

We went to lavagna after being recommended by our Airbnb host. The greeting was fine and we were shown to our table. In the far corner and with uncomfortable seating. The gentleman who served us we felt was rude. The food we ordered was tasty but I don't feel it was worth the price. The scallop risotto was one scallop cut into three. And the rabbit rigatoni was tasty but not enough for the price. We paid $90 for two main meals and one drink each. We had much better food and service in a restaurant in Brooklyn for half the price. Disappointed.

This is in my local neighborhood and I've been multiple times, but am unlikely to return. While this place could be awesome - great location, great decor, great ambiance etc., both the food and the service let it down. Generally the food is instantly forgettable and way over salted. The service is slow - which perhaps makes it romantic, but has lead to a 30 minute wait for the check on a prior visit. Many better places that I visit more frequently.

When you find a little treasure, you really don't want to spread the word, do you? I admit, it, I am a codger. I don't like trendy loud places. I don't want to scream over the table to be heard, and I don't want to be constantly saying WHAT? WHAT??? Wouldn't you rather spend a quiet, convivial meal, savoring the food, the wine and the company? I had exactly that experience at Lavagna, in the East Village. Yes, it is a very good restaurant but what really sold me on this tiny place was its laid back neighborhood feeling. I had a good view of the bar area and noticed folks coming in off the street for drink and schmooze with the bartender --or whoever before heading off to other destinations. This place really feels like Europe, yet it also feels quite Downtown NYC. Admittedly, this was on a week day, and I see from other reviews that weekends can be noisy....but all that tells me is to come on a week day, and maybe a little early. Shhh....keep this to yourself. I'd hate to have this place get too popular!

Nice restaurant, very quiet and clean. Offers indoor and outdoor seating. Service was quick and food was hot! Truffle mushroom pizza was excellent!

Recommended by a city friend, this cozy and atmospheric restaurant met our needs perfectly. On a cold windy evening we headed toward the twinkling fairy lights of East Village/Lower East Side Lavagna. Inside the warm and intimate setting, we were seated at a table accommodating our group of 5. The wine list was exceptional, as was the smallish northern Italian menu. We enjoyed our meal and were able to converse in the quiet setting. The service was outstanding: friendly and efficient. This will be a go to in the future for sure (even though it was a tad expensive--worth it!)

Lavagna is a lovely, warm neighborhood eatery with a minimalist menu with excellent and varied selections. If you plan to order wine by the glass, I recommend the Colpetrone Sagrantini Di Montefalco Umbria 2010. Extraordinary! The Insalata Mista was alright. Our two entrees were the Pan Seared Monkfish with roasted portobello mushrooms, baby artichokes and green olive vinaigrette and the Pan Seared Atlantic Cod Fish with baby carrots, fingerling potatoes, cippolini onions in a light red wine reduction. Both excellent and beautifully presented. The Sautéed Spinach and Broccoli Rabe were also excellent. The only disappointment - and for me, a big one - was the Octopus Carpaccio with fresh lemon juice. I was expecting the octopus to be served in the way I am used to, I.e. sizable chunks that looked like an octopus. What I received was octopus meat in silver dollar sized, thin, flat pieces that literally had to be scraped off the plate to be eaten. Very regrettable choice and definitely not recommended. Otherwise, we were very happy with the overall dining experience and would be glad to return.

Visited here for a meal last Saturday we were early, I think the first to arrive. They produce fabulous authentic a Italian food here in a small kitchen complete with brick oven. Completely full when we left just over an hour or so later so would advise booking. Quaint and very attractive decor definitely worth a visit. Look out at the communal gardens out back.

This is a wintry lower east side-alphabet city restaurant at the corner of 5th and Avenue B. We have had, to be sure, pleasant meals there, both inside, and seated outside. Relatively inexpensive. But the genial host who would seat you and had good wine suggestions seemed to have been replaced Saturday evening. It was a caricature. he claimed, at 6:15, we couldn't sit anywhere in his near empty restaurant because all the tables were reserved. Do you think we were too old for his desired crowd and aesthetic? Fortunately, there are plenty of other restaurants within blocks.

Great atmosphere, great food, great service, great wine, reasonable prices (especially for NYC) - what else can one ask for! the past dishes are fantastic; I had the ravioli this time and it was superb. Lots of Wine Spectator wines to choose from, they helped me pick a couple of great bottles of Italian red which I was not familiar with. This is simply a terrific place to eat. It's small and cozy, probably not the right choice for a large family with small kids, although I am sure they would accommodate as best as possible.

Oridinarily it would be three stars, but I took a star off because of the unfriendly attitude of the manager. He really wasn't nice and seemed pissed at the world. He actually made me feel uncomfortable. Anyway, we were really looking forward to a great meal. I was disappointed for a number of reasons. One is the really short pour of the wines by the glass. For a what is probably a $12 bottle retail, why do some restaurants do such a short pour? Answer: they want you to order a second glass, which we did. The appetizer, which we ordered to share, was an artichoke heart and crimini mushrooms. Actually, it was half a heart and not enough to feed even one person. The Margarita pizza was a basic Roman style pizza with a thin crust. The lamb chops were cooked properly, but a little tough, and came with overcooked cannellini beans and really bitter broccoli rabe. Although it was a good sized portion, it was way over-salted, almost too salted to eat. We love Italian food, and my wife is Italian, and a fabulous cook. And, we've been to Italy many times. The food here can be improved, I am sure, but the surly attitude of the manager is the big reason we won't be going back.

My son and I stopped in here to grab a late dinner on a weeknight - we picked it because we were hungry and it was the first place we saw in the neighborhood - what an amazing stroke of luck! The food here is truly excellent - high quality ingredients well prepared. We each enjoyed appetizer portions of the evening's special pasta: a fettuccini dish that was so tasty that neither of us left a speck of food in the dish! I had the salmon special served with asparagus and a rice/faro mix that was heavenly and my son had another pasta dish with sausage that is on the regular menu. Wine list is also excellent and the service was good. It's a small place on a side street - we sat at tables outside - Can't wait to go back!

Had drinks and dinner with a group of about 30 people. The staff was very friendly and efficient, we occupied nearly the entire restaurant. There was a nice selection of wines and beers and the appetizers were out of this word: thin crust mini pizza's. Main course was nice too, portions just right.

Lavagna is tucked away in The far East Village. It is a long-standing neighborhood Italian restaurant. The menu offers a good variety, but listen carefully to the specials, they are outstanding. The restaurant gets crowded, make a reservation. There is a small bar and outdoor seating which is a real treat in warm weather. The pasta is delicious, yummy appetizers. Very enjoyable night out in this small neighborhood gem. Not wildly pricey, but this is NYC.

I’m back again this time with a group of 7, all LOVED their meals. Lavagna is simply wonderful. Apps- the Margherita pizza and scallops always tasty….3 of us had the Rigatoni – there is NONE better. 2 had the duck pappardelle, and loved it. The Ravioli- so tender. For dessert the apples tarts ala mode- 3 for the table, you have to try this dessert!! Wine we started with the Lagrein, and finished with the Salice both well worth the price. A night cap with a few tawny ports and you my friends have a meal to die for!! I want to own a place like this one day. Although from Ohio, I cant get back soon enough.

Good, if not great, food served in a charming East Village space. Personally, I'd rather go nearby to Frank or Bianca and get an equivalent meal (for two) for $30 less, or spend the same amount at Lupa for a significantly better meal.

A one room restaurant with old furnishings and very tastefully put together. We had quite a wait outside for our reservation and the owner came out several times to sincerely apologize. When we were seated we were given a plate of octopus on the house. It was very good. A comfortable 'at home' feel to our whole evening. My first Kale Caesar and it was delicious. The Monk Fish was perfectly cooked 'til just done. Loved everything!

Lavagna is a great place to eat. It's one of my favorite places to eat. It has pasta, pizza, and bread, just to name a few.

Went to this restaurant on a cold Thursday night as part of a large group. Very cozy atmosphere; a little place but big on service and quality. Tried the artichoke appetizer - excellent! And the Rigatoni with fennel and sausage was fantastic. The service was excellent - the servers came around at exactly the right time and were very attentive. I would definitely recommend this restaurant and would definitely visit again on my next visit to NYC.

Love this informal spot on the lower east side. Great food, friendly service and good wine list. It is small and fills up quickly at dinner time.

I was pleasantly surprised by this place given there are only 1,000 italian restaurants you can eat at in NY. The place was very cute and cozy. Coming from the midwest, the tables were a bit close for comfort, but I understand in NY you have to fit as many people into a tiny place as possible. The food was very good, a little pricey for pasta but it was a great spot for a late night dinner.

Dont ask any questions. Just get yourself here, sit down and eat. I have never had better pasta except for going straight to the source in Italy. But if you can't hop on a plane then this is the only spot you should be looking for if you are in the mood for italian. It's phenom.com

We came with some friends for dinner and shared appetizers and entrees to be able to have a taste of everything. Everything we tried was excellent and fresh, and the service was impeccable. What we tried and loved: Prosciutto Antipasti Octopus Carpaccio Pizza Margherita Fedelini Fini Pappardelle Apple Crostata Chocolate Mousse

Fantastic. From start to finish. Go scallops. Go whole fish for two. Go chocolate mousse cake. Go for the Luigi Baudana Barolo 2008. For for it all 😍🙏🕉👌🏻👍

The Saturday night before the NYC marathon my wife and I went here for some quality carbo loading. It was a last minute decision and Open Table wouldn't let us make a reservation online. I called and was told if we could get there by 6:15, they would seat us. We made it by 6:10 and were seated with thanks for arriving early. The drinks were reasonably priced and the pasta special was excellent and not expensive.

I have been to Lavagna about 3 or 4 times now, thanks to my friends who love this place. I have never had a mediocre meal here. The food is always fantastic and the service is spectacular. The staff makes you feel like family. At my last visit, I decided to be adventurous and ordered a rabbit dish. I figured that if I was ever to try rabbit, it would make sense to do so at a good eatery. Well, I was right! The meal was absolutely delicious! Lavagna is a definite bookmark in NYC eateries.

We sat outside on the patio, next to a trap door leading to the kitchen. That was my only complaint. The meal was outstanding. It was a beautiful warm evening and we were first to try some new items on the spring menu. Fresh pea ravioli was truly wonderful along with the salad. Others had whole grilled fish and assorted wines, which the wait staff were very knowledgeable about. One waiter took some time to chat with us and explain the new spring menu. Would definitely go back.

This small restaurant has a great atmosphere with tables indoors and out. We ate fish dishes that were very fresh and well prepared. The rigatoni with sweet sausage and fennel was absolutely amazing. The small selection of Deserts were fresh and excellent.

A friend recommended the restaurant. Our 1st visit as a couple. An out of the way location that is worth making the detour. Food is fantastic. We had the fish for 2 baked in the wood oven. Wow. Fantastic. Wine list is indeed extensive. The staff are great. We would go back again and again and again. It has the feel of a family restaurant that people go back to regularly.

We have never been to this part of Manhattan and were pleased to find an excellent Italian restaurant. We had a nice lunch on Saturday. I had a great Rigatoni with Sweet Fennel and Spicy Sausage, and my wife enjoyed her Carbonara. The pasta was cooked perfectly and the portion size was large: for only about $15 each. The bread was also nice and crusty (from Sullivan Street Bakery). We will eat here again even if we have to make a special trip.

a really lovely space with good food, fairly priced. Only issue was that one of my 2 sons was 15 minutes late for his dad's 60th birthday dinner. I understand the NYC standard and certainly was aware that we needed to be seated immediately at 7:30pm upon arriving and could not wait before ordering. I did not need to hear that we had a HARD stop of 9:30pm for the next reservation arrival. I was happy we were out the door at 9:25pm. I guess we'll laugh about it next week. The wine pairing suggestion was appreciated and we had a coveted round table and did have a great time. The website pictures are accurate.

We were hoping for something a bit more interesting. This is fairly stock standard New York style Italian food. Nothing special. We shared some quite nice scallops (too much sauce) then my husband had rigatoni with sweet fennel and spicy sausage, peas and tomato cream (too heavy on the tomato cream) and I have rack of lamb (which was meant to be well done but it came out very pink and fatty). The tables are very tightly-packed so it's hard not to hear the intimate details of your neighbour's conversation and then they play loud music over the top so this is no place to linger over a meal and then when you had that kind of arrogant service style that suggests the waiters are too good to be serving your table.... There's too many other options in New York to come back here again.

Located on pretty 5th Street just off a charming stretch of Avenue B, Lavagna came highly recommended by a long-time East Village resident ... and with good reason. The lasagna in a delicious cream sauce and the perfectly prepared steak au poivre were wonderful - as were our vanilla panacotta and berry torte deserts. Excellent service. We’re looking forward to sampling the interesting menu.

Was a little worried with the location when my husband booked this. Admittedly a longer walk from the subway than expected, as we walked the wrong way at first. But was worth the effort. Lovely to be away from all the tourist areas first of all and great to see locals eating there. The place is small and tables close together so typical Italian layout which was lovely. In warm weather the front windows open up. The staff very attentive and friendly. Nice to see the managers taking orders etc. food was excellent and fantastic wines to choose from. We have visited New York several times now from the UK and have to say this was one of the best meals we have had in the City. We were not rushed and made to feel very welcome. Would certainly go back again if we ever return. Be sure to book ahead as you don't want to not be able to get a table after making all that effort to get there!

Outstanding wood oven artichoke starter; even better Seared Tuna; an intimate, romantic spot with some of the best food in NYC. Not to mention a great place to go whether married or single.

This is a hidden gem in East Village. It does mot offer a long menu, but the options are sophisticated and deliciously well prepared Italien food. Creative flavours, fine taste and very kind waiters and waitress.

a great evening! Everyone loved their dinner. pretty atmosphere- great service and delicious pasta dishes for everyone in our group

Quite good Italian food.

My daughter and I had a girl’s evening out Last week and hadn’t made dinner reservations until about 6:30. We booked a table for 2 at Lavagna. When we arrived, the atmosphere was bustling. The host could not find our open table reservation. He graciously seated us anyway, although the place was packed with regulars. Lucky for us! My daughter had a delicious kale Caesar to start and I had an amazing wood roasted artichoke (buttery, tasty) with cannellini beans and mushrooms. Try this if it is on the special menu, it was exquisite! My daughter followed with a special pasta dish, spaghetti with lamb meatballs and ricotta. Unbelievable! But my Rabbit Pappardelle were also incredible. We cleaned our plates. Perfectly cooked pasta, perfect portions, savory sauces... Yum! Let me add, we are Northern Italian, from a family of excellent cooks, and fussy about Italian food. Definitely exceeded our high expectations. We shall return to Lavagna!

Discovered this place through a friend, and was pleasantly surprised ! Off the beaten track but so worth it! Cozy small place with a fabulous food ! Nice wine menu too! The owner gave us the corner table we asked for. It gets crowded as the night progresses. Enjoyed the excellent dinner and the ambiance! Love it !!

Friendly and accommodating staff, excellent food, good and prompt service. It is only a small restaurant and is very popular as to be expected, therefore somewhat crowded. Food was provided quickly to all of our party (5) and the staff were attentive without being overbearing. Defiantly worth a visit if you are in the area.

Great food and service. From the appetizers to meals to dessert, we had a great meal. And the staff was great, service outstanding. I was floored with how good it was!

DELICIOUS! Came on a Saturday night during Labor Day weekend, so we lucked out and were able to snag a table without reservations. The menu is simple, but most of items look good. I ordered the rigatoni and it was delicious! Creamy and really flavorful. My friend ordered the parpadelle, which was also good, but I preferred the rigatoni. The restaurant is small -- as most restaurants in the East Village are. You're close to the other tables, but not so close that you can't comfortably navigate around the restaurant.

My husband and I had a wonderful dinner last night. We both started with the fig salad which was outstanding. I had the rigatoni which was the best pasta I ever ate, and my husband had a steak with peppercorn sauce he raved about. We will return and recommend the restaurant highly! A real treat!

I love the authenticity of this place. The food was awesome, the wine was a perfect match with a plentiful selection and the staff was pleasant. For appetizers we ordered the octopus, the artichokes and the white pizza with mushrooms and truffle oil. For dinner we had the monk fish as well as the rigatoni with sausage. This was by far one of my favorite dinner in NYC. Lavanga is more of a "local" restaurant, trendy without the hype of a celebrity chef. Each entree was fresh, well prepared and down right delicious.. The pasta couldnt have been more perfect in terms of al dente, the pizza was crisp and tasty and the monkfish prepared so well. As a rule, I call ahead to check the health code ratings that are usually posted each restaurants window. The person who answered the phone thought this was a "weird" request but informed us it was an A. "Weird" maybe however with so many great restaurant options in NYC, why would i want to settle for anything less then the best. Lavagna not only passed the heath department with an A, they surpassed our expections. We put this in our black book and will visit regularly.

Girls night out...6 friends out for dinner while visiting NYC. This was a return visit for us because everything was so great the last time we were there. Another amazing dining experience. The food is fantastic and service is great. Nice wine selection as well. Some of our plates included venison, pasta with rabbit, ravioli, fresh fish...plates are fresh and pastas are all homemade. Small place but well worth the trip. You won't be disappointed.

The wine list is extensive. The food is to die for and the waitstaff is extremely attentive. It was our second time back to this restaurant. Both experiences were absolutely fantastic.

We dined at Lavagna on a busy Saturday evening. This lukewarm review will not dissuade its devotees, but we point out its pluses and shortcomings Kale Caesar salad is terrific. My pappardelle with rabbit was a great combo. But my wife's monkfish was "rubbery" and our first bottle of wine was spoiled, and cheerily replaced. Molten chocolate cake was average. A big plus is that East Village prices are much lower than just about anywhere else. Our next visit will be on an off-peak evening.

Cosy little italian trattoria. Good food. The pork chop is juicy and soft. Although it was crowded, the food came quickly.

Was celebrating my birthday with my boyfriend and his family at Lavagna Restaurant. Great Italian food!! They know the owner Yorgos who was just wonderful!! Our waiter was Rob and he was fantastic and funny!! Can't wait to return there for dinner again!!

The service was excellent as was the food, very authentic. We had the owner's recommended wine and it was great. No bread though, they didn't have any bread! Surely if you can make pizzas the you can rustle up some bread?

Nice place, well designed, very New York with the Red brick wall, quiet street, good food. Very tasty Amazing wine list Charming, romantic... I hardly recommend

A friend to Lavagna since it was a pioneer in the East Village, I have visited many times and returned for its crisp pizzas, rack of lamb and innovative pasta. But yesterday evening, a cold winter's night, four of us tried to talk around a small table in a VERY noisy, VERY crowded space with all of our outdoor clothes on while indoors, and we learned the disadvantages of being discovered by crowds. The tiny bar cannot accommodate the dozen-plus people waiting (breathing down your neck) for tables. The room itself is too small to prevent winter breezes from overwhelming most customers (the outer plastic mudroom doesn't help). The long-time maitre d' is as sour and irritable as ever. The waiter, well-meaning overall, forgot our deserts. And the vegetables that came with the cod were charred and inedible, the fish itself limp and undistinguished. One can see the care taken in menu planning, e.g., with whole roasted fish available as specials. But the execution is now severely lacking and the real estate itself imposes firm limits. If you must, go early or on weekdays. . . or check out other Italians on Fourth Street between Avenues A & B.

Small little place on the East Village/Alphabet City border. Went there twice in 3 days while visiting. Brunch was excellent. We had the Lamb Sausage omelette and the mushroom omelette and both were great. Crostata was the best. Rest of the family went for dinner and it was just as good. Interesting wine list. Great service, Will definitely go back

Saturday 7:45pm reservation to reconnect with a friend after 40 years. Tiny table for two, cramped hot and very noisy on a Saturday evening - I had trouble hearing my friend sitting across a small table. No air conditioning so unbearably hot and humid. Wine list is huge and daunting. We needed help even though my Italian friend knows wines. The mussels were FANTASTIC fresh, tender succulent perfectly prepared - highly recommended especially to soak up the broth with the delicious bread. My pork chop was a bit dry and huge. It went home for leftovers. The rabbit pappardelle was extraordinary - and I hated rabbit when tasting it in Switzerland a few years back. This chef knows how to prepare rabbit. I will forever remember the rabbit and will soon forget the noisy hot humidity. Go there during the week when I hope it is less noisy. Outside when leaving we saw at least 30 people (maybe more) waiting to go in for dinner around 9 pm. We recommended the rabbit pappardelle to them for sure.

Came here on a Saturday night and were seated right away, per our reservation. Our waiter could not have been better. Low key, helpful, funny and candid. Paid us just the right amount of attention. We started with the Pizzetta del Bosco which was heavenly. Love that truffle oil! Then we each had a special - salmon and pasta. Sorry I can't remember more. Both outstanding. Dessert was the Gianduja Chocolate Mousse Cake - very rich and tasty. Fun atmosphere, lively crowd. All in all a fabulous experience. Can't wait to return.

Our group (two couples) made dinner reservations based on a friend’s recommendation that Lavagna was the “real deal” for Italian cuisine, and they were right! We had a wonderful experience. The place is cozy and intimate and we loved the atmosphere. The menu isn’t the biggest ever but the choices are excellent. We tried several dishes and loved all of them. The steak was one of the best I’ve ever had. As an extra benefit, the owner was especially attentive and made sure everything was just right. All in all it was a delightful meal and evening. If you want to get away from the masses and try some “real” Italian food, Lavagna is an excellent choice.

First time trying this restaurant. The cod fish and salmon dishes were excellent. The kale caesar salad and green salad with cheese were fresh and tasty. Good wine selection. The staff and owner greeted us as we entered. I would recommend this restaurant. It has inside and outside seating. Reservations should be made as this establishment has a following.

Upon a recent visit to see our son in NYC, he recommended that we eat at Lavagna, which was literally downstairs from his apartment. I knew just from the authentic aroma wafting from the door that we were in for a memorable meal. Having eaten in Italy numerous times, our expectations were set very high. Let's just say the four of us were not disappointed. From the fabulous appetizers thru the fantastic desserts, we kept moaning with great pleasure that this gem of a restaurant is in NY. We devoured every morsel of food that was put in front of us with great delight. You have your choice of dining inside or out and the service was impeccable. Our son recently moved out to Brooklyn but I can tell you without any hesitation that our visits from Florida to see him will always include a culinary journey into the city to enjoy yet another delicious meal at Lavagna.

A little off the beaten track in the east village but worth a trip. Very small but casual and friendly. It is billed as Italian but the owner is Greek. My wife and I had fish dishes which were fantastic and the pasta dishes looked tasty. Wine list was acceptable. The prices were very good as entrees were around $25, great for the city.

From the moment you walk into this charming, well kept esthablisment you feel like you are in a cozy trattoria on a small street in Italy. The setting is quite romantic and perfect for an evening dinner after work. Traditional Carbonara, SUPERB Pizza. All of our food was sooo fresh and tasty. The wine list goes from all prices and is perfect for everyone!!!

My wife and I just had a great meal at Lavagna, my wife had artichoke salad starter and scallops, just done right. My rabbit ravioly dish was exceptional, and the bottle of Vino Nobile from Montepulciano just hit the spot!

We always make for this friendly and cosy neighbourhood restaurant in Alphabet City. Food excellent with a lot of the offering cooked in a wood fired oven. Very friendly and attentive staff and a really extensive Italian wine list.

We LOVED Lavagna's restaurant. We are used to great Italian food. Lavagna's fits the bill. I had the pappardelle with braised rabbit and chard; my husband had the fettuccini with wild boar ragu; and my sister had the mushroom and ramp/onion risotto. All were wonderful!!! The place itself is small and charming. The waitstaff are very friendly. We all highly recommend Lavagna and will go there again when we return to New York.

We were looking for great Italian food and we found it. The specials and a la carte items were equally good. It is a small restaurant so you need to book, but it is worth it.

You may walk past this restaurant without a thought and would not probably make a specific trip to East Village unless you knew about this restaurant . It's a great Italian restaurant out of the way ! OK so the waiting staff even popped to the local store to get Sprite for a cocktail until our local friends arrived . We opted to sit at a table outside as the background noise inside w as quite high due to a birthday party . There were the occasional homeless type pass by the table on the pavement , who did not say or do anything , but may be off putting to some diners . There is a $39fixed price 3 course menu for a basic menu. The better dishes are all not included in the €39 deal! Plenty of bread provided whilst browsing menu . Scallops starters were first class . Decided to have my favourite dish but this time a fillet. No need for a sauce as the fillet was as tender as can be. At this time forget to mention the lady who was either the manager or co owner. We ordered a good vintage Barolo from a very extensive wine list and she immediately advised that she had only one bottle left , a knowledge of a wine cellar of probably 100 different bottles of wine ! The cheese selection was first class although being English I like to have my cheese with crackers which I had to ask for ! The chocolate desert for Mrs M was , I am told , to die for and such a portion she could not complete ! So there only being one bottle of the first Barolo the owner brings two other bottles of Barollo to choose from , we chose he vintage one without asking he price ! A very nice meal for $650 dollars for 4 all in with usual 20% gratitudes.

I had dinner here with an old friend last night, and the waiter did not get at all annoyed that it took us about 45 minutes to order. When we did, I asked for something not on the menu (I wanted the pappardelle, but I don't eat rabbit, which is what it came with), and they made me a primavera just for me. It was very nice of them. The bread, btw, was outstanding. Just as good as any in Italy.

Took our family and three friends there for dinner. We had a reservation but still had to wait quite a while to be seated. Service was very good, attentive. The wine list was excellent, but they didn't have my first two selections in stock. The menu has lots of interesting choices, including a rabbit pasta that you wont find many places! All of us enjoyed our food very much. Entrees are reasonably priced for NY. They added a 16% gratuity due to our large table but it was worth it. Great place for dinner if you like authentic Italian food.

This was a small, cozy little Italian place. I would say if you are a big eater, order an appetizer and a salad. We had the scallops and each of us had a special. They came out and told me what they could make gluten free for me. They even offered gluten free pasta. Both of us enjoyed our food, and I would go there again.

The dishes are simple yet still imaginative, balancing classic Italian fare with tasteful innovative touches.

One of my favorite places in NYC. The food is consistantly excellent, the service attentive, the space charming. George is a great host. The wood fired pizza is great. The menu takes adavantage of seasonal specialties. Favorites include the pasta with rabbit, the steak and the lamb chops. Good wine list and excellent bar drinks. Have never been disappointed.

After a very hectic day of sight seeing in Manhattan Lavagna was like an Italian oasis. We were warmly welcomed, offered menus and drinks and generally made to feel right at home. I reckon regulars would eat here multiple times a week. The seafood is fresh, the pasta made in-house and the protein dishes filling and generous. True meals, no sides required. The specials were special. Scallops and monk fish in my case. If you’re leg weary, scene weary (some NYC maitre d’s can get the pout going when they see a family) get along to Lavagna. Oh and by the way the wine list is excellent and the staff actually know it. We had a Sicilian red (a ancient grape variety I’d never hear of) which was excellent value ($48) and simply excellent.

We had our 2nd anniversary dinner here. Great food, intimate setting, not too pricey. I had the truffle mushroom pizza, which was good as others raved about. The service wasn't great, a little snooty (which is weird, because it's a neighborhood place). It's a little far from subways, which was the biggest drawback for me. Good food though!

Deep rich sauces, succulent meats, vegetables with snap and verve, quiet helpful service, wines for any wallet, on a quiet street, in a cozy room—we all dream of finding such a warm wonderful gem. I didn’t review it for a long time because I didn’t want it to be “discovered.” But in fairness, Lavagna is the perfect neighborhood Italian secret. Lease don’t share it.

Christmas Eve- terrific local kind of Italian restaurant. The food was very good as was the service. The owner is a very friendly guy who is quick with a smile and there to be sure you're happy. I'd go back.

The food and the service tonight was top notch. Pea shoot salad, Bronzino, and rack of lamb were quite delicious. This is experience not to be missed in NYC. Our waitress Hannah was so delightful and attentive that we felt like family.

Small tiny place does not mean the food is not bursting with flavor,The pizzette ,we tried the Margherita was paper thin and flavorful,the pasta ahhhhh so amazingly excellent.The service courtesy of Hannah was outstanding .

Lavagna is by far my favorite restaurant in New York. Everything about it is amazing. My boyfriend and I have been going for a couple of years now and the staff know us and what we order every time. The rigatoni is seriously out of this world!!! I lived in Italy for half a year and was looking for some authentic italian and found it at lavagna. Everything tastes fresh and delicious. Do yourself a favor and make a reservation!!

Highly recommend Good food, that does not try to be too fancy, but made with love In a very nice atmosphere. And with great service. Restaurant is run in a very loving way. Like it is supposed to.

If you feel like fish, definitely go for the whole fish for two -- it beats the other blandish fish dishes hands down. Great atmosphere -- good date place.

Two weeks ago I took a friend to Lavagna for Sunday lunch. I'd walked by the week before on a Friday evening and it was loaded with people and the menu looked very convincing. I read the reviews posted on their site, all from credible, upscale reviewers and they seemed excellent. The one guy Friday (he seemed to be holding down the fort and we were the only patrons at 12:30 pm) was very down to Earth and helpful. There were several things however he did not recommend we order. Since we were beginning to get worried, we both opted for pastas since the reviews had concurred they were reliable, very good and generous. The one my friend ordered was not available so he had to choose another. My rabbit and parparadella was available so we ordered. Both pasta dishes were incredibly skimpy, at 17.00! In addition to being skimpy it seemed like they were taken out of a freezer bag, heated or miced, and then plated. I cook and know how food looks, smells, etc when it's just been made, especially pasta. The flavor of my rabbit dish was good but not freshly prepared by any stretch of the imagination. After that, we were want to try anything more; i was thoroughly embarrassed. The bill for two pasta's and a bottle of import beer was 45.00.... and add a tip. Sorry Lavagna, I'd say you're resting on your laurels!

This East Village Alphabet City neighborhood Italian has excellent food and a nice ambience. Be sure to make reservations; it is definitely a popular place. I had the tagliatelle with rabbit which was excellent. All in the party enjoyed the food -- flavorful and well-prepared, not the usual red sauce Italian entrees.

Turned up on spec without a reservation but arrived early, at 6pm and no one else in the restaurant. Asked for a table and explained we didn't have a reservation, lady at the bar pulled a face and started looking at the bookings...while doing this another lady came over and said "not a problem, follow me". Sat us at a table by the serving counter which resulted in the waiting staff knocking into me numerous times during our stay (which was only an hour). At one point I was actually prodded in the back and I started to think that this was some game for the staff, "who can knock the lady on the table" (the restaurant only had 10 people at this point) and I had pulled my chair in as close to the table as possible. Food was ok, not much to write home about. Atmosphere was unwelcoming and I felt it was in the way. Had much better Italian meals elsewhere, not impressed.

We dined in this place on Friday night. It was really busy and waited more than 15 minutes past our reservation to get our spot. The staff is friendly and look after you very well. Food was excellent and highly recommend their pasta dishes.

Go here now! Ask for Kathleen, a beautiful young actress who delivers the food with flairand attitude. I had the sole with prosciutto and my wife the scallops and rabbit pasta. Try the Schioppettino Di Cialla for your light red. However, you'll have many other choices. This is an awesome place and the people rock! Love it!!!!!

Have eaten here twice, atmosphere, service and food are simply outstanding. They have great wines to pair with the food; the owners are friendly. Daily specials are always superb. if you are near Alphabet City you must try this place. it's smallish, so recommend a reservation. Top Notch!

This is a place where locals go to dine solo or in small groups. The food and service are outstanding. Good wine list at reasonable prices. Pasta is homemade. Only downside is that it is Waaaaaaaayyyyyy downtown. You wouldn’t travel here but if you are anywhere in the area, it is well worth a visit

Went on a cold winter night, walked in and couldn't have felt more at home. It is a small little restaurant, you hang up your own jacket on the rack, and go sit down. Wait staff was phenomenal! Food was very good, not perfect, but very good, and the warm cozy atmosphere is about as great as it gets. Highly recommend!

Would def recommend if you're looking for small restaurant. Really great food and waitress super knowledgeable about wines.