Malatesta Trattoria Reviews

On our trips to NY it is a must to have dinner there.Excellent and a attentative service,And really good and well prepared tatsy dishes , whatever you take. No lomg waiting.Price quality is OK .But take cash along they don't accept credit cards.

Authentic Italian restaurant in Greenwich village. Classic Italian dishes with decent wine and a nice ambiance. Cash only!

This is a nice, busy little trattoria just east of the Hudson River. While the food isn't "to die for," it is satisfying, and dinner here is a good value. If you happen to be in the area when your tummy begins to rumble, stop in. While fine enough in most respects, it is not a destination restaurant.

My bestfriend and I went to Malatesta for the first time last Thursday. Our experience was wonderful! The den like feel and dim lighting was nice, the bread and olive oil to begin with was great too, really opened up our appetites. My friend had the Rosé, it was great, very light and smooth. I had a glass of the Sangiovese which was much fruitier and full bodied. Our meals were part of the specials. The tortellini in cream sauce was SO rich and creamy and just the perfect amount of tortellini. We left completely full, satisfied and delighted in finally finding an authentic Italian restaurant right around the corner from our job no less! The service was wonderful, staff is friendly and attentive! It is a CASH ONLY establishment so remember that. We cant wait to go back! Thank you Malatesta!

Malatesta's Tratoria on the lower West Side is a wonderful dining experience. With inside and outside seating, it's like dining in Italy. Make reservations or get there when they open at 5:30 or prepare to wait for a seat. Although I've eaten here before, I had no plans this time. The restaurant just happened to be across the street from the small theater I was going to. On my way to the theater I came to Malatesta's. It was about 5:20, so I waited for opening time. Apparently, the locals know about this place, because by 5:45 customers were pouring in. By 6:00 there were hardly any seats left, other than outside, but since wind and rain were imminent, there was hesitancy in choosing these. I've eaten here twice before with friends, so I knew the food would be consistantly good. I started with a bottle of sparkling water.Then delicious sauteed spinach as my appetizer. For my entree I enjoyed spaghetti Chitarra, served with small chunks of tomatoes and mozzarella in a tomato sauce. So tasty, I had to finish every last bit even though I was trying to leave room for dessert. Not a big wine drinker, a bottle of Peroni went well with the dish. I wanted to try something different for dessert, but I had to stay with the panna cotta that I remembered from my last visit, the best I've had anywhere. With a cup of cappuccino, my total, including tax was $49. Not a bad price for all I consumed. And I had 1/2 bottle of sparkling water to take with me to the theater. The service was pretty good, but it seemed that couples and tables of 4-6 received greater personal attention than I did. Overall, I rate Malatesta's as one of the best and most reasonably priced restaurants in the City

We were out-of-towners looking for a great Italian restaurant. Great, in my eyes, starts with the quality of food. Some friends recommended Malatesta Trattoria, and it did not disappoint. The wine selection was complimentary, and the menu varied. We shared the Insalate Caprese, which was definitely enough to share, but less than interesting. The tomatoes were tasteless, while the mozzarella and arugula were solidly average. Where they really shined was in the entrees. The Tagliatelle al Ragu was exceptional, and the Ravioli al Formaggio very tasty. The food was absolutely worth the trip. This neighborhood restaurant was very crowded on a Sunday night, but we were able to be seated fairly quickly. I didn't enjoy that the noise level was very high, and the seating is pretty cramped. Several waiters bumped me and my chair numerous times throughout dinner. It's not a great date night restaurant if you are looking to have a decent conversation, but the energy level was high. If you want to have a cocktail before dinner, you will want to have that somewhere else as they only serve beer and wine. A good restaurant worth a visit.

It sounds odd to say this was the best spaghetti two of us have ever had, but it was! We ordered it off our server's recommendation and I can still taste it days later. Delicious pasta and marinara sauce! Our friends ordered the spinach gnocchi and declared it perfect. This little restaurant should be on everyone's NYC Italian experience list! To top it all, it is an excellent value!

I am baffled that this place would get such a high rating. To us Malatesta appeared to be nothing more than the typical tourist trap. The food was bland, amateuristic and loveless, like a quick home meal. If you want to pay by card you have to use their ATM which has ridiculous exchange rates and charges $5,- on top of that. The worst part was that hidden in the bill was an included gratuity of 20%, which we found out about later (we're a group of two). Don't go here.

We went to this place by recommendation. We found a nice small Italian restaurant, great food and very moderate prices. So far all was fine. What we did not really like where the waiters "running" up and down making feel all very hectic.

Whilst I actually can't complain about the service the reality is that the food was so good I think it made both the atmosphere and the service seem modest if not bland If you're into Italian food this trattoria will knock your socks off with great flavor. The spinach gnocchi is amazing and the ravioli is outstanding Actually all the food was so good I have to say I was licking the plate Thanks to good friends again, who made the night go with the really good food great

I've dined here several times before. I usually eat here when I'm seeing a show in the area. Tonight I had risotto with spinach and Gorgonzola cheese. It was a bit thin and could have had more spinach, but it was quite tasty. Usually I order the panna cotta for dessert, but tonight I tried their homemade tiramisu, and wasn't disappointed. The portion was more than large enough for two people to share. No credit cards accepted ; cash only

I am coming to this place for years, evertime I am in New York. Very friendly Italian staff, excellent food. I recommend the lamb chopps coming on a sizzling platter, excellent. Good house wine, reseanable price

The pasta here was incredible. Asked our waiter for a recommendation, was surprised when he recommended the spaghetti, but I trusted him and tried it -- WOW. By far the best red sauce I have ever had. My husband had the Ragu, which was also delicious, but he kept taking bites out of mine -- the pasta and marinara just tasted so fresh. Cash only.

I Love this place. Truly authentic Italian food. I feel like I’m in Italy.Service is always spot on and staff cannot be more accommodating and kind.

This restaurant has received excellent reviews elsewhere,but I found it served just OK Italian food. We were a party of 12’ and half of us were seated on an 8” wide wooden bench. When we finally stood up, all of us poor unfortunates groaned in unison. Malatesta also accepts only cash. You may draw your own conclusions.

Before you go, you should know: no reservations, and NO CREDIT CARDS. So show up prepared to wait, with cash. The food is good; no complaints there. The bar has only beer and wine, which is disappointing. The service is quick, friendly, and competent. We like the pasta, the chicken, the salads -- in fact, everything. We'd go more often if it didn't mean waiting outside (in the rain, no less, or the cold).

Mussels were fine, salad was fine. But the gnocchi (spinach) and the house pasta (simple tomato sauce) were to die for. fairly priced, nice patio a little distance away from little italy but a great place to visit.

Been here several times the last couple of months. Never dissatisfied. Service and food is excellent and prices for food is very affordable. Prices for wine is unusually modest for New York. We can highly recommend it.

Spinach gnocchi with gorganzola sauce. It will change your life. Really good if you also order the chicken and dip it in the sauce. The calamari was out of this world as well. (Cash only restaurant)

During our stay in NY we came here twice. Great food, nice restaurant, friendly service. The pasta is top and the panna cotta lovely. we will come back when we come back to NY. Thumbs up :)

Recommended by a local, we called in for a reservation on a Sunday evening. We had a great experience, friendly service, and delicious food. Everything was delicious and seemed authentic. The only criticism is that servings were a bit small, and I would have rather paid a little more for a larger entree. The pasta ragu was excellent, and the spinach gnocchi was solid. We had the house wine, bruschetta, and a mousse. Everything was done well, and I do recommend.

Well done bistro with reasonable prices for the Village. Outdoor venue gives cool Christopher St vibe. Worth it price wise.

Always loved going here when I lived in NYC. Authentic pasta, delicious wine, cosy and affordable! Cant go past the ragu and chianti mmmmm. They don't take bookings but put your name down and grab a drink at one of the many bars nearby. Cash only.

We sat at the edge of the opened up indoors of the restaurant, enjoying the sounds of the city and the wonderful smells wafting out from the kitchen. The spinach gnocchi was very simple and very very good; the penne all arrabbiata spicy and satisfying. The feel of the place is very much that of Italy. And the prices are fair.

My son took my husband and me here for my husband's birthday. The food was delicious! The ravioli and spinach gnocci were outstanding, and the chocolate mousse for dessert very creamy and delicious. The plates aren't a ton of food but we left satisfied and not overstuffed. Waitstaff was friendly. The place is very small and I imagine can get very crowded on the weekend and later in the night. We went on a Monday around 5:30 and it was no problem to sit. It would be nice in the summer to sit outside. We will be back when we visit the city.

This place is a cozy restaurant in the west village that never disappoints. The food is homemade, the house wine is cheap and delicious and the atmosphere is perfect - whether for a date, friends or family. The restaurant itself is small and packed, but in the warmer months they open up the walls and put tables/chairs outside for a lovely indoor/outdoor experience (with cool breezes to boot). It's usually packed, so grab a glass of wine and stand by the curb while you wait for a table, or if you're a large party, make sure to call well in advance for reservations.

We went there many times, it was just across our building. And it was funny to follow the growth of public in this small italian restaurant. The place is cozy, owners are italian and dedicated (although sometimes confused) and food is good. Price is honest. Of course, we'll find better italian food in NY, but if you're around, it's a nice place to go.

My husband and I and 2 other couples made reservations at Malatesta for a Saturday night while we were visiting NYC. We were seated at a rectangular table, which is always hard for conversation anyway, but we could not hear anyone else at the table without shouting. The acoustics were terrible! I am happy for the restaurant that it was crowded, but it ruined our evening because we could not enjoy each other's company. We ordered a diverse range of entrees. They were OK. Maybe in a small town that has no other competition this would be a good choice, but there are too many wonderful Italian restaurants in the city to choose this one. We were disappointed. It is nothing special.

I lived in Italy for 5 months and let me tell you.... we sat right away and the experience here felt like I was back there. The food was devine and so was the company... the spinacg gnocci is a 10 10!

The first thing to say is essential to book. This is a great good value good food venue. Second other point as it is really busy and sort of compact so the noise level Is high. Not a complaint just that to know. Third point Cash only. The pick of our food was a starter of Crostini Misti prosciutto and mozzarella tomato gorgonzola, mushrooms 7.50. Excellent flavours. Homemade mains of the Spinach Gnocchi with Gorgonzola cream sauce $14.50. Ravioli Al Formaggio* cheese ravioli with pink sauce 13.50. We had the house carafe wine which was fine. Definitely on the return list

We went here because some website included this place in the list of top 10 romantic restaurants in the city. This is a dump really. Very basic Italian food - boiled pasta with canned sauce really - thrown together quickly. The waiters are all pretty boys and the service is generally nice though. The outdoor seating is basically on the street. And what's the deal with cash-only?? Avoid this place.

We loved this for a July family dinner while on vacay. We reserved a nice long table, and the atmosphere and the food was amazing.

Inviting restaurant with open doors all around - lovely for a warm evening. We had not booked a table but arrived early before 7 pm and we were offered a table straightaway. The staff was friendly and the service prompt. The big surprise was that the restaurant does not take cards.... but cash only. The portion of ravioli was small. The flavours were good.

I had an enjoyable evening dining solo at this lively West Village spot. I started with the delicious pear salad special and had the spinach gnocchi for my main which was divine. So delicious. Service was very attentive and everyone appeared to be having a great time. Will definitely return, next time with friends.

We first visited Malatesta last year with our New York resident daughter, and found it really authentic. It is a world away from the tourist traps of Little Italy,and caters well for the eclectic set of West Village. Our return trip this year proved as good an experience as last time. The waiterrs are really friendly and helpful, and the menu simple but comprehensive. We had an early dinner, and had an outside table which was great for the inevitable people and dog watching. The cost is fair (cash only) and I would genuinely recommend the restaurant for atmosphere and value.

I have eaten here several times and it is authentic, homemade, and delicious. Nice options for vegetarians. Prices are good. They only accept cash and do not have an ATM, but there is one a few doors down.

Best gnocchi that I've had in NYC. we had the spinach gnocchi in a pink sauce... Simply amazing! Melts in your mouth upon first bite. We walked through a weird neighborhood to find this place, but it was worth it! We also had bruschetta and an arugula-strawberry sald, which were okay. But the star belongs to the gnocchi! We will return again. Thank you!

We found this trattoria on our last night in NYC and are so glad we did! Homemade pasta, reasonable prices, and a lively atmosphere! We called ahead about reservations for 2 and were told we didn't need one, which was true. The place was jamming but we were able to be seated within 5 minutes outside (which was fine). We ended up talking to a nice family next to us during dinner (tables are close together so if you are looking for quiet privacy, this place probably isn't for you!). We enjoyed their house wine - both red and white - and again, reasonably priced for NYC! Tip - cash only and there is an ATM nearby. We'd definitely visit again.

I went here for a birthday dinner for a friend and couldn't shut up about it until a week afterward. The birthday girl previously ordered the spinach gnocchi and talked it up SO much that I was the only person in a five-person party to not order the dish. And I instantly regretted it. It has a gorgonzola sauce, which isn't a cheese I'm super in love with, YET it was just so rich and delectable that I was sad about my STILL delicious spaghetti. So when you go, order that spinach gnocchi. And bring cash! It's a cash-only joint but worth the effort of making a trip to the ATM beforehand.

outside inside seating and reservations are taken only for tables than more of 5.... they say their signature dish is the lamb - well my friend was delighted... good sea-food, good pizza+pasta, good service without fuzzing around, very busy restaurant, well visited. a bit loud, the acoustic is bad...

We "found" this cute little neighborhood restaurant on our last night in town. The hostess immediately seated us and the waiter was there with water and bread within 40 seconds. We were surprised by the relatively low prices on the menu, which had something on it for everyone. We both ordered a pasta dish with a seriously good carafe of Italian wine, and were both happy with the large quantity of food which was prepared extremely well. The salad left something to be desired as New York seems to have a problem with accessing decent tomatoes! Heading home I realized how much I would love to have a "neighborhood" Italian restaurant of this charm, character and quality in my California neighborhood!

Malatesta has quickly become our neighborhood favorite for Italian. Good service, quality ingredients, calm atmosphere (for lunch). The dinner crowd is a bit more rowdy. Love there tagliatelle ragu

I went here for dinner on a Sunday night with a group of 6. While the restaurant is small and a bit crowded, the food is obviously homemade and delicious. We tried the caprese salad, ravioli al formaggio, spinach gnocchi with gorgonzola sauce, and the costoletta di pollo (chicken cutlet). For dessert we had the tiramisu and chocolate mousse. Everything was delicious. The chocolate mousse was probably my favorite but I didn't try anything that I didn't like. It is a casual restaurant with amazing food.

I am Italian born and raised, and I am very skeptical of Italian-American restaurant. If I see chicken parmigiana or pasta with Alfredo sauce on a menu, I don't even get in. Trattoria Malatesta is the real deal. Small-medium portions (not huge bowls of pasta), delicate tastes, not too over-killing sauces (typical in Italian-American restaurants). Everybody speaks Italian (and English of course), and to me, that's an important feature. On top of that, on weekends, street parking is free right in front of the restaurant.

Came here with my 3 daughters (later teens, early 20s) and it was everything we were looking for! The atmosphere, location, food and service were wonderful! We loved the intimate and authentic feel of the restaurant with the rustic tables and open access to the street & patio. We like to share the choices we pick so we all get a chance to try more items! The menu is small but the selection is varied. The bruschetta, caprese sald and sauteed spinach were fresh and flavourful! The ravioli and spaghetti absolutely delicious! We also shared the tiramisu and creme brulee...perfect! It's located just a couple of blocks from the Hudson River waterfront so a walk along the water afterwards was a great end to our evening. One point to keep in mind...this is a cash only restaurant. We knew that going in, so it wasn't a problem.

Came here on a Friday night around 9pm and it was extremely busy. Had to wait over an hour fospinachble. I felt bad for the hostess. Once we sat down, we were quickly helped and our waiter was very friendly and pointed out his favorite things on the menu. The food was fresh and delicious and to my surprise, tasted like authentic Italian food. the spinach gnocchi and tiramisu is amazing. This restaurant has a romantic and rustic feel. I would recommend it for dates and other special occasions. Just make sure you have a reservation first so you're not stuck waiting!

Went here twice in a one week stay in New York because it was nearby and great value. Minimal wait for a table for 2 outside. Great pasta great squid and great lamb chops. Never managed dessert as too full of tasty Italian food and wine.

A perfect meal. The pasta was some of the best ever. The attention to detail on each course is just beautiful. It is like eating at your grandmother's house in Italy. Meatballs were so good I could eat them every day. The specials never disappoint. Last night I had the best halibut I have ever had.

The six of us were on a table which was too small even for four. You had to coordinate with the guests on the tables left and right when you wanted to get up. But, typically in NYC, you couldn't talk with your family members because the noise level was outstanding!!! The food was good, winecard small but ok. Not recommended if you want to discuss something, flirt with your guest etc.

We had a party of three and we were put a table that would have been cozy for two (looking around the restaurant this didn't seem to be out of place) and luckily we visited on a pleasant evening so the doors were open to the sidewalk seating, creating an enjoyable atmosphere. This is more of an "old-school" Italian restaurant with more hectic service (we were attended to by at least four servers throughout the evening), the menu is fairly limited (although very good) and it is CASH ONLY so no 3x dining points here! Overall a good experience but given the pace of service (the food came very quickly and was cleared while I was still chewing my last bite) this isn't a restaurant where you would go to relax over a bottle of wine and talk about the meaning of life. Luckily there are plenty of other places in the area to go to for an after-dinner drink and do just that, so it's not the end of the world, just know what you're in for.

We went here while visiting New York, based on a recommendation from a friend. We sat outside in the sunshine and had a lovely meal with wine. The service was very good and the mussels were delicious!

We go to Malatesta a couple of times per year (we don't live in the City), and we are never disappointed. It doesn't matter if it's on a holiday, or any other day of the year, the food is always amazing. It's true Northern Italian, so if you are looking for heavy Sicilian super sized portion, this is not the place for you. But if you like subtle and delicate tastes, fresh ingredients and a true Italian atmosphere (and language), then you have it. A little bit expensive, but maybe not so much for NYC.

Excellent..we were a party of 13 and everyone's meal was delicious. I had the spinach gnocchi, excellent. Wine was very reasonably price.

My husband and I lived in the West Village for over 20 years and Malatesta has been our classic staple Italian restaurant when we need good pasta. Since the pandemic of 2020, we've been supporting Malatesta more than ever in order to support the community and small businesses. However, the experience we had this evening was more than a disappointment. When we arrived at Malatesta, they were busy and we were happy to see them doing well. I asked the hostess (young blond female) what the waiting is for a table for two. She responded 15 -20 minutes and I told her that we'll take it to go. I asked her for a menu and she pointed at a menu posted on hostess station below eye level. I asked her for menu because we can't read it. She responded "calm down" and walked away. We couldn't believe what we heard and we were going to walk away but it was simply too ridiculous. When she returned to her station, I asked her for the manager. The manager came (I think his name is Ben). I told him what just happened. He responded that she told him that she got pissed off and snapped. Then he added that everybody makes mistakes and apologized for her behavior. I asked him why she got pissed off when her fundamental duty is guiding the customers to order but the manager kept defending her that everybody makes mistakes. Long story short, he offered that he will take care us with dine in or take out. But we were overwhelmed with disappointment and we walked away. We miss the friendly service at Malatesta. We will miss the food but have no intention to go back to Malatesta.

i imagine this is what italy feels like... but that is only speculation. what i do know: this spot is a great nook and the food is soul satisfying. it is always buzzing with people, but somehow it feels like a little oasis... more specifically, it feels like an italian grandmother opened her home to you, a total weary traveler, and provided food that just warms your soul.

Restaurant located on a corner with tables on the sidewalk, very welcoming and with good food, very attentive service and a good wine list

Went there with four people. Unfortunately, 3 of us had the same dish, the Fettuccine Bolognese and it was very good. The pasta is made in house and was very good. The fourth person in our party got the Baked Ravioli and he finished it off. The upside and the downside to this place is that it is an old West Village cafe. It's character is that it has no ambiance and the chairs are old (sturdy) but not as comfortable as could be. If you want to go to "nice" restaurant, this is not it. If you want to go for a good meal with good service in a local neighborhood place, this is it. All being said, I would certainly go back.

Amazing space and employers, higlhy recommend this place, the owner is a very kind person and will certainly treat you well!

This restaurant has got to be hands down one of my favorite places to eat in NYC. I live 2 blocks away and find it hard not to eat here EVERY.NIGHT. Making reservations is key if you plan to come with more than 2 people. There have been some nights where they are just booked completely. Should you encounter a 45-1 hr wait I suggest a drink up the street at Cowgirl. Now for the two entrees you must try. The grilled calamary (don't forget to squeeze some lemon and take some arugula) and the Spinach Gnocchi. Also the Sangiovese wine is good and not so expensive. Atmosphere inside is good, busy and moving. Bathroom are always clean and the decor is cozy. Dessert is also good especially the creme brulee or tiramisu. My last piece of advice and this is crucial to the entire experience: PUT YOUR PHONE AWAY! Enjoy the person or persons in front and next to you and just enjoy the wine, bread, and food. Bon Appetito!

This is a fair option to have some pasta of relatively high quality. It's nice, but the space is too cramped, and waiters don't make much of a deal out og bumping into the tables. Don't forget to bring your cash, it will runs you around 70 dollars for a couple.

Nice little place for Italian food. Last I knew - cash only. Loved the Spinach Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Cream Sauce!

Brought my Italian boyfriend here for his bday last month. Good service, good prices and great food - even for an Italian. Cosy atmosphere!

Stumbled upon this place, and didn't know what a gem I'd discovered. Delicious fresh ingredients echo the dishes I had in Italy. A glass of white wine, a simple fresh salad and a delicious ricotta ravioli made the perfect meal. Very popular, the place was packed, but I never felt rushed at my breezy sidewalk table. Would love to return.

The food at malatesta is wonderful! Authentic Italian without the throngs of tourists that so commonly inundate nice restaurants in NYC. Their prices are reasonable, pasta is incredible and staff are very authentic. They would have gotten five stars apart from the fact that I felt a bit rushed to finish and they brought out the wrong meal... in their defence it was very busy. Great restaurant, you won't be disappointed!!

We were walking and we saw it...in a corner, nothing flashy but the perfect corner. Pasta? the best I ever tried in the States...coming from an italian family...it was a "real pleasure". Young people in charge...lovely!!! A small carte and cash prices....

The first time I saw this place is wasn't sure about it but a friend recommended it and we gave it a try. It is small and not one of those hip upscale restaurants. The selection is small but everything is wonderful. We missed the owner this time in and I was disappointed. Not with the service or the food but simply because I enjoyed his company last year. Several bottles of fine wine and great conversation also didn't hurt. Things that stood out on the menu were the grilled Calamari, the Cheese Ravioli in a blush sauce, Veal Meatballs and Spinach Gnocchi. All in all, a very pleasant dinner in a warm comfortable seting.

Great vibe, friendly staff, very fare prices, amazing piadinas and best gnocchi I have ever tried in my life. This is a must go in NYC!

Very rude service , treated us very badly when we arrived and asked for a table. The place opened service at 5, we got there at 4:50 and asked if we could sit and wait and got a very angry reaction from the manager. Very disappointing and it really blew the experience of eating there. Showed no consideration towards the customer.

If you are seeking a real high-quality Italian restaurant with superb home made food at exceedingly reasonable prices that has a quality well beyond average, this should be at the top of your list. A tip off to the quality is the number of tables at which Italian is being spoken on a regular basis. There are a number of “high-end“ Italian restaurants within 10 minutes of here. Do not waste your money there. Come here.

Went with friends who recommended the place. Nice little place tucked away in the neighborhood with reasonable prices and average food..

Great food. Great pricing. A little cramped but worth it. Even participate in some friendly table to table socializing if you choose. Make a reservation and make sure your party has all arrived or you will be waiting on the sidewalk.

Friendly welcome. Very good wine list —we chose an unusual and fine Falanghina (Tuscan white). The menu has many authentic Italian dishes. Try artichoke salad, veal meatballs, pasta dishes and the special gnocchi. The steak was a first rate choice, reminiscent of Florentine style. The coffees and desserts were good conclusions. The restaurant is well run with helpful and friendly staff. The large glass doors were open on a warm night and inside diners shared the space with those at outside tables. The crowd is young and upbeat often in groups of friends. The place is active but not noisy. Very good dining choice which I can easily recommend.

The food is fantastic--feels like your own nonna made it. Strong recommend, plus the prices are very good for the quality. The place can be packed on weekend evenings (hour waits are not uncommon), so I would recommend doing lunch instead. It's the same menu but the place is usually near empty at that time. The place is definitely rustic, though, so if you're looking for something more upscale, try Piadina or Gradisca. Cash only!

A busy, snowy night in December with no free tables the host managed to squeeze 4 of us in on the basis that we were out in an hour and 15 to let the next table in. We never felt rushed, got through two bottles of fantastic, not too expensive wine and enjoyed some fantastic italian food. really recommend it.

This was my first visit to this restaurant and it was excellent! We had a party of four and waited about 20 minutes on a Saturday night. The atmosphere is lively and there is a family feel to the environment. Each of us enjoyed our order—I had spaghetti with ground beef and panna cotta for dessert. The dessert was exceptional and I would have gladly ordered the coconut pudding in addition to what I had.

Small neighborhood restaurant. Almost don't want to review as the secret will be out. Fresh homemade pasta, excellent gnocchi, calamari. We shared plates as we wanted to try several dishes. It was a busy night but the service was excellent and the food amazing. Staff very attentive, answering questions and making suggestions. Reasonable prices...cash only. Can't wait to go back on my next trip to NYC.

Went on a Monday night. The place was bustling! The service was great but the food was EVEN BETTER! Had the spinach gnocchi. OMG was it amazing! Also shared a chocolate mousse for dessert! Oh- and all the Italian waiters were HOT!!!!!!!

The place goes full, we waited and it was worth it! Good Italian restaurant in nyc, super affordable prices and reasonable portions! The taste of food... delicious! And the perfect desserts! Super recommended!!!

Such a lovely setting but food was served within two minutes of ordering which was slightly worrying. I had the cheese ravioli which was tasty but could of come from the supermarket. My partner had the beef ragu which was average. The best part was the bread served on the side which tasted lovely and homemade. I had creme brûlée which was good but nothing special and my partner had the coconut pudding which he said was delicious. They could of had more in the selection of drinks on offer. There was only wine or beer, it would have been nice to have an aperol or gin on the menu for people who don’t drink either of the former. We were in and out in half an hour which gave a rather underwhelming feeling towards the whole experience, especially since I’d heard such good things before going.

Cash only, but worth it. Really cute, authentic pastas. Charming local spot for date-night and delicious gnocchi. Take a stroll around the west village, grab a drink at one of the amazing local bars (orient express or turks and frogs or aria wine bar) and then head over to malatesta! Service is pretty quick, and it's pretty a casual/rustic place, so leave your saturday night best in the closet.

Cash only. The food is excellent. Couples cannot reserve table but wait wasn't as bad as reported. When we were there a lot of people put their name in and left. Standing nearby got us in quicker. You can get a drink inside but need to take it out front. If weather is ok this isn't bad. Lots of couples here. Very noisy but fun place. Food was excellent.

This is a casual spirited place - fine food - enthusiastic service - boisterous clientele - hip West Village feeling, indoor & outdoor tables; a block from Hudson River Park. Only drawback is how noisy it gets. It's very popular.

Nothing special. I got some recommendations about this place but after having diner I was really frustrated. The only good was Jose attention, he is 5 starts, he did everything to make us feeling well. The salmon was good but pasta (penne Gorgonzola) to be honest 2 starts. This place only accepts cash, no cards at all, there is not comfort inside, space is reduced and tables too close. With all these issues I don’t recommend this place, much less in New York that is the capital of the excellent food.

What a Romantic authentic Italian restaurant. Service was excellent. Our waiter served us as if he owned the place. Very passionate and attentive. Explained the whole menu to us without angst, despite being ridiculously busy!! Food was superb!! Chicken cutlet wow!! Homemade pasta!! Great Italian wine selection. The location, away from all the hustle and bustle is a relief. Walk a block west and see the Jersey city skyline. Outdoor seating in the warmer days!! Cash only!! Bring it!! See you again!!

I got a recomendation from my best friend who lives in the city, she said it is her favorite Italian spot. I can see why- we had great fresh pasta dishes and fresh gniocchi, cafe was also the best we've had in town!!! Must visit!!!

We passed by and decided to eat here, It is a populair and busy place, Very nice location on a corner with view on the WTC One. Attentive staff. It was very busy but they serviced us quickly and kept bringing new bottles of water. Good Italian food, Decent house wine,

This is a lovely casual restaurant in the West Village. We got there around 5:30 on a Sunday evening and it quickly filled up. They do take reservations, however which we were unaware of. We started off with a half carafe of house wine, which was very good. We shared appetizers of caprese salad and grilled calamari, both excellent. My favorite, however, was the homemade pasta. The spinach gnocchi was fabulous, and the other pasta choice equally terrific. We all got chicken cutlet with tomato and lettuce, also delicious. The only downside was that the menu was quite limited, and cash only. Portions were generous and prices moderate. Definitely will go back!

Malatesta is a really good neighborhood restaurant that is just right if you are in the mood for some classic Italian pasta and such. Location is a quiet corner in the West Village - a block away from the usual scrum. Very informal. Popular (a good sign). Not expensive. Noisy, so visit early or late if romantic whisperings are on your mind. At prime time it's packed. We just like this place - a go-to when we are in the mood for a bit of dinner but don't want a big deal.

We have been taking friends and family for dinner or lunches to Malatesta for years. We love the place, casual and inviting and, of course, the food. One of my favorite dishes is Spinach Gnocchi with gorgonzola sauce. Ask for Piadina with Prosciutto for appetizer, it's delicious. They have a great wine selection too. For the grand finale you can choose between pannacotta, tiramisu or a fantastic chocolate mousse. Enjoy

I live just across the street and haven’t an eaten there for years since the last time I went I thought it was terrible. Since the place is always so packed, I figured things must’ve changed and that I would give it a second chance. Well I was very mistaken. To start off the service was awful. We waited forever for our order to be taken, then they forgot to serve us one of our dishes. We ordered the grilled calamari which was rubbery and tasteless, the spinach gnocchi was mushy, swimming in a bland Gorgonzola sauce and visually unappealing, and when they finally remembered to serve our mozzarella and tomato salad, it was ice cold with tasteless tomatoes. We would’ve been better off with .99 cent pizza!! Don’t be fooled by the crowds or the good reviews. This was just plain awful. Awful. Awful. Third time might be a charm but never giving it another chance!

We discovered this place one rainy night last year when we were looking for an after theater snack (performance at (Westbeth) and were happily surprised. Went again with friends for a full dinner on New Years Eve and were not disappointed. Food was well prepared and staff is very amiable Good neighborhood go to..

Do yourself and check this place out. Visited Malatesta for dinner with my family on the first night in NYC recently and it was so good we also went on our last night. There number of Italian places in West Village and this place was always packed and it has a real homely feel and everything was so fresh and yum. The staff are amazing, so helpful and friendly and fast The food is spectacular, in particular the spinach gnocchi, they are little pillows of goodness and their chocolate moose is to die for. The wine was reasonably priced and delicious Book in advance to ensure you get a table

We were a group of ten people even though we had a confirmed reservation we were made to wait. The place had no airconditioning and it was a very hot new york summer day. The place was boiling. The red wine we ordered was like have a hot coffee I requested our waiter to put the wine in the chiller he told me they had no space for such things. Overall very bad attitude but the food was really good.

Situated on the corner of Christopher and Washington this is a great neighbourhood Italian in the heart of the West Village. This place has a great vibe and definitely the best staff in Manhattan. It does get busy so at peak times be prepared to wait - it’s worth it though! The menu is not extensive but everything on it is good. With a reasonably priced wine list in terms of value for money, great food and atmosphere this place is head to beat!

We stumbled upon this place by accident, and we're so glad we did. It had a nice neighbourhood feel to it and the food was really good! Had one of the best pasta dishes ever there and the chocolate mousse dessert was yummy too... Recommend it!

Upfront: This restaurant does not accept reservations, and you have to pay in cash. It is a simple place, no white-table-cloth, nothing fancy about it. So how can it be a five out of five? Well, it has a lot of character, the staff is literally running to make their customers happy, and the food is simply great. I tried the spinach gnocchi, the spaghetti carbonara and the caprese. All wonderful. And here comes the best ... It is inexpensive!! Expect to pay ~$15 for a main course. This would be inexpensive in a lot of places, but we are talking about Manhattan! If you haven't been in Manhattan recently, you may not fully appreciate how good of a deal this is. So forget the disclaimer under "upfront", go there, and simply enjoy!

love this place - no reservations so can be a little busy but they are also accomodating and the food is delicious - ravioli, calamari salad. the people watching is fantastic as everyone trots by to the west side highway - a firm favorite. note cash only

Two couples visiting on a Saturday night, right when it opened at 5:30....Tonino, the main man, quickly took charge, reviewed the menu and answered any questions we had.....don't worry, be happy midst the chaos, which is constant .....ordered plates to share----calamari, gnocci, grillled mushroom salad, mussels, spagetti with tomato sauce, two carafes of sangiovese----all delicious. Staff was constantly attentive and made sure we got what we needed....all for about $115, (cash only) a bargain for this quality. Don't miss it and be sure to start with unique cocktails at Heermance Purveyors, just down Christopher street closer to the West Side Hwy---a unique village find.

Tomato sauce tasted like Chef Boyardee, restaurant was freezing cold and while the waiters were Italian, they clearly had little experience. Every person in the restaurant kept their coat on. The place has a cool vibe but that is about all. Food is impressively boring and insipid.

Such a cute place... brown paper tablecloths, great servers, kid-friendly, warm and relaxed. The food is great. Nothing fancy, but done properly and reasonably priced.

Ate here on 15th June 2014. Just stumbled across it and initially only wanted a coffee after a walk along the high line. Decided to stay to eat as the people on the table next to us food looked amazing! It really is gorgeous food with good service and prompt attentive service. We had 1 starter, two mains, two puddings, two glasses of Prosecco, one beer for $102 so we left $120 with service. Would go back if we are down that way again. You do have to pay cash. There is outside seating which is great for people watching!

The food here was extremely good. The pasta is really fresh and the taste was really something unique! Definitely one of the best restaurants of NYC! Good job!

Had a wonderful meal here, but like every NY restaurant we visited, it was deafening inside! We were lucky and got a table outside in great weather, and our meals were delicious.

This was my second visit - just as good as I remembered! Charming Italian restaurant - go for an early evening outside table if you can, perfect for September evening. Took my daughter and a friend, we all had fabulous food. The spaghetti alla chittara, with specks of mozzarella and tomato / basil sauce, was amazing - such a simple dish but tasted divine. Staff were lovely and helpful. Good value and a memorable evening! (Reservations for parties of 4 or more only)

My daughter and I enjoyed a lovely meal on the terrace. The atmosphere is lively and the setting is reminiscent of restaurants in Italy. The spinach gnocchi was to die for and the service was attentive and pleasant. I will definitely come back to try other dishes on the menu.

Very good spot to go for a delicious Italian meal without the fanfare. We walked in for lunch in a Sunday with 6 people (including 2 children) and were seated right away. They didn't have a kids menu but we're accommodating with splitting portions etc. The pasta was fresh made, which was an unexpected but welcome surprise for the price. ($14 for tagliatelle con ragu) Nice to have a place like this in the neighbourhood.

You sit down and find that you can't hear yourself think never mind hold a conversation! Noise level is horrendous! Food is average. Tomato sauce is good. Menu is pricier than appears online. Can check this one on the list. Best part was the walk getting there--so West Village!

Stopped in for lunch and we were blown away by the quality of food. Everything was simply excellent. I had a pizza and it was easily one of the best pizzas I have ever had in my entire life and I eat a lot of pizza. The other great thing about this place was just how low key it was. Not a tourist place at all. The service was great. This is real Italian.

A little annoyed our flight was cancelled, we ate here on a recommendation from a friend in the neighborhood. The atmosphere was great, the food phenomenal, but the tables were too small for 3 people so we felt very cramped. Remember, they only take cash!

I was researching the internet, trying to find a hotel that was near where I was going to see fireworks on the west side and near the Village. WOW....great location, right on the corner with tables in or outside. A couple of real Italian guys run the restaurant. Its fun, quirky and casual. Menu served on your own little board. Not a ton of offerings but a little of each ..ie: pasta, fish, meat etc....The quality was authentic and delicious. Seperate desert menu featured again only about 5 choices...all homemade and delicious. I had the Panna Cotta which was out of this world! Such a pleasure to find REAL Italian food...and yeah, did I mention, the price for 4 of us with appetizer, entree and 2 deserts and one person ordered a beer came out to $70.00 !!! Need I say more??

Authentic Italian cuisine. Staff was very attentive. Inside it was very loud, but that is not the restaurant’s fault. Very popular place. Food was excellent.

This hip stop has amazing food and great service. It can be very loud - try going early or late. So nice to sit inside but with the windows open on a nice day. The spaghetti with fresh mozzarella is fantastic.

We enjoyed an excellent evening with delicious italian food. Calamares and bruschetta are divine. Pasta is great. Service and atmosphere also perfect. Just one remark : only cash payment so be prepared !

The evening was warm. It was the first week in May, on a Thursday. We arrived about 6:30 pm and all the outside thanks were, apparently, spoken for. Bummer. But we negotiated and soon, they had transformed a two top out front into a three. So we got to sit outside right by the front door, which provided some added color to our visit. We got a half carafe of Chianti and were set to go. Our meals were outstanding as was the service. I had passed this restaurant on a previous NYC trip and marked it, but this was my first visit. It won't be the last. Reservations for parties of 4 or more.

Love this place. A small slice of Italy in NYC. Though feeling a bit rushed, they aim to please, and the food is wonderful.

Great food and awesome atmosphere. We were able to sit outside for dinner and it was a very nice night.

We found this place while browsing online for an italian restaurant in the West Village area. We saw some scattered Google and Yelp reviews that mentioned homemade pasta for a good price, so we were sold. We arrived and were told a 30 minute wait but I think they broke up some tables because a few minutes later, the hostess offered us a table inside. The service was prompt and smooth for most of the meal. We had the mussels which had very good flavor; I wasn't a fan of the tomato sauce (I prefer a white wine sauce, and this said white wine but it was definitely tomato based if so) but it tasted nice. We also shared the caprese salad, which is definitely a salad versus the traditional slices of mozzarella, tomato and basil with olive oil and balsamic - the mozzarella was in smaller pieces over a bed of arugula. It needed more basil to really be caprese though. For entrees we got the spinach gnocchi and the porcini mushroom ravioli. Both were fantastic and very fresh tasting - we LOVED the pasta. After that, the service really started to slow down. We indicated that we didn't want to order anything else when asked (and when they were taking our plates) and we waited almost 30 minutes for the check. I put my card down and waited while multiple servers passed by us unnoticed. Finally one sheepishly approached and told me it was cash only. Well, crap. There were no signs on the front of the restaurant, no indications from the hostess or waitstaff, and nothing on the menu about that. We didn't have enough cash (it was a pricey meal, we had wine, too) and I was told that there was an ATM next door. That ATM was broken. I had to wander a little to find a working one. Overall, that was a bit of a downer for us. We felt like we should have been told that at the start of the meal. Street vendors are taking cards now - with things like Square, Shopify, etc., there's really no excuse to not take them, or to not notify your customers at the start. Overall, food was good - be aware that it is cash only. Restaurant was also pretty noisy so keep that in mind if you intend on having an in-depth conversation.

I am a person that gives something another chance, so we dined at Malatesta again on a recent trip to New York. After being seated, our order was taken and salads were delivered. After that, we waited and waited and waited. The table next to us who sat down after us, was having desert before we had our dinner. 5 different waiters came by our table and not one checked on us. We finally asked the hostess to check on our food. A waiter came over and said there was "confusion" in the kitchen. We finally received our food and it was not the best. This is the second time this "confusion" has happened while eating there, and it will be the last time that we do!

Fantastic dinner, wonderful atmosphere, excellent staff. Highly recommend. We got there at 6pm on a Saturday and had a short wait

We thoroughly enjoyed this comfortable little corner restaurant. I felt like we had gone through the particle transporter to land in Italy for a cozy authentic dinner. Started with a nice bruschetta, squid appetizer, and artichoke salad. We stayed with a Nebbiolo wine from the Piedmont region throughout the meal. The spinach gnocchi was delicious, as was the ravioli and the tagliatelle ragu. The manager, from the Emilia-Romagna region, and his staff were diligent in making sure we enjoyed every part of this experience. Would return here anytime.

Went with a group of 5. Good house wines. Good Piadinas, very authentic..I guess the spinach Gnocchi was just average, I went by the reviews from fellow yelpers but was a bit disappointed. The pastas (special of the day) were however quite good.

Perfect cozy atmosphere. Check. Delicious homemade pasta. Check. Friendliest staff ever. Check. Reasonable prices. Check. Amazing homemade desserts. Check, again. What else is there to say? Oh yeah, two words: Gorgonzola gnocchi. Get it!

Just off the West Village this is a great place with delicious Italian cuisine to match. We visited at lunchtime on a sunday and were first slightly apprehensive as we were the only diners. Our order included the calamari for starters and the spinach gnocchi and tangliatelle ragu for mains. All were superb and given the chance we will be back for seconds...

Another gem in the West Village. Italian treats and tastefully served. Definitely, worth a visit to try anything on their menu. Put the cards away after dinner this Italian restaurant only takes cash as a form of payment for service.

Went for a family event. I understand that part of the allure for many is a lively atmosphere but the noise level and cramping was unbearable. Food pretty good and prices reasonable. Our table of 8 was asked to leave before desert finished as they had another reservation Would never go back

Smack dab in the middle of West Village lays Malatesta Trattoria- an authentic and charming restaurant with delicious, reasonably priced food and great service. My friend and I sat outside because we brought the dog so we could watch the sights of the neighborhood. We munched on delicious bread and sipped wine, followed by dinner of ravioli with cream sauce (delicious) and fish of the day which was a wonderful broiled sea bass with perfectly seasoned vegetables. The price is VERY reasonable , especially for NY, and guaranteed awesome food, and great atmosphere!!!! A tip: if at all possible, get there early (we were there about 6:15) and if it's nice out, grab an outdoor table

Cheap Eats Folks. Cash Only. I wanted pasta. So we traveled into the city and came across this gem. I had a bowl of pasta with pancetta and radicchio. My boyfriend had the gnocchi and we split the Panna Cotta. Two glasses of wine. The bill came to $60.00. Win! I'm going back, will post photos next time. Bon Appetite!

This place is one of my favourites in NYC and I simply MUST visit every time I am there. It is the freshly made spaghetti with a delightfully light and fresh promodoro sauce served with fresh chunks of tomato, basil and creamy mozzarella stirred through until it is melty and delicious. Be prepared that it is cash only.

This cash only restaurant offers a fairly short menu that will certainly satisfy most guests looking for pasta, a few meat dishes, and some good appetizers. Wine is available by the glass/carafe though better quality is found in the bottles. Service was very friendly and informative. Water was always refilled and plates cleared promptly. This is a busy restaurant (will take reservations for four or more) though they seemed to seat people as soon as a table became available. This is a good neighborhood restaurant that will satisfy most budgets.

Thus restaurant is very good on a lot of levels, value for money, quality of food, atmosphere and service. Really enjoyed the food here! Will definitely return.

Everything you've heard about this restaurant is true. It is well worth the wait and well worth your time. Cash only payment is inconvenient, but tolerable.

My go to for a user friendly, delicious and reasonable meal in a great location. great with friends, solo, even a casual date. menu is simple and everything is delicious and nothing is heavy or oily. I always walk out satisfied and feeling like i had a great meal at a great price. Highly recommend to almost anybody

A few years ago, my ex and I stumbled across this place after having a very difficult time agreeing upon a restaurant for dinner. He had the spinach gnocchi and I had the cheese ravioli. Both were excellent! In fact I can easily say it is pretty well the best ravioli I've had. I've since returned a number of times and had the cheese ravioli and it is always great. I've also had their chocolate mousse for dessert and it's great too. I just wish the portion size for the ravioli was larger. Service is OK and the prices are reasonable, but do remember that it's cash only.

The food here was very very good. The pasta tasted like your grandma just made it 10 seconds before it was cooked and served to you. It is a little small and the wait was pretty long (however they did fit us in when we could not get a reservation). So do not expect to walk in without a wait. I think they said cash only which is what we had anyway but if you are not a cash person you may want to verify this. I had the tagliateli with ragu. It was great. my hubby had the ravioli and it was just as good. Nice portions and yummy taste and best of all, great price. Its the same as eating locally and can't beat that in NYC.

Malatesta is a small, warm and craft Italian Trattoria, which is a great option for a casual lunch or dinner. I had a spaghetti Pomodori and it was delicious! A limited menu variety can frustrate for the ones looking for innovative or elaborate options. Definitely a good place to eat!

Went there twice during our N. Y. stay. Small restaurant, a bit crowded which means very noisy. Excellent kitchen. We will come back.

This was the second time I visited this restaurant when in NYC. Both times the food was outstanding, but not the service. We were seated and the server took our order. We were served our salads within 5 minutes. However, our entree was a different story. The couple next to us, who ordered right before us and others around us, were served way before we were. We sat down at 720 and were served our dinner at 815! I approached several waiters about the wait, and was basically brushed off. However, I will admit the food was hot and excellent when we finally ate. But the wait for it, unacceptable!

Nice corner restaurant with fresh made pasta. We got to the restaurant just as it was opening (along with five or six other parties) so we got a table right away. Everything we ordered was very good and the service was good too. House wine in a carafe (1/2 liter) was fine. I would definitely return.

A small little authentic Italian restaurant hidden in the West Village, this is a great spot for date night. The atmosphere is very romantic and the food is excellent. They also have outdoor seating which is always a plus. Definitely go for the Spinach Gnocchi. It was unbelievable. The Caprese Salad was also good and the house red was a nice choice for wine. The tiramisu was also on point! The only downfall was the service. They were quick to hurry us out as soon as they saw that our plates were cleared.

Went here for a dinner date and had a pleasant time. The servers are all very friendly and the food we ordered was delivered in a timely manner to us. You get served bread as soon as you sit down too and they place a bottle of water for your table. We had the gnocchis: potato and spinach. Both were very good and we split it so we could try each type. Would come back again to try their other food on the menu. Since this was at night it was very dark and the lighting was mainly candles on the table. I saw many people using their phone flashlights to look at the menu. It is also a bit crowded and very loud inside the establishment. If the weather is nice I do suggest eating outside because of this. Also do note that it is cash only!

Great place, cheap given location and quality food. Need to reserve table, can be very crowded. Great for a dinner with friends!

Love this spot since 2007! I just celebrated my birthday there with a couple friends...it was delicious. We had the Milanesa, Pastas and some startes and a good couple bottles of red wine. The atmosphere is nice. It can get really loud there so hard to speak, but thats fine... also the price is totally adequate and on the lower side for NYC.

I ran into this great little restaurant by accident, after walking down the High Line. The menue is short which is to my liking,. The service is excellent. A very nice young Uruguayan gentleman was waiting on me with impeccable manners and helpful recommendations. The food was fine. The pasta, with the exception of the penne, is homemade. The prices are reasonable. When I return to this part of Manhattan, I will b sure to look in again.

A real Italian trattoria in the West Village - yes, the place is small and yes it's noisy but that's part of the charm of the place. If you want a quiet dinner, then don't dine at Malatesta. The service was very good, wine was excellent and don't forget to bring cash! That said, it was a good value for the authenticity of the food we experienced. Started out with the grilled calamari and arugula - fantastic...don't miss it! Super tender and grilled quickly to give it a smoky flavor which paired really well with the peppery arugula. Ordered the piadina thinking it would be a flatbread/pizza...a little disappointing as it was more like a quesadilla but it was ok. Friends had the veal meat ball dish (tasty, but no pasta - just meat balls and sauce) and the cheese ravioli in pink sauce (also very good for the price). Hubby had the tagliatelle which was good - asked for it a spicy, but didn't come out that way but it was still good as you could tell the pasta is all homemade. The star of the show is definitely the spinach gnocchi! The best I've ever had - so light and tender, the spinach gave it a nice flavor and it paired well with the creamy gorgonzola sauce. Order it - really, you won't regret it...I've been having dreams about it! One thing we all agreed on - while everyone enjoyed their meals, they were envious of my gnocchi. All the other dishes were ok but the gnocchi was divine!

This was my second time at this restaurant having loved it so much the first time i visited. the food is great and very reasonably priced, we got seated, on a very busy evening, pretty much immediately and there's a really nice atmosphere. HOWEVER.. when we paid our check my friend had done some of the calculation wrong and turns out we hadn't included gratuity. The waiter brought back the change from the check (let me mention here that we actually got shortchanged by $5) and reminded us that gratuity wasn't included. Fair enough. We made a mistake. So we added some more cash and left a 16% tip and didn't mention the $5 he'd miscalculated himself (meaning essentially more than an 18% tip overall) The female staff member who had been seating people took the tip from us and we explained that we'd already paid the check but that this was the gratuity. As we left the restaurant we were accosted by the male server, Tonino i believe his name was, and accused of leaving without paying a tip. He aggressively asked if there was something wrong with the service and then proceeded to assume i was lying when i told him that another server had taken it. He was incredibly rude and hostile and stormed off like a child throwing a tantrum. My friend then asked the female server if there was a problem to which she replied there'd been a 'communication error' between them. Yet no apology from either of them after causing such a scene in front of the other diners. Unacceptable - as much as I loved this restaurant I will not be returning. A communication error would have been fine if we'd received an apology but, unfortunately, we left with a distinctly bad taste in our mouths

Definitely worth a visit and really only a few small points away from an easy 5 star restaurant so hopefully they follow Yelp for ideas l and I'll have a chance to go back and see! House wine is good and you get four healthy pours for 19-21 dollars We started with the bruschetta which was just fine. Toasting the bread and including s little more garlic (perhaps garlic bread bruschetta?) would take it from just being bread with tomato to another level The tomato mozzarella plate and the special salad were both delicious and can't complain for $10 We got four entrees to share which was a great move. They are all 16-$20 (except the swordfish special that topped out at $26 or $28 and I will have to try next time as it looked great) Little tight with space but made it work - the chicken Milanese was huge and one of the best I've ever had. They were happy to serve it with a side of tomato sauce which was a perfect compliment - the spinach Gorgonzola gnocchi would have been too much as a single entree but was perfect to share - while the meatballs were fantastic, it cost almost as much for five small meatballs in sauce with some bread as it did for the gnocchi and chicken dish. - the spaghetti with tomato and mozzarella was also good but tiny compared to the other two Basically together they made a great spaghetti and meatball dish but for twice the price of all other entrees. If they're reading, maybe there should be a combined spaghetti and meatballs dish. It would be amazing -Tiramisu for desert was also fantastic and one of our party basically took the whole thing down before others could pick up a fork. It was that good

Seafood spaghetti was untalented cooked, no taste, no salt and red water supposed to be tomato sauce. But this part was the best part. No WiFi, no credit cards and chaotic service. Will never go back.

My husband and I and some friends of ours came to NYC for the Marathon. My husband and a friend were running the marathon and a friend who lives in Manhattan recommended Malatesta for a pre-race dinner. So we are there the night before the marathon. The 2 runners got the spaghetti bolognese and some other pasta dish. My friend and I got the spinach gnocchi. GET THE SPINACH GNOCCHI. While both spaghetti dishes were quite good, the spinach gnocchi was outstanding. The best, hands down, I have ever had. We were sad that we couldn't eat and drink more but with the race the next morning, the guys needed to get to bed. At the end of dinner, we got the bill. I was shocked. It was around $100 for 4 people. That included wine. I couldn't believe it was so reasonably priced and so unbelievably good. I can't wait to go back so we can eat here again!

This restaurant consistently delivers high-quality Italian cuisine and atmosphere. The lamb and gnocchi are a must, and the fish delivers every time. I would go back daily, and always recommend it to friends.

Very tasty food, nice attention, only negative point: cashier returned only 54.-$ and kept already 0.81 cents on the bill of 45,19$ before tips!!

Since my husband is Italian, and comes from a family of excellent cooks, it’s hard to find Italian restaurants that we can’t cook better at home. Malatesta Trattoria is one of the best Italian restaurants in the country. They do everything right! The food is simple and delicious with perfect portion sizes. We started with Burrata and tomatoes and it melts in your mouth. The bruschetta and mussels were also an excellent start. The prices were reasonable to inexpensive especially in NYC. You should note they only take cash but have an ATM machine. We will be back next time we’re in NY.

This Italian trattoria serves rustic, authentic, delicious food. If you've spent any time in Tuscany (or Chianti region, in particular) you'll appreciate the simplicity, richness and high quality ingredients. Bookings recommended.

The arrabbiata sauce was perfectly piccante and the fresh pasta was al dente but there was just too much sauce. Carciofi salad was flavorless and a little more lemon would have been nice. Pepper in a shaker? The waiter tried to take my salad away when half was still on the plate. I know restaurants don't love solo diners but please it was 6pm on a Sunday....not rush hour. Had to ask for sugar and milk for my espresso ( I had ordered a macchiato) three different servers attended my table but clearly no one knew what was really going o n. When I left the restaurant was still half empty so maybe it was a training issue. Wine list was very reasonable but need more glass availability. Also... It's summer, a cocktail like an aperol spritz would have been a nice choice before dinner. Side note to the staff......I heard you reacting incredulously to the Aperol question.... You should have waited till I was out of range and not assumed that I didn't speak Italian

This place is great and charming. I am sure by now they may have the tables and chairs outside the only issue is FOOD EXCELLENT ATMOSPHERE EXCELLENT SERVICE TO EXCELLENT… but don’t exceed more then 45 minutes. Your dinner will be at your table without you asking hahaha 😝 no place for meeting or take time to have your dinner 🥘🛵👍😘

Excellent neighborhood, casual Italian restaurant. I had the spinach gnocchi and my friend had the ravioli. Both were excellent. The chocolate mousse for dessert was fantastic. House pinot grigio was also good. We went early and were seated immediately but it got very crowded soon after that. They only give reservations to parties of four or more so we made sure to get there before the dinner crowd got too crazy. The staff was very friendly and brought the food out quickly. My only complaint was that we had to ask for the check a couple of times due to how busy the restaurant became. I think the first waiter we asked forgot about us. But overall it was an excellent experience. Would definitely go back. Also, just an FYI they are a cash only establishment.

Who wouldn't love to love a restaurant like Malatesta in the West Village of NYC. Open doors to a lovely street, outdoor dining. I very much like the atmosphere. But I go out to eat for the food and drink and herein lies a bit of a challenge for me. The food is tasty - I had the spaghetti with tomato sauce and cheese. The pasta itself was fresh and therefore good but there was too much sauce which was a bit gloppy to me. Okay, I can deal with that. My companion had the veal meatballs which were tasty but for $18 or so dollars, not substantial. He received five meatballs and two stale pieces of bread to accompany it. No vegetable or other starch. Seems expensive for what he received. Now, on to the wine. For those who read my reviews you know I am obsessed about wine pourage. It is a disgrace to pay for a glass of wine that comes as a half glass. In this case their carafe of wine is not a carafe. It is a half carafe. But they charge like it is a full carafe. Since when did the term carafe of wine go from a liter of wine to simply wine served in a carafe shaped bottle no matter how small? I don't know but I don't like it. And it is for this reason that I probably will not return to this restaurant.

This is a really fun restaurant, with wonderful food, and great atmosphere. We ate here after visiting the nearby Whitney Museum

We ordered the Spinach Gnocchi and the Pink sauce raviolli. The service was super quick and the server was very helpful. The only problem was the heat (since they do have an air conditioning)

Fun spot with a lively crowd. Tasty, but not great, Italian food with a modest (mostly Italian) wine list. Eager, but not professional service. Compelling pricing, but cash only. Go and enjoy!

A very good tasting dinner. Would have given a 5 but before I finished the waiters were taking the dishes away. They were rushing us a bit. The spinach gnocchi was very good so was the artichoke ravioli. I enjoyed the ambience as well. We did not stay for dessert.

The restaurant inside is really lovely and rustic so it feels very welcoming. The staff don't speak much English but you get by and the menus are clear. The pasta is amazing particularly the gnocchi which must be tried is this is your first visit. I had fish for my main meal which was cooked very simply but well and din't spoil the delicate flavour. The wine list was good and with homeade tirimisu for dessert life doesn't get much better

We found this place via google and read great reviews. There was a que and it was busy but went down really fast. My boyfriend had the steak and we shared a couple of the pasta dishes. Everything was so good that we just had to have dessert! Very cute place and great food, a cosy night for couples. Meal was excellent value too, in all i think it came to 85.

We had Some delicious antipasti certainly try the grilles calamari! Kids enjoyed the pasta and we had a selection of the day. Tiramisu was soooo fantastic!

I lived in New York for 4 months and this was my #1 place to bring friends who came and visited. Now, when I go back, it is still my first stop on the trip. It is the exact hole-in-the-wall Italian place that you want to find in New York. It is the best Italian I have had in the city, and at prices that are very reasonable (most entrees are <$20). The pastas are fresh and cooked to perfection. My only hesitation for writing this review is the worry that more people might find out about this gem in the village.

The place is small, coZy with a touch of "feel at home". Many of the pasta dishes are homemade. All what we ordered was just excellent. The crew is very friendly and extremely customer oriented in an increasingly hectic NYC.