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You don’t have to ask most New Yorkers twice – Washington Square Park is obviously one of the most iconic spots in the city for artists, musicians, and free-spirits to hang out.
The dining options here really cover the full spectrum. You’ve got intimate date night spots, bustling hot spots filled with NYU students, and hole-in-the-wall neighborhood gems beloved by locals. It was seriously difficult to narrow it down to just 10 restaurants, but these picks represent my personal favorites to satisfy any type of craving after a long day hanging out in the park.
Il Totano – Sophisticated Italian Seafood
Il Totano, located on 13th Street, brings diners straight to the warmth of Southern Italy with its classy vibes. Think seaside villages in Campania. The seaside interior sets the scene for amazing seafood. The chef keeps things innovative but still traditional. Start with melt-in-your-mouth tuna and hamachi crudo. The squid ink spaghetti – made fresh daily – is a signature standout. The whole fish dishes are crazy good, expertly grilled to let the Mediterranean flavors shine. For fine dining and phenomenal service, Il Totano is local favorite after spending a day in the park.
Babbo Ristorante – Celebrated Upscale Italian
When you walk into Babbo, the exposed brick walls and gorgeous sweeping curtains instantly make you feel like you’ve entered the perfect scene for celebrating something special. But it’s not just a beautiful space – Babbo also takes Italian food into contemporary territory with its out-of-the-box twists on classics. Gotta recommend the pasta tasting menu, where you can try insane creations like their mint love letters filled with peas and prosciutto. Those tiny pasta pockets are crazy crazy good. Oh, and Babbo’s wine list? Legendary, with so many rare Italian finds. Between the vibrant energy, phenomenal theater district location, and mind-blowing food, this place is a winner for pre- or post-show dinners downtown. The food will seriously impress – it’s some of the best Italian in the city.
Palma – Rustic Italian Charm
Craving la dolce vita? Palma’s garden seating and 200 year-old carriage house offer a taste of Italy’s countryside and coast. The white stucco walls, beamed ceilings, and salvaged chestnut doors bring you right to Tuscany. Palma does organic, seasonal ingredients from local farms and fish markets. Killer pastas like black truffle ravioli steal the show. For fresh catch, try the whole branzino or seared tuna. And you can sample unique Italian wines. Palma’s rustic coziness makes it a quintessential Greenwich Village gem.
Monte’s Trattoria – Cozy Northern Italian
Monte’s has been family-owned since 1918, staying real as a casual neighborhood joint. With its laidback vibe, it’s easy to linger for hours over their hearty Northern Italian foods. Grab a Negroni at the cool brass bar before getting seated in their dining room. Their roast clams and baked ziti Siciliana are crazy popular. And their massive veal chop – wow. Between the red-checkered tablecloths, Sinatra playing, and an awesome staff, Monte’s brings diners straight to the old country. After wandering Greenwich Village’s adorable side streets, it’s the perfect place to warm up with rustic Italian.
Knickerbocker Bar & Grill – Classic New York Steakhouse
Step into the Knickerbocker and feel like you’re back in 1930s New York. Their walls have iconic caricatures of famous regulars from back in the day. With its old-school bar and clubby vibes, the Knickerbocker is “Old New York” at its finest. But their enormous 28oz porterhouses are the real star. Cooked to juicy perfection on a wood-fired grill. Start with the colossal shrimp cocktail or jumbo lump crabcakes before indulging in your steak. Nightly live jazz completes the experience. For a carnivorous feast with historic ambiance, you can’t beat the Knickerbocker.
Carroll Place – Convivial Italian Wine Bar
If you’re seeking a lively night out, Carroll Place is popping with energy and bustling servers. The laidback wine bar and eatery sits on a primo corner in the West Village. Inside, brick walls, wooden beams, and candles give off a warm and welcoming vibe. They nail housemade pastas, fresh seafood, and seasonal produce. Build your own pasta flight for a tasty tour. Their meatballs with parm fondue and shrimp scampi linguine are local favorites. With 40 wines by the glass and craft cocktails, it’s easy to imbibe. Snag a window table for prime people watching. Carroll Place’s energy and ambiance make it a perfect pregame spot.
The Mermaid Oyster Bar – Casual Neighborhood Seafood
If you love oysters, then you absolutely have to check out The Mermaid Oyster Bar – I mean, the name says it all! This super laidback neighborhood spot brings a taste of the coast right to the heart of Greenwich Village.
Check out their happy hour from 4-6pm when oysters and littlenecks are just $1.50 alongside other sweet drink specials. Feeling hungry? Their heartier seafood bouillabaisse or risotto will fill you up good. The chalkboard specials always showcase the freshest catches – it’s so cool to see what’s in season. Chat up the bartenders while taking in all the awesome nautical décor. For chill, unfussy seafood and good times, The Mermaid is a must on any Greenwich Village food tour.
Petite Boucherie – Neighborhood French Bistro
Don’t feel like buying a plane ticket but need a little French flavor in your life? Swing by Petite Boucherie in the West Village. This cozy corner bistro’s got you covered.
When the weather’s nice, snag an outdoor table for prime people watching over a croque monsieur and rosé. Once it gets chilly out, grab a seat at the zinc bar inside to watch the chef cook up magic in the open kitchen. Along with classics like steak frites, they’ve always got daily specials with seasonal ingredients and interesting meat cuts. The laidback vibe makes Petite Boucherie a great casual pitstop between wandering the Village shops and hitting up the nightlife.
Sesamo – Innovative Italian-Asian Fusion
Located just a short distance away in historic Hell’s Kitchen, Sesamo puts a bold, modern twist on Italian dining. Representing the diverse backgrounds of its owners, the restaurant takes culinary inspiration from both Italian traditions and Asian cuisine.
The seasonal menu at Sesamo fuses Italian techniques with Asian influences. Start with crispy arancini rice balls or handmade dumplings before moving on to pasta dishes like squid ink mafaldine with shrimp. Main courses creatively combine Italian preparations with Asian ingredients, as seen in the grilled branzino with ginger soy glaze.
Le Gigot – Rustic French Bistro
For a taste of Provence without leaving NYC, check out Le Gigot. This cozy West Village bistro keeps it casual with seasonal, market-driven dishes like mushroom risotto or leg of lamb. Their well-curated French wines are perfect complements. Go for the epic cheese and charcuterie boards stocked with imported goods. Lunch and brunch provide lighter options like trout almondine. With its floral trellises, muted jazz, and vintage vibes, Le Gigot whisks you away to a charming French country village for a couple hours. It’s an ideal escape after soaking up Greenwich Village’s eclectic energy.
Hungry Yet? Get Out and Explore
So next time you’re craving an incredible meal after a day wandering the Village’s iconic streets, don’t hesitate to pull up a chair at one of these spots. With such an amazing array of cuisines, settings, and vibes, you’re guaranteed to find a new favorite go-to spot. Of course, new restaurants pop up every day in this dynamic downtown neighborhood. Part of the fun is exploring side streets and discovering those under-the-radar gems on your own food adventures. That’s what makes dining in Greenwich Village so special—there’s always something new to try.
