5 Best Italian Restaurants in Upper East Side, New York NY
Updated 27 September 2026 · 6 restaurants in Upper East Side, New York NY considered · Ranked from Google ratings
This guide lists the top five Italian restaurants in the Upper East Side, New York. It helps locals and visitors find reliable spots for lunch or dinner by ranking businesses based on Google ratings. The selection includes 6 qualifying Italian restaurants, with the final five chosen by weighted rating. Each entry details hours, price ranges, and specific menu items mentioned by reviewers to ensure practical dining choices.
#1
La Pecora Bianca UES
★ 4.8 (2,999 Google reviews)Italian restaurant
Representative photo, not of this business.
La Pecora Bianca UES offers outdoor seating and a 60s mod atmosphere with chandeliers. Reviewers praise the attentive staff and value of the set lunch. The chicken is often noted as well-done, though some find the lobster pasta inconsistent. Regulars suggest adding burrata to the pasta dishes. The location on 2nd Avenue provides a chill UES vibe suitable for meeting roommates or enjoying a nice weather day.
Best for: Chill lunch with mod decor
- Address
- 1562 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028, United States
- Hours
- Fri 11:30 am–10:30 pm; Mon 11:30 am–10 pm; Sat 10 am–10:30 pm; Sun 10 am–9:30 pm; Thu 11:30 am–10:30 pm; Tue 11:30 am–10 pm; Wed 11:30 am–10 pm
#2
Water & Wheat Upper East
★ 4.7 (450 Google reviews)Italian restaurant$20–50 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Water & Wheat Upper East serves homemade pasta with customizable flavors and small plates. The carbonara receives high praise from pasta lovers, while the bacon and onion pizza offers a sweet kick. Staff members are described as helpful and friendly, ensuring fast service even during busy times. The venue provides a quiet escape from the street, with options for vegetarian diets and alcohol. Prices range from $20 to $50 for lunch and dinner.
Best for: Homemade pasta and quick service
- Address
- 1379 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10075, United States
- Hours
- daily 11:30 am–9:30 pm
#3
Masseria East
★ 4.7 (332 Google reviews)Italian restaurant$50–100 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Masseria East is an authentic Italian spot ideal for lunch before or after visiting the MET. The menu features homemade pasta, organic dishes, and high-quality ingredients. Reviewers highlight the meatballs, eggplant parmigiana, and branzino as standout dishes. Desserts like tiramisu are described as perfectly balanced. The restaurant offers a refined atmosphere with a great wine list and vegan options, catering to solo diners and groups alike.
Best for: Authentic lunch near the MET
- Address
- 1404 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10075, United States
- Hours
- Fri 12–3 pm, 5–9:30 pm; Mon 12–3 pm, 5–9:30 pm; Sat 12–3 pm, 5–9:30 pm; Sun 12–9:30 pm; Thu 12–3 pm, 5–9:30 pm; Tue 12–3 pm, 5–9:30 pm; Wed 12–3 pm, 5–9:30 pm
#4
Sandro's
★ 4.7 (327 Google reviews)Italian restaurant$40–100 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Sandro's delivers incredible Italian food with perfect pasta and amazing appetizers like rice balls and arugula salad. Diners compare the quality to Michelin-starred establishments, noting every dish is delicious. The lemon pasta and chicken parm are favorites, alongside impressive desserts. The staff is attentive and friendly, serving great cocktails and coffee. While some found the bolognese light on meat, the overall experience is described as outstanding and worth returning to.
Best for: Michelin-level pasta and drinks
- Address
- 322 East 86th St, New York, NY 10028, United States
- Hours
- Fri 5–10 pm; Mon 5–9 pm; Sat 12–2:30 pm, 4:30–10 pm; Sun 12–2:30 pm, 4:30–9 pm; Thu 5–9 pm; Tue 5–9 pm; Wed 5–9 pm
#5
Serafina Fabulous Pizza 79th (UES)
★ 4.4 (3,494 Google reviews)Italian restaurant$20–70 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Serafina Fabulous Pizza 79th (UES) features fresh, perfectly baked pizza and outstanding pasta with authentic flavors. The venue offers rooftop seating and a nice ambiance, though accessibility can be limited on the second floor. Reviewers enjoy the Chicken Milanese and excellent drinks like Pinot Grigio and Amaro. While some meals felt underwhelming, the pizza and drinks are consistently highlighted as fantastic. Prices range from $20 to $70 for lunch and dinner.
Best for: Fresh pizza and rooftop seating
- Address
- 1022 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10075, United States
- Hours
- daily 12–10 pm
How we made this list
We looked at 6 restaurants in Upper East Side, New York NY with a Google rating of 4.0 or higher and at least 20 reviews, then Google category “Italian restaurant”, ranked by weighted rating. A rating from thousands of reviews counts for more than the same rating from a handful, so a new place with a few perfect scores does not jump the queue. Ratings and hours are from public Google listings on 27 September 2026 and can change. Nobody paid to be on this list.
Tips before you go
- Water & Wheat Upper East, Masseria East, Sandro's and Serafina Fabulous Pizza 79th (UES) take reservations, useful on weekend evenings.
- Hours and prices come from Google listings and change, so check the listing before a long trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the highest-rated restaurant on this list?
La Pecora Bianca UES ranks first, with a Google rating of 4.8 from 2,999 reviews. Water & Wheat Upper East is second at 4.7 from 450 reviews.
Which restaurants in Upper East Side, New York NY are open late?
None of these stays open past midnight. The latest to close is La Pecora Bianca UES, at 10:30 pm.
How much does it cost at these restaurants?
Google lists these price ranges per person: Water & Wheat Upper East $20–50; Masseria East $50–100; Sandro's $40–100; Serafina Fabulous Pizza 79th (UES) $20–70. The others do not list a price range.
Which of these have free parking?
Google lists free parking for Masseria East.
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