As Someone Who Lived in Italy for 4 Months, Believe Me When I Say This is The Best Italian Food in NYC

Aaya Anan

My favorite thing about Italy is definitely the food. Because of that, I was so sad to leave Italy because I thought I would never have good pasta outside of it. I am so happy to be wrong. 

I went to Piccola Cucina Estiatorio in Soho on Thompson Street. I also went to the Uptown location but the Soho location is way way way better (yes, the menus are different).

Beyond the mouthwatering dishes, the vibes of Piccola Cucina Estiatorio is a reason why it stands out to me. The restaurant strikes a perfect balance between being casual and elegant, making it an ideal spot for a delightful lunch. The large window overlooking the street adds a touch of charm and provides an opportunity for some enjoyable people-watching.

Now, the food. The food is amazing. But I am here to talk about one specific dish. The pesto pasta with lobster ragu. It is absolutely to die for. A culinary masterpiece. It is creamy, the portions are big (2 people can get full off of just 1 dish), and the price point is pretty great for what you are getting. I think the dish is about $26. The food tastes authentic and is a good representation of the food you can find in Italy.