The Best Italian Steakhouses in New York City
If there’s one thing New Yorkers love as much as steak, it’s pasta. OK maybe also pizza. And hot dogs. But for all intents and purposes, let’s focus on the first two. Conveniently, New York’s myriad steakhouses also happen to double as pasta temples, as the two frequently play hand-in-hand quite nicely. Throughout the steak-saturated city, diners can find top-tier pasta portions on par with the finest Italian eateries. From classic preparations to contemporary innovations, here are the best pasta dishes found at New York City steakhouses.
MarkJoseph Steakhouse: This tried-and-true crowd-pleaser is the epitome of the “something for everyone” type. What really sets MarkJoseph apart, though, is that everything on the widespread menu is in fact very good, from the halibut steak to the tomahawk rib-eye. This certainly holds true of its pasta selections. There are only two main options, signaling a prime example of quality over quantity. Try the pristine seafood fra diavolo, a classic-inspired medley of calamari, shrimp and mussels over a bed of linguini. For something a bit more decadent, spring for the lobster mac & cheese, an indulgent combo of lobster meat, white cheddar, parmesan and Gruyere.
NYY Steak: As evidenced by the selections of seafood towers, tartares, tortilla soup and chimichurri-splashed octopus, NYY Steak takes an eclectic, internationally inspired approach to its offerings. Pasta, unsurprisingly, factors into the menu as well. Seafood linguini features a bountiful blend of jumbo shrimp, clams, cherry tomatoes, preserved lemons, Calabrian chilies, shallots, herbs and parmesan, while the rigatoni bolognese skews meatier with prime-aged meat sauce, tomato, basil and herbed ricotta.
Lavo Italian Restaurant & Nightclub: The name of this see-and-be-seen hot spot should signal that Lavo is an apt spot to satisfy your pasta cravings. In fact, noodle-based dishes are the clear stars of the menu here, offered in numerous styles and varieties. This includes classic comforts like spaghetti with fresh tomatoes and basil, carbonara with pancetta and prosciutto and linguini with littleneck clams and garlic; as well as more novel options like rigatoni melanzana with roasted eggplant, truffled gnocchi with mushroom ragu and penne with lobster butter, shrimp and scallops.
Harry’s Cafe & Steak: Taking a chic, refined approach to steakhouse cooking, Harry’s offers an upscale ambience that belies its casual moniker. From duck breast a l’orange to lobster Thermidor, this place is just full of surprises. Then there’s the ample pasta selections, all of which provide an artful approach to preparation and presentation. Try the lustrous squid ink linguini with shrimp scampi, or the chitarra spaghetti with cacio pepe. The strozzapretti is another hearty fixture, outfitted with short rib bolognese.
Chazz Palminteri Ristorante Italiano: With a name like this, you can rest assured your pasta cravings are in very good hands. And with so many options to choose from, you can return time and time again and always try something new. The mushroom ravioli in creamy black truffle sauce is an umami tour de force, while the angel hair pasta tossed with fresh tomatoes, onions and prosciutto affords a more delicate option with a hit of salty and savory. The duck ravioli is a unique choice as well, cooked in a creamy sage-cassis sauce and served with escarole. Don’t forget the gnocchi, either, here draped with veal ragout and shaved parmesan.
212 Steakhouse: What this high-end Midtown spot lacks in pasta options, it more than makes up for with its top-tier ingredients and masterful preparations. The restaurant accents its steak and seafood items with a handful of fresh pastas, including a pristine platter of tomato sauced spaghetti with basil. The strozzapreti is particularly impressive, laced with Australian Wagyu bolognese sauce and English peas for a pop of color and sweetness. For something richly savory and earthy, opt for the risotto, which comes studded with black truffles and wild mushrooms.
Lincoln Square Steak: Sometimes, you just want a massive portion of Italian-American red sauce comfort food. For that, few places can hold a candle to Lincoln Square Steak. All the timeworn staples are present and accounted for, from chicken parm and baked clams to meatballs and tiramisu. The pastas are the stars, though, like the linguine vongole, spicy rigatoni vodka, gnocchi Toscana and lasagna. Each portion is heartier and more soulful than the next.
