Lavagna

Lavagna - Review - East Village - New York - The Infatuation

"The East Village has its share of Italian restaurants for you to choose from, and good ones at that. We've spent plenty of time at Lil' Frankies, Max, and all the rest, but Lavagna was the one that we'd been neglecting for some reason over the last several years. Maybe it's because Lavagna (Italian for "lasagna", we assume) has a bit of an older clientele than the others. Our friends never really talk about this place like they do Frank or Supper, and we only do things that all of our cool friends are doing. I tried a cigarette yesterday. Even though it might not be the coolest of the East Village Italian restaurants, Lavagna is right up there with the best. The place has been in business since 1999, and it's still busy every night. Chalk it up to an excellent and consistent menu of pastas and entrees that keep the regulars coming back, exceptional daily specials, and a really good wine list. It's everything that you want a cozy Italian restaurant to be, and it's not even all that expensive. The service can be a bit...abrupt at times, but for some reason we kind of like that here. They are so busy making good food for people that they have no time for your bullsh*t indecisiveness. So don't take it personally when your server is less than amused with your witty banter at the table. And whatever you do, definitely don't try dropping that lasagna joke. You'll get thrown out on the street. RESERVE A TABLE WITH RESERVE A TABLE Food Rundown Seared Scallops “Agrodolce” We love these scallops that come sitting atop a parsnip puree with bits of pancetta. It's a solid order to start off your meal. Carciofo al Forno Quite possibly our favorite appetizer of the bunch, this wood oven roasted artichoke is damn near perfect. Octopus Carpaccio This is a big plate of thinly sliced octopus, simply dressed with olive oil and lemon juice. Get one for the table. Rigatoni Our favorite pasta from the menu, this rigatoni has sweet fennel and spicy sausage in a red cream sauce. So...it's healthy? It's a must order regardless. Homemade Sweet Pea Ravioli A delicious fresh pea pasta in a parmesan cream with some mint. Ha. Fresh pea. Special Pastas There will always be a pasta on the specials menu at Lavagna, and they seem to be different every time based on what's in season. Both times we've ordered the pasta special, we've been blown away. On my last visit a few weeks ago, I had something with fettuccine, fresh ricotta, and grilled corn. It was incredible." - Chris Stang

"I met my friends at Lavagna on 5th Street in the East Village for a sumptuous feast. For dinner, I ordered the burrata and the rigatoni in a gorgeous pink sauce, and for dessert, tiramisu and espresso."

Brooklyn Facebook Group Launches Its Own Virtual Restaurant Week - Eater NY

"Cozy Italian restaurant Lavagna in the East Village celebrates its 22-year anniversary this week." - Erika Adams

15 Restaurants Partnering With the Food Bank of New York City | Eater NY

"Giussepe Vitale, a veteran of Lidia Bastianich’s kitchen, opened La Vigna as his own in the heart of Forest Hills. The heavily local restaurant doesn’t offer a bad risotto or pasta; plus there are pre-fixe options — two courses with coffee or tea — for both lunch and dinner at $16.95 and $29.95, respectively." - Patty Diez

A History of New York Through Some of NYC’s Best Restaurants

"A rustic Italian on East 5th Street that evolved into a private clubhouse for a music-scene crowd — most famously the Strokes and their circle — serving as the go-to spot for birthdays and celebrations and remaining a touchstone for that community years later." - The Editors