Lavagna Introduce
Tucked away at 545 E 5th St, New York, NY 10009, Lavagna is a hidden gem in the city's bustling East Village. This family-run Italian restaurant has earned a reputation for its warm, welcoming atmosphere and its commitment to creating dishes that are "extremely flavourful." It's a place that feels both rustic and refined, offering a perfect escape for a date night or a long overdue catch-up over a bottle of wine. The space is a blend of casual and cozy, with a romantic and upscale feel that makes it stand out from the typical neighborhood spot.
Lavagna's menu is a celebration of authentic Italian cuisine, with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. While the name itself means "chalkboard" in Italian, a nod to the daily specials and fresh offerings, the regular menu is a testament to timeless favorites. The pasta dishes are a particular highlight, known for being delicious and expertly prepared. From the Pappardelle to the Bucatini All’Amatriciana, each plate is crafted to perfection, ensuring a satisfying and memorable meal.
Beyond the food, Lavagna is also celebrated for its exceptional service and a well-curated wine list. Customers praise the friendly and attentive staff, who make every visit a pleasant one. The atmosphere, with its intimate and trendy vibe, is ideal for a quiet dinner or a lively gathering with friends. Whether you're a connoisseur of fine Italian food or simply looking for a new favorite spot in the neighborhood, Lavagna offers a unique and delightful dining experience that’s worth seeking out.
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Lavagna is situated in the vibrant and diverse East Village, a neighborhood known for its artistic energy and eclectic food scene. Its location at 545 E 5th St, New York, NY 10009, makes it a convenient spot for locals and visitors alike. The area is easily accessible by public transportation, with several subway stations within walking distance. For those with a car, paid street parking and nearby paid parking lots are available.
The restaurant is committed to being accessible to all diners and offers wheelchair-accessible seating. While there is no public information on the entrance or restroom accessibility, the overall dining experience is designed to be comfortable and welcoming. With its prime location and a focus on hospitality, Lavagna provides a pleasant and convenient dining option for anyone in the area.
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Dine-in: Enjoy a cozy and romantic meal inside the restaurant. Lavagna offers table service and has a bar on-site for pre-dinner drinks. Reservations are required, especially for dinner, which is a testament to its popularity.
Outdoor Seating: On pleasant days, the outdoor seating provides a charming way to enjoy your meal while taking in the neighborhood atmosphere.
Takeout: For those who prefer to eat at home, Lavagna offers takeout services, allowing you to enjoy their delicious Italian food wherever you are.
Delivery: The restaurant provides delivery, including a no-contact option, bringing its high-quality Italian cuisine directly to your doorstep. This is a perfect service for a romantic night in or a cozy dinner at home.
Reservations: As a popular spot, reservations are required for dining in, especially for dinner. This helps ensure that all guests can be seated promptly and enjoy a relaxed meal.
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Great Wine List: A major highlight for many diners is the extensive and carefully curated wine list, which is perfect for pairing with the flavorful food. The wine is described as a "lovely pairing" for the dishes.
Great Desserts: Don't skip dessert at Lavagna. The offerings are highly praised, making it a perfect spot to indulge your sweet tooth after a savory meal.
Romantic and Cozy Atmosphere: The restaurant has a unique blend of elegance and comfort, with a romantic and cozy feel that makes it ideal for a special date or a night out with close friends.
Exceptional Service: The staff at Lavagna are consistently praised for being "friendly" and providing "great" service, making the entire dining experience pleasant and welcoming.
Late-Night Food: The restaurant is also a good option for late-night food, catering to the city's flexible dining schedule.
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Address: 545 E 5th St, New York, NY 10009, USA
Phone: (212) 979-1005
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When you visit Lavagna, the pasta is an absolute must-try. Despite a customer's disappointment on Valentine's Day due to a prix fixe menu, they were told that the pastas were the restaurant's "specialty," and it's a reputation that holds up. The Arrabbiata Spaghetti, for example, is described as being "SO good" even by someone who is not usually a fan of the dish, a testament to the kitchen's mastery of flavor.
Beyond the pasta, the appetizers are a great way to start your meal. The Artichoke Al Forno is a standout, and a customer even referred to the artichoke and bean puree starter as "divine," a sign of the kitchen's creative and flavorful approach to its dishes. The Seared Scallops "Agrodolce" is another tempting option that shows the restaurant's versatility with seafood.
For main courses, the Grilled Canadian Salmon and the Roast Pork Chop are solid choices. And, of course, the wine list is worth exploring to find the perfect pairing for your meal. Overall, Lavagna is a place to visit for its high-quality, authentic, and comforting Italian food. Its combination of great flavors, friendly service, and a cozy atmosphere makes it a reliable and delightful choice for any occasion.
Lavagna Food & drink
Dessert
- Gianduja Flourless Chocolate Mousse Cake $13.00
With whipped cream. Contains hazelnuts
- Panna Cotta $12.00
Antipasti e Insalate
- Tuscan Kale Caesar $15.00
Finely sliced kale, Parmesan, and house-made croutons.
- Focaccia $6.00
Freshly baked focaccia with organic xvoo olive oil
- Carciofo Al Forno $15.00
Wood oven-roasted artichoke heart with white bean puree and cremini mushrooms.
- Octopus Carpaccio $17.00
with fresh lemon juice, xvoo and pepperoncini
- Prosciutto Di San Daniele $16.00
With figs and balsamic vinegar, topped with arugula and Parmigiano.
- Seared Scallops “Agrodolce” $20.00
With parsnip puree and crisp pancetta.
- Insalata Mista $13.00
Baby arugula, Lola Rossa, shaved Asiago with roasted garlic vinaigrette.
Contorni
- Asparagus $13.00
- Brussel Sprouts $12.00
- Broccoli Rabe $13.00
- Yukon Gold Mash $12.00
- Sautéed Spinach $13.00
Beverages
- Lurisia Sparkling Water (1 L) $9.00
1 liter.
- Ginger Ale $5.00
- Sprite $4.00
The cold, refreshing flavors of lemon and lime, perfectly blended.
- Lurisia Acqua Naturale (Still) (1 L) $9.00
Still. 1 liter.
- Lurisia “La Nostra Gazzosa” Sparkling Lemon Beverage (9 Oz) $6.00
9 oz.
- Lurisia “La Nostra Aranciata” Sparkling Orange Beverage (9 Oz) $5.00
- Lurisia “Il Nostro Chinotto” Sparkling Citrus Beverage (9 Oz) $6.00
- Coke $5.00
The cold, refreshing, sparkling classic that America loves.
- Diet Coke $5.00
A crisp, refreshing taste you know and love with zero calories.
Pantry
- Bel Aria Carnaroli Rice (32 Oz) $7.00
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil $40.00
Jewel of Tuscany one gallon.
- Nutella (26.5 Oz) $11.00
- Rummo Gluten Free Pasta $10.00
- Sabarot Green Lentils (500 Gm) $7.00
- Rustic Tomato Sauce (32 Oz) $12.00
Pastas
- Fresh Pappardelle $28.00
With braised rabbit, fresh thyme and black olives.
- Buccatini All’ Amatriciana $26.00
With homemade guanciale, tomato, pecorino romano.
- Homemade Sweet Pea Ravioli $25.00
with parmesan cream and mint
- Fedelini Fini $18.00
With toasted garlic and rustic tomato sauce.
- Rigatoni $25.00
With sweet fennel and spicy sausage, peas, and tomato cream.
- Buccatini Caccio E Pepe $22.00
Classic Roman recipe with Pecorino Romano and Black Pepper
Pizzette from the Wood Burning Oven
- Pizzetta Del Giorno $22.00
Bianca with Guanciale,Radicchio, chili flakes,
- Pizzetta Del Bosco $24.00
Roasted wild mushrooms, fontina, and white truffle oil.
- Margherita $24.00
Tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil.
Secondi
- Pan Seared Wild Maine Pollock $29.00
with asparagus, fingerling potatoes, lemon, olive oil
- Rack Of Lamb $49.00
With cannellini beans, broccoli rabe, and rosemary jus.
- Grilled Canadian Salmon $29.00
with sicilian eggplant caponata
- Pan Seared Monkfish $25.00
With roasted portabello mushrooms, baby artichokes and green olive vinaigrette
- Steak Lavagna $49.00
Marinated beef tenderloin, with seasonal vegetables, Yukon gold mash, and au Poivre sauce.
- Whole Fish For 2 $84.00
Wood Oven Roasted 2.5 lbs daily fish with blue potatoes, spinach and tomato relish
- Roast Pork Chop $32.00
With braised swiss chard, bacon, borlotti, and pickled red onions.
Lavagna Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Groups
Planning
- Reservations required
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Lavagna Photos










Lavagna Location
Lavagna Reviews
rigatoniscallopsromanticpappardellepork chopgemrabbitartichokefood and wineintimate
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Went on Valentine’s Day and there was a prix fixe. We didn’t know this on the booking and we went for pasta but unfortunately couldn’t try. The food was okay but not particularly good. The service was great though and everyone was friendly. The rose was also a surprise! I heard the pastas their specialty though so maybe I’ll try that next time!
March 06 · MindyA hidden family-run italian restaurant. A lovely date night spot or for a long overdue catch up over wine. Always skeptical about italian restaurants, but the food was extremely flavourful. Had the arrabbiata spaghetti, usually not a fan, but SO good. Lovely wine pairing as well. The artichoke and bean puree started was divine
June 15 · Julija KoletnikAbsolutely a Gem! One of my secret favorite places to go. Typically I would go alone enjoy a three course meal some wine and head home super relaxed and at peace! This place is such a classy soulful place! Cozy; the food is always beyond my expectations! Always looking forward to sharing this place with truly special people. Definitely a memorable romantic date kind of place. Where you go for your anniversary. It’s really that special!!!
June 03 · melo chanWe had a wonderful experience here. The prosciutto was terrific. Our server, forgot his name, was very pleasant and welcoming. The ambience was warm and cozy. Definitely a great time overall.
February 27 · RafaelOne of the highly recommended restaurants from my friend living in NYC. All the meals were miraculously delicious, to which wines were perfectly matched!! Definitely coming back!! Thank you the owner so much!!!
November 28 · Yasunori Aizawa
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