San Marzano

- 117 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003

San Marzano has firmly established itself as a go-to Italian restaurant in the East Village, offering a charming and inviting dining experience that perfectly balances casual comfort with culinary quality. The restaurant’s philosophy is simple yet effective: serve fresh, delicious Italian fare in a warm and cozy atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. It’s the kind of place that’s perfect for a romantic date night, a relaxed dinner with friends, or a satisfying solo meal. What truly sets San Marzano apart is its dedication to making fresh pasta in-house daily. This commitment to quality and craftsmanship is evident in every bite, elevating simple dishes into something special. The menu is designed to be both accessible and exciting, with a "build-your-own-pasta" concept that allows diners to mix and match their favorite pasta shapes and sauces. This level of customization ensures that every meal is exactly what you're craving. Beyond the food, San Marzano is known for its impressive beverage program, featuring great cocktails and a well-curated wine list that perfectly complements the menu. The ambiance is one of its key features, with dim lighting and a trendy vibe that creates a romantic and intimate setting. While some might find the lighting too low, most appreciate the "cozy" feeling it provides, which is a rare find in such a bustling neighborhood. The restaurant attracts a diverse crowd, from college students and locals to tourists, all of whom are drawn to its reputation for great food and a welcoming atmosphere. It has become a neighborhood staple, a place where people are willing to wait for a table, and for good reason. San Marzano consistently delivers a high-quality dining experience that is both memorable and refreshingly unpretentious. The staff, for the most part, is attentive and helpful, contributing to a pleasant experience even during the busiest hours. It's a true gem in the East Village, offering a taste of authentic Italian cuisine that is both delicious and reasonably priced for the quality. It’s a place that lives up to its name, which is a nod to the prized Italian tomato, known for its rich flavor and sweetness, and an ingredient that likely finds its way into many of their delicious sauces.

Located at 117 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003, San Marzano is nestled in a prime spot in the East Village. The neighborhood is known for its lively streets and rich history, making it a popular destination. The restaurant's location is easily accessible by various subway lines and public transportation options, making it a convenient choice for people from all over the city. The East Village setting also offers a classic New York streetscape, with its charming mix of brownstones and bustling storefronts. For those who prefer to dine al fresco, San Marzano has outdoor seating, allowing guests to enjoy their meal while soaking in the vibrant energy of the neighborhood. The restaurant is also very accommodating to guests with disabilities, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom, and seating, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone. While parking in the East Village can be a challenge, there is a mix of free and paid street parking options available. However, public transit is often the most straightforward way to get there. San Marzano is a popular spot, and its appeal to a wide range of diners, from college students to locals and groups, often means there can be a wait, especially during peak dining hours. It's a good idea to consider making reservations, particularly for dinner and their popular weekend brunch, to avoid a long wait. The restaurant's cozy interior, with its bar area, provides a comfortable spot to wait if needed. The atmosphere transitions seamlessly from a lively daytime spot to a more intimate and romantic setting in the evening. This versatility, combined with its prime location and commitment to accessibility, makes San Marzano an ideal dining destination for any occasion, whether it’s a quick lunch, a special dinner, or a leisurely brunch with friends. The location is an integral part of the restaurant’s identity, providing the perfect backdrop for its delicious and authentic Italian fare.

• Outdoor Seating: Enjoy a meal outside and take in the lively atmosphere of the East Village.
• Delivery & Takeout: For maximum convenience, you can enjoy San Marzano’s delicious food at home with their delivery and takeout services.
• Dine-in: The restaurant’s cozy and romantic interior provides a wonderful setting for a sit-down meal.
• Table Service: Experience friendly and attentive table service, ensuring a pleasant and relaxed dining experience.
• Reservations: San Marzano accepts and recommends reservations, especially for dinner and brunch, to secure your spot.

• Great Cocktails & Wine List: The bar offers a wide selection of cocktails and a well-curated wine list that perfectly complements the menu.
• Fresh, House-Made Pasta: The restaurant's highlight is its fresh pasta, made daily in-house, which makes a world of difference in taste and texture.
• Customizable Pasta Dishes: The ability to choose your own pasta shape and sauce from a variety of options is a unique and appealing feature.
• Brunch with Unlimited Mimosas: San Marzano is famous for its weekend brunch, which includes an unlimited mimosa option—a huge draw for many.
• Comfortable & Cozy Atmosphere: The casual, cozy, and romantic ambiance makes it a popular spot for both solo diners and groups.
• Wheelchair Accessibility: The restaurant is fully accessible, with a wheelchair-friendly entrance, restroom, and seating.

Contact Information

Address: 117 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003, USA

Phone: (212) 777-3600

What is worth choosing?

When dining at San Marzano, the main event is the fresh pasta, and there are several dishes that are particularly worth choosing. The customizable pasta menu is a highlight, allowing you to select from a variety of fresh pasta shapes like spaghetti, pappardelle, and rigatoni, and pair them with a range of delicious sauces. The Wild Boar Ragu is a rich and flavorful choice that showcases the quality of their braised meats. For a classic and comforting option, the Bolognese is highly recommended, praised for its deep, rich flavor. The Pear & Gorgonzola Ravioli is a standout special, offering a unique and complex combination of sweet and savory notes in a creamy sauce. Another crowd favorite is the Vecchia Bettola, a creamy tomato-vodka sauce that's both satisfying and delicious. For starters, the Brussels Sprouts and Burrata appetizers are great choices to share with the table, perfectly setting the stage for the main course. The brunch menu also deserves special mention. The unlimited mimosa deal is a huge draw for many, and the brunch-specific food items like French Toast and the San Marzano Omelette are excellent. The Panini options, like the Meatball or Grilled Chicken, are also a fantastic choice for a quick and satisfying meal. While there have been some minor critiques of service and lighting, the overwhelming consensus is that the food quality and value at San Marzano are exceptional. The portions are perfectly sized to be satisfying without being overwhelming, and the prices are remarkably reasonable for a restaurant of this caliber in the city. The great cocktails and wine list also add to the overall value, ensuring a complete and enjoyable dining experience. Ultimately, what is most worth choosing at San Marzano is the opportunity to enjoy authentic, fresh, and flavorful Italian comfort food in a setting that is both cozy and stylish. It’s a place that consistently delivers on its promise of a great meal and a wonderful time, making it a staple in the East Village dining scene.

San Marzano

117 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003, USA