Here at Eating NYC, cacio e pepe is at the very top of our list when it comes to pasta. It’s one of the simplest, most traditional Roman dishes and it never disappoints –well, very rarely–. From iconic favorite I Sodi to Lilia’s mafaldini with pink peppercorns, keep reading for an updated list of our favorite bowls of cacio e pepe in New York.
Via Carota
PC: Alexa MatthewsVia Carota is a name you’ve definitely heard of if you’ve ever been in search of cacio e pepe in this city, and for good reason. This bowl of pasta is thick and creamy, loaded with fresh cracked black pepper and is literally everything you could ever want in a cacio e pepe.
L’Artusi
PC: Alexa MatthewsL’Artusi is one of all time favorite restaurants, so it comes as no surprise that their cacio e pepe is on our list. Often listed as a special and always available off menu, the cacio e pepe here is a must order. If you haven’t been in a while, here’s a reminder to pair yours with the spicy bucatini for the perfect combo.
Lupa
PC: Alexa MatthewsLupa, a small Roman style restaurant located in Greenwich Village serves up another perfect, classic cacio e pepe. Their fresh bavette pasta is coated with silky melted cheese and tossed with a lot of black pepper for a spicy, savory kick.
Rubirosa
PC: Alexa MatthewsYou definitely know Rubirosa for their delicious, thin crust pizzas, but the truth is, everything on the menu is just as good, cacio e pepe included. This handmade pasta is served in large portions–pictured is a half–and they don’t skimp out on the pecorino cheese either, so we promise you’ll leave full and happy.
I Sodi
PC: Alexa MatthewsI Sodi, a romantic Tuscan-style Italian restaurant in the West Village makes quite possibly our very favorite bowl of cacio e pepe, ever. Brought to us by the same people behind Via Carota, the rendition here is slightly less cheesy but the flavor packs a punch that is second to none. Pro Tip: I Sodi recently started taking lunch reservations.
Barbuto
PC: Alexa MatthewsWe’ve been dreaming about Barbuto’s cacio e pepe since they closed and can’t wait to devour it again now that they’ve reopened on Horatio street. Just thinking about the simply incredible cacio e pepe from Barbuto makes us drool. With the pasta cooked just right, the perfect amount of cheese and the fresh cracked pepper mixed in all sings in one amazing harmony.
Emilio’s Ballato
PC: Alexa MatthewsEmilio’s Ballato takes us back for an old school vibe with classic, “red sauce” Italian food. Their super classic, simple rendition of cacio e pepe is creamy and lightly sprinkled with black pepper specks, allowing the dish quite literally, sparkle.
Four Charles
PC: Alexa MatthewsAlthough the star of the show at Four Charles is usually the burger, you also need a plate of the cacio e pepe carbonara on your table. Yes, you heard that correctly. Two of your favorite pastas married into one beautifully delicious dish. Pecorino romano, cracked black pepper, bucatini pasta, a fried egg, and crispy bacon.
Upland
PC: @upland_nycThe California style, Italian influenced chic spot in Flatiron by Stephen Starr is serving up some of the best cacio e pepe we’ve ever had. This cozy, luscious bowl of bucatini will warm you up and transport you to a beautiful California valley all in one bite. It’s topped with extra cheese, it makes for a perfect twist on the fork, and frankly, we can taste it through our screens.
Sant Ambroeus
PC: @santambroeusThis West Village, Soho, and Upper East Side favorite delivers an amazing cacio e pepe with a twist. At Sant Ambroeus, you can get your cacio e pepe with mafaldini, one of our favorite pasta shapes, which perfectly encases little pockets of buttery cheese and pepper.
Lilia
PC: @lilianewyorkFor a more unique take on this classic dish, we had to include Lilia’s now iconic mafaldini cacio e pepe. We’re of course obsessed with the noodle shape and the pink peppercorns adds a super unique depth of flavor we just can’t get enough of.
Maialino
PC: @maialino_nycMany people describe the cacio e pepe from Maialino as pasta that brings them back to their trip to Rome. Danny’s Meyer nailed everything about this Gramercy Park restaurant, and this tonnarrelli cacio e pepe loaded to the top with freshly grated pecorino romano is just one of them.
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