The BEST Bowls of Vodka Pasta in NYC
eatingmynyc / December 14, 2022
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When you’re in the mood for a red sauce pasta but also want something creamy and decadent, we’re sure your eyes wander to the “alla vodka” portion of any Italian menu. The tart tomato flavor paired with the creaminess of heavy cream is truly the perfect combo and is always one of our go-to’s. From iconic spots to new favorites, keep reading for a list of our favorite vodka pastas in NYC.
Carbone
PC: Alex’s Food and Travel GuidesObviously this list would be incomplete without mentioning Carbone’s spicy rigatoni, so let’s just get this one out of the way. This restaurant is famous for a reason, and this decadent pasta dish has a lot to do with it. Let’s be real, it’s definitely the best thing on the menu, and in our humble opinion, one of the best pasta dishes in all of Manhattan. So order accordingly.
Arthur & Sons
PC: ParadeAlthough Arthur & Sons only opened a few months ago, it has quickly become an Italian hot spot in the West Village. This old-school, red-sauce joint’s spicy rigatoni is a dreamy combination of spice, butter, tomato, and cream, and it definitely will keep you begging for more. And of course, topping the dish with a heaping pile of parmesan cheese doesn’t hurt.
Rubirosa
PC: Supper in the SuburbsRubirosa is hands down one of our favorite restaurants in NYC. Most people flock here for their Insta-worthy tie-dye pizza, but the pasta alone is well worth the visit. The lumache alla vodka is simply incredible, and it can also be ordered as a family sized portion, which is the move because nobody wants to fight over the last bite of lumache.
Caffe Buon Gusto
PC: nyceeeeeatsIf you find yourself on the Upper East Side and want a delicious bowl of affordable pasta, Cafe Buon Gusto is your spot. The best part is the customizability – you can pick your pasta type and your sauce! Our go-to is the capellini with vodka sauce, which comes topped with cubed mozzarella cheese. The thin pasta soaks up the sauce so well, and the addition of fresh mozz is just…chef’s kiss!
Bar Pitti
PC: PinterestYes, the wait can be long, but we would be lying if we told you the Pappardelle alla Fiesolana Bar Pitti is not worth waiting for. This long time staple is a delicious twist on a traditional vodka sauce with its incorporation of bacon. The smokiness and fattiness of the bacon pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce, making it one of the best vodka pasta dishes we’ve tried.
Bellucci
PC: Instagram – MikeJChauQueens may not be the first place you think of for pasta with vodka sauce, but Bellucci Pizza will quickly change your mind. Although they’re known for their great pizza, you’d be missing out if you didn’t try the Rigatoni alla Vodka. Spicy or non-spicy versions are available and both are topped with a generous heap of burrata cheese. We personally think the spicy version is the way to go, especially when paired with the clam pie.
Parm
PC: Manhattan to the HamptonsIf you can’t get into Carbone, we’re here to assure you that Parm’s “Rigatoni Carbone” with pink sauce and calabrian chili is definitely your next best option. Although often not as saucy as the original, we’re pretty confident it’s just as good. Pro tip: opt for adding a dollop of ricotta cheese to top it all off.
Emilio’s Ballato
PC: chefanthony_ballatosnycEmilio’s Ballato is an iconic NYC establishment that’s been around since 1956. And yep, you guessed it, their penne alla vodka is amazing. The only one of the group served traditionally with penne, it is the perfect mix of al dente pasta, creamy tomato sauce, and cheesiness with the parmesan on top. Get it “Antonio Style” for the added bonus of sausage and peas! And you should totally order it with the secret menu item: vodka sauce veal parm, because nothing goes with penne alla vodka like a veal alla vodka.
Emilio’s Ballato
PC: Instagram – Anthony VitoloEmilio’s Ballato is an iconic NYC establishment that’s been around since 1956. And yep, you guessed it, their penne alla vodka is amazing. The only one of the group served traditionally with penne, it is the perfect mix of al dente pasta, creamy tomato sauce, and cheesiness with the parmesan on top. Get it “Antonio Style” for the added bonus of sausage and peas! And you should totally order it with the secret menu item: vodka sauce veal parm, because nothing goes with penne alla vodka like a veal alla vodka.
La Pecora Bianca
PC: @ames_yumNo matter where you are in the city, we guarantee you won’t be too far from a delicious bowl of vodka sauce topped with an entire ball of burrata. That’s because La Pecora Bianca has expanded to nearly every neighborhood in Manhattan: The Upper East Side, Meatpacking, Nomad and Soho. A reasonably priced, delicious, hearty meal awaits. It’s Insta famous for a reason!
Monkey Bar
PC: Yelp – Mike J ChauMonkey Bar recently reopened with the team behind 4 Charles… so yes, the burger here is definitely a must. But we’re also here to tell you that the homemade pastas are pretty epic too, including the vodka rigatoni which is one of our favorites. The more traditional take here pairs the rigatoni with fresh basil and parmesan.
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