John's of 12th Street
Italian Restaurant$$$$
East Village, New York
Has a stamp of approval from Food Network and Village Voice
"Delicious avocado bruschetta and fantastic service."(4 Tips)
"Avocado bruschetta and veal meatballs are awesome."(5 Tips)
"tuscan ragu with homemade pappardelle"(3 Tips)
"The Seitan Alla Rosa is a must-eat."(3 Tips)
77 Tips and reviewsFilter:
- Italian food
- bruschetta
- veal meatballs
- tuscan ragu
- gluten-free food
- (15 more)
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Mario JMarch 22, 2013I'm definitely coming back. Mike, one of the owners, personally meets youand checks in on you periodically. The atmosphere is great, the staff treats you like gold & the food is five-star quality.- Kevin DudleyNovember 18, 2014Avocado bruschetta and veal meatballs are awesome. Tuscan Ragu and chicken parm were very good. Staff was very attentive. Nice, quiet meal was just what we needed.
Stephen MusgraveJune 18, 2016Where else can you get a plate of vegan seitan parmigiana with old New York charm?
ᴡ ElliotNovember 3, 2015The perfect old school Italian, still at reasonable prices. Waiters are always so nice, and it has a full vegan menu in addition to traditional
Their seitan is some of the best in the city. The seitan alla rosa is particularly superb. This is actually one of the best restaurants in the city for vegans. Save room for the cannoli.- Jason CraneAugust 5, 2011The vegan menu is amazing. The Seitan Alla Rosa is a must-eat. And finish off with a vegan canoli. One of the best restaurants in NYC.
MrsCorksterFebruary 1, 2015Great gluten-free pasta choice and salads. Very old school and authentic. Should be fun for Boardwalk Empire fans (they've shot the series in the resto).
Al SNovember 23, 2019Cool little old school Italian joint with good throwback ambiance. Stupid expensive for the quality of food though. Bring cash. The credit card machine mysteriously stops working sometimes .....
Cristina IavaroneMay 26, 2013Vegan bruschetta is a must! I'm not vegan but I will definitely be back for it! Serious Italian food, don't forget to try their famous veal meatballs!
M. P.January 27, 2015It's cash only. Also, both the garlic bread and plain bread (which I tried on my second visit) were disappointing. Too bad. If you don't mind a heavy sesame taste, go for the plain bread. Nice servers
Buford BarnesMay 29, 2012Established 1908, continuously operated. Well-worn original tile floors, red leather banquettes and a candle that has been burning since 1937. Heavy Italian food, both northern and southern.
Tasty penne with meat sauce! Be sure to check out the massive cascading candle in the back!
Melissa FordJune 7, 2016Had the bruschetta and margherita pizza. The atmosphere is really cozy and romantic!
Check out the ever-growing mountain of wax in the back as you enjoy a good italian meal that has kept New Yorkers coming back for over a century.
Benjamin BaconNovember 25, 2012As mentioned. Cash only but ATM inside. Also, sauces are a bit sweet to my taste. Add salt.
CarolineSeptember 17, 2016homemade pappardelle with beef ragu to sausage parmesan and heavenly veal meatballs.
- Elizabeth PaceDecember 23, 2014Delicious avocado bruschetta and fantastic service. A classic NY restaurant.
TheGoodDoctorJanuary 31, 2013Old school NYC italian joint, delicious chicken parm, super friendly staff, highly recommended.
Greg BarilaJanuary 7, 2012The sort of shithouse Italian people who don't know better think is authentic and good. It is far from it. the veal was lukewarm and swimming in lemon butter sauce. Rubbish
Kathryn PhillipsApril 3, 2015Food is always delicious. Very knowledgable staff. Ask about the candle in the back room
Edward FabilaSeptember 26, 2011Really digging the #vegan menu. The eggplant parm is awesome and made with daiya cheese! And don't forget to get the cannoli!
Michael AnthonyDecember 31, 2018Meatballs were really good. Tuscan Ragu was ok. Sauce was too sweet.
Aaron EvansMay 31, 2014Affordable amazing and great service definitely going back. Excellent Italian food
The avocado tomato bruschetta special is astounding. When it's not a special they hide it on the separate vegan menu. Order it, you won't be sorry!
Food NetworkAugust 4, 2014John's of 12th Street is a hidden Italian gem in NYC. According to Guy, the Marsala wine in the tender all-veal meatballs gives them a little sweetness that pairs well with the savory marinara. Read more
KirstenNovember 24, 2012Shrimp and calamari over linguine, awesome!!! Best Italian restaurant I've been to yet.
Michael JJune 16, 2014High class, but not particularly pretentious. Everything was of superb quality. This place is a must.
Nick AndlingerOctober 24, 2018Skip. Chicken parm was under seasoned and overcooked. Veal limone was borderline inedible. Our waiter disappeared mid service. Over priced and not good. Go to frank/supper for real ny Italian.- Featured on the PBS show "New York Originals." Apparently Bogart once ate here... and it's been around since 1908!
It’s a good idea to make reservations. Also, try the veal scaloppini.- Best cheesecake (homemade in-house) that I've tasted in the city.
Derek DeFilippoJanuary 24, 2011favorite italian place in the city. don't waste your time in little italy. also a favorite place of john lennon and peter boyle...
Patrick ButlerMarch 15, 2013CASH ONLY. Great food. Fun waiters I love my side pasta in the white bowl
Hilaire Le gouellecSeptember 23, 2013Is it possible to do a more disgusting pizza ? I am really not difficult, but i never ate something that boring ...and the tomatoes !? Where do they find them !? Eurk
- Rachel ModicaSeptember 24, 2012the tuscan ragu with homemade pappardelle is definitely what you should be getting.
Justin GurianFebruary 20, 2012Leaving a second tip on this. If you like olive garden you will be impressed.
Get the baked clams! Chicken parm veal parm and lemon chicken are great!
233 Photos
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John's of 12th Street
302 E 12th St (btwn 1st & 2nd Ave)
New York, NY 10003
United States
New York, NY 10003
United States
Closed until 4:00 PM tomorrow (Show more)
- Mon–Thu
- 4:00 PM–11:00 PM
- Fri–Sat
- 4:00 PM–11:30 PM
- Sun
- 4:00 PM–10:30 PM
(212) 475-9531
Features
Reservations
Yes
Credit Cards
No
Outdoor Seating
No
Food & Drink
Menus
Dinner
Drinks
Wine
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"My favorite restaurant in NYC. Must try: spaghetti a limone, salsa cruda, black salt Caesar and kale panzanella."
Danielle Purslow - 8.5
"Check the chalk board for the expanded menu! The gnocchi a must have."
James J - 8.6
"It's hard to go wrong with a toothsome pasta filled with truffled mascarpone, in a silky rich butter sauce, but they do it best here. The cappelletti with a sprinkle of prosciutto is the way to go."
Village Voice
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