Jef Henninger

Easily some of the best pizza in NY. We went for lunch on a Thursday and there was hardly anyone there which is nice. We sat outside and enjoyed the nice weather. The pizza came out fast. Its not massive but we split it since we weren't starving. We've been to Italy several times and this is right up there with pizza there. Definitely a hidden gem.

Mariam Osman

I had an absolutely phenomenal experience at Donna Margharita The service was impeccable—our server was attentive, warm, and made us feel like family, offering spot-on recommendations with genuine enthusiasm. The food was a revelation; every bite screamed authenticity. The pizza had that perfect crispy-yet-chewy crust, topped with vibrant, fresh ingredients clearly sourced straight from Italy. The bruschetta was a burst of flavor, with ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil on perfectly toasted bread (again, all straight from Italy!). And the chicken parm? Pure comfort, with tender, juicy chicken smothered in rich, tangy sauce and melted mozzarella that was out of this world. You can tell they use top-quality, imported Italian products, which elevates every dish to another level. I’m already counting down the days until I’m back in the city because this place is a must-visit gem. Highly recommend, and I’ll definitely be returning!

Jean Claude Chalhoub

I came all the way from Dubai to New York, and the moment I tasted this pizza it felt like I was transported straight to Italy. The flavors, the freshness, and the authentic touch in every bite were something unforgettable. Truly a world-class pizza experience.

Michelle Blake

Absolutely astonishing. This warm atmosphere cuts through the hustle and bustle of New York and places you in the gentle care of a welcoming Italian family that you feel you’ve been a part of for generations. The staff is incredibly kind and understanding, and easy to talk to. The food is just as inviting. Fast paced and extremely well made food that touches your soul and puts a smile on the most sullen of faces. From the moment we got here we were treated like we’d been here everyday for the past 20 years with conversation, taking initiative and care of anyone who stumbles onto this hidden gem on 2nd Ave. I would recommend this to literally any person and delivery isn’t enough. The full experience is basically hanging out with the staff and enjoying remarkable food. Thank you guys!

Tony Haydar

Hands down the best Italian food I’ve had in the U.S. and I travel a lot! Donna Margherita is everything a classic Neapolitan spot should be: the food is unreal, the ambiance is warm and homey, and you can feel the love in every detail. Their Burrata Pizza? Easily the best pizza I’ve ever tasted creamy, perfectly balanced, and straight from the soul of Naples. And the seafood? Phenomenal. Fresh, flavorful, and cooked with real Italian mastery. Whether you're local or visiting, this place is a gem. Donna Margherita isn't just a meal it’s an experience.

Arielle Maldonado

If you want home cooked food with fine dine feel then Donna Margherita is the place for you. Every bite feels like a hug and the staff there treats you just like family, making sure that from the moment you step into their establishment you’re well taken care of. While in the heart of everything located on the Upper East Side a small gem like this place can truly transport you straight back to Naples Italy ! My Bf and I went for a date night and truly loved everything about this place. The outside has a larger set up on the side walk great for summer time vibes and a spritz to take the edge off, while the inside is small, cozy and dimly lit. It feels very romantic and intimate, perfect for couples and families! Now the foooood 😍 ingredients are simple and fresh but packed with flavor. A lot of their ingredients are imported from Italy so ask the chef what their specials are because more than likely they’ve got some seasonal goodies waiting to be tried! If I’m not mistaken we got to try the Green Friarielli peppers which were kind of sweet with very mild heat roasted and pared with tomatoes. They really resemble shishito peppers but the flavor is different. We also had the octopus salad which was a perfect app for this summer heat! The octopus was tender and soft but still had a perfect bite. It was dressed with lemon juice which gave it great acidity and flavored with olive oil. We had one of my favorite go toooos which was fried squash blossoms or zucchini flowers filled with cheese, I mean fried and cheese, hello? But the star of the show has to be my bfs Main Dish which was the Linguine Mixto. It was Linguine pasta with a mix of seafood. It had clams, octopus, squid and huge shrimp it was delicious! So mad I’m not the one who ordered it but he shared with me anyway 😊 it had a light red sauce and was silky from the starchy pasta ending with a subtle kick from what I assume was some kind of pepper or red pepper flakes. If you want pasta in the summer time this is a must and will not leave you feeling heavy. We also shared a Pizza Tartufata! If you love truffle and lots of fresh greens with shaved Parmesan and prosciutto get this pizza, also one of my favorites!!! Enjoy 😉

+3

Jay Buggy

One of the best Neapolitan pizza I ever had. Cannelloni was superb as well. but the bread basket needs to be improved though (not too fresh).

+5

Denna Shamoun

This Italian gem is an absolute must-visit! From the moment you step in, you’re greeted with warm hospitality and immediate feeling of coziness and warmth . Everything made from scratch, and ingredients imported straight from Italy, to your plate, you can actually taste and feel it. All our entree’s were exceptionally delicious! From the start , (that simple, and what I call Italian appetizer) the authenticity of the olive oil, crunch yet softness of the bread , and freshly grated Parmesan…so fresh, saying “so good” is an understatement. I absolutely love that Bread and oil !! For me , The lasagna was an “out of this world type of different” absolute delicious! If you like boiled egg and pine nuts. It’s been 3 days and I can still remember how all the flavors went so well together, it’s a must try! And, of course we had to get the classic of all , The Neapolitan Margherita pizza, made just as true and authentic as everything else, it was a perfect balance of simplicity and bold flavors The crust was light, airy, and slightly charred, with a crisp exterior and a soft, chewy interior and just the right amount of basil… I think you get the idea , it’ll transport you straight to Naples. I would not recommend skipping dessert and espresso here. Aside from the food, I have to mention the staff, owner/chef should be a completely separate review, anything I say won’t be enough, but they are all so kind and hospitable to their guests, and seem like they like being at work, they all seem to have a good time working together, a very happy group. Sal, the warm and welcoming owner/chef who’s created each dish with passion and love, treats every guest like family, making sure you feel right home with his kindness and charm. Undoubtedly, we can’t wait to go back, And we will be shouting” WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND! “

+1

Nancy Jiang (ManchurianJin)

Donna Margherita – Authentic Italian, Not the "American Italian" Imitation! What a delightful surprise! Donna Margherita truly captures the heart of Napolitano cuisine. Having traveled to 18 out of Italy's 20 regions to learn about regional food, I am extremely particular about my Italian dining choices. We discovered this gem while in the area, and the online pictures caught my attention. I'm so glad we decided to give it a try! The owner and chef are from Naples, widely regarded as Italy's best food region, and it shows in every dish. The menu offered an incredible start: zucchini flowers in the Fritto Misto (mixed fried platter). Even though it's not zucchini flower season, they managed to serve fresh, flavorful flowers alongside arancini and eggplant crocchetta – each bite was perfect. Of course, we had to order pizza – Naples is synonymous with exceptional pizza. The classic Margherita was outstanding, and the truffle prosciutto pizza was a showstopper! We also tried vegetable sides, including broccoli prepared so perfectly that it instantly reminded me of Naples. The tender texture and rich flavor were reminiscent of true family recipes, which I later discovered were inspired by the owner’s mother. The seafood pasta was another standout. Octopus tender calamari, and shrimp were cooked flawlessly, with the pasta beautifully coated in sauce – no shortcuts here! Finally, dessert: the tiramisu. Made with real mascarpone cheese, it was as authentic as it gets. Paired with their Italian coffee, it was the perfect ending to a meal that celebrated authenticity, tradition, and craftsmanship. Must day the place was very cozy and artfully designed! From the first course to the last, every detail at Donna Margherita brought us immense joy. If you're seeking a true taste of Naples, this is the place. Truly amazing – only in New York!

+3

Adam Connolly

Fantastic little gem. Sal, the cook, made sure everyone in the restaurant was taken care of. The staff was attentive and made sure everyone had what they needed. Old world style meals with the touch of home cooking you need. Only downfall is the size. Everyone needs to frequent this place so they can grow out to a new location!