I ordered a Margherita pizza for delivery. It was excellent - airy crust with some char on bottom, good quality sauce and mozzarella applied sparingly as it should be. I found my new favorite neighborhood pizza!

Really liked this place on the upper east side. It's good for a quick pizza bite, but is also strangely romantic and intimate in a way. Food is spot on and won't break the bank. Although it's hard to spot from the street, the interior is really nicely designed and the upstairs has a nice glass enclosure. They're loaded with salt and pepper grinders, and have balsamic as well for the fresh, toasty bread. We got two mains, a branzino with veggies which was fillet'd and very fresh, as well as a pecorino style pizza which was excellent. We're pizza snobs and can say that the cheese and crust were perfect. However, I'd just be careful if you're looking for tomato sauce based. "San Marzano Tomatoes" means actual tomatoes, not red sauce. I'd definitely go with dessert here. The vanilla Gelato with a scoup of espresso tasted like a dream, and really gave us a kick in our step on the way home. Now for the Tiramasu. If you could describe eating a cloud freshly delivered from heaven, this is it. Pillowy and perfect, kinda tasted almost like banana, this stuff was bomb. All in all we paid about $75 before tip, and they gave us a free dessert! Love these guys!

Such an amazing spot! Owner was incredibly friendly and accommodating. The food was filling and tasty. Definitely recommend it to anyone looking for great Italian food without the huge price tag.

best seafood platter in upper east side donna margartiaa the best

Our go to upper ES restaurant. Always great food and service. Only finest ingredient's used. Get the orichette and broccoli rabe.

Yesterday my wife and I decided to go for dinner al fresco at Donna Margherita. We had tagliatelle alla matriciana, the best I ever had. We shared a wonderful seafood salad simply done and delicious, a few glasses of white wine. To end it we had an original cannolo siciliano with espresso coffee. We highly recommend this Restaurant. Special thanks to Enzo, Salvatore and the Staff which they where very kind and professional. Best wishes and lots of luck, Franco & Rachel.

Had a fantastic dinner at Donna Margherita last night with a group of six friends. As someone originally from Italy, I was genuinely impressed by the quality and authenticity of the food—definitely comparable to some of the best restaurants back home. We mostly ordered seafood, and it was incredibly fresh and cooked to perfection. The pasta with clams was delicious and cooked just right, and the octopus was amazingly tender. We'll definitely be back, and I highly recommend Donna Margherita if you're looking for a true Italian dining experience.

If you need to eat real CUCINA DI MAMMA’, you absolutely must try this splendid gem in the city that never sleeps. Chef Salvatore together with the GRANDE Enzo (iconic restaurateur of NYC) will make you live the most beautiful experience. I love you GUYS

Delicious food, great service , Claudio took really great care for all of our guests , giving great recommendations for food and wine pairing . Thank you for the hospitality we would definitely be back soon

We arrived here after strolling through Central Park. We wanted Italian cuisine. As we wandered in the quaint establishment were we’re greeted with smiles and joy. We were immediately seated and tended to. We started with bread & olive oil and the calamari and meatballs were cooked to PERFECTION. Our drinks were refreshing and crisp then our entrees arrived. I lived in Italy for 2 years. When I say this is the best Italian food I’ve had since then I was transported back to the boot. It was an experience I’ll never forget in the buzzing city of NYC. Every bite was a trip to the boot. If you’re looking for Italian food in the big city then look no further you’ve found it. The staff was fantastic!! Please support this amazing establishment.

The best Italian restaurant in the city without any doubt, thanks so much Enzo and Sal to bring the Neapolitan vibes and the best Neapolitan recipes in the city 🙏🏻

My wife and I visited Donna Margherita by chance after letting Grok3 Ai select an Italian restaurant within walking distance on the upper East side of Manhattan. First the cozy intimate dining area was perfect where each table was adorned with white table cloths and a bottle of fine extra virgin olive oil as we sat surrounded by a Napolitano culture that made for a wonderful ambiance. First again because I dont think I can make anything about this restaurant second, was the food, oh the food. The Burrata Mottzarella atop heirloom tomatoes dressed in the olive oil was an outstanding light starter. We followed that by the escarole with beans and a chicken Parmigiano. Both rated by a measure i imagine you would need to travel to Italy to properly evaluate. So beautiful. Now last but again first was the service. The owner Vincenzo i believe was generally grateful to have us as his guests and showed it by bringing us samples of dishes on his menu. Try this he said a delicioso spaghetti with seafood came out, not one time but twice he brought out to us a plateful. He brought to us the cherry tomatoes imported from Italy he made his sauce from and explained the methods he used. He made us feel more than welcome, we felt blessed as if we were his own family.✝️ For all this we highly recommend Donna Margheritas to all who search for a beautiful time. Thank you all, sincerely with gratitude, Tomas and Rochella

Best authentic Italian food in upper east side !! Big thanks to chef Salvatore for his hospitality and recommendations thank you for making our night special

Food was top notch. Generous portions. Best creme brulee I've had in years, including in France!!

One of the b e s t Italian restaurants in NYC. I came here for a special occasions a few days ago and it was an experience worth mentioning: the service it was impeccable, the music, the atmosphere and the food were outstanding. I eat Italian food all time time but this particular restaurant it reminded me of the authentic dining experience I had in Naples - Italy, because for sure this establishment is only using top Italian imported ingredients. I definitely enjoyed eating there here and I will my bring my close friends/family here too.

Amazing experience at Donna Margherita! The food is delicious and authentic, the service is fast and friendly, and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. A perfect spot for a meal with friends or family. Highly recommended

I recently dined at Donna Margherita, and it was an unforgettable experience! From the warm and inviting atmosphere to the incredible flavors of the food, everything was perfect. The pasta was fresh, and the sauces tasted authentic, just like in Italy. The staff was attentive and made sure our dining experience was enjoyable. The wine selection was excellent, perfectly complementing our meal. Donna Margherita is now my go-to spot in the Upper East Side for an authentic Italian meal. Highly recommended!

Excellent Italian Food and Service! Absolutely Love ❤️this hidden treasure in the heart 💜 of the Big Apple! 🍎 Great atmosphere, delicious dishes, and friendly staff all of whom treats you like royalty & family! Greeted warmly when you walk in and seated right away. Indeed, the energetic staff works hard and stays positive as well as the owners, Salvatore (the chef) and Enzo (his partner) are so kind, and caring of the community and attentive to their clients that I cannot talk enough about how amazing this place is especially for literally serving one of the best meals I have ever had in my entire life, nothing short of phenomenal! Every ingredient is very fresh, bursting with flavor and cooked to perfection! Donna Margherita is the Total Package! I’ve gone there a few times already but what truly steals the show is the most authentic homemade lasagne and Italian pizza 🍕 I’ve ever had outside of Italy 🇮🇹 itself, and my favorite dish is the the Linguine with freshest clams that I have ever had in my life imported from Naples in garlicky white wine sauce not only sounds elegant but the taste is to die for because they have perfected the recipe in my opinion! This wonderful dish as well as any other dish on their brilliant menu serves as a beautiful light dinner, perfect in advance of a movie or reading or a romantic blind first date encounter which I highly recommend. I Love ❤️ coming here: Ratings on a scale from 1 to 5 with 5 being the highest I award a solid all around 5 stars out of 5. Accordingly, Food:5/5. Atmosphere: 5/5 and Service: 5/5

+6

Had grilled octopus, penne arrabbiata, and pizza burata. Grilled octopus was amazing and plump, pasta was homey and delicious. the pizza was phenomenal, like biting into the burrata, tomato, basil, peppers and the pizza dough sends ur taste buds to Italy. add background noise of men speaking east coast 'talian English, theres the cherey on top. awesome restaurant.

INCREDIBLE!! Truly a hidden gem in this huge city. Sal was incredible, and brought us our pizza himself! This is the most authentic Italian pizza I’ve had outside of Italy itself. The bread was incredible. The restaurant was clean, the staff was truly amazing, and the food was out of this world. I highly recommend this place! There’s a strong chance I’ll go back tomorrow!!

My family and I had a wonderful dining experience at Donna Marguerite. The pasta, pizza and dessert were some of the best we’ve ever had in the city. The service was excellent. Highly recommend!

Amazing pasta and pizza! Service was excellent. We’ve passed by this place a lot and finally gave it a try, did not disappoint. The restaurant is also larger than you would think with two floors inside but the second floor gets quite hot when they’re using their in house brick oven.

Absolutely fantastic Neapolitan food. The servers and staff were all courteous and friendly, offering suggestions for dishes and dessert. The quality was probably the best I’ve had for Italian cuisine. Really excellent wine and beer prices too! Can’t wait to come back and try pizza and more dessert!

One of the best Italian restaurants in the city. Salvatore makes you feel like you’re in his home town of Naples. Very authentic dishes and all the ingredients are fresh. Highly recommend.

+6

A NYC must if you love true and authentic Neapolitan food and hospitality. Top quality ingredients hand picked and delivered from Naples and Italy. Fantastic culinary skills and wonderful service. We didn’t even order from the menu! We let one of the owners surprise us from one course to another.

The most authentic gem in the city! I arrived and greeted warmly by nearly the whole staff. I was seated immediately, though it was prior to dinner rush so make a reservation to be safe as it’s a small place. The decor is so warm and inviting and though it’s a small place it just feels intimate not cramped. I ordered the melanzane alla parmigiana (eggplant parmesan) and it was amazing! After enjoying a couple glasses of wine and my entree I had an incredible tiramisu, if you love that classic dessert you’ll want to try this one! I spoke with the owner and the chef afterwards who are both from Naples, Italy and they were lovely! I cannot recommend this place more and I look forward to going back very soon!

Had an amazing dinner there. The pasta was cooked perfectly and it was so delicious!

Authentic Italian food with amazing hospitality. Christopher the best server ever! We celebrated our Friends birthday and had Sal Sinatra perform. Off the charts!

Great authentic Italian cuisine with chef Salvatore who has a great selection of delicious dishes and delicious desserts, including some great wines on the wine list.

Salvatore is an incredible host and the restaurant is very cozy. We had an incredible meal in what it’s a family environment. Their alici fritte are incredible and the pizza is Neapolitan style. Highly recommended and will definitely go back!

This place is an absolute gem on the upper east side. Fine authentic Italian dining in a comfortable neighborhood setting. Sitting on the patio was absolutely perfect. The owner and chef are out with the patrons chatting and sharing their passion for the restaurant. The menu is based on the owner’s mother’s recipes from their home in Naples. I can’t say enough good things about our meal there. The food was incredible, the atmosphere is perfect. 10/10 - would gladly go back without hesitation

Had the pleasure of enjoying our Easter at Donna Margherita’s. So many amazing choices we ordered a lot and it did not disappoint. Everything waa delicious. I wish I had more room to eat it all. Will definitely come back on our next trip.

I can honestly say it's the best Italian food I've ever had in the 35 years. I've lived in New York City. The staff was great. I had a chance to meet the owner. What a great guy but the most important thing was truly the food. I definitely will be going back!

Best Italian food in NYC! This place is a must try. Food, drinks, atmosphere & staff are all spectacular. They went above and beyond for us. Will be back every time we visit NYC.

very small restaurant with great food. They have 5-6 tables but also outdoor makes more spaces for customers. Pizzas and pastas are great. I usually take-out! kids friendly and they have great wine too.

Classic dishes with great flavor. Food is cooked to perfection, 10/10 no notes. Service is great, and portion sizes are extremely generous, so come hungry!

Hidden gem. Everything was so good from the pizza down to the mozzarella and meatballs. I forgot to take a picture but I also had broccoli Rabe sausage it was so good. There was a group of 10 of us and everyone loved their food. Great wine selection. . Delicious bread with amazing olive oil to dip it in. Really great service. The owner came to see how we liked the food and he’s from Italy. It’s great to go to Italian restaurant to know someone who loves their food and is proud of it. We will definitely go back again if you’re in the area or visiting Marymount College this is the place to go to.

The visual atmosphere here is distinctive. Their cooking follows familiar taste patterns. The feeling here makes dining special. Employees provided competent assistance. This spot had no weak points.

As a real Italian.. this restaurant is even better then more tried in Italy.. amazing hospitality.. Enzo and Sal lovely people.. and the food , unbelievable, highly recommended.

The pizza here is amazing! Service is good too. I didn’t like the table (next to a loud fan) too much but we didn’t have a reservation so it’s understandable.

Our server Chris and his staff are the best service of all time! This was an unbelievable experience. Our family couldn’t be happier with the food, drinks, and service overall. We will absolutely be back again!

Delicious & Thoughtful Dining Italian Experience! Donna Margherita was amazing! They were super accommodating with my vegan pasta request — it was flavorful and fresh. My boyfriend loved his dish too, everything was clearly made with care. Cozy atmosphere, kind service, and food that makes you want to come back. Highly recommend!

Great authentic Italian food! My family and I come here all the time and we’re never disappointed! The owners are amazing and really make feel like you’re at home! Not only do I recommend the food (it is amazing and so authentic straight from Italy) but also the atmosphere!! Could not recommend this place enough!! You cannot go wrong with any dish here!

Donna Margherita is hands down the best Neapolitan pizza in NYC. You can taste the authenticity and freshness in every single bite. Also cannot say enough good things about the staff and atmosphere at Donna. This spot is a weekly staple in our household.

Hands down, one of the BEST Italian restaurants you must visit in New York City. I have been to New York multiple times, but this spot, which looks like a hole in the wall, is beyond amazing. I've been to Positano, Lake Como and Rome, Italy, and dining here has taken me back there. The staff is incredibly kind, at your service and will go the extra mile. Upon walking in, you feel at home. It is cozy, inviting and intimate. You'll see romantic couples, elderly best friends, business man and families dining. It is very inclusive and an experience. The service and care the waiters have is impeccable. There is not a single item you won't like off the menu. What I appreciated is meeting the owners, one whose name is Enzo. The chef takes time to prepare your dish. When they say, made with love, you can feel it here. I'm not an octopus lover but have had my share. This spot has by far the best octopus dish. Every special on the menu for the day took me somewhere else. The papardelle with ribs was mouth melting. They prepare the ribs for 7 hours. The branzino fish was exactly how I like my branzino. The red wine served was created by the family who owns First Formula. Definitely try their antipasto appetizer full of imported cheeses and cold cuts. Our entire table enjoyed absolutely everything. From the Bruschetta to the seafood fettuccine to pizza to the sangria drinks to the bread pudding and chocolate cake, every bite transported you to Europe. This is the spot I'd visit over and over again. It's authentic, lovely and a taste of Italy in America. Can't wait to be back.

Impeccable! The food, the service, the people. It was like walking into an Italian home and being served liked family. Fresh toasted bread and imported olive oil to start. Special appetizers. Fresh tomatoes from Mt Vesuvius. Entrees to swoon over. Dessert that melted in your mouth. First visit, won’t be the last!

+4

Authentic Neapolitan dishes and abundant portions. This small space is deceiving from the outside and at first was difficult to distinguish from an Italian-American restaurant to a real Italian restaurant, but once the plates are served, it becomes clear. Simple and quality ingredients as any true Italian dish should be. Run by Italians (Neapolitans), the pizza from the wood-burning oven is one of the best I've had in the city that is not mentioned enough among the more famous Neapolitan names in the city that come across your feed (also good). Definitely a regular go-to spot if ever in the upper east side.

My boyfriend and I went there last night and we had an amazing dinner and such a good time ! The owner came to us to chat and also offered us a dessert !!!food was delicious and Sal is such a great host and chef !!! We are picky Italian and we can recommend this restaurant if you re in for a great dinner !!!!Hopefully we ll see him soon again in New York

Great Italian restaurant in NY. We discovered this place in March and have home back ever since. The ingredients are top-quality, and the food is truly authentic Neapolitan. The quatro Formaggi pizza is superb. Highly reccomended. The service is great and the servers are really kind 🙏🏼 TOP

Love this spot! The owners are tremendous people and make the best Italian on the upper east side. We love the chicken parm and lasagna. All the desserts are tremendous. A must go!

I was introduced to this place by a friend and I cannot think of a better recommendation. I live in Miami, but I cannot think of any Italian place in NYC that has the quality and flavors of this place. Each time I come to the city, I cannot help but come and have a meal here. It feels as though you were transported in space directly to the south of Italy. The owners are always on site, making sure that you experience is superb. If you wanna have a genuine Italian experience in NYC, and not just the tourist filtered food and experience of other places, you must come here’s!

The most authentic Italian food in nyc! From the grilled octopus, pizza Margherita, to the seafood risotto and pasta with meatballs everything was delicious! The service and atmosphere were amazing and felt very welcoming. Definitely recommend it if you want real taste of Italian food. We will definitely be coming back.

We were visiting the city from Boston and came across this restaurant. Absolutely the best. Real, authentic Italian food made from mom’s recipes. The owner and chef visited us constantly to make sure we were happy and well fed (we were). Truly a neighborhood spot with lots of locals stopping by for take out or just to say hello. The owner is living his dream and making his mama proud!

Cozy Italian restaurant on the UES serving great quality food. I tried the Boscaiola pizza with mushrooms, sausage and basil. Good portion size. Finished off the meal with a cappuccino. They also provided a courtesy lemon fizz candy as a palate cleanser. Attentive service. Will definitely go back.

Not sure I want to share this authentic Italian gem with everyone 'cuz we're saving it for ourselves. Celebrating a weekday birthday in the city, we wanted some great, unpretentious food. Our server (everyone actually) Chris made us feel like part of the family. Reminiscing about growing up in Little Italy and living there for 40 years (us, not young Chris), we felt like we were having Sunday supper at Nonna's. Needless to say the pizza (with honey!), meatballs, octopus, braised short ribs - 2ways, all the pasta dishes, special olive oil, bread, Amarone, cappuccino, espresso...all of it was absolutely amazing. It's a hole in the wall and easy to miss, but missing this place would be tragic. Yeah, we all really enjoyed ourselves, thank you Donna Margherita!

+6

Small locally owned Italian restaurant. The bread was delicious and so was the pasta. The portions were quite big too (don’t let the photos fool you).

+6

I was visiting the MET museum - seeing the event for Reawakening of the fashion with my bestfriend & we were hungry but we were in the mood for pasta. I search on google maps nearest options and I found this place with good reviews and the picture of the food looking delicious. Eventually yes , we end up here. Let me tell you the food was exquisite and the drink top notch quality. We ordered : burrata & prosciutto , spaghetti carbonara & I added chicken, & Linguine alle vongole. For drinks we had Aperol spritz. Amazing !! Not every place knows how to do Aperol on point. The staff is very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful giving ideas. We spent the rest of the afternoon in this restaurant and we met the owner. His name is Salvatore. He was so polite and friendly, he gave us suggestions on the dessert for Chocolate soufflé and gelato. The chocolate was just delicious and not too sweat but also not bitter. Omg I cannot explain how good eveything was. Then he brought us Limoncello on the house and that was the cherry of the cake to complete an amazing evening. We will definitely come back soon 🔜. Thank you. Best restaurant for good food and talks.

Donna Margherita is an absolute gem on the Upper East Side! My family has been coming here for a while, and it’s the closest thing to real Neapolitan food you’ll find outside of Italy. The flavors are authentic, the ingredients are high-quality, and you can truly taste the passion in every dish. The brick oven pizzas are a must-try—thin, crispy, and topped with fresh buffalo mozzarella and pecorino, just like in Naples. The pasta dishes are just as incredible, especially the classic meat lasagna and the penne in spicy homemade tomato sauce. Everything here is made with that old-school Italian love and tradition. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it perfect for date nights, family dinners, or casual meals with friends. The staff is always friendly and welcoming, which makes every visit even better. They also offer takeout and delivery, so you can enjoy their delicious food at home. If you’re looking for a truly authentic Italian dining experience in NYC, Donna Margherita is the place to go. My family keeps coming back, and we’ll continue to for years to come!

5 stars all around. Food was amazing, hands down the best, most authentic Italian food in manhattan. The owner/chef is so friendly and interesting check out his episode of chopped!

This is truly an authentic Italian restaurant. The food is amazing. !!!!! If you want true authentic Italian food and atmosphere this is the spot….

Very authentic Italian foods. One of the best spaghetti with clam sauce I have had. Very flavorful and not too greasy. The pizza has the softest and chewiest crust. The serving size are good too. Definitely recommend.

We’ve eaten here a couple of times now since we were in the upper East Side. The food is really good! We’ve tried a couple of the pizzas and pasta dishes. They were all excellent. The service is really good as well. It’s a small place with both indoor and outdoor seating. The menu has a good selection of food options and they have a good wine selection. Definitely recommend if you’re going to be in the area and looking for some good food!

+4

Donna Margherita pizza was spectacular! Enzo and Salvatore are the best—so warm and welcoming, they make you feel like you’ve been transported straight to Italy. The hospitality is unmatched, and the food is absolutely delicious. From the friese salad and croquettes to the pizza and bread pudding, every bite was fantastic. Love it here so much—can’t wait to come back!

Donna Margarita is hands down some of the best authentic Italian food I’ve had in all of NYC. You can really taste the quality of every single meal. The service was absolutely phenomenal from start to finish. Enzo went above and beyond to make my experience unforgettable. genuinely passionate about what they do here. I’ll definitely be back soon. Highly recommend this spot to anyone who’s looking for real Italian food

Margaret Akhteebo

I recently dined at Donna Margherita and it was pure perfection from start to finish. The service was exceptional - warm, attentive and genuinely welcoming, making us feel like family rather than just customers. Our server was knowledgeable about the menu, patient with questions and timed everything perfectly. The food was outstanding! We started with the classic Margherita pizza fresh rom the wood-fired oven-crispy, perfectly blistered crust, creamy mozzarella, bright San Marzano tomatoes and fragrant basil. Everything we tried in between was delicious!! I highly recommend it!

Catherine Maggio

Dined with our cousin TJ, exquisite food and excellent service. Linguine & clams, spicy rigatoni, lobster tail risotto, pizza with olives was perfect! Cozy Monday night spot in the UES (Upper East Side) Love🤍! Molte grazie, Enzo per la bella cena, perfecto👌

+6

Ellie Joyce

We cannot say enough good things about Donna Margherita! We will RAVE about it to any one who asks. The lovely staff, head chef and owner who are from Naples all introduced themselves and were wonderfully friendly. We ordered the stuffed peppers, Cannelloni and Paccheri Sunday Sauce (a pasta with short rib marinated for 7 hours). Has to be one of most authentic, flavorful Italian meals we’ve had, in a cozy, warm ambience that felt personalized throughout our time there. A gem in the Lenox Hill!

Sabrina Silva

One of the best Italian restaurants! I’m celiac and they had an amazing gluten free pasta I chose carbonara with it. It was really really good! They gave me an amazing gluten free dessert as well. The staff was really nice and very knowledgeable about my food restrictions! I highly reccomend it! Thank you so much!!!

Jasmin El

Donna Margherita is a true gem in NYC. As a real Italian born and raised in Italy, coming here genuinely feels like being back home. The food is so authentic and made with love, and the whole vibe is warm and welcoming. I’m so grateful to have a place like this in NYC—so far from home, but soooo good. Highly recommend!

Patricia Wedding

Best calamari I’ve had in years! And don’t get me started on the Pizza. We shared a Cotto E Funghi, “Imported mozzarella, prosciutto cotto, mushroom and basil,” which was delicioso! And we topped the experience with a vanilla gelato. Atmosphere is intimate and cozy! Excellent and attentive staff. Fenomenal!

Melinda Stumpp

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Exceptional Experience at Donna Margherita I had an outstanding meal at Donna Margherita, and it’s easily one of the best Italian dining experiences I’ve had in New York. From the moment I sat down, the service was warm, attentive, and genuine — Claudio took wonderful care of us and made the entire visit feel effortless. The food was exceptional. The Linguine alle Vongole was beautifully executed — perfectly al dente pasta, fresh clams, and a delicate balance of white wine, garlic, and herbs. Every bite tasted like classic, coastal Italy. The Spicy Rigatoni Boscaiola was another standout: rich, creamy, and layered with flavor, with just the right amount of heat. It’s the kind of dish you find yourself thinking about long after you leave. We also enjoyed a fresh mesclun salad and finished with their Italian cheesecake, which was light, silky, and not overly sweet — exactly how an authentic Italian cheesecake should be. Between the quality of the food, the thoughtful service, and the warm atmosphere, Donna Margherita is a place I’m already excited to return to. Highly recommend for anyone looking for true, memorable Italian cuisine on the Upper East Side.

Serena C

If you’re looking for truly authentic Neapolitan food in NYC, this spot is a must. The pizza is exactly like in Naples soft, perfectly blistered, and made with the best ingredients that speak for themselves. Beyond the pizza, the menu features real Neapolitan classics like handmade pasta, and traditional dishes that taste straight out of Campania. Warm atmosphere, genuine flavors, and incredible attention to tradition. The closest you’ll get to Naples without flying there. Highly recommended!

Spencer Rosengarten

Upper East Side eatery with a refined hole-in-the-wall feel surrounded by Italian memorabilia. Crostini so good, it doesn't need oil or butter to want seconds. An incredibly tasty meatball appetizer and spaghetti. Individual neopolitan pizzas among the best I've ever had.

Luca

Home away from home. Make me feel back in Napoli everytime I go. Enzo e Sal, thank you for giving us amazing evenings and, the best Italian cuisine of NYC.

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

Excellent service. The waiter suggested a wine that exactly fit what I liked. The space is small and works well for a small group and cozy conversation. The beet salad was very good. The pizza was thin on the bottom and the crust was soft and pillowy. I like a more well done crust, but that's a personal preference.

The place is nice as well as the staff. The Salmon Salad and the Donna Margherita Pizza were both great and enough for the two of us. I wish the pizzas had more diverse toppings, e.g. veggies, salmon, etc. Otherwise we really enjoyed it.

A very solid red sauce Italian shpat. The pastas are solid, the chicken parm gets the job done, the pizza is fantastic Neapolitan style goodness, and the tiramisu is a banger. If you’re looking for your quintessential Italian American, this is likely your best bet in the UES.

The Neapolitan pizza had a delicious, soft, and pillowy crust, but the bottom of the slice was too soggy and lacked a proper crust. The octopus salad was flavorful, but I wished they had charred the sliced edges. It seemed they cooked the octopus first and then cut it, whereas I would have preferred the edges to be cooked as well. Additionally, the salad was quite overpriced. Overall, it was a good experience, as it was a standard midrange Italian restaurant. Thanks Donna Margherita!

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!

Some of the wait staff were incredibly rude and unprofessional. We had a reservation time that we moved back by half an hour. We made this change over two hours before our arrival, but when we arrived, they insisted that we hadn’t updated the time and that we had made last-minute changes, even though we had email confirmation. They asked us to wait, but five minutes later, they seated a man who had come in after us at an upstairs table that we hadn’t noticed. When I asked why he was given a table before us, they claimed that he also had a reservation and had come in an hour earlier, only to be told to come back. This made no sense to us. We are giving the restaurant two stars because we did enjoy our food, and the wait staff for our table were good. However, the way our arrival was handled was unpleasant and unnecessary and ruined the overall enjoyment of our evening.

I had the pleasure of experiencing the *unfortunate* reality of dining at this establishment. It seems that without a reservation, you might as well be invisible here. We arrived, full of hope, only to be escorted to a tiny table by the bustling kitchen, which was clearly the "special" seating for those who clearly don’t matter. While we did enjoy a front-row seat to the chaos behind the scenes, my experience took a delightful turn when a rather *enthusiastic* manager—or perhaps a particularly *friendly* fellow customer—decided it would be amusing to jostle me as I sat there awkwardly. So, for anyone considering a visit, I would highly recommend making a reservation. Unless, of course, you enjoy being treated like a second-class patron—who wouldn’t want that? I bid farewell to this establishment knowing that there are far better dining options nearby, where the service comes with a smile and perhaps a bit more respect for their guests. Happy dining!