ZipPicks Awards
Best Italian in Lower East Side
Best Tasting Menus in Lower East Side
Master Critic Review
Forsythia
8.3
Forsythia is a modern Italian spot where handmade pastas and seasonal small plates lean creative without losing comfort. The tight, softly lit dining room and bar make it ideal for dates or a focused dinner built around a couple of pastas and a bottle of wine.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal stuffed cappellacci, Cacio e pepe-style tonnarelli, Short rib ragu pasta
Scores:
Value: 6.3
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Creative, pasta-driven Italian cooking in an intimate, chef-focused space.
Who should go: Pasta-obsessed diners looking for a newer LES favorite.
When to visit: Weeknights or early weekends before the room gets loud.
What to order: One seasonal appetizer, two different pastas, and a shared dessert.
Insider tip: Bar seats are ideal if you want more interaction with the team and a shorter wait.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Forsyth Street and Rivington; expect metered spots to be scarce after 6pm. Nearest reliable option is the Allen Street garage, 5–7 minutes away.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but most guests lean slightly dressy—think date-night tops, button-downs, or elevated casual wear.
Noise level: Moderate. You can comfortably hold a conversation, though the room gets livelier at peak dinner hours due to its tight layout.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for prime 7–8pm slots. Bar seats turn faster but still fill early.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; early dinner on weekdays is also easier for walk-ins.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several strong options, especially among the pastas and seasonal small plates. Staff can guide you toward the most veg-friendly dishes.
Vegan options: Limited—most dishes rely on dairy or eggs. You may find 1–2 vegan-leaning plates depending on the season, but this is not a vegan-focused kitchen.
Gluten-free options: They can accommodate by recommending non-pasta dishes, but gluten-free pasta substitutions are not guaranteed. Cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The intimate lighting, bar seating, and focused pasta-driven menu create a warm, conversation-friendly environment without feeling too formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? You can, especially early on weekdays or if you're willing to take a bar seat. On weekends, walk-ins should expect a wait or consider arriving right at opening.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. The room is small, lighting is low, and the menu skews adult. Best suited for teens and older rather than younger children.
Best For
Better for: Handmade pasta with a creative edge, intimate date-night energy, and a chef-driven feel that’s more personal than larger Italian spots nearby.
Skip if: You need large-group seating, vegan-friendly options, or a loud, bustling trattoria vibe—this is more refined and intimate.