I Sodi

Tucked away on Bleecker Street in the West Village, I Sodi operates with a quiet confidence that sets it apart from louder Italian spots around town. The dining room feels serene—white walls, worn ceiling beams, and jazz playing so softly you might wonder if you’re imagining it. This is a restaurant where conversation flows easily and the focus stays squarely on the plate in front of you.

The kitchen takes a decidedly Tuscan approach, letting quality ingredients do most of the talking. While the towering lasagna has become something of a social media sensation with its twenty-odd layers of pasta, the real magic lies in the simpler preparations. The pappardelle al limone delivers bright citrus notes against perfectly springy noodles, while the paccheri showcases how a good meat sauce should cling to every tube of pasta. Order the pici if it’s offered as a special—those thick, hand-rolled strands swimming in chunky pesto are pure comfort.

The experience here feels distinctly grown-up without being stuffy. Compared to the perpetual chaos at its sister spot Via Carota, I Sodi reads like a calm retreat. The bar seating works beautifully for couples or solo diners who managed to snag a reservation, and the expanded space means you actually have a shot at getting in. Even with a quoted two-hour wait, regulars will tell you it’s worth every minute.

Come here when you want Italian food that honors tradition without shouting about it. Skip the lasagna on your first visit if you want the full picture—or don’t, just know there’s so much more to discover. Start with a negroni, order more pasta than you think you need, and settle in for one of the city’s most dependable Italian meals.