Malatesta Trattoria

(212) 741-1207

649 Washington St (at Christopher St.)
New York, NY 10014 40.7328 -74.0084

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Neighborhoods: West Village, Downtown

MALATESTATRATTORIA.COM

Hours:

Mon-Thurs: 5:30pm-10:30pm

Fri & Sat: 11:30am-11:30pm

Sun: 11:30am-10:30pm

Price:

$$

Last updated 4.14.11

Category:

Restaurants

Payment Methods:

Cash

Restaurant Special Features:

Local Favorite, Romantic Dining, Date Spot, Brunch, Cheap Eats, Outdoor Dining

General Info:

Open 7 Days

Cuisine:

Italian

What People Are Saying About Malatesta Trattoria

Featured Review

Kathleen Squires

Contributor

In Short – Simple charms--exposed brick, breakaway doors, lacey curtains, and ceiling fans--enhance this reliable neighborhood favorite, where specials are written in marker on butcher paper, water comes in recycled wine bottles and wine is served in tumblers. There's no pretension on the menu either, which ranges from homemade pastas like tagliatelle Bolognese to heartier entrees like a plate-sized chicken cutlet adorned with arugula, tomato and a squirt of fresh lemon.

Editor's Tips

Know Before You Go:
Reservations are only taken for three or more people.
ambiance
90.90999603271484% positive
  1. However, sacrifice the prospect of bonus points/miles and enjoy a really fun, casual and almost energetic dining experience.
  2. Good for dates or large groups, the casual atmosphere is as welcoming as the friendly staff when you walk in.
  3. Their menu is simple, but delicious and provides an intimat atmosphere with a helpful staff.
  4. On a romantic little corner of the Village.
  5. The ambiance is pleasant and relaxing.
  6. With its elegant simplicity, this is a great place for a cozy dinner.
  7. even the glasses, decor are authentic and what might find in an out of the way Northern Italian Restaurant.
  8. Went last night on a Saturday night and the restaurant had a great atmosphere - until the food came!
  9. went in January and experienced everything you could hope to experience from the corner Italian place: a warm ambiance, good food, a charming (and accented, natch) waitstaff.
  10. fantastic food, friendly atmosphere
  11. The only downside to this place is the location, which is sketchy.
dessert
100.0% positive
  1. stick around for dessert it's the perfect combination of artwork and incredible taste.
drinks
83.12999725341797% positive
  1. It's a hike for most, but well worth the trip for fresh pasta and inexpensive wine and they serve up one of the best chicken cutlets in the city.
  2. mediocre wine list, cash only, and the friendly but not very professional street-clothed waitstaff. i think all 5 waiters/waitresses served our table at one point or another, which caused some confusion about what had been ordered, etc., and i got the fee
  3. They have house wines in bottles, carafes, or bottles, all at reasonable prices.
  4. Clams and mussels in white wine are divine, and the mixed bruschetta appetizer is delicious and great for sharing.
food quality
99.04999732971191% positive
  1. would recommend the Bruschetta as an appetizer and the Tagliata Al Casale (Steak) and the Costoletta Di Agnello (Lamb Chop) for the meat courses.
  2. also love the portions: they're just perfect for a starter and main dish (even for a girl), whereas other Italian places tend to me portions so big you can't enjoy the menu and walk out swearing never to eat again.
  3. Almost all the pasta dishes are homemade, and the specials are great!
  4. The all crew is REAL Italian, funny in their inarticulated English, their manager is professional and charming with his educated manners, and the food.
  5. When it first came, it was such a big plate and the sauce was so rich I couldn't even see myself even finishing half of it, but the gnocci was in a way so light and fluffy that I nearly finished my plate.
  6. It's a hike for most, but well worth the trip for fresh pasta and inexpensive wine and they serve up one of the best chicken cutlets in the city.
  7. Really great food, although a bit pricey.
  8. Went last night on a Saturday night and the restaurant had a great atmosphere - until the food came!
  9. Good food as usual and horrible service.
  10. The food, the pasta is always fresh.
  11. The salad with chicken is delicious.
  12. The pasta is fresh, salad is perfect.
  13. Simple yet totally delicious.
  14. Casual elegance, good vibes and solid food.
  15. always order the lamb or gniocci, both are delicious, as is the spaghetti.
  16. even the glasses, decor are authentic and what might find in an out of the way Northern Italian Restaurant.
  17. fantastic food, friendly atmosphere
  18. The ministrone soup,gnocchi, basic tomato,basil pasta, panacotta are just excellent amongst others.
  19. It was just as we remembered: great, authentic Italian food with great prices (the best ravioli I had - only $12).
  20. Cozy spot with good food
  21. Grilled calamari appetizer was fresh and excellent.
  22. They have some great Chianti to go with your meal.
  23. Outstanding homemade pasta!
  24. Clams and mussels in white wine are divine, and the mixed bruschetta appetizer is delicious and great for sharing.
  25. went in January and experienced everything you could hope to experience from the corner Italian place: a warm ambiance, good food, a charming (and accented, natch) waitstaff.
  26. Their menu is simple, but delicious and provides an intimat atmosphere with a helpful staff.
  27. Spinach gnocci was amazing but so were other dishes my friends ordered.
  28. I've been here several times and the food is always good.
  29. nice little trattoria with a quirky sensibility, good pasta, and good prices. definitely feels like a neighborhood joint. almost all the pastas are homemade (try the spinach gnocchi in gorgonzola), and the menu is relatively small but varied.
  30. Great value for money, very hospitable and knowledeable staff and most importantly you can see that they have passion for food!
  31. The best thing here is the Spaghetti Alla Chitarra, which is by far the best pasta around.
  32. Most nights there is a lively, mixed crowd (many Europeans), and always a colorful and welcoming staff, in an authentic northern Italian taverna setting.
  33. The food here is probably some of the most consistently fresh and good food I've ever had.
  34. This is modern style Italian - very fresh - plates are not enormous, but the prices are very reasonable.
  35. Great food, great prices, well worth stopping in!
menu variety
91.66999816894531% positive
  1. love that they made rubber bands and clothespins on the menus elegant.
  2. Their menu is simple, but delicious and provides an intimat atmosphere with a helpful staff.
  3. also love the portions: they're just perfect for a starter and main dish (even for a girl), whereas other Italian places tend to me portions so big you can't enjoy the menu and walk out swearing never to eat again.
  4. nice little trattoria with a quirky sensibility, good pasta, and good prices. definitely feels like a neighborhood joint. almost all the pastas are homemade (try the spinach gnocchi in gorgonzola), and the menu is relatively small but varied.
overall
100.0% positive
  1. Malatesta is favorite restaurant in Manhattan!
  2. This is my favorite restaurant in New York.
  3. With its elegant simplicity, this is a great place for a cozy dinner.
  4. My favorite restaurant in New York!
  5. Overall a great place if you are craving Italian!
  6. Friendly, warm, great place for dinner with friends.
service
81.87999725341797% positive
  1. Their menu is simple, but delicious and provides an intimat atmosphere with a helpful staff.
  2. Good for dates or large groups, the casual atmosphere is as welcoming as the friendly staff when you walk in.
  3. Good food as usual and horrible service.
  4. Service was European style -- not pushy or rushed, but very attentive when we needed it.
  5. The all crew is REAL Italian, funny in their inarticulated English, their manager is professional and charming with his educated manners, and the food.
  6. fantastic food, friendly atmosphere
  7. Great value for money, very hospitable and knowledeable staff and most importantly you can see that they have passion for food!
  8. The wait staff is all friendly.
  9. few blocks away and this is beyond rude and unacceptable.
  10. mediocre wine list, cash only, and the friendly but not very professional street-clothed waitstaff. i think all 5 waiters/waitresses served our table at one point or another, which caused some confusion about what had been ordered, etc., and i got the fee
  11. Service is attentive but not intrusive--and can be a bit slow on busy nights, as expected.
  12. Most nights there is a lively, mixed crowd (many Europeans), and always a colorful and welcoming staff, in an authentic northern Italian taverna setting.
value
96.66999816894531% positive
  1. It was just as we remembered: great, authentic Italian food with great prices (the best ravioli I had - only $12).
  2. This is modern style Italian - very fresh - plates are not enormous, but the prices are very reasonable.
  3. Great food, great prices, well worth stopping in!
  4. nice little trattoria with a quirky sensibility, good pasta, and good prices. definitely feels like a neighborhood joint. almost all the pastas are homemade (try the spinach gnocchi in gorgonzola), and the menu is relatively small but varied.
  5. Really great food, although a bit pricey.
  6. They have house wines in bottles, carafes, or bottles, all at reasonable prices.
  7. Great value for money, very hospitable and knowledeable staff and most importantly you can see that they have passion for food!
  8. It's a hike for most, but well worth the trip for fresh pasta and inexpensive wine and they serve up one of the best chicken cutlets in the city.
  9. Good, affordable italian; casual environment
  10. also love the portions: they're just perfect for a starter and main dish (even for a girl), whereas other Italian places tend to me portions so big you can't enjoy the menu and walk out swearing never to eat again.
wait time
75.0% positive
  1. Service is attentive but not intrusive--and can be a bit slow on busy nights, as expected.
  2. live across the street from this restaurant, and it is one of the best places to go for a quick bite, or to bring an out-of-towner.
4 Star Rating: Recommended

07/27/11

Great Gnocchi!

by isiciliani at Citysearch

Great food at great prices. The gnocchi with gorgonzola cheese is just right. I was there with friends in Dec 2010. writing this review because we are going back tonight.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

03/23/10

Great Italian, cute venue

by ajk1 at Citysearch

My husband and I stumbled on this place a couple years back, and we both loved it so much we went back a couple weeks ago. It was just as we remembered: great, authentic Italian food with great prices (the best ravioli I had - only $12). They have house wines in bottles, carafes, or bottles, all at reasonable prices. I also love the portions: they're just perfect for a starter and main dish (even for a girl), whereas other Italian places tend to me portions so big you can't enjoy the menu and walk out swearing never to eat again.

  • Pros: service, food, relaxed ambience, prices
  • Cons: nothing
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

12/04/09

A bit of Italy in the village

by DCarr at Citysearch

Been there twice in the last few weeks. Both times had fantastic dinners, from the appetizers through the salads and pastas. Service was European style -- not pushy or rushed, but very attentive when we needed it. Friendly, warm, great place for dinner with friends. A find.

  • Pros: Warm atmosphere, terrific food, excellent service
  • Cons: Can be LOUD
2 Star Rating: Below Average

11/22/09

Overcooked pasta!

by Luisita at Citysearch

Went last night on a Saturday night and the restaurant had a great atmosphere - until the food came! All three dishes of pasta were overcooked. When we complained the waiter just said sorry.

Hopefully just a bad night....

  • Pros: charming, romantic place
  • Cons: Badly cooked food
4 Star Rating: Recommended

03/29/09

Great Italian

by JKWestVillage at Citysearch

It's a hike for most, but well worth the trip for fresh pasta and inexpensive wine and they serve up one of the best chicken cutlets in the city. A true gem.

  • Pros: Great food, Great Lighting, Inexpensive
  • Cons: Cash Only

The Details on Malatesta Trattoria

Place Categories:

  • good authentic italian food
  • great place
  • fresh basil pasta
  • great prices
  • really fun dining experience
  • favorite neighborhood restaurant
  • very attentive european style
  • most amazingly delightful dinner
  • helpful wait staff
  • professional manager
  • great specials
  • charming waitstaff
  • great atmosphere
  • relaxing ambiance
  • affordable italian
  • unacceptable few blocks
  • fresh grilled calamari appetizer
  • attentive service
  • big portions
  • divine clams
  • always order lamb
  • warm good food
  • best chicken cutlets
  • delicious salad
  • delicious mixed bruschetta appetizer