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Cacio e Pepe ico

Cacio e Pepe
- 182 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003

Roman restaurant, Bar ★4.0 (143)·$30–50

182 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003, USA

4.0
Amazing homemade pasta, tossed with black pepper in the cheese wheel in front of us. Great wine selection, and very nice staff. We sat in the window, but there is also a patio out back. Great bread with homemade tomato sauce. - John “Astrogator John” Carrico
Cacio e Pepe Overview Intro Menu Detail Photos Location Reviews
$30–50 per person Reported by 143 people$20–30$30–50$50–100$100+

Cacio e Pepe Introduce

Welcome to Cacio e Pepe, a slice of Rome right in the heart of New York City's East Village. This isn't just an Italian restaurant; it's a dedicated Roman restaurant, bringing the rich, traditional flavors of Italy's capital to Manhattan. From the moment you step inside, you'll be enveloped in an atmosphere that is at once cozy, romantic, and trendy, making it the perfect setting for a variety of occasions, from an intimate date night to a celebratory dinner with friends and family.

Cacio e Pepe has built its reputation on serving authentic Italian comfort food, with a special emphasis on pasta dishes that are made with care and tradition. The highlight of the menu is undoubtedly the dish that shares its name with the restaurant—the Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe, which is famously prepared right at your table from a giant cheese wheel. This live-action cooking creates a memorable and engaging dining experience that sets this restaurant apart. Beyond the signature dish, the menu is a journey through Roman and Italian culinary traditions, offering everything from classic antipasti to hearty secondi.

The restaurant also boasts an exceptional wine list, with a wide selection of bottles from various Italian regions and beyond. Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or just looking for a perfect pairing for your pasta, the staff is knowledgeable and ready to help you find the right bottle. The commitment to a complete dining experience is evident in every detail, from the great coffee and desserts to the inviting and friendly service. The restaurant is a popular choice for tourists, families, and is proudly LGBTQ+ friendly, ensuring that everyone feels welcome.

While some might find the food to be "just okay" compared to other top-tier Italian restaurants in the city, the overall experience—the ambiance, the service, and the signature tableside preparation—makes Cacio e Pepe a worthwhile and memorable destination.

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Location and Accessibility

Cacio e Pepe is conveniently located at 182 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003, in the lively and eclectic East Village. This prime location places it in a bustling neighborhood known for its diverse culinary scene and vibrant nightlife. Situated on 2nd Avenue, the restaurant is easily accessible by various public transportation options, including the subway and bus lines that run through the area.

For those looking to enjoy a meal outdoors, the restaurant offers charming outdoor seating, perfect for a pleasant evening. There's also a back patio, which one customer noted is a lovely, secluded spot. This variety of seating options ensures that you can find the perfect spot to enjoy your meal, whether you prefer the energy of the street or a more private, serene setting.

While specific accessibility information regarding wheelchair access to the entrance, restrooms, and seating is not publicly listed, the restaurant is located at street level, which often implies some level of accessibility. It's always a good idea to call ahead and confirm any specific needs with the staff. The central location in the East Village makes it a great meeting point and a fantastic destination for a night out in one of Manhattan's most dynamic neighborhoods.

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Services Offered

Cacio e Pepe provides a comprehensive range of services to ensure a seamless and enjoyable dining experience for all its patrons.

  • Dining Options: The restaurant offers a variety of dining options throughout the day, including brunch, lunch, and dinner. It also provides a dedicated dessert service to cap off your meal.
  • Service Styles: You can choose to dine in for a traditional table service experience or opt for the convenience of takeout or delivery if you prefer to enjoy their food at home.
  • Reservations: Cacio e Pepe accepts reservations, which are highly recommended, especially for peak dining hours, to secure a table and avoid a wait.
  • Private Dining: For special occasions or larger groups, the restaurant offers a private dining room, providing an intimate and exclusive setting.
  • Payment Flexibility: They accept multiple forms of payment, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, making transactions quick and easy.
  • Family-Friendly: With high chairs and a "good for kids" designation, the restaurant is a welcoming place for families to dine.

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Features and Highlights

Cacio e Pepe is celebrated for several key features that set it apart from other Italian restaurants in the city.

  • The Famous Cacio e Pepe: The signature dish is a major highlight. The tableside preparation where the pasta is tossed in a giant wheel of Pecorino Romano cheese is a fantastic spectacle and results in a uniquely creamy and flavorful pasta.
  • Great Wine List: The restaurant boasts an extensive and well-curated wine list, featuring a wide array of Italian wines from different regions, as well as some international selections. This makes it a destination for wine lovers.
  • Romantic and Cozy Atmosphere: The ambiance is a standout feature. Described as romantic, cozy, and trendy, it's the perfect spot for a date night or any special occasion where a charming setting is desired.
  • High-Quality Offerings: Beyond the main courses, the restaurant is praised for its great cocktails, delicious desserts, and quality coffee, ensuring a complete and satisfying meal. They also offer vegetarian options and organic dishes, catering to different dietary preferences.
  • Onsite Bar: A full bar onsite provides a great place to enjoy a drink before your meal or to simply relax with a cocktail or a glass of wine.

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Contact Information

For reservations or any other inquiries, you can contact Cacio e Pepe directly.

Address: 182 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003, USA

Phone: (212) 505-5931

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What Is Worth Choosing

When you choose to dine at Cacio e Pepe, you're choosing more than just a meal; you're choosing an authentic and memorable Roman dining experience. The undisputed main event is the Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe. This is not just a dish, but a performance, as the fresh, homemade pasta is expertly tossed in a hollowed-out wheel of Pecorino Romano cheese right at your table. The result is a simple yet incredibly rich and flavorful pasta that is a true testament to the beauty of traditional Roman cuisine.

Beyond the star attraction, the menu offers a wealth of other delicious choices. For a hearty pasta dish, the Bucatini All'Amatriciana and Rigatoni Allá Carbonara are excellent options that showcase classic Italian comfort food. The antipasti menu also has some great choices, with the Suppli Al Telefono (fried rice balls with mozzarella) and Burrata being popular and tasty starters. For main courses, the Salmone and Branzino offer lighter but equally flavorful alternatives.

The drink menu is another reason to visit. The wine list is extensive and meticulously curated, with a wide selection of Italian wines that can beautifully complement any dish. Whether you're looking for a crisp Pinot Grigio from Lazio or a robust Barolo from Piemonte, you will find a bottle that fits your taste and budget. The availability of great cocktails and a full bar also makes it a great spot for happy hour.

Ultimately, what is worth choosing is the entire experience. The combination of the romantic and cozy atmosphere, the professional and friendly staff, the famous tableside service, and the high-quality, authentic food makes Cacio e Pepe a standout in the East Village dining scene. While other places might have great Italian food, few offer the same level of memorable performance and intimate ambiance, making it a perfect choice for a special occasion or a delightful date night.

Cacio e Pepe Menu

  • Antipasti

  • Timballo $16.00

    Eggplant Parmesan timballe

  • Polpettine Di Carne Al Sugo Di Pomodoro $18.00

    Meatballs in tomato sauce and basil.

  • Burrata $23.00

    Burrata with panzanella, mortadella gelato & pistachio crumble

  • Calamari Fritti $20.00

    Fried calamari.

  • Suppli Al Telefono $17.00

    Bolognese rice balls.

  • Pinsa Romana $25.00

    Roman-style pizza with burrata, truffles & edible flowers

  • Tartare $20.00

    Salmon tartar, wasabi gelato, caramelized soy sauce

  • Patate $17.00

    Potato croquette stuffed with ‘ndjua & mozzarella

  • Suppli $17.00

    Bolognese rice balls

  • Cesar Salad $14.00

    Cesar salad

  • Insalata 10-20-30 $14.00

    Salad 10, 20, 30, or maybe more: fruit, nuts, herbs, greens, seeds, etc.

  • Insalata Estiva $14.00

    Summer salad: tomatoes, peaches, cantaloupe, watermelon, basil, pistachio cream

  • Zuppa $16.00

    Chilled strawberry & tomato soup with almonds, avocado & tempura mussels

  • Caprese $20.00

    Buffalo mozzarella caprese

  • Primi

  • Tonnarelli Cacio E Pepe $26.00

    Homemade tonnarelli pasta with cacio e pepe.

  • Bucatini All Amatriciana $26.00

    Bucatini with tomato, guanciale and pecorino.

  • Lasagna $26.00

    Bolognese lasagna in beschemel

  • Rigatoni Allá Carbonara $26.00

    Rigatoni in carbonara sauce

  • Gnocchetti $24.00

    Homemade gnocchi with tomato and mozzarella

  • Fettuccine $24.00

    Lemon fettuccine over parmesan fondu

  • Tubetti $24.00

    Tubetti pasta as if it were a Caesar salad

  • Paccheri $27.00

    Jumbo rigatoni in veal ragú with raisins, pine nuts & fennel herb

  • Fusilli $25.00

    Fusilli with Genovese pesto

  • Linguine $27.00

    Linguine with saffron, sea urchin, & crispy quinoa

  • Mezzi Paccheri $27.00

    Mezzi paccheri with purée of chickpeas, red shrimp, & cardamon powder

  • Risotto $27.00

    “Pizza” risotto - buffalo mozzarella, anchovy, tomato, basil & caper powder

  • Secondi

  • Salmone $34.00

    Salmon filet, grilled leeks, spicy avocado mousse, coconut & lime sauce

  • Branzino $38.00

    Pan roasted branzino in “acqua pazza” & branzino tartar on frisella bread & parsley potatoes

  • Pollo $32.00

    Chicken mille-feuilles milanese, arugula, cherry tomatoes, & shaved parmesan

  • Agnello $38.00

    Braised orange lamb shank with potato purée & coffee baby carrots

  • Wines

  • Prosecco Extra Dry $40.00
  • Moscato D'Asti $40.00
  • Lambrusco $50.00
  • Champagne Velve Clicquot $150.00
  • Rose 2022, Nero D'Avola/Syrah, Planeta Sicilia $50.00
  • Pinot Grigio, 2022, Cacio E Pepe, Lazio $50.00
  • Sauvignon Blanc, 2022, Tenuta Moreni, Venezia Giulia $50.00
  • Gavi Di Gavi, 2023 Laghi Bellina, Piemonte $55.00
  • Chardonnay, 2022, Villa Dugo, Veneto $50.00
  • Pecorino, 2022, Castorani, Abruzzo $50.00
  • Riesling Essence, 2021, Germany $50.00
  • Frascati, 2022, Principe Pallancini, Lazio $50.00
  • Ripasso Valpolicella Farina, 2021, Verona $55.00
  • Super Tuscan Muralia, 2020, Toscana $55.00
  • Pinot Noir, Monte Degli Angeli, 2022, Piemonte $50.00
  • Sangiovese Borghese Chianti, 2021, Toscana $50.00
  • Montepulciano D'Abruzzo, 2020, Cacio E Pepe, Abruzzo $50.00
  • Nero D'Avola, Terre Siciliane, 2020, Sicilia $50.00
  • Barbera Amonte, 2021, Piemonte $50.00
  • Cabernet Franc, 2022, Villa Dugo, Veneto $60.00
  • Nebbiolo, 2021, Cascina Carra', Piemonte $60.00
  • Amarone Bertani, 2011, Veneto $200.00
  • Barolo Ceretto, 2018, Piemonte $100.00
  • Amaron Zardini, 2016, Veneto $100.00
  • Cabernet Herotance Napa Valley 2016 $100.00
  • Barbaresco Fontanafredda, 2020 Piemonte $80.00
  • Barolo Neirano, 2019, Piemonte $75.00
  • Merlot Leopold Fiegl, 2015, Venezia Giulia $60.00
  • Nebbiolo Alba Goste Della Sesia, 2020, Piemonte $75.00
  • Dolceto D'Alba, 2020, Camerano, Piemonte $55.00
  • Barbera Superiore Oliveta, 2020, Piemonte $60.00
  • Cesanessa Gasato Del Biglio, 2022, Lazio $55.00
  • Rosso Di Montalcino Col D'Orcia, 2018, Montalcino $100.00
  • Brunello Di Montalcino Col D'Orcia, 2018, Montalcino $120.00
  • Aglianico Fontana Vecchia, 2020, Campania $55.00
  • Chianti Classico Fattoria La Ripa, 2020, Toscana $65.00
  • Montepulciano D'abruzzo 2018, Podera Castorani Riserva $70.00
  • Primitivo Fabiana, Zi, 2020, Puglia $60.00
  • Lagrein Alto Adige Cantina Andriano, 2020 $60.00
  • Nerello Mascalese, Donna Di Coppe, 2020, Sicilia $55.00
  • Nero D'Avola, 2021, Baglio Di Serra Harrocco, Sicilia $60.00
  • Morellino Di Scansano Poggio Maestino, Toscana, 2021 $60.00

Cacio e Pepe Details

  • Service options

  • Outdoor seating
  • Delivery
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
  • Highlights

  • Great cocktails
  • Great coffee
  • Great dessert
  • Great wine list
  • Popular for

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
  • Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Offerings

  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Coffee
  • Comfort food
  • Happy hour drinks
  • Hard liquor
  • Organic dishes
  • Private dining room
  • Vegetarian options
  • Wine
  • Dining options

  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service
  • Amenities

  • Bar onsite
  • Restroom
  • Wi-Fi
  • Wi-Fi
  • Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Romantic
  • Trendy
  • Crowd

  • Family-friendly
  • LGBTQ+ friendly
  • Tourists
  • Planning

  • Accepts reservations
  • Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
  • Credit cards
  • Children

  • Good for kids
  • High chairs

Cacio e Pepe Photos

Cacio e Pepe Picture 1Cacio e Pepe Picture 2Cacio e Pepe Picture 3Cacio e Pepe Picture 4Cacio e Pepe Picture 5Cacio e Pepe Picture 6Cacio e Pepe Picture 7Cacio e Pepe Picture 8Cacio e Pepe Picture 9Cacio e Pepe Picture 10

Cacio e Pepe Location

Cacio e Pepe

182 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003, USA

Cacio e Pepe Reviews

An average rating of ★4.2 from 724 user reviews.

signature dishcheese wheelfettuccineATMtonnarelliback gardennamesakewheel pastabackyardlobster ravioli

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

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