Peasant Introduce
Tucked away on a charming street in the heart of Nolita, Peasant is an Italian restaurant that offers more than just a meal—it delivers a truly transportive dining experience. From the moment you step inside, you are enveloped in a warm, cozy, and romantic atmosphere, highlighted by exposed brick walls and the glow of its signature wood-fired oven. This upscale eatery is a perfect blend of rustic charm and refined elegance, making it an ideal destination for a special occasion, an intimate date night, or an unforgettable dinner with a group of friends. The restaurant’s commitment to an ancient method of cooking over an open fire gives its dishes a unique depth of flavor that sets it apart from other Italian restaurants in the city. Peasant is not just a place to eat; it is a space to savor, where every detail, from the decor to the dishes, is crafted to create a memorable and immersive experience.
Peasant’s reputation is built on its exceptional food, with a menu that focuses on fresh, high-quality ingredients and classic Italian techniques. The dishes are designed to be both comforting and innovative, with a focus on house-made pastas and wood-fired meats and seafood. It's a place where the food is consistently praised for its flavor and authenticity. The ambiance is another key part of its allure, described as both "warm and inviting." The restaurant is known to be a hotspot, and while it's often a wait, the experience is well worth it. Peasant also features a downstairs wine bar, offering a cozier and more intimate setting for drinks or small bites. Whether you're a local celebrating a birthday or a visitor looking for a quintessential New York dining experience, Peasant delivers on its promise of great food, an excellent wine list, and an atmosphere that feels both trendy and timeless.
---Peasant is conveniently located at 194 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10012, USA. This prime location places it in the vibrant Nolita neighborhood, a trendy and stylish area known for its unique boutiques, art spaces, and a fantastic selection of dining and nightlife options. The restaurant’s discreet yet prominent presence on Elizabeth Street makes it a highly sought-after destination. For those arriving by car, there is a paid parking lot nearby, as well as the rare option of free street parking, though it can be competitive. The location is also easily accessible via public transportation, with several subway stations within a short walking distance. Peasant is committed to being an accessible space for all patrons, offering a wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom, and seating, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming experience for everyone.
---Peasant offers a range of services that are tailored to provide a high-end, yet flexible, dining experience. The restaurant is well-equipped to host a variety of occasions, from an intimate dinner for two to a large group celebration. The services offered include:
- Outdoor seating, providing a charming option for dining al fresco.
- Delivery and Takeout, for those who wish to enjoy Peasant’s delicious food from the comfort of their home.
- Dine-in, with comfortable seating and table service in a cozy and romantic atmosphere.
- Reservations are required or highly recommended, especially for dinner, ensuring a spot at this popular destination.
- The venue is also available for large group events and private parties, including wedding-related celebrations, with flexible dining options.
Peasant distinguishes itself through a number of unique features and highlights that have earned it a spot among New York City's top Italian restaurants. These features contribute to its upscale reputation and make it a destination worth visiting. The main features include:
- Great Wine List: A standout feature is the restaurant’s excellent and extensive wine list, with a particular focus on Italian wines. The selection is well-curated and perfectly complements the food menu, making it a highlight for many diners.
- Wood-Fired Cooking: Peasant utilizes an ancient, wood-fired cooking method for many of its dishes, which imparts a unique smoky flavor to the food. This technique is used for everything from roasted meats to its delicious pizzas, setting it apart from competitors.
- Handmade Pasta and Authentic Dishes: The menu features a variety of authentic Italian dishes, with a strong focus on pasta. The pastas, such as the Rigatoni alla Vodka and Tagliatelle Bolognese, are made daily in-house and are a definite highlight.
- Cozy and Romantic Atmosphere: The ambiance is consistently praised for being warm, cozy, and romantic, with dim lighting and exposed brick walls. This makes it an ideal spot for a date or a special celebration.
- Private Wine Bar: Peasant features a separate, private wine bar on its lower level, offering a more intimate setting for drinks or small bites. This space is also available for private events.
- Serves Local Specialties and Organic Dishes: The restaurant prides itself on using locally-sourced ingredients and organic dishes, showcasing a commitment to quality and sustainability.
- Inclusive Atmosphere: Peasant is noted as being LGBTQ+ friendly and family-friendly, with high chairs available, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for a diverse crowd of diners.
- Great Coffee and Desserts: The meal can be perfectly capped off with their highly-rated coffee and a selection of great desserts, which are a highlight for many patrons.
For reservations or to inquire about private events, you can contact Peasant directly using the information below. Due to its popularity, it is highly recommended to make a reservation well in advance.
Address: 194 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10012, USA
Phone: (212) 965-9511
---What makes Peasant a truly exceptional choice for dining in New York is its holistic approach to the dining experience. It's not just about a single dish; it’s about the combination of an incredible atmosphere, an outstanding wine list, and a menu that is both deeply rooted in tradition and creatively executed. The wood-fired oven is a central feature that sets the restaurant apart, imparting a distinct and authentic flavor to its dishes that can’t be replicated. The handmade pastas are a must-try, with many guests finding them to be the highlight of their meal, full of flavor and perfectly prepared. While some portions may be smaller for the price, the quality and unique preparation of the food justify the cost. The ambiance is a major draw, offering a cozy and romantic setting that is perfect for celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a quiet, intimate dinner. The service, while sometimes slow due to the intimate nature of the dining experience, is generally attentive and friendly. The excellent wine list, with a strong focus on Italian varietals, provides the perfect pairing for any meal. In a city with countless Italian restaurants, Peasant stands out for its commitment to a unique culinary experience and a warm, inviting atmosphere. It’s a place that feels both special and authentic, making it an essential destination for anyone seeking a truly memorable Italian meal in New York City.
Peasant Menu
Antipasti
- CESARE'S PROSCUITTO $19.00
Honeymoon Melon, Greg's Olives, Grissini
- DI PALO'S BURRATA $19.00
Cherry Tomato, Basil Pesto
- CESARE SALAD $19.00
Garlic Bread, Parmigiano di Reggiano
- HEIRLOOM TOMATO $18.00
Artichoke, Radish, Provolone, Granny Frankie's Vin
- PIEDMONTESE STEAK TARTARE $21.00
Pizza Dough Pillow
- OCTOPUS $21.00
Baby Octopus, Hot Chili, Breadcrumbs
- CALAMARI $18.00
Point Judith Squid, Pepperoncini
Primi
- RIGATONI alla VODKA $21.00
Tito’s, Peas, Basil Breadcrumbs
- BUCATINI CARBONARA $22.00
Smoked Egg Yolk, Guanciale
- TAGLIATELLE BOLOGNESE $22.00
Estratto di Pomodoro
- LINGUINE VONGOLE $26.00
Littlenecks, Razor Clams
- LOBSTER FRA DIAVOLO
Spaghetti Nero, Calabrian Chili
- PIZZA PICCANTE $24.00
Pecorino Peperoncino, Soppressata, 'Nduja
Secondi
- SCALLOPS $44.00
Pistachio Aqua Pazza, Mussels, Clams, Calabrian Chili
- DAILY CATCH
Patty Pan Squash, Smoked Tomato Livornese
- SNOWDANCE FARMS CHICKEN $31.00
Rotisserie Half Chicken, Market Panzanella, Roasted Garlic Aioli
- FLATIRON STEAK $42.00
Heart Sausage, Onions & Peppas, Bone Marrow Gremolata
- SUCKLING PIG $42.00
Creamed Corn, Romanesco, Natural jus, Salsa verde
Peasant Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
Planning
- Reservations required
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Usually a wait
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid parking lot
- Parking
Peasant Photos










Peasant Location
Peasant Reviews
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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Overall food was okay. The portions were rather small for the price and most of the dishes we got were under-seasoned. The wine was the best part of the meal. From the beans to the pasta everything needed a little more salt. Service was a little slow, however the atmosphere of these restaurant was nice both in and outside.
August 31 · Ujesh VoraThe food overall was good, especially the pasta—it was flavorful and definitely the highlight of the meal. The calamari was good. The zucchini carpaccio, however, wasn’t really to my taste; I found it a bit underwhelming compared to the other dishes. Still, the atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the service was attentive. I’d go back again.
September 05 · Georgia PanagiotakosJust such a pleasant place to have a good meal. We were looking for a spot to unwind and get to know friends of friends after an art pop-up nearby in Soho. We saw a comfortable looking table on the street with our name on it. After starting with inventive cocktails, we enjoyed the homemade pastas and other delicacies. The waitstaff was your typical young, affected-looking types who I'm sure are going to auditions or writing during their days before coming to work...
August 09 · Al CohenA true hidden gem in New York. This place gives off the coziest, most inviting nighttime vibes — the kind that makes you want to sip good wine and enjoy amazing food. Super stylish atmosphere, and the staff was incredibly attentive.The food was spectacular, with plenty of variety to choose from. We’ll definitely be coming back. Highly recommended!
June 28 · Lourdes RuhstallerWe have been coming to this icon since it opened in 1999. If I told you some of the high profile people I have run into here, you would not even believe me. This gem has been touted continuously as the place where chefs go to eat. The taste bud orgasm goes to an entirely different dimension at Peasant. I have to warn you that you might experience feelings and sensations you didn’t even know you were capable of here. Our family has enjoyed everything from dinners for two to renting out the entire place for milestone birthdays. Chef Marc Forgione has expanded the legacy left by Chef Frank DiCarlo. You need to go and see for yourself what it’s like to be treated not only as family, but with care and detail often only reserved for VIPs. I don’t even know where to begin in recommending any particular dish over another. You are going to have to go multiple times and explore the entire menu for yourself. Thank you Cara Forgione and team for setting the bar to new heights. God Bless America! God Bless Blue & Gold! Remember Everyone Deployed Everyday!
July 20 · Louis Schornstein
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