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Best Italian Restaurant Times Square: Why Trattoria Trecolori Is a Broadway Classic

  • Writer: Trattoria Trecolori
    Trattoria Trecolori
  • Aug 25
  • 3 min read

In the Middle of the Action, a Taste of Real Italy !

Times Square is packed with options, flashy chains, overpriced steakhouses, and rushed tourist traps. But if you’re looking for a real meal, with real flavor and service that actually remembers you, Trattoria Trecolori delivers.

Just steps from Broadway’s biggest theaters, this family-run gem has quietly become a local favorite and a top contender for the best Italian restaurant Times Square has to offer.


trattoria trecolori restaurant near times square nyc
cozy italian restaurant nyc

Handmade Pasta and Recipes That Don’t Try Too Hard

At Trattoria Trecolori, the focus is on simplicity, quality, and consistency. The pasta is made by hand, the sauces are house-prepared, and the recipes are rooted in decades of family tradition.

Fan favorites include:

  • Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli in a sage butter sauce

  • Penne alla Vodka : creamy, balanced, and never too heavy

  • Gnocchi Pomodoro with fresh basil and light tomato sauce

  • Fettuccine Alfredo : done the classic way

  • Rigatoni Bolognese : slow-simmered and flavorful

It’s not flashy, it’s comforting. And that’s exactly what makes it memorable.


Server in white shirt and red tie holds three plates of pasta. Dishes feature vibrant sauces and garnishes. Warm indoor setting.
Best Pasta

Pre-Theater Dinner Done Right

Going to a Broadway show? You’re not alone. Trattoria Trecolori is one of the most popular pre-theater restaurants in Times Square, and for good reason.

Dinner here is paced intentionally, with service that knows how to get you to curtain call without making you feel rushed. Most major theaters are within a 3–5 minute walk, including:

  • The Majestic Theatre

  • The Lyric

  • The Belasco

  • The Minskoff

  • The Richard Rodgers

Whether you book a table or walk in early, you’ll enjoy a full meal with time to spare, wine, pasta, espresso, and maybe even dessert.


Rigatoni in a rich orange tomato sauce topped with a basil leaf on a white plate, set against a dark background.
Rigatoni trattoria trecolori

More Than a Restaurant: A Family Legacy !

Trattoria Trecolori isn’t just another Times Square eatery: It began with Joaquín “Jack” González, whose passion for hospitality and Italian cuisine created the foundation of what the restaurant is today.

After Jack’s passing in 2001, his sons Marco, Víctor, and Phil took over, not to reinvent the place, but to carry the legacy forward. That same warmth and consistency that made Trecolori a neighborhood favorite still defines every plate and every guest interaction.

And that’s why, year after year, Trecolori stays at the top of the list for the best Italian restaurant Times Square can offer.


People walk past "TRECOLORI" sign beneath a red awning in a busy street of times square nyc midtown with storefronts. Warm lighting creates a lively, bustling mood.
Pre theater dinner NYC

Don’t Miss the Cannoli !

Let’s talk dessert. Many guests don’t expect it, but the cannoli at Trattoria Trecolori has developed a following of its own. Crisp, filled to order, and never soggy, it’s a must-try if you’re a fan of Italian sweets.

Also worth exploring:

  • Tiramisù

  • Ricotta Cheesecake

  • Espresso and Italian liqueurs

Guests enjoying wine and dinner at Trattoria Trecolori, the best Italian restaurant near Times Square
Dining Trattoria Trecolori Times Square

What Makes a Restaurant “The Best”?

In NYC, “best” is personal. For some, it’s about innovation. For others, it’s about views or vibes. But for many, it comes down to this:

  • Food that’s consistent

  • Service that feels real

  • A place where you don’t have to pretend

That’s what Trattoria Trecolori offers. It's not trying to be trendy. It's not chasing headlines. It’s just making good food in a good way, in a great location. And that’s why it's earned its place as one of the best Italian restaurants in Times Square.


Plate of beef carpaccio with arugula, parmesan, and lemon slice on a red tablecloth. Bright, fresh, and appetizing presentation.
Italian dining experience nyc


Where to Find Us:


📞 Phone: (212) 997-4540🕒 Hours:

  • Monday–Thursday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM

  • Friday–Saturday: 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM

  • Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM


Reservations are recommended, especially pre-theater and weekends. Book a table here




What Guests Say About the Pasta:

“Exactly what I was craving: simple, fresh pasta without all the tourist trap nonsense. We had gnocchi and ravioli before a show and I couldn’t believe how quiet and cozy it was.” – Grace C., Google Review
“Their penne alla vodka is easily my favorite in Midtown.” – Daniel L., Yelp

Server in glasses holds a cocktail garnished with strawberries and herbs on a tray in a cozy italian restaurant setting. midtown nyc times square
Italian Cocktail near Times Square


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