New York Dearest
The guide, $35
A place · Restaurant · East Village · on 1 of my list

John's of 12th St..

Worth it, says Antonina. John’s of 12th St. is a classic Italian restaurant that’s been serving the East Village since 1908.

Antonina Pattiz
Antonina PattizI went myself · from my Best things to do in the East Village
Where John's of 12th St. appears on New York Dearest

It's on 1 of my list. Each entry below is what I wrote about it there, with my verdict on that list, the fullest first.

Best things to do in the East Village

No. 5 on that list3 min from the subway
Worth it
  • SubwayL to 3 Av, 3 min
  • Address302 E 12th St New York, NY 10003
  • From my guide, updated September 2026.

John’s of 12th St. is a classic Italian restaurant that’s been serving the East Village since 1908. Something that sets John’s apart is the fact that they offer a separate vegan menu full of old-school Italian recipes.

The food is authentic and stepping foot into John’s feels like stepping foot onto a movie set. If at all helpful, I suggest ordering the veal meatballs and chicken parm (with a side of garlic bread, of course!). John’s is one of those NYC establishments where nothing seems to change (which is quite endearing).

For any history buffs out there, John’s of 12th St. has a ton of mafia history. Visiting this restaurant is one of the more fascinating it because of the stories you hear. Oh did I mention the Sopranos filmed here?

Read it on the list
Worth it, says Antonina. Been? Say if you agree.
John's of 12th St.

Nearby, from my lists

Worth it, within a ten-minute walk
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John's of 12th St.

East Village