Hidden on a quiet stretch of the Lower East Side, Forsythia delivers the kind of genuine Italian pasta experience that makes you wonder if you’ve somehow teleported to Rome. This intimate neighborhood gem has quickly established itself as one of the city’s premier pasta destinations, with Chef Mark Coleman crafting handmade noodles that strike that elusive perfect balance between rustic tradition and refined technique.

The menu changes with the seasons, but certain pasta dishes have already achieved cult status among regulars. The sheep’s milk ricotta-filled agnolotti are little pockets of bliss, while the cacio e pepe demonstrates that perfection often lies in simplicity. Don’t skip the antipasti either – the fritto misto arrives hot and crisp, begging to be devoured immediately alongside a glass from their thoughtfully curated Italian wine list.

What makes Forsythia truly special is how it manages to feel both special and accessible at once. The dining room buzzes with energy without overwhelming conversation, the staff shares their genuine enthusiasm for each dish without pretension, and the prices remain surprisingly reasonable given the quality.

This is the neighborhood Italian restaurant we all wish we had around the corner – warm, inviting, and serving pasta that inspires the kind of devotion that keeps tables perpetually in demand. A true Lower East Side treasure worth seeking out.