Three of Cups Restaurant

Three of Cups is slightly off Manhattan’s hyped-up-Italian-restaurant radar, but that’s probably what makes this cozy eatery so attractive to both local diners and visitors alike.

The humble, welcoming atmosphere makes you feel like you’re at home with your big Italian family, feasting on several hearty courses of southern Italian dishes and desserts.

With live music each night and a comfy late-night lounge downstairs, Three of Cups is a quirky yet lovable East Village restaurant that shouldn’t be overlooked.

If you’re craving a fine Italian meal with a not-so-traditional Italian dining experience, Three of Cups is a great option. While the restaurant maintains an at-home-in-Sicily vibe with its exposed brick walls and wood-burning stove, it successfully incorporates a few elements crucial to a fun evening in the East Village: late night dining, live music and a comfy, low-key lounge.

According to the server, the “thin crust pizzas straight outta the oven” are the most popular dinner choices on the menu. I chose the “Bianco,” a surprisingly flavorful white pie. Other tempting dinner options included the “Tartufo,” a pizza with Portobello mushrooms and asiago cheese, and a linguine dish with sautéed asparagus and prosciutto tossed in a light cream sauce.

The menu also features attractive meat and fish options. I sampled my friend’s tender lamb stew served over a bed of gnocchi, while the young man at the table next to us enjoyed the “totally awesome” pan seared trout.

For dessert, I went with tiramisu, an Italian favorite. It wasn’t as light as I was hoping it would be, yet I was satisfied with the taste and impressed with the display. After the meal, we caught the tail end of happy hour downstairs at Lounge, where we relaxed on the couches and enjoyed our wine and beer specials.

It’s easy to understand why East Villagers choose Three of Cups as their favorite local Italian spot. While it’s pretty easy to grab a table on weeknights, you may be standing outside for up to an hour on Friday and Saturday nights before you’re seated. Though, for pizza that tasty, it’s worth the wait.