Babbo is back. And if you thought getting a reservation was hard before, just wait until you try now.
Stephen Starr brought the legendary Greenwich Village townhouse back to life, and Mark Ladner returned to helm the kitchen. That means the 100-layer lasagna is back. The pasta tasting menu is back. And the energy that made Babbo iconic in the first place is absolutely back.
Here's everything you need to know about the new Babbo in 2026.
The Return of a NYC Legend
Babbo wasn't just another Italian restaurant. For over two decades, it defined high-end Italian dining in New York City.
The original closed its doors in 2022, leaving a Mario Batali-shaped hole in the city's dining landscape. Fans mourned. The townhouse sat empty. And everyone wondered if Babbo could ever come back.
Enter Stephen Starr, the Philadelphia restaurateur behind Le Coucou, Pastis, and a string of NYC hits. He acquired the space, meticulously restored it, and made one crucial decision: bring back Mark Ladner.
Ladner was Babbo's longtime chef de cuisine under Batali. He knows this menu better than anyone. He perfected the mint love letters, developed the legendary beef cheek ravioli, and yes, he created that 100-layer lasagna.
With Starr's operational expertise and Ladner's cooking, the new Babbo honors its past while moving confidently into the future.
The Space: A Greenwich Village Icon
Walking into Babbo feels like stepping into someone's (very wealthy) Italian grandmother's townhouse.
The ground floor dining room features warm amber lighting, dark wood, and walls covered in artwork and photographs. Tables are intimate without being cramped. The open kitchen in back provides energy without noise.
Downstairs, the basement level offers a slightly quieter, more romantic vibe. Lower ceilings, wine storage visible through glass, and the feeling of being in on a secret.
The whole space seats about 85 guests. On any given night, you'll see couples celebrating anniversaries, groups of friends who've been coming for decades, and first-timers who finally scored a reservation.
The Menu: Classic Babbo with New Energy
Ladner didn't try to reinvent Babbo. He brought back what worked, refined what needed improvement, and added new dishes that fit seamlessly into the repertoire.
Signature Dishes You Must Order
Mint Love Letters - Thin pasta pillows stuffed with ricotta, butter, parmigiano, and fresh mint. They're delicate, rich, and somehow both comforting and sophisticated. This dish alone is worth the reservation battle.
Beef Cheek Ravioli - Tender braised beef cheeks wrapped in fresh pasta, served with crushed squash and brown butter. The filling is impossibly silky. The pasta is perfect. This is Babbo at its best.
100-Layer Lasagna - Yes, they actually count the layers. Green lasagna noodles, fresh ricotta, bolognese, béchamel, and parmigiano. It arrives at the table in a perfect square, and it's somehow light despite being, you know, 100 layers of pasta and cheese.
Grilled Octopus - Tender tentacles with potatoes, olives, and pickled chilies. The octopus is grilled until the edges crisp, but the interior stays moist. Simple and perfect.
Pork Chop Milanese - A massive bone-in pork chop, breaded and fried until golden, served over arugula dressed with lemon. It's technically a chop for one, but it could easily feed two.
Fennel Dusted Sweetbreads - Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, served with sautéed greens and a light mustard sauce. If you've never tried sweetbreads, start here.
The Pasta Tasting Menu
Babbo's pasta tasting is one of NYC's great dining experiences. Seven pasta dishes, each a small portion, showcasing the range and technique of the kitchen.
You'll get classics like the mint love letters and beef cheek ravioli alongside seasonal preparations that change based on what Ladner is excited about that week. It's priced at $95 per person, and it's absolutely worth it.
Fair warning: you will be full. Very full. Gloriously full.
Wine at Babbo
The wine list leans heavily Italian, as it should. Over 400 bottles, with a focus on lesser-known regions and producers you won't find elsewhere.
The staff knows their wine. Tell them your budget and preferences, and they'll guide you toward something special. Most bottles range from $75 to $200, with some exceptional values in the $80 to $100 range.
By-the-glass selections are excellent, typically $16 to $24, and they rotate regularly to showcase different regions and styles.
The Vibe and Energy
The original Babbo had a specific energy. Buzzing but not loud. Sophisticated but not stuffy. The kind of place where you could celebrate something special or just have a really great Tuesday night.
The new Babbo recaptured that magic completely.
Tables are filled with people genuinely excited to be there. The staff moves with confidence and warmth. And there's a palpable sense that something special is happening in this townhouse on Waverly Place.
It's romantic enough for date night, impressive enough for important dinners, and comfortable enough to become a regular spot if you can ever actually get regular reservations.
Getting a Reservation at Babbo
Let's address the elephant in the room: reservations are brutal.
Babbo uses Resy and releases tables 30 days in advance at midnight. Prime weekend slots (7:00 PM to 8:30 PM Friday and Saturday) book out in under a minute.
Strategies That Actually Work
Be ready at midnight - Set an alarm for 11:59 PM, have Resy loaded on both your phone and computer, be logged in, and have your payment info saved. The second that clock hits midnight, you need to be clicking.
Focus on weeknights - Tuesday through Thursday reservations are significantly easier to get. The food is identical, the service is the same, and you'll actually enjoy your meal without the weekend crowds.
Try early or late slots - 5:30 PM and 9:30 PM have better availability. Early dinner means you can take your time. Late dinner often leads to great conversations with staff between courses.
Bar seating for walk-ins - Babbo holds a handful of bar seats for walk-ins each night. Arrive at 5:00 PM sharp, put your name in, and wait. It's not guaranteed, but your odds are decent, especially midweek.
Watch for cancellations - Use tools like Modjo to monitor reservation availability throughout the day. Cancellations happen regularly. Being flexible with dates and times dramatically improves your chances.
Practical Details
Location: 110 Waverly Place, New York, NY 10011
Hours: Monday through Thursday 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Friday and Saturday 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM, Sunday 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM.
Price Range: Appetizers $18 to $28, pasta $26 to $36, mains $38 to $52. Expect $100 to $150 per person with wine. Pasta tasting menu is $95.
Dress Code: Smart casual. No shorts or sneakers, but suits aren't necessary. Think date-night nice.
Reservations: Resy only, 30 days in advance at midnight.
Vibe: Classic Greenwich Village elegance with buzzing energy.
How to Order at Babbo
If this is your first visit, here's the move:
Start with an appetizer to share. The grilled octopus or beef carpaccio are both excellent.
Then commit to pasta. If you're with someone who appreciates a culinary journey, do the pasta tasting menu. If you prefer to order à la carte, get at least two pastas to share. The mint love letters are mandatory. Add the beef cheek ravioli or 100-layer lasagna as your second.
If you're still hungry (you probably won't be), split a secondi. The pork chop Milanese is a crowd favorite.
Skip dessert unless you're truly committed. You'll be full.
Let your server guide wine pairings. They know what works with each dish.
Insider Tips for Babbo
Go for lunch if they add it - Rumor has it Babbo may add weekend lunch service. If they do, jump on it. Lunch reservations are always easier.
The bar is excellent - If you can't get a table, sitting at the bar for drinks and a few small plates is still a great experience. The full menu is available.
Pasta tasting is the move - If you're celebrating or just want the full experience, the pasta tasting menu is absolutely worth $95.
Ask about off-menu items - Ladner occasionally does special preparations not listed. Your server will know.
Trust the wine recommendations - The staff genuinely knows the list and wants you to have great wine. Give them your budget and trust their expertise.
Make your next reservation before you leave - If you love it (you will), book your next visit on the spot. Future planning is everything here.
Is Babbo Worth the Hype?
Yes. Unequivocally yes.
The new Babbo delivers everything you'd want from a Greenwich Village Italian icon. Exceptional pasta, knowledgeable service, a beautiful space, and food that reminds you why Italian restaurants can be so special.
Is it hard to get a reservation? Absolutely. Is it worth the effort? Every time.
Whether you're a longtime Babbo fan or experiencing it for the first time, the Stephen Starr revival honors the past while creating something fresh and exciting. This is exactly what NYC needed.
Alternatives If Babbo Is Booked
Can't get into Babbo? These Greenwich Village Italian spots are excellent:
L'Artusi - Outstanding pasta, natural wine focus, and easier reservations.
Via Carota - No reservations accepted, but the wait is worth it for rustic Italian perfection.
Don Angie - Italian-American cooking with creative twists and a fun vibe.
FAQ
How do I get a reservation at Babbo?
Reservations open on Resy 30 days in advance at midnight. Weekend prime times book instantly. Set an alarm for 11:59 PM and be ready to click at midnight. Weeknight reservations are easier. Walk-in bar seats are possible if you arrive at 5:00 PM.
Can you walk in to Babbo without a reservation?
Babbo holds several bar seats for walk-ins. Arrive at 5:00 PM when they open and put your name in. Midweek walk-ins have better odds than weekends. The full menu is available at the bar.
What should I wear to Babbo?
Smart casual is the standard. Think nice jeans or slacks with a button-down or blouse. No need for a suit, but step it up from casual daytime wear. No shorts or sneakers.
How much does dinner cost at Babbo?
Expect $100 to $150 per person with wine. Appetizers are $18 to $28, pasta courses run $26 to $36, and main dishes are $38 to $52. The pasta tasting menu is $95 per person.
Is the pasta tasting menu worth it?
Absolutely. Seven pasta courses for $95 showcasing the kitchen's range and technique. You'll try signature dishes plus seasonal preparations. Come hungry and pace yourself.
What's the difference between the new Babbo and the original?
Same space, same ethos, and many of the same dishes. Mark Ladner returned as chef, bringing back classics like the mint love letters and beef cheek ravioli. Stephen Starr's team handles operations, bringing polish and consistency. It's Babbo as you remember it, just better.
Is Babbo good for groups?
Yes. Tables accommodate up to six comfortably. The sharing format works perfectly for groups. Larger parties should call the restaurant directly as they may have limited large-table availability.
What are the must-order dishes at Babbo?
Mint love letters (always). Beef cheek ravioli or 100-layer lasagna. If you're not doing the pasta tasting, order at least two pastas to share. The pork chop Milanese is excellent if you're still hungry after pasta.
