Restaurant in New York City, United States
Forsythia
475ptsRoman Revival
About Forsythia
Forsythia elevates Roman pasta tradition to Michelin Bib Gourmand heights on New York City's Lower East Side, where Chef Jacob Siwak's handcrafted seasonal dishes like fried cacio e pepe supplì and duck jus agnolotti unfold within an intimate, warmly lit space that captures the authentic spirit of Italian home dining.
Where pandemic resilience meets Roman tradition, Forsythia New York City transforms the Lower East Side's dining landscape through Chef Jacob Siwak's masterful interpretation of rustic Italian pasta craft. This Michelin Bib Gourmand winner emerged from humble pop-up origins in October 2020, evolving from backyard dining and pasta kit deliveries into one of New York City's most sought-after fine dining destinations.
Chef Jacob Siwak and co-founder Mark Coleman built Forsythia on the philosophy that pasta deserves reverence. Named for the forsythia flower—a symbol of hope after darkness—the restaurant embodies renewal through culinary excellence. Siwak's vision centers on Roman classics executed with seasonal precision, earning recognition as a StarChefs Rising Star and cementing his reputation within New York's competitive culinary scene. The restaurant's success has sparked expansion plans, including a sister location in Memphis, testament to its distinctive approach to Italian cuisine.
Forsythia's menu revolves around handcrafted fresh pasta that changes seasonally while honoring Roman foundations. Signature dishes include the legendary fried cacio e pepe risotto supplì—pillowy spheres of creamy perfection—alongside impeccable renditions of carbonara and cacio e pepe. Seasonal specialties showcase Siwak's creativity: agnolotti stuffed with braised short rib and duck jus, pici tossed with anchovy butter, and tagliatelle crowned with crab and chili. Each dish emphasizes quality over complexity, sourcing seasonal Italian ingredients to create the authentic home-style experience that defines Roman dining culture.
The intimate 9 Stanton Street location captures the warmth of an Italian trattoria through thoughtful design elements. Low lighting bathes curved ceilings and rustic surfaces, while the open kitchen invites diners to witness pasta creation firsthand. The atmosphere perfectly balances casual comfort with refined execution, accommodating everything from romantic dates to solo diners seeking exceptional carb indulgence. Italian music provides the soundtrack to evenings that encourage lingering over multiple courses. The restaurant's natural wine program complements the pasta-focused menu, with carefully curated selections that mirror the seasonal, artisanal approach to cuisine.
Forsythia operates seven nights weekly with reservations available through Resy, though walk-ins can often secure bar seating for the full menu experience. The restaurant's "Pasta Club" subscription extends the Forsythia experience beyond the dining room, offering multi-course pasta meals for home enjoyment. With expansion plans underway and a growing reputation among New York City's best restaurants, Forsythia represents the perfect intersection of tradition and innovation, making reservations increasingly coveted among discerning diners seeking authentic Italian excellence.
Recognized By
More restaurants in New York City
- Le BernardinLe Bernardin is one of the most consistently awarded seafood restaurants in the world — three Michelin stars, 99.5 points from La Liste, and four New York Times stars held for over 30 years. At $157 for four courses at dinner ($225 for the tasting menu), it is the right call for a formal occasion or a serious seafood meal in Midtown Manhattan, provided you book well in advance.
- AtomixAtomix is the No. 1 restaurant in North America (50 Best, 2025) and one of the hardest reservations in New York: 14 seats, one seating per night, three Michelin stars. Junghyun and Ellia Park's Korean tasting menu pairs precision-sourced ingredients with Korean culinary heritage, explained course by course through hand-designed cards. Book months ahead or plan around a cancellation.
- Eleven Madison ParkEleven Madison Park is the definitive case for plant-based fine dining in New York City: three Michelin stars, a 22,000-bottle wine cellar, and an eight-to-ten course tasting menu in a landmark Art Deco room. Book it for a special occasion with a plant-forward appetite and three hours to spare. Reservations open on the 1st of each month and go within hours.
- Jungsik New YorkJungsik is the restaurant that put progressive Korean fine dining on the New York map, and over a decade in, it still holds that position. With two Michelin stars, a 2025 James Beard Award for Outstanding Chef, and a seasonally rotating nine-course tasting menu in a quietly formal Tribeca room, it earns its $$$$ price point for special occasions and serious dining. Book well in advance.
- DanielDaniel is the benchmark for classic French fine dining in New York: three Michelin stars, a 10,000-bottle cellar, and formal Upper East Side service that has stayed consistent for over 30 years. Book four to six weeks out minimum. At $$$$, it is a genuine special-occasion restaurant, but the wine program alone — 2,000 selections with particular depth in Burgundy and Bordeaux — makes it the strongest wine-and-food pairing destination in its category.
- Per SePer Se is one of New York's two or three most complete special-occasion restaurants: three Michelin stars, Central Park views, and two nine-course tasting menus that change daily at $425 per person. Book exactly one month out — the window fills fast. The salon accepts walk-ins for à la carte if you miss the main dining room.
Similar venues by awards
Related editorial
- Best Fine Dining Restaurants in ParisFrom three-Michelin-star icons to the next generation of Parisian chefs pushing boundaries, these are the restaurants that define fine dining in the world's culinary capital.
- Best Luxury Hotels in RomeFrom rooftop terraces overlooking ancient ruins to Michelin-starred hotel dining, these are the luxury hotels that make Rome unforgettable.
- Best Cocktail Bars in KyotoFrom sleek lounges to hidden speakeasies, Kyoto's cocktail scene blends Japanese precision with global influence in ways you won't find anywhere else.
Save or rate Forsythia on Pearl
Keep this venue in your Pearl passport, rate it after you visit, and track it alongside every other place you collect.