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JOHN'S OF 12TH STREET

Updated

Phone: (212) 475-9531

Address: 302 EAST 12 STREET 10003

TLDR

Classic old-school Italian charm meets a surprisingly robust vegan menu. Think "Sopranos" vibes, red sauce staples, and a dedicated plant-based selection.

Reddit Sentiment for JOHN'S OF 12TH STREET(based on 75 Reddit opinions)

75% Positive23% Neutral3% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

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Tags

italian 50italian-american 7american 2italian 41vegan 7pizza 2View All

Neighborhoods

East Village

Details

Step back in time at this East Village institution, a beloved red sauce Italian joint that's been serving up classic comfort food since 1908. With its charming old-school ambiance, white tablecloths, and a vibe that's been featured in films like The Sopranos, it's a perfect spot for a no-frills, delicious meal. The restaurant also boasts an impressive and extensive vegan menu, ensuring everyone at the table can enjoy a taste of authentic Italian-American cuisine.

Food Overview

This classic Italian-American 'red sauce' restaurant is celebrated for its traditional dishes and is frequently recommended for its old-school ambiance. A standout feature is its comprehensive vegan menu, offering plant-based versions of popular Italian fare like seitan marsala and vegan meatballs. The chocolate cheesecake also receives high marks.

Highlights / Recommended

"Customers frequently mention the meatballs and chocolate cheesecake as highlights. The restaurant is also noted for its extensive vegan menu, including dishes like seitan marsala and seitan parm."

Mentioned Dishes:

  • chicken parm(3)

Customer Sentiment

Customers overwhelmingly praise the restaurant for its authentic, old-school Italian atmosphere and reliable, delicious food. There's particular enthusiasm for its extensive vegan options, making it a crowd-pleaser for diverse groups.

Reddit Opinions & Reviews

Top Reddit Posts About JOHN'S OF 12TH STREET

Multiple users highly recommend this restaurant as the quintessential old-school Italian experience, praising its food, atmosphere, and even its connection to The Sopranos. It's considered a safe bet for authentic red sauce Italian.
This restaurant is highlighted for having an entire vegan menu with options like seitan marsala and seitan parm, alongside its traditional Italian offerings, making it a great choice for mixed dietary groups.
A user specifically calls out the lasagna at this restaurant as being a favorite, indicating a high level of satisfaction with a classic Italian dish.
One commenter specifically praises the meatballs here, stating they are the best in the city and emphasizing that the restaurant is not a tourist trap.
This establishment is recommended as an excellent, non-touristy, and reasonably priced option for an old-school Italian meal, with good food and atmosphere.
This commenter suggested the restaurant as a fun option that offers both super-basic Italian dishes and more traditional ones, suitable for picky eaters.
The chocolate cheesecake here is highly favored, with one user stating it surpasses the offering at Veniero's.

Recent Reddit Mentions

From post: Ny Vegan Food

"Johns on 12th was listed as a recommendation."

Positive
May 1, 2026View Comment →

From post: Looking For Restaurant For Omnivores And Vegans

"Johns of 12th Street was listed among several restaurant suggestions for a group with diverse dietary needs."

Positive
Apr 24, 2026View Comment →

From post: Looking For Large Party Friendly Italian

"John's on 12th street is suggested as a dining option."

Positive
Apr 10, 2026View Comment →

From post: Best Lasagna In Nyc

"This user expressed they really like the lasagna at John's of 12th."

Positive
Apr 9, 2026View Comment →

From post: Looking For Oldschool Italian Like Villa Mosconi

"Recommends John's of 12 Street as an old-school Italian restaurant option, in the context of searching for alternatives to the closed Villa Mosconi."

Neutral
Apr 4, 2026View Comment →

From post: Recommendations For Japanese Or Italian Birthday

"John's on 12 is mentioned as a recommendation."

Positive
Mar 26, 2026View Comment →

From post: Whats Your Fave Nyc Vegan Joint Mines Spicy Moon

"Recently discovered John's of 12th St., an old-school Italian place offering vegan/vegetarian versions of popular dishes. They also recommend Anixi, Dirt Candy, and Planta Queen."

Positive
Mar 24, 2026View Comment →

From post: Nyc Traditional Italian Recommendations

"This user recommended John's of 12th Street, noting it has been around for a long time and does not require reservations."

Positive
Mar 17, 2026View Comment →

From post: Nyc Traditional Italian Recommendations

"This user recommended John's of 12th Street for an old-school Italian restaurant experience."

Positive
Mar 17, 2026View Comment →

From post: Group Dining In Manhattan Under 70 Pp Study Trip

"Johns of 12th Street was suggested as another potential spot for family-style dining that can accommodate a large group of 40 in its back room."

Neutral
Mar 5, 2026View Comment →

From post: Restaurants W Vegan Options In Midtown East

"This user suggested Johns of 12th St, noting that they offer a separate vegan menu."

Positive
Feb 23, 2026View Comment →

From post: Your Favorite Place For Linguine With White Clam

"This user suggested John's on 12 as a place for linguine with white clam sauce."

Positive
Feb 18, 2026View Comment →

From post: Red Sauce Italian

"This user seconded the recommendation for John's of 12th Street."

Positive
Jan 27, 2026View Comment →

From post: Red Sauce Italian

"This commenter noted that John's of 12th St is 'Soprano approved'."

Positive
Jan 27, 2026View Comment →

From post: Red Sauce Italian

"Johns of 12th st was recommended."

Positive
Jan 27, 2026View Comment →

From post: Red Sauce Italian

"John's of 12th Street is recommended for its old-school vibes and friendly service."

Positive
Jan 27, 2026View Comment →

From post: Low Key Spot After A Meeting Tomorrow

"John's of 12th was suggested for serviceable red sauce Italian food with great old-school vibes, described as a place to take people who are not necessarily seeking a trendy dining experience."

Positive
Jan 16, 2026View Comment →

From post: Red Sauce Italian

"John's of 12th St. is suggested as a good option for an old-school Italian experience, with a note that Arthur Ave in the Bronx also offers an authentic Italian environment."

Positive
Dec 30, 2025View Comment →

From post: Red Sauce Italian

"John's of 12th St. is recommended for its very good food, old-school vibe, and Sopranos filming history. The ragu dish is specifically mentioned."

Positive
Dec 30, 2025View Comment →

From post: Red Sauce Italian

"John's of 12th St. is a favored spot and is also vegan-friendly."

Positive
Dec 29, 2025View Comment →