SoHo changes fast. One minute you’re walking past a storied industrial loft, and the next, it’s a high-end boutique selling $400 white t-shirts. In a neighborhood that reinvented itself a dozen times over, finding something that feels permanent is rare. That brings us to Aurora Soho New York NY, a spot that has managed to anchor itself on Broome Street since 2007.
Honest talk? Most people think every restaurant in SoHo is a "scene." You know the type: loud music, overpriced cocktails, and food that looks better on Instagram than it tastes on your tongue. Aurora is different. It’s quiet. It’s rustic. It feels like a secret that everyone somehow already knows.
The Piedmont Connection You Probably Missed
A lot of diners walk into Aurora Soho and just see "Italian food." But there’s a specific lineage here. Chef Riccardo Buitoni, who co-founded the place with two friends, grew up in Piedmont. If you know anything about Northern Italian cooking, you know it’s not just about red sauce. It’s about butter, truffles, and a very specific kind of soul-warming comfort.
✨ Don't miss: Finding a Cheap Flight Ticket to Nashville Without Losing Your Mind
Buitoni started in Williamsburg back in 2003 when that neighborhood was still mostly warehouses and DIY art spaces. Moving to Manhattan was a gamble. But he brought that Brooklyn grit and Piedmontese heart to 510 Broome St, and it stuck.
The vibe is basically "countryside farmhouse meets Manhattan chic." Think exposed brick, flickering candles, and a patio that is arguably one of the most romantic spots in the city. When the vines are lush in the summer, you totally forget you’re a block away from the Holland Tunnel traffic.
📖 Related: 5 day weather forecast new york city: What Most People Get Wrong
What to Actually Order (Beyond the Basics)
Look, you can get a kale salad anywhere. But the Tuscan Kale at Aurora Soho? It’s different. They mix it with shaved Brussels sprouts, pistachios, and a tahini dressing that sounds trendy but tastes timeless.
The Pasta Situation
If you aren't eating the pasta here, you're doing it wrong. Everything is made on-site using organic Italian Semolina flour.
- Pappardelle Bolognese: This is their heavy hitter. It’s a pork and veal sugo that tastes like it’s been simmering for three days. It probably has.
- Creste Di Gallo Squid Ink: This one is for the adventurous. It comes with lump crab meat and shrimp. The "creste di gallo" shape (it looks like a rooster’s comb) catches the sauce perfectly.
- Cacio e Pepe: They use Mezze Maniche (short tubes) instead of the standard spaghetti. Some regulars got annoyed when they changed the pasta shape recently, but the pecorino fonduta is still world-class.
The Mains
Don't sleep on the Grass Fed NY Strip. It comes with bone marrow. Yes, bone marrow in a neighborhood known for green juice. It’s glorious. Or, if you want something lighter, the Grilled Whole Branzino with tomato panzanella is a solid play.
🔗 Read more: Disney's Art of Animation: Why This Value Resort Often Outshines the Deluxes
The "Secret" Patio and Rainy Days
The patio is the crown jewel. It’s covered and heated in the winter, which is a lifesaver in January. But in the spring? It’s magical.
One thing most guides won't tell you is that Aurora Soho is actually a fantastic "rainy day" restaurant. There is something about the dim lighting and the heavy wood tables that makes a thunderstorm outside feel like part of the décor. It’s cozy. Like, "order a second bottle of Nebbiolo" cozy.
Logistics and Reality Checks
Let’s get real about the price. It’s SoHo. You’re going to spend money. A pasta dish will run you about $26 to $29, and mains are in the $30 to $45 range. Is it "cheap"? No. Is it worth it compared to the tourist traps on Broadway? Absolutely.
- Location: 510 Broome Street, New York, NY 10013.
- Reservations: Pretty much mandatory on weekends. Don't just show up at 8:00 PM on a Saturday and expect a table.
- Events: They can seat up to 60 or 70 people for private events. If you’re looking to get married in a spot that feels like an Italian garden without leaving Manhattan, this is the one.
The Verdict on Aurora Soho New York NY
Is it the "hottest" new opening in 2026? No. But that’s why it’s good. It’s survived the pandemic, the rise of "fast-casual" dining, and the ever-changing whims of NYC food critics. It stays in its lane: high-quality ingredients, house-made everything, and a service style that feels attentive without being suffocating.
If you’re tired of the noise and just want a plate of pasta that reminds you why people move to New York in the first place, this is your spot.
Your Next Steps
- Check the Seasonal Specials: The menu changes based on what’s fresh. Always ask the server about the "off-menu" pasta or the daily crudo.
- Book the Patio: When making a Resy or OpenTable reservation, explicitly request "Patio Seating." Even if it’s winter, the heaters make it the best seat in the house.
- Walk it Off: After dinner, walk three blocks east to Broadway for people-watching, or head north into the heart of SoHo to catch the late-night gallery vibes.
- Don't Rush: This isn't a "turn and burn" kind of place. Lean into the slow dining. Order the Tiramisu. It arrives fast, but it’s meant to be savored.