Pavin 86

Pavin 86 is a neighborhood Italian spot a stone’s throw east of First Avenue. A fixed menu keeps choices simple, anchored by classics like cacio e pepe and house-made mozzarella. Plates rotate by season; expect occasional vegetable primi alongside staples. They don’t overcomplicate the wine list—short and drinkable, with a couple of sharp Italian pours.

The building sits on the north side of 1663 First Avenue, between 86th and 87th Streets in Carnegie Hill. A quick walk from the 4/5/6 lines or the east-bound crosstown buses; the block is quiet at night but lively midweek. Weekday lunch draws a steady trickle of local workers cutting through to 86th.

Call ahead if you’re aiming for one of the tables near the front window, though most evenings it’s first-come within reason. The chef skips pretense—order, set the phone down, expect food that arrives before you overthink the menu. House-made tiramisu shows up most nights; the espresso arrives fast and direct.

Find directions on the map here: https://www.google.com/maps/place?ftid=0x89c259310dd6aff5:0xcad7d52f57b0bdca. Pavin 86 picks up the neighborhood foot traffic with a no-fuss menu and table turnover that rarely lingers.