Forsythia

Forsythia is a restaurant on New York City's Lower East Side, at 104 E 7th St, serving Roman-inspired Italian pasta under chef Jacob Siwak. 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 well-known fried cacio e pepe risotto supplì, pillowy spheres of creamy perfection, alongside polished 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 notable 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. Forsythia operates seven nights weekly with reservations available through Resy, though walk-ins can often secure bar seating for the full menu experience.

With expansion plans underway and a growing reputation among New York City's best restaurants, Forsythia represents the well-suited intersection of tradition and innovation, making reservations increasingly coveted among informed diners seeking authentic Italian excellence.