Set the Scene
Ops East Village carries the same assured sensibility that made the Bushwick original a cult favorite and a James Beard Award-nominated neighborhood institution. From the team behind the Brooklyn flagship–Chef Michael Fadem, Gavin Compton, and Marie Tribouilloy–the space feels like a thoughtful evolution rather than a Manhattan departure.
Positioned on the buzzy corner of 2nd Avenue and East 11th Street, the space feels open and animated, with floor-to-ceiling windows that draw in daylight and slide open once warmer weather hits.
Red leather banquettes at street level lend a subtle, Italian-American throwback, while the sunken dining room below reveals a series of intimate booths and corners intended for settling in.
A custom stainless-steel bar anchors the room, striking a balance between industrial edge and understated elegance. Every element feels intentional yet relaxed–built for long nights, repeat order, and the easy rhythm of a place neighbors return to again and again.
The Food
At its core, Ops remains deeply committed to naturally fermented sourdough and wood-fired pizza, but the East Village location expands the conversation.
Alongside its Neapolitan-style pies–think Napoletana, Cicero, Rojo, and Trapanese–this outpost includes “Tavernettas,” Chef Michael’s Midwestern-inspired take on St. Louis-style thin crust. Crisp, nostalgic, and deeply snackable, versions like the Classic, Pissaladiere, and Hawaiian exist happily alongside their blistered, doughy counterparts.
The supporting cast is just as compelling. The Ops Salad remains a must-order, balancing crunch, bitterness, and acid with precision. Fried bites like suppli and fritto misto remain mainstays, while baked pastas and large plates add depth and comfort.
Desserts keep things light and sweet: panna cotta, flourless chocolate cake, and a soft-serve sundae that feels delightfully unfussy.
Regular collaboration pizzas with neighboring East Village hotspots further cement Ops as a community-driven institution.
The Drinks
Ops’ natural wine program is a defining force–playful yet unserious, with glasses famously stamped with a hand-drawn mortadella illustration by co-owner Marie Tribouilloy. Bottles lean thoughtful and food-friendly, while the cocktail list, overseen by longtime General Manager Cedric Obando, is concise, balanced, and designed to complement the menu rather than compete with it.
Final Thoughts
Ops East Village succeeds by staying true to what made it beloved in the first place, while giving itself room to evolve–rooted in craft, hospitality, and neighborhood spirit.
Fast Facts
Location: East Village
Cuisine: Pizza
Price Point: $$
Takes Reservations: Yes – Resy
The Vibe: Casually obsessive, deeply welcoming, and exactly where you want to end up on a night in the East Village
Our Favorite Thing on the Menu: The ultimate foursome is any bottle of a funky orange wine, the Ops Salad, the Margherita Neapolitan-style pie, and whichever collaborative pie of the evening sounds most enticing.
The Attire: Smart Casual
Hours: Ops East Village is open Monday through Friday from 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM and on Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM.
New York City, New York, United States
