15 Restaurants in NYC’s Little Italy You Need to Try
From Pizza to Pasta to Veal Osso Bucco – Enjoy All of Your Favorite Italian Fare on and Around Mulberry Street in this Historic Neighborhood
To enjoy a hearty and authentic Italian meal in New York City, you need to push past the tourist traps in order to find the true gems. In Little Italy, there are numerous bars and restaurants offering the best risotto, lasagne, tiramisu, and cannolis. If you are a fan of hearty and authentic Italian food, Little Italy is a must-see area to visit the next time you are in the Big Apple. Let’s explore the best restaurants in Little Italy for your next big dinner.
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1. La Nonna
Casual Italian Fare Just Like Grandma Used to Make in Little Italy
134 Mulberry St | Little Italy | lanonnaristorante.com
La Nonna, the Italian grandmother, is the heart and soul of many Italian-American culinary traditions. She’s the one who makes sure everyone’s plate is heaping with fresh, delicious food, and she’s the one who passes the recipes down to the next generation of home chefs. Located right on Mulberry Street, that’s why La Nonna Ristorante seemed like the only choice of where to start our food tour of Little Italy.
Open for lunch and dinner, La Nonna serves classic Italian fare ranging from the rich focaccia, a staple of workmens’ lunches, to baby clams in white sauce and tender veal marsala. If you want to travel back in time to your grandma’s dinner table, start here.
“This tiny place was such a surprise to us. The food exceeded our expectations and the atmosphere took us back to Italy. The pasta e fagioli (the soup) was just as good as my grandma's and I had to force myself not to order a second portion.” – Yelp Review
2. Paesano of Mulberry Street
Classic Italian Cuisine in a Romantic, Candle-Lit Setting Since 1986
136 Mulberry St | Little Italy | paesanosoflittleitaly.com
Little Italy is far more than a cluster of Italian restaurants and shops in one of the biggest cities in America. The restaurants and the people here epitomize the culture and charm of Italy, especially Paesano of Mulberry Street. With string lights strung between branches along the ceiling, vines trellising around the dining room, and candles placed on every table, you’ll step off of Mulberry Street and find yourself transported to the Old World.
With affordable prices and huge portions, plan to be hungry when you arrive. The baked ziti, rigatoni in vodka sauce, and lobster ravioli rank among the fan favorites here.
“Food and service were great. Very family-friendly. Great location in the heart of Little Italy. If you're coming from out of town, I recommend making a parking garage reservation about 15 minutes before your restaurant reservation time.” – Yelp Review
3. Carmine’s
Family-Style Italian Food Just a Few Blocks Outside of Little Italy’s Hustle and Bustle
200 W 44th St | Midtown West | carminesnyc.com/locations/times-square
Little Italy’s borders have grown and shrunk since the first wave of Italian Immigrants arrived in the 1840s. Though what we think of as “Little Italy” today is roughly three square blocks near Mulberry Street, the “Italian neighborhood” once covered an impressive two square miles of the city. As it has receded – and the Italian immigrants have moved, married, and migrated to other parts of NYC – outposts of Italian culture can be found sprinkled throughout the Big Apple. And that includes Carmine’s, and this location near Times Square.
Touting themselves as “the original NYC family style restaurant” with a pedigree 32 years in the making, Carmine’s is your chance to enjoy a Southern Italian feast right here in New York. Plus if you like what you eat, you can even take some home with you in the form of jarred pasta sauce to go.
4. Rubirosa
Popular Little Italy Restaurant Specializing in Old School American-Italian Cuisine
235 Mulberry St | Nolita | rubirosanyc.com
For a delicious and hearty meal, visit Rubirosa in Little Italy. Founded by AJ Pappalardo, the son of Joe & Pat’s founder Giuseppe Pappalardo, the restaurant was designed in a similar fashion to the old Manhattan eatery. A 57-year-old family recipe also served as the inspiration behind the founding of Rubirosa. Everyone, both new and old neighborhood visitors, is welcome inside Rubirosa’s cozy atmosphere.
The restaurant offers an assortment of authentic Italian dishes, including their Farfalle in Pesto, Fusilli, Caprese Salad, and Pepperoni bread. Rubirosa also offers an extensive selection of pizza, such as the Fresca, Bianca, Sausage & broccoli Rabe, and Rubirosa Supreme. Diners can enjoy a small plate of the Eggplant Parmigiano or the Broccoli Rabe as an appetizer before moving on to a hearty pizza or entree. An extensive drink menu filled with wine, cider, and cocktails is also available to hungry restaurant patrons.
“Food wise I cannot rave enough about the tie dye pizza (obviously) and decided on a calamari app. Between the two of us, it would've been a perfect amount of food - the large pie (18' vs the small 14 in') thin pizza slices with soooo much flavor and a heaping portion of calamari.” - Yelp Review
5. Il Cortile
Family-Owned and Operated Italian Restaurant in Little Italy
125 Mulberry St | Little Italy | ilcortile.com
Il Cortile is a family-run Italian restaurant that has served as a leading eatery in Little Italy since 1975. To this day, the Esposito family remains dedicated to presenting an impressive and innovative menu to hungry New Yorkers.
Guests can start their meal with one of Il Cortile’s signature cocktails, including the Espresso Martini, Coconut, Mojito, and Lemon Drop Martini. A fine selection of red and white wine is also available. To tide you over for your entree, order an appetizer or salad. Some of Il Cortile’s most popular restaurants include the Rigatoni Speciale, Pork Chops, and Chicken Marsala. For dessert, you have the selection of the Homemade Mini Cannoli, Gelato, Sorbetti Ripieno, and Bomba.
“They started out with a breadbasket of awesome bread and breadsticks and we got oil and balsamic vinegar to dip it in...I got a chicken dish that was stuffed with cheese, mushrooms, and vegetables. Very tasty.” - Yelp Review
6. The Original Little Italy Pizza
Classic Italian eatery in New York City
Purchase a The Original Little Italy Pizza gift card
1 E 43rd St | Midtown East | littleitalyon43rd.com
Whether you are planning to order a creative pizza pie to share with friends at a small party or an entree to share with your partner on date night, The Original Little Italy has the perfect meal for all occasions. Try the Amalfi pizza, which is topped with eggplant oreganata, roasted peppers, and black olives. For something with meat, order the Firenze, which features miniature meatballs, fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and broccoli. Sandwiches and pastas are also available. For something hearty and filling, order the Chicken Chipotle sandwich of the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich. Their ziti, stuffed shell pasta, and manicotti are also great choices.
“I come here mostly for the chipotle chicken slice and sometimes the grandma's special sicilian slice. But the chipotle chicken slice is out of control. It's consistently delicious and doesn't taste like any other chicken slice in NYC.” - Yelp Review
Purchase a The Original Little Italy Pizza gift card
7. Benito One
Fresh-Made Pastas and Savory Appetizers Await You
174 Mulberry St | Little Italy | benitoone.com
Since its opening in 1968, Benito One has served as a staple in the Little Italy restaurant community. The second you step inside, you are welcomed with a warm and inviting atmosphere and restaurant that is lined with family photos of the Benito family. Share a plate of garlic bread or stuffed mushrooms with the rest of your table or order a soup and salad to tide you over until your entree is ready. Speaking of entrees, Benito One offers a wide selection of pasta, poultry, seafood, and veal.
“Friends and I decided to visit this restaurant on our visit to NYC. The three-course dinner is unbeatable. There was so much delicious food. My favorite was the calamari, gnocchi, and shrimp entree. The restaurant staff was welcoming.” - Yelp Review
8. Sal’s Little Italy
Casual Family Dinner Spot Serving Hearty Italian Dishes
Purchase a Sal’s Little Italy gift card
384 Broome St | Nolita | salslittleitaly.com
Founded in 1997, Sal’s Little Italy continues to serve as one of the leading pizza joints in Little Italy. The restaurant features an upfront pizzeria that sells by the slice along with a separate 60-seat dining room encased by a laidback exposed brick interior. Sal’s Little Italy is known for its hearty fried calzone, classic Neapolitan pizzas, and Italian comfort food. Some of its most popular selections include the Tutti Le Carni Pizza, Salato Calzone, and Meatball Parmigiana Hot Sandwich.
“Fried motz was so delicious. The sauce that went with it was really good. I've gotten slices here and they are real NY slices, which is nice considering that the quality of Italian I feel is going downhill a little throughout the city. I've also ordered the ravioli that’s good as well.” - Yelp Review
Purchase a Sal’s Little Italy gift card
9. Emilio’s Ballato
Old-School Italian Restaurant Known as a Celebrity Hangout
55 E Houston St | Nolita | ballatos.4-food.com
Ballato’s is a popular Italian restaurant in Little Italy that offers an array of hearty and authentic dishes. From the Caprese to the Gamberi Fra Diavolo, every dish is cooked to perfection. For a light starter dish, order the Cocktail del Molluschi, which is one dozen clams on the half shell, or the Zucchine Fritte, which is fresh, seasoned zucchini that has been breaded and flash-fried.
As for the entrees, you have a wide selection of menu items to choose from. For instance, the Tagliatelle Alla Bolognese features homemade tagliatelle with beef, pork, and veal ragu. The homemade Ravioli con Ricotta is another fine selection. In the mood for seafood? Try the Gamberi Fra Diavolo, which features shrimp sauteed in spicy marinara sauce with linguine.
“The moment you walk in you're instantly sent back to the 50s feel of a classic Italian clubhouse. If it’s good enough for the numerous celeb diners that are posted all along the wall of fame, it's good enough for anybody. Warm welcomes from the family-owned joint that give this place that Sunday supper at granny's vibe in a cozy atmosphere.” - Yelp Review
10. Parm
Diner-Inspired Italian Eatery Serving Delicious Classics
248 Mulberry St | Nolita | parmnyc.com
While Parm® has multiple locations scattered around New York City, it’s original storefront can be found in the heart of Little Italy. For years, New Yorkers have gone to Parm for its famous chicken parmesan, Mario’s meatballs, and signature deli sandwiches. All of their dishes are made from scratch every day. Whether you are in the mood for some baked ziti or a saratoga club sandwich, Parm is sure to have something fit for whatever you are craving.
“Got the fried calamari and, of course, the spicy rotini side dish (only $8!!!). Both were delicious. The spicy rotini was super-rich, I'm actually glad we only got the side. Would love to get back soon and try the chicken parm and/or chicken parm sub, amongst other things.” - Yelp Review
11. Aunt Jake’s
Charming Italian Restaurants Where You Can Mix and Match Different Pasta Dishes
133 Mulberry St | Little Italy | auntjakesnyc.com
Who doesn’t love gorging themselves on a big bowl of pasta? At Aunt Jake’s you can expect to be treated to some of the best pasta in New York City. All pastas are handmade from scratch everyday.
With the “Create Your Own Pasta” special, guests can choose the shape of their pasta and decide what sauce they want to pair it with. Butternut squash noodles, tagliatelle, and cavatelli can be paired with savory sauces like the Mushroom Ragu and Roasted Garlic Pecorino.
Specialty dishes like the Shrimp Scampi and Chicken Parmigiana are also a hit with guests. Whatever you order, don’t forget to pair it with one of the many wines, cocktails, and bottled beers on the menu!
“I have been coming to Aunt Jake's for many years now & the food is delish. The restaurant is spacious & is COVID friendly. We are indoors. Outdoor seating is available. The pasta and appetizers were so good. Great portions.” - Yelp Review
12. Da Nico
Italian Eatery That Has Mastered Recipes Brought Over From the Old Country
164 Mulberry St | Little Italy | danicoristorante.com
Since 1993, Da Nico Ristorante has hosted a diverse and impressive list of clients. Everyone from the Yankees to Mayor Giuliani has stepped foot into Da Nico. As soon as you take your first bite, you’ll see why Da Nico is a favorite among so many New Yorkers.
The most popular food on the menu is probably the brick oven pizza, which is cooked inside the restaurant’s authentic coal-fired oven. Guests also love Da Nico’s risotto and pasta dishes. Want to try a full course? Da Nico offers a prix-fixe dinner for $24 a person at a maximum of 10 guests. Special house red and white wine is typically paired with the dinner.
“I came here for dinner on Saturday night & was seated in a lovely tent-covered back patio with trees, plants & Roman statues. I enjoyed delicious, authentic Italian food.” - Yelp Review
13. Ferrara Bakery
Family-Owned Bakery Offering Dozens of Sweet and Delicious Desserts for Over 100 Years
195 Grand St | Little Italy | ferraracafe.com
After you fill yourself up with a hearty Italian meal, don’t forget to stop by Ferrara Cafe for a sweet dessert! This charming dessert cafe offers over 200 Italian pastries and sweets that are made fresh daily. Want something a little more than a light snack? Ferrara is also a popular spot for brunch! Whether you want something filling and savory like the Steak & Eggs or something to satisfy your sweet tooth like an Éclair, you will be more than pleased with your selection.
They've been serving up coffee and food since all the way back in 1892, so you know that they know their stuff! That also makes it the oldest coffee shop in New York, by the way.
In addition to their wholesale selection of cookies and mini pastries, Ferrara also offers specialty cakes and desserts for private events.
“These are the real deal. Ferrara has been a staple in New York City forever. I haven't been there in years and when I shoved one of these perfect morsels into my semi-dieting pie-hole yesterday, my head nearly exploded.” - Yelp Review
14. Gelso & Grand
Chic and Contemporary Restaurant Featuring a Charming Outdoor Patio
186 Grand St | Little Italy | gelsoandgrand.com
There’s nothing better than a dish made from local produce and some hand-rolled pasta. Luckily for you, Gelso & Grand serves both! Classic Italian dishes like Fettuccine Bolognese, Margherita Pizza, and more await you at this popular restaurant! Many of the dishes are made inside the restaurant’s classic wood fired brick oven. What comes out is a savory dish that you won’t be able to get enough of.
“Love this spot in Little Italy! The ambiance is amazing indoor as well as outdoor. Did you know their foot long cannoli is seasonal? We got to try out their red velvet cannoli and when we hammered it open m&m's came out.” - Yelp Review
15. Piacere NYC
Organic Italian Dishes Served Inside a Charming and Rustic Atmosphere
351 Broome St | Nolita | piacerenyc.com
Situated inside a charming and rustic building, Piacere will immediately make you feel right at home. On the menu, you’ll find a wide selection of authentic and organic Italian cuisine. An extensive wine and beer list is also available and ready to be paired with one of Piacere’s many dishes. From the fresh-baked oven pizza to the hearty pasta, you won’t be disappointed with Piacere’s selection of Italian dishes.
“This is our fav place to go to with exceptional service. Went out for a late night date with my wife. We got grass-fed sliced rib-eye beef and linguine w/ mixed seafood in a tomato sauce. Everything was super delicious. Highly recommended.” - Yelp Review
That’s the last stop on our tour of restaurants in NYC’s Little Italy.
There is no shortage of authentic and welcoming Italian restaurants in Little Italy. Which ones are your favorites? Let us know – we’re always updating our city guides. And don’t forget to check out the GiftYa catalog for our full list of offerings in New York City and all over the country.
Trae Bodge
Trae Bodge is the shopping expert here at GiftYa. Trae helps people find the best deals and ideas on popular new items to purchase.
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