Anyone who’s been to Little Italy know what a tourist trap the area is. With every restaurant begging you to dine there it’s hard to cut through the noise and find a place that truly serves good food.
To keep you from being completely overwhelmed, we’ve compiled a list of 20 restaurants in Little Italy (and Nolita, for good measure) that are genuinely delicious options. From Italian to Malaysian fare, there’s bound to be a perfect place for you on our list. We’ve also gone ahead and created a map at the bottom for easy future access. Bon appétit!
Little Italy
1. Il Cortile
Where: 125 Mulberry St
What: With a lovely garden atrium, this Little Italy staple has been around since 1975 and has something on the menu for everyone.
2. Da Nico
Where: 164 Mulberry St
What: If you’re looking for delicious pizza, Da Nico is where to go. You can make your own or choose from one of their classics. Either way, you’ll end the meal with a powdered sugar zeppole.
3. Ferrara Bakery
Where: 195 Grand St
What: This iconic shop that’s been around since 1892 makes sweet and flaky Italian pastries daily, and some of the best cannolis in Little Italy.
4. Baz Bagel & Restaurant
Where: 181 Grand St
What: This bagel shop on Grand St is a hidden gem that makes hand-rolled bagels, latkes, and blintzes.
5. La Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels
Where: 249 Centre St
What: A wine bar in Little Italy, they also have wonderful small plates like beef tartare and confit rabbit.
6. Di Palo’s Fine Foods
Where: 200 Grand St
What: This grocery store doubles as a sandwich shop that makes a hearty Italian sandwich.
7. Aunt Jake’s
Where: 133 Mulberry St
What: Although a bit pricier than other Little Italy jaunts, it’s made up for in the portion sizes. If you’re not in the mood for one of their specialties, you can always make your own dish!
8. Gelso & Grand
Where: 186 Grand St
What: Perfect for big groups, this is great spot to host a birthday dinner in the heart of Little Italy.
9. Piacere NYC
Where: 351 Broome St
What: A low-key spot in the heart of Little Italy, you can’t go wrong choosing the taglierini with porcini and truffle.
10. Umberto’s Clam House
Where: 132 Mulberry St
What: At this famous spot the littleneck clams on the half shell are fresh, ice-cold, and outrageously delicious.
Nolita
11. Rubirosa
Where: 235 Mulberry St
What: Two words: Vodka pizza.
12. Emilio’s Ballat0
Where: 55 E Houston St
What: This star studded restaurant doesn’t take reservations, so if you don’t want to wait too long it’s best to go early.
13. Ruby’s Cafe
Where: 219 Mulberry St A
What: This quaint spot next to Rubirosa makes great burgers, and while their pastas are always really good, we love their rice bowl.
14. Pasquale Jones
Where: 187 Mulberry St
What: The little neck clam pizza and diavola are absolute musts.
15. Peasant
Where: 194 Elizabeth St
What: Feel free to venture out of your comfort zone here. However, if you’re looking for something safe and delicious we suggest going with the octopus (Polpi in Purgatorio) and the lamb chops (agnello con polenta).
16. Emporio
Where: 231 Mott St
What: A pizza is a must-order item when you visit Emporio. If you like mushroom, we recommend tasting the speck and mushroom pie. The Nutella calzone dessert is also heavenly.
17. The Butcher’s Daughter
Where: 19 Kenmare St
What: This vegetarian restaurant makes great cauliflower pizzas and is a solid breakfast/brunch spot.
18. Parm
Where: 248 Mulberry St
What: Their meatballs and chicken parmigiana are are out of this world. And their garlic bread. And their spicy rotini…basically everything!
19. Lombardi’s
Where: 32 Spring St
What: The coal oven pizzas from Lombardi’s are famous, and the spot is often called NYC’s first pizzeria.
20. Estela
Where: 1st floor, 47 E Houston St
What: Featuring small plates in a cozy atmosphere, we highly suggest ordering the ricotta dumplings with mushrooms and pecorino sardo.
See related: 10 Of The Best Steakhouses In New York City
Also published on Medium.