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
What: With a lovely garden atrium, this Little Italy staple has been around since 1975 and has something on the menu for everyone.
Where: 125 Mulberry St.
2. Da Nico
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.
Where: 164 Mulberry St.
3. Ferrara Bakery
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.
Where: 195 Grand St.
4. Baz Bagel & Restaurant
What: This bagel shop on Grand St is a hidden gem that makes hand-rolled bagels, latkes, and blintzes.
Where: 181 Grand St.
5. La Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels
What: A wine bar in Little Italy, they also have wonderful small plates like beef tartare and confit rabbit.
Where: 249 Centre St.
6. Di Palo’s Fine Foods
What: This grocery store doubles as a sandwich shop that makes a hearty Italian sandwich.
Where: 200 Grand St.
7. Aunt Jake’s
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!
Where: 133 Mulberry St.
8. Gelso & Grand
What: Perfect for big groups, this is great spot to host a birthday dinner in the heart of Little Italy.
Where: 186 Grand St.
9. Piacere NYC
What: A low-key spot in the heart of Little Italy, you can’t go wrong choosing the taglierini with porcini and truffle.
Where: 351 Broome St.
10. Umberto’s Clam House
What: At this famous spot the littleneck clams on the half shell are fresh, ice-cold, and outrageously delicious.
Where: 132 Mulberry St.
Nolita
11. Rubirosa
What: Two words: Vodka pizza.
Where: 235 Mulberry St.
12. Emilio’s Ballato
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.
Where: 55 E Houston St.
13. Ruby’s Cafe
What: This quaint spot next to Rubirosa makes great burgers, and while their pastas are always really good, we love their rice bowl.
Where: 219 Mulberry St. A
14. Pasquale Jones
What: The little neck clam pizza and diavola are absolute musts.
Where: 187 Mulberry St.
15. Peasant
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).
Where: 194 Elizabeth St.
16. Emporio
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.
Where: 231 Mott St.
17. The Butcher’s Daughter
What: This vegetarian restaurant makes great cauliflower pizzas and is a solid breakfast/brunch spot.
Where: 19 Kenmare St.
18. Parm
What: Their meatballs and chicken parmigiana are are out of this world. And their garlic bread. And their spicy rotini…basically everything!
Where: 248 Mulberry St.
19. Lombardi’s
What: The coal oven pizzas from Lombardi’s are famous, and the spot is often called NYC’s first pizzeria.
Where: 32 Spring St.
20. Estela
What: Featuring small plates in a cozy atmosphere, we highly suggest ordering the ricotta dumplings with mushrooms and pecorino sardo.
Where: 1st floor, 47 E Houston St.
Also published on Medium.