New York City is home to some of the best Italian restaurants around, and since it’s such a popular type of cuisine it can be difficult to book a reservation. Especially in Manhattan’s Little Italy neighborhood, where there’s blocks and blocks of authentic flavors from the region. To keep you from being completely overwhelmed, we’ve compiled a list of 20 Little Italy restaurants (and Nolita, for good measure) that are genuinely delicious options. We’re talking everything from hand-made pizzas to the freshest of pasta. Check out our list of the best Little Italy restaurants in NYC below.
1. IL Cortile
With a lovely garden atrium, this Little Italy staple has been around since 1975 and has something on the menu for everyone. With an inventive menu focused on Northern Italian delicacies, you can taste test all of the Esposito’s dishes that never go wrong. See IL Cortile’s full menu here.
Where: 125 Mulberry St
2. Da Nico
If you’re looking for delicious pizza, Da Nico is where to go. You can make your own or choose from one of their classic brick oven options. Opt to sit outside in their divine courtyard while you enjoy their rustic Italian-American type fare. And don’t forget to end your meal with a powdered sugar zeppole. See Da Nico’s full menu here.
Where: 164 Mulberry St
3. Ferrara Bakery & Cafe
This iconic bakery been around since 1892, and makes sweet and flaky Italian pastries daily, and some of the best cannolis in Little Italy. You can pop in for a sweet treat to fulfill your craving or grab a table and try out their masterful Italian brunch…or maybe even do both and snag a sweet for the road! See Ferrara Bakery’s full menu here.
Where: 195 Grand St
4. Baz Bagel & Restaurant
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
Tuck away into this lute little wine bar in Little Italy, where you can spend hours taste testing from over 1,000 different bottles of imported wines from Italy, France, Lebanon, and beyond. 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
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
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
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
At this famous spot the littleneck clams on the half shell are fresh, ice-cold, and outrageously delicious.
Where: 132 Mulberry St.
11. Rubirosa
This sit-down Italian spot can be a tough reservation at times, but it’s totally worth snagging a table at. Their dark and moody dining room pairs perfectly with their speciality dish, The TIE DYE™ Pizza, complete with vodka, tomato sauce, mozzarella and a swirl of pesto sauce. See Rubirosa’s full menu here.
Where: 235 Mulberry St
12. Emilio’s Ballato
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
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
Pasquale Jones is nestled right on the corner of Mulberry and Kenmare Streets, where they’ve been serving up wood-fired food, Neo-NY style pizza, and an extraordinary wine program for nearly 10 years. Our menu recommendation is the Littleneck Clam Pizza which shot them right into the restaurant spotlight when they opened back in 2016. See Pasquale Jones’ full menu here.
Where: 187 Mulberry St
15. Peasant
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
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
This vegetarian restaurant makes great cauliflower pizzas and is a solid breakfast/brunch spot.
Where: 19 Kenmare St
18. Parm
From the team behind Carbone comes Parm, a much more affordable variation of the tourist trap that is arguably even better. 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
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
Featuring small plates in a cozy atmosphere, head chef Ignacio Mattos has masterfully created a menu of American-Italian fusion that will fit anyone’s palate. The intimate downtown bistro is even home to one Michelin star, so you can guarantee a tasty meal. We highly suggest ordering the ricotta dumplings with mushrooms and pecorino sardo.
Where: 47 E Houston St, 1st floor