If you find yourself in one of NYC’s most popular neighborhoods looking for a bite to eat, picking a restaurant in Little Italy might seem a little overwhelming. What do you choose? One of Little Italy’s bakeries, maybe a pizza place in Little Italy, or a sit down restaurant? From popular tourist spots to places locals love, we’ve rounded up some of the most delicious Little Italy restaurants in NYC. Check them out!
Photo: Nick Amoscato via flickr
Rubirosa
Famous for their pizza and their house-made fresh pasta, Rubirosa is a family-run, Italian-American, neighborhood restaurant. They also offer an extensive gluten-free menu for guests.
235 Mulberry St.
New York, NY 10012
212-965-0500
Rubirosa’s website: rubirosanyc.com
Rubirosa’s hours: open 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m. daily.
Il Cortile
If you’re looking for a traditional sit down restaurant that serves authentic Italian fare, look no further than Il Cortile. It’s a family run NYC Little Italy institution for over 40 years. Don’t miss their traditional Sunday sauce, only served on the weekends.
125 Mulberry St.
New York, NY 10013
212-226-6060
Il Cortile’s website: ilcortile.com
Il Cortile’s Hours: open Noon–midnight daily.
Lombardi’s Pizza
Known as America’s First Pizzeria, this Little Italy pizzeria dates back to 1905. In fact, Gennaro Lombardi is credited with creating “New York Style Pizza.” But don’t forget to hit the ATM before you go; Lombardi’s is cash only.
32 Spring St.,
New York, NY 10012
212- 941-7994
Lombardi’s Pizza website: firstpizza.com
Lombardi’s Pizza hours: open Sun-Thu, 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m., Fri-Sat, 11:30 a.m-midnight
Da Nico
Another authentic Italian restaurant in Little Italy is Da Nico. Family owned and operated for over 25 years, Da Nico offers brick oven pizzas along with classic dishes like veal saltimbocca and chicken cacciatore. Plus, if there’s something you’re craving that isn’t on the menu, just ask and they’ll try to accommodate you. (Something that would come in handy with picky eaters.)
164 Mulberry St.
New York, NY 10013
212- 343-1212
Da Nico’s website: danicoristorante.com
Da Nico’s hours: open Sun.–Thur., noon–10 p.m., Fri.–Sat., noon–11 p.m.
Ferrara Bakery
Satisfy your sweet tooth at this Little Italy bakery. Ferrara’s opened in 1892 and is still family owned and operated. Take your pick from any one of their exquisite Italian classic desserts: but don’t miss out on their cheesecakes.
195 Grand St.
New York, NY 10013
212-226-6150
Ferrara Bakery’s website: ferraranyc.com
Ferrara Bakery’s hours: open Sun. –Thurs., 9 a.m.-11 p.m., Fri., 9 a.m.–midnight, Sat., 9 a.m.-midnight
Di Palo’s Fine Foods
If you’re looking for an old school Italian deli, Di Palo’s Fine Foods is a must. A staple in Little Italy for almost a century, their fresh mozzarella is a winner. Grab some with a few of their meats for a great afternoon picnic!
200 Grand St.
New York, NY 10013
212-226-1033
Di Paolo’s Fine Foods hours: open 9 a.m.–7 p.m. daily.
Parm
Like the name suggests, Parm is where you want to go for an updated version of the Italian American classics like chicken or meatball parm. Definitely more casual than your typical Little Italy restaurant, but just as (or even more) fun.
248 Mulberry St.
New York, NY 10012
212-993-7189
Parm’s website: parmnyc.com/location/mulberry-street/
Parm’s hours: open Sun.–Thurs., 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m., Fri.–Sat., 11 a.m.–11 p.m.
Emilio’s Ballato
If you’re feeling ambitious, and you want to eat where the celebs go in Little Italy NYC, try Emilio’s Ballato. You could be rubbing elbows with the likes of former President Obama or New York native Billy Joel. The chicken parm is legendary. But plan to get there early: they don’t accept reservations and the lines can get long.
55 E Houston St.,
New York, NY 10012
212-274-8881
Emilio’s Ballato hours: open Sun.–Thurs., noon–11 p.m., Fri.–Sat., noon-midnight
Piacere NYC
This Little Italy pizzeria is more rustic than most, but just as welcoming. Their brick oven pizza is the most popular menu item, but they also offer a selection of pasta, with gluten free options as well. Make sure you bring cash or your Amex card as those are the only forms of payment.
351 Broome St.,
New York, NY 10013
212-219-4080
Piacere NYC’s website: piacerenyc.com
Piacere NYC hours: open Mon.–Wed., 5 p.m.–1 a.m., Thurs.–Sun., noon–1 a.m.
Aunt Jake’s
A relative newbie on the Little Italy restaurant scene is Aunt Jake’s. Their handmade pasta is crafted daily, and their Pasta Lab (cooking class) is crazy popular. Create your own pasta dish for a unique dinner twist.
149 Mulberry St.,
New York, NY 10013
646-858-0470
Aunt Jake’s website: auntjakesnyc.com
Aunt Jake’s hours: open 11 a.m.–11 p.m. daily.
Benito One
Family pictures adorn the walls of this traditional Little Italy NYC restaurant. Classic dishes await you from a menu that is relatively unchanged since the restaurant opened in 1968. With one notable exception: they now serve gluten free pasta upon request.
174 Mulberry St.
New York, NY 10013
Benito One’s website: benitoone.com/benito/Welcome.html
Benito One’s hours: open 11 a.m.–10 p.m. daily.
—– Jesseca Stenson
featured image: iStock
RELATED STORIES:
Little Dumplings: NYC Dim Sum Spots For Kids
Kitschy Cool: NYC Theme Restaurants Worth the Splurge
Summer Grubbin’: Where to Eat Outdoors with Kids in NYC
