Little Italy is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Manhattan, and it has a large Italian population. This large Italian population is due to the Italian immigrants who settled here in large numbers and they came along with their food, custom, and language.
Many lovely Italian restaurants line up the streets of Little Italy and it will be unfair to pass through this place without trying out the delicious Italian cuisines served in these restaurants.
So, if you are in the mood for some authentic Italian dishes, join me as we locate some of the best restaurants in Little Italy.
- 1. Il Cortile
- 2. Rubirosa
- 3. Benito one
- 4. Parm
- 5. Aunt Jakes
- 6. Da Nico
- 7. Ferrara bakery
- 8. Gelso & Grand
- 9. Piacere NYC
- 10. Amici Ristorante
- 11. Marinara Pizza
- 12. Paesano of mulberry street
1. Il Cortile
Location: 125 Mulberry St #4603, New York, NY 10013, United States
Contact: +1 212-226-6060
This family-owned restaurant has been serving the people of New York City for over 40 years and is located in the Little Italy neighbourhood, Il Cortile strives to keep serving creative and interesting Italian menus.
You get to enjoy fresh dishes such as pork chops, chicken masala, and many more. There are several appetizers and desserts such as homemade gelato, bomba, and mini cannoli.
There is also a wide selection of delicious cocktails and an amazing selection of white and red wines. Il Cortile is not only great for intimate seating but also very conducive for large parties.
2. Rubirosa Ristorante
Location: 235 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10012, United States
Contact: +1 212-965-0500
This wonderful restaurant and pizzeria is a popular joint in Little Italy. It is known for its authentic Italian-American dishes that are to die for. Rubirosa is a family-run restaurant and the beginning of the restaurant was inspired by recipes that have been in the family for many generations.
You will enjoy freshly made portions of pasta that are prepared daily in-house. There is also a wide range of pizzas available that are prepared with care and attention.
If you are a person who prefers thin and crunchy crust, Rubirosa is the best place to enjoy thin and crunchy pizzas. They have an interesting selection of drinks on their menu, you can chill and sip on cocktails, wine, or ciders.
If you plan to visit Rubirosa, you need to make a reservation for you to get seated easily. The restaurant is usually busy most times so it is best to book beforehand to avoid disappointments.
3. Benito One
Location: 174 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10013, United States
Contact: +1 212-226-9171
Benito is a gem located in Little Italy, this restaurant is full of charm and character. The moment you walk in, you get a sense of relaxation and homeliness, and this makes you settle in as you enjoy your meal.
If you want a place with varieties of freshly made pasta, varieties of veal and chicken cuisines and amazing savoury appetizers, you can never go wrong with Benito.
All the meals here are full of flavour and you will enjoy your time here. The restaurant is cosy and it is a nice place to hang out with your family. You will need to make reservations beforehand.
4. Parm
Location: 248 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10012, United States
Contact: +1 212-993-7189
Parm has several restaurants in multiple locations around New York. However, the first restaurant was opened in Little Italy.
They have been serving the neighbourhood for a long time, and the food here is made from scratch daily so you are guaranteed freshly-made food any time you visit. If you happen to visit Parm, try out their popular Mario’s meatballs, chicken parmesan and their signature appetizers.
Every meal here is cooked to perfection, the food is delicious and flavorful and the portions are generous. The atmosphere is welcoming and the prices are decent, so you do not have to worry about breaking the bank to enjoy a decent meal. Visit Parm and you will enjoy whichever Italian meal you crave and prefer.
5. Aunt Jake’s
Location: 133 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10013, United States
Contact: +1 646-858-0470
This charming restaurant is the place to be especially if you love homemade pasta. The pasta is made freshly from scratch on daily basis.
The unique thing about this gem is that there is an option for creating your pasta. Here, you can choose the shape of your pasta and, any savory sauce you want the pasta to be paired with.
There are other popular dishes such as delicious chicken parmigiana. Whatever you choose to have, you can always wash it down with their amazing cocktails, beers and wine.
If you are vegetarian, vegan, or gluten intolerant, don’t be afraid to make a reservation here because they have options that favor your dietary preferences. The ambience is amazing and there is indoor and outdoor seating. Make a reservation and get treated with the best pasta.
6. Da Nico Ristorante
Location: 164 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10013, United States
Contact: +1 212-343-1212
Da Nico is a restaurant you must visit to get a true Italian cuisine experience. This wonderful restaurant is known for its authentic Italian food in Little Italy.
The menu has a wide range of cuisines to pick from and they are all prepared with quality ingredients. The pizzas here are cooked in a coal-fired oven and this makes them stand out from the pizza you will get in other places. You can go with family and friends and enjoy the best delicious Italian food.
You will also find other mouthwatering dishes such as pasta and risotto. There are a variety of alcoholic beverages on their drinks menu, and you can use this to accompany your pasta or pizza meal. Da Nico is quite popular so it is best if you make a reservation first.
7. Ferrara Bakery & café
Location: 195 Grand St, New York, NY 10013, United States
Contact: +1 212-226-6150
This café is located in Little Italy and offers over 200 Italian pastries that are freshly made daily. If you are in the mood for some delicious Italian dessert, then don’t forget to stop by Ferrara.
The mini pastries and cookies are to die for and are available wholesale too. Ferrara also offers private event space if you ever need a venue.
The café has a welcoming ambience that allows you to chill and enjoy the delicious treats and refreshments. Ferrara is also an amazing place for brunch.
8. Gelso & Grand
Location: 186 Grand St, New York, NY 10013, United States
Contact: +1 212-226-1600
If you are looking for a restaurant that uses local produce ingredients and handmade pasta, then you need to visit Gelso & Grand. This restaurant makes all its dishes with fresh ingredients that are sourced locally.
Gelso & Grand has maintained its traditional hospitality and recipes. The menu has an extensive list of Italian cuisines all prepared to perfection, for instance, the Margherita pizza and Fettuccine Bolognese will blow your mind.
The dishes here are prepared and cooked inside their authentic wood-fired brick oven. What comes out are savoury and mouthwatering dishes and pizzas that will make you come back for more.
You will also enjoy their espresso beverages, cocktails, bottled beers and a fine selection of wines in the calm atmosphere. The seating arrangement is intimate and perfect for a date arrangement, and there is both indoor and outdoor seating.
9. Piacere NYC
Location: 351 Broome St, New York, NY 10013, United States
Contact: +1 212-219-4080
If you are in the mood for Italian food, then this lovely restaurant is where you need to be. Piacere offers organic and unique traditional Italian cuisines that are full of flavor. The pizzas here are outstanding and worth trying due to the effort and creativity that goes into making them.
There are gluten-free options for pizza and pasta. It is advisable to make reservations beforehand. The atmosphere is rustic and you can enjoy your time there while sipping some of their amazing wines and cocktails.
10. Amici Ristorante
Location: 165 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10013, United States
Contact: +1 212-203-2766
This cozy restaurant is located in the heart of Little Italy and has authentic and delicious Italian dishes. There is a wide selection of dishes on the menu to choose from.
At Amici, you cannot go wrong with their Risotto which is packed with flavors that will excite your taste buds and give you satisfaction. You can also enjoy a lot of appetizers such as Calamari fritti and Portobello Trifolati.
There are vegetarian-friendly, gluten-free and vegan options available for you. There is also an extensive drinks menu that you can enjoy with your hearty Italian meal.
11. Paesano
Location: 136 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10013, United States
Contact: +1 212-965-1188
This cute restaurant oozes charm and authentic Italian culture. Paesano is in the heart of Little Italy and has been serving the people of New York for over 10 years.
The menu has a wide selection of appetizers, chicken, veal dishes, steak & chops and pizza options. Whatever you are in the mood for, you will find something that will satisfy your cravings.
The pizza options are great and the best part is you can decide what toppings you prefer on your pizza and they will make it happen.
They have an exciting drinks menu and the ambience is charming and relaxing. Paesano can be a great place to have a cute little date with your partner. Visit their website for more information.
12. Lombardi’s pizza
Location: 32 Spring Street New York, NY 10012, United States
Contact: +1 212-941-7994
This is the first pizzeria in New York City and it is located in Little Italy. This pizzeria offers the best smoky-crusted coal oven-baked pizza.
Apart from having the best pizza in town, Lombardi’s has an extensive food menu that has mouthwatering dishes that will blow your mind.
The drinks options are fantastic and delicious and they keep you refreshed as you enjoy your meal here. Check them out on their website and make reservations.
Finally
You can visit Italy without actually traveling over there, all you have to do is visit Little Italy and you will have a taste of the real show.
All the restaurants mentioned above serve some of the best dishes in the area at affordable prices. Do well to visit one of them the next time you find yourself in Little Italy.