12 Best Little Italy Restaurants NYC That Are Actually Good (+ What To Order) (2024)

NYC’s Little Italy has long been one of the top tourist attractions in the city, with tourists flocking the streets in hopes to taste the best pasta, pizza, and desserts outside of Italy.

But, little do people know that this sprawling neighborhood is a tourist trap, with a long list of mediocre restaurants trying to lure people to dine in their place.

TBH, Little Italy does have some amazing restaurants serving genuinely delicious Italian staples, you just need to know where to look.

Here is the list of the best Little Italy restaurants NYC that you should bookmark for your next visit to Manhattan.

1. Lunella

Established in 1984, Lunella offers authentic Italian cuisine with a seasonal twist.

Whether you’re with family or on a romantic date, enjoy the cozy patio with homemade pasta and co*cktails.

Try the light and tasty Bruschetta con Zucchine to start. For a fulfilling meal, go for the Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo, or the classic Penne alla Vodka for its amazing sauce.

What to order: Bruschetta con Zucchine, Fettuccine Alfredo, Penne alla Vodka.

Address: 173 Mulberry Street, New York, NY 10013

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2. Il Cortile

In Little Italy, Il Cortile charms with its glass-enclosed garden, ideal for romantic dinner dates. Known for quality ingredients and fine wines, you can’t go wrong with anything you order here.

Their Pesce del Gioro Marechiaro e Gamberetti is a Mediterranean delight.

Standouts on the menu also include the Fettuccine di Parma, bursting with herbs and creamy sauce, or the Pollo con Gamberi alla Francese, with golden chicken and shrimp in zesty lemon sauce.

What to order: Pesce del Gioro Marechiaro e Gamberetti, Fettuccine di Parma, Pollo con Gamberi alla Francese

Address: 125 Mulberry Street, New York, NY 10013

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3. Da Nico

Since 1993, Da Nico has been a crowd favorite, renowned for its exceptional brick-oven pizzas and classic Italian dishes served in a cozy atmosphere.

Their Pizza Prosciutto & Arugula is a must-order for a fresh, salty taste. Layered with cheese and irresistible marinara sauce, their homemade meat Lasagna will also catch your attention.

Of course, you shouldn’t miss the Calamari Fritti—crispy and delightful with a hint of lemon and tangy tomato sauce on the side.

What to order: Pizza Prosciutto & Arugula, Lasagna, Calamari Fritti.

Address: 164 Mulberry, Street, New York, NY 10013

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4. La Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels

For a special occasion, La Compagnie is the best destination! This chic wine bar offers a diverse wine list and food menu, embodying elegance and warmth. Their French and Mediterranean small plates perfectly complement their wines.

Two standout dishes include the Grilled Cheese, topped with mushroom and tangy tomato jam, and the Manila Clams, perfect for fresh flavors.

Don’t go home without tasting the Cacio e Pepe Popcorn! It pairs well with any drink.

What to order: Grilled Cheese, Manila Clams, Cacio e Pepe Popcorn.

Address: 249 Centre Street, New York, NY 10013

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5. Emilio’s Ballato

1956 Emilio’s Ballato blends rustic charm with southern Italian flavors, an NYC favorite known for its superb red sauce dishes. Celebrities like Barack Obama, Rihanna, and Tom Hanks frequent this cozy spot.

People rave about Emilio’s Vongole Oreganata, a rich clam delicacy with just the right breadcrumb ratio. The Tagliatelle alla Bolognese, cooked to al-dente perfection, is also a head-turner.

But if you want something cheesy, the Petto Di Pollo Alla Parmigiana with crispy breaded chicken topped with mozzarella is your best bet.

What to order: Vongole Oregenate, Tagliatelle alla Bolognese, Petto Di Pollo Alla Parmigiana.

Address: 55 E Houston Street, New York, NY 10012

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6. Jose Luis Little Italy

On the bustling Mulberry Street, Jose Luis stands out with its neon-lit ambiance, offering Italian and Spanish cuisine for casual gatherings over wine or sangria.

Craving pasta? Get their Pesto di Rucola e Pistaccio, with tender strigoli pasta in arugula-pistachio pesto.

For Spanish flair, the Valenciana Paella which comes with chicken, chorizo, and saffron caramelized to perfection is highly recommended.

What to order: Pesto di Rucola e Pistaccio, Valenciana Paella.

Address: 115 Mulberry Street, New York, NY 10013

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7. Puglia

Established in 1919, Puglia is a family-owned eatery that captivates NYC foodies with authentic Southern Italian cuisine. The lively atmosphere and nightly entertainment makes it perfect for a memorable night out.

Get the Baked Clams for a delightful appetizer and dive immediately into the Famous Rigatoni alla Vodka for the main course. Finish everything off with the Instagram-worthy Baked Rigatoni.

Beyond their à-la-carte offerings, Puglia presents pre-fixe dinner menus showcasing their signature dishes served family-style.

What to order: Baked Clams, Puglia’s Famous Rigatoni alla Vodka, Baked Rigatoni.

Address: 189 Hester Street, New York, NY 10013

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8. Gelso & Grand

Gelso & Grand, at Mulberry & Grand Street, is a go-to for locals. With chic industrial design, it offers fresh pasta, wood-oven pizzas, and classic Italian dishes.

Their signature Margherita Pizza from the wood-fired oven, is perfect for sharing. For standout housemade pasta, the Spaghetti Pomodoro with extra meatballs is a must.

A hit among the crowd, the Fettuccine Bolognese with fresh fettuccine and a robust meat sauce is another highlight on their menu. Trust me, you won’t regret getting this!

What to order: Margherita Pizza, Spaghetti Pomodoro with Meatballs, Fettuccine Bolognese.

Address: 186 Grand Street, New York, NY 10013

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9. Sofia’s of Little Italy

Sofia’s of Little Italy offers handmade pizzas and authentic Italian cuisine, all crafted from scratch in a heartwarming setting. The ambient lighting at the full seating bar and outdoor area adds to the inviting atmosphere.

Start with Sofia’s Eggplant Parmesan, crispy outside, juicy inside, with melted mozzarella. If you’re feeling adventurous, the Lobster Ravioli is the way to go.

Or get the Mushroom Ravioli with a hint of truffle in a rich mushroom sauce for a vegetarian-friendly option.

What to order: Eggplant Parmesan, Lobster Ravioli, Mushroom Ravioli.

Address: 143 Mulberry Street, New York, NY 10013

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10. Parm

Parm, co-founded by Mario Carbone and Rich Torrisi, offers delicious Italian-American cuisine at an affordable price.

Their Chicken Parm Dinner is perfect for sharing with friends. But if you’re a fan of crispy-edged slices, you’re in for a treat with their Baked Ziti!

For a lesser-known option, their Slow Roasted Turkey sandwich is tender and generously packed with fresh ingredients.

What to order: Chicken Parm Dinner, Baked Ziti, The Slow Roasted Turkey Sandwich.

Address: 248 Mulberry Street, New York, NY 10012

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11. Rubirosa

Renowned for its decade-old family recipes, Rubirosa is a cozy fixture in NYC, known for its thin-crust pizzas. Families and friends gather for relaxed lunches, drawn by the inviting ambiance.

As always, their colossal GF Meatballs burst with savory goodness while their Classic New York-style pizza comes with a crispy edge you won’t forget!

For a sweet finale, Rubirosa’s Tiramisu is a sweet and airy delight to perfectly cap off everything.

What to order: GF Meatballs, Classic New York Style Pizza, Tiramisu.

Address: 235 Mulberry Street, New York, NY 10012

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12. Pasquale Jones

“Wood-fired cuisine, Neo-NY style pizza, and an outstanding wine selection” – that encapsulates Pasquale Jones in a nutshell! With an open kitchen and refined ambiance, it’s upscale yet laid-back.

Don’t miss out on the Littleneck Clam Pizza with fresh clams, cream, and broccoli rabe. The Margherita Pizza is a consistent crowd-favorite with sweet San Marzano tomato sauce and snowy white mozzarella.

If you like something savory, their Warm Braised Leeks will make you hooked after one bite!

What to order: Littleneck Clam Pizza, Margherita Pizza, Warm Braised Leeks.

Address: 187 Mulberry Street, New York, NY 10012

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If New York’s culinary landscape has always been intriguing to you, as it is to us, you should look over our best restaurants in New York page for some enthralling recommendations.

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