Mulberry Street, the heart of NYC’s Little Italy Photo: Jeff Dobbins
Looking for the best restaurants in Little Italy, New York? You’ve got lots of options: Once a bustling Italian immigrant community, New York’s Little Italy is now a major destination for those looking for an Italian restaurant in New York.
Unfortunately, not all Little Italy restaurants are created equal. Complaints of over-priced tourist traps with mediocre food and surly service are relatively common.
So don’t waste a meal. Read on for the best restaurants, bakeries and cafes in Little Italy—as per the consensus of critics, foodies, and bloggers!
The Best Restaurants in Little Italy
Diners (and critics) praise Il Cortile for its hearty portions of all the Italian classics, including antipasti, homemade pastas, seafood, and veal. The menu is extensive (and a bit expensive!). 125 Mulberry St. Open 12pm to 12am (Fridays and Saturdays until 1am). For reservations, call (212) 226-6060 or email [email protected].
Da Nico serves up coal brick oven pizzas, pastas, risotto, and grilled meat and seafood dishes. In summer, they offer a garden dining area. 164 Mulberry St. Open 12pm to 10:30pm (Fridays and Saturdays until 11:30pm). Reservations recommended; call (212) 343-1212.
Benito One, one of the cozy old-school eateries in Little Italy Photo: Jeff Dobbins
Angelo’s of Mulberry, an old-school Little Italy ristorante, has been serving up homestyle Neapolitan meals since 1902. It’s delicious—and pricey. 146 Mulberry St. Open 12pm to 11:30pm on Tuesdays to Sundays (Fridays until 12am, Saturdays until 12:30am). Open on Mondays in December.
Rubirosa, a family-run restaurant and pizzeria, blends old-world comfort with Nolita chic. It serves up thin-crust pizza, homemade pasta, renowned chicken parmigiano, and cocktails. 235 Mulberry St. (between Prince and Spring). Open for lunch or brunch from 11:30am to 4pm, “pizza hour” from 4pm to 5pm, and dinner from 5pm to 11pm (Thursday to Saturday until 12am). Reservations recommended for dinner; call (212) 965-0500.
A cozy, family-oriented staple of the neighborhood, Benito One has an extensive pasta selection (including whole wheat and gluten-free varieties). The $10 prix-fixe lunch is an excellent bargain. 174 Mulberry St. Open 11am to 11pm daily.
Landmark pizzeria: Lombardi’s.
Il Piccolo Bufalo is a traditional trattoria serving classic Neapolitan dishes, thin-crust pizzas, and Italian-American inventions like chicken parmigiana. The stuffed artichokes are especially renowned. 141 Mulberry St. Open from 11am to 11:30pm daily.
Said to be America’s first pizzeria, Lombardi’s Pizza serves up coal oven, thin-crust pizza. The variety of toppings includes pancetta, homemade meatballs, and their famous fresh clams. It’s cash only. Lines can sometimes be long, as reservations are only accepted for parties of 8 or more. 32 Spring St. (corner of Mott). Open Monday to Thursday.
Cafe Roma…the real thing! Great pastries & coffee. Photo: Jeff Dobbins
The Best Bakeries and Cafes in Little Italy
Venerable neighborhood staple Caffe Roma has served up excellent cannoli, tiramisu, ricotta cheesecake, homemade gelato, and espresso since 1891. 385 Broome St. (at Mulberry). Open from 8am to 12am daily.
With its cannoli, sfogliatelle, cheesecake, and gelato all made on the premises, Ferrara Bakery & Café has been a winner since its 1892 founding. It has great Italian coffee, too. 195 Grand St. (between Mulberry and Mott). Open from 8am to 12am daily.
Caffe Palermo is especially famed for their cannoli, pastries, cakes, cookies, and specialty coffees. 148 Mulberry St.
Delizioso! Gourmet Italian cuisine at Rubirosa ristorante Photo: Jeff Dobbins
Did we miss any of your favorite Little Italy restaurants or cafes? Let us know in the comments!