Little Italy in NYC is the birthplace of Italian American classics, from sausage and peppers to the Christmas Eve feast of the seven fishes, and it continues to thrive as an evolving culinary destination today. The best Little Italy restaurants in NYC serve everything from tried-and-true red-sauce classics under ivy-strewn beams to gluten-free pizzas and pastas—and even a beloved Jewish bagel bar serving up cheesy pizza bagels.
With an estimated 50 restaurants in the compact space surrounding Mulberry Street, the best Little Italy restaurants in NYC are well-known names that book quickly, making reservations more than recommended.
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Discover the 11 best Little Italy restaurants in NYC today.
For free treats at one of the best Little Italy restaurants in NYC — book Da Nico Ristorante (Little Italy)
Da Nico Ristorante serves old-school Italian comfort food in a Little Italy townhouse with an open secret—its ivy-covered back garden, a sunlit escape from Mulberry Street. Gamberi fra diavolo (jumbo shrimp drowning in spicy marinara sauce over pasta) is a crowd favorite, while brick oven pizzas with delicately charred crusts hold their own. Insiders know to expect complementary fresh-made zeppole at the meal’s end, a touch that keeps regulars returning to this neighborhood favorite in NYC.
For a taste of tradition in NYC — make a reservation at Il Cortile Restaurant (Little Italy)
Il Cortile Restaurant isn’t just another red-sauce joint—it’s a white-cloth institution where traditional servers still roll out tableside service. The veal chop parmigiana—a bone-in cut covered in bubbling mozzarella—is the move, but you can’t go wrong with anything on the deep Italian menu. The Tuscan-style atrium, drenched in greens and warmed by soft lights, makes this a top pick for celebratory dinners.
For a quintessential red-sauce meal at one of the best Little Italy restaurants in NYC — reserve a table at Paesano of Mulberry Street (Little Italy)
Paesano of Mulberry Street is renowned for its classic Italian American fare. Large helpings of housemade pasta from spaghetti carbonara to rigatoni alla vodka are easy choices, although the deep menu also includes classics like veal marsala and chicken parmigiana. The warm, inviting atmosphere of wood beams and bountiful wine bottles screams traditional trattoria. It is especially charming when lit for holidays.
For one of the best Little Italy restaurants in NYC for Southern Italian — snag a seat at Casa D’Angelo (Little Italy)
Casa D’Angelo specializes in Sicilian classics, with dishes like insalata di polpo, rigatonia alla Norma, and arancini filling the Italian-inspired menu. The wine list leans heavily on Italian reds, with harder-to-find Barolos making several appearances. Inside, brick accents, arches, and patterned tiles set the Italian stage, yet the ambiance is less cluttered than many neighborhood finds. When you’re after Southern Italian flavors with superior service, Casa D’Angelo New York is your place.
For an upscale take on traditional Italian flavors — secure a spot at Osteria Barocca (Little Italy)
Osteria Barocca is a destination for modern Italian dining. From an upmarket pizza burger to lobster tail over black macaroni, the restaurant is known for its contemporary twists on the classics. Myriad materials, textures, and patterns add a contemporary-chic vibe that make this stand out among the best restaurants in Little Italy.
For one of the best family restaurants in Little Italy NYC — book a table at La Mela (Little Italy)
La Mela is all about family-style Italian feasts, where platters of dishes like chicken scarpariello—bone-in pieces sautéed with sausage, cherry peppers, and garlic—and shrimp marinara cover the tables. Smaller parties who still want to sample several plates can order from multi-course menus that bring a variety of appropriately portioned samplers. The walls are packed with snapshots of past guests, from tourists to movie extras.
For familiar favorites in the heart of Little Italy — lock in a spot at La Bella Vita (Little Italy)
La Bella Vita dishes up all the classic crowd-pleasers you hope to find with a visit to Little Italy. From cheese ravioli in tomato basil sauce to veal piccata in the traditional lemon butter caper sauce, it’s all about familiar Italian comforts here, making it one of the best restaurants for families. The laid-back ambiance is universally welcoming and comfortable, right down to the red napkins that hide those tomato sauce moments.
For housemade pasta in a jovial Little Italy setting — score a table at Sofia’s (Little Italy)
There are still several restaurants in Little Italy that make their own pasta, but Sofia’s of Little Italy is a frequent favorite. From lasagna al forno to sauce-grabbing rigatoni cacio e pepe, the house-made Italian pasta is a great reason to visit, but not the only one. Thanks to its ample bar seating and daily specials, it’s also one of the best restaurants in Little Italy NYC to visit during happy hour. Bonus points for especially friendly and cheerful staff.
For one of the best Little Italy NYC restaurants with an upbeat and modern ambiance — reserve Buona Notte (Little Italy)
Buona Notte is a casual restaurant, but the white tablecloths and modern ambiance make it a popular choice for date nights and special occasions. The Italian-inspired menu is classic, with top choices like fettuccine Alfredo and eggplant parmigiana, along with more than half a dozen pizzas. The energy can be strong at Buona Notte, making it one of the best Little Italy NYC restaurants for a night out with friends. Don’t miss the stellar desserts, including the tiramisu.
For a proper New York bagel in Little Italy — pop into Baz Bagel & Restaurant (Little Italy)
Baz Bagel & Restaurant brings New York’s Jewish deli tradition to Little Italy with hand-rolled bagels and house-made spreads. As far as Italian cuisine goes, the pizza bagel might be the closest you’ll get to most other Little Italy menus. Instead, come for Jewish classics like matzoh ball soup, a whitefish salad bagel with capers, or the signature Baz of Nova salmon with scallion cream cheese, red onion, and tomato.
For the best variety of gluten-free Italian in Little Italy — make a reservation at Amici Ristorante (Little Italy)
Amici Ristorante distinguishes itself with its diverse, homestyle Italian cuisine, which includes gluten-free pizza and pasta options. Expect staples like calamari fritti or classic polpette to start and spaghetti alla Bolognese or rigatoni amatriciana to follow. The Neapolitan pizzas—especially the house specialty of sausage, pepperoni, and soppressata—are the sleeper reason this one ranks among the best Little Italy restaurants in NYC
Traditional Italian classics are certainly plentiful on Mulberry Street, but there are plenty of modern updates to classic dishes, too. At the heart of all the best Little Italy restaurants in NYC, you’re sure to find the overt hospitality that defines this food-loving culture. Big or small, these tables fill up fast, though.
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Brandon Schultz is an award-winning food and travel writer based in New York City. His work has appeared in Forbes, AAA, Thrillist, Travel + Leisure, and The Daily Meal, among many others. He is the author of six books, including three cookbooks. Follow his adventures on Instagram @thebrandonalexandr.
