Best Restaurants in Little Italy, NYC, for a Perfect Dining Experience
Best Restaurants in Little Italy, NYC, for a Perfect Dining Experience
New York City is home to some of the finest dining establishments in the States and is known for its rich culinary scene where many different cultures intertwine. From sophisticated French restaurants to cozy Turkish venues, New York City has it all.
Once known as a bustling immigrant neighborhood, Little Italy is now a place packed with tourists and a neverending lineup of Italian restaurants.
To help you make your visit to this area unforgettable, we’ve put up a list of the eight best restaurants in Little Italy, NYC, where you can enjoy authentic Italian flavors and traditional culinary delights in the heart of Manhattan.
8 Best Places To Eat in Little Italy, NYC
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Il Cortile
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Da Nico
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Ferrara Bakery
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Gelso & Grand
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Rubirosa
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Emilio's Ballato
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Torrisi Bar & Restaurant
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Lombardi’s
All the restaurants on our list are a short ride from the Westgate New York Grand Central Hotel, where you can rest and relax after enjoying their delicious offerings.
1 | Il Cortile |
Located in the heart of Little Italy, Il Cortile has been a go-to for authentic Italian dining since 1975. Known for its northern Italian cuisine, this family-run spot serves flavorful dishes and has exceptional service.
Try the restaurant’s signature mozzarella-stuffed meatball, polpette, and the Fettuccine di Parma. The pizza menu features classic options like Margherita and Quattro Formaggi, and creative offerings like the Alla Vodka Pizza with an option to add shrimp or grilled chicken.
For group events, Il Cortile’s pre-fixed menus offer hearty Italian favorites like Rigatoni Alla Vodka and Veal Scaloppini, ensuring memorable dining for every gathering. Whether it’s an intimate meal or a large celebration, Il Cortile delivers an elevated Italian experience with time-honored recipes and ambiance.
WHERE: 125 Mulberry St, 4603, New York, NY 10013 | WHO: 212-226-6060
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2 | Da Nico |
If you’re looking for an Italian restaurant with some of the most delicious pizza in town, Da Nico is a must-visit venue. Known for serving some of the best Italian cuisine since 1993, this restaurant brings a piece of Italy to every dish.
At Da Nico, the lunch and dinner selections include wood-fired pizzas, delicious pasta, and fresh salads, giving you plenty of dishes to choose from. The pasta menu includes regular, whole wheat, and gluten-free options, available upon request.
If you go for pizza, you can choose the ingredients you want to use or order one of the restaurant’s classics, which put Da Nico on the map.
WHERE: 164 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10013 | WHO: 212-343-1212
3 | Ferrara Bakery |
Serving some of the tastiest Italian pastries, Ferrara Bakery has been an inseparable part of Little Italy’s history since 1892. With its eye-catching neon signs and giant ice cream cones marking the entrance, Ferrara is hard to miss. Visitors can pop in for a quick treat or sit at a table to enjoy a delicious Italian meal.
Ferrara Bakery offers a diverse menu that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’d like to try some of its candies and liqueurs or indulge your taste with crunchy sfogliatelle (lobster tails), its pastries won’t leave you disappointed. Another delicacy Ferrara Bakery is famous for is its crispy cannolis, some of the best you’ll find in the area.
WHERE: 195 Grand St, New York, NY 10013 | WHO: 212-226-6150
4 | Gelso & Grand |
Situated at the corner of Mulberry and Grand, Gelso & Grand is one of the best family restaurants in Little Italy, NYC. While not as old as some of the other historical venues in this area, Gelso & Grand continues to honor the old traditions of Little Italy, with many decorations scattered around that reflect its rich past.
The restaurant’s rich menu features plenty of fresh, housemade pasta and a large selection of pizzas fit for anyone’s taste. Try its famous chili oil-streaked Inferno pizza, which is the house specialty. Don’t worry if you don't have time to wait—the friendly staff will bring the food to your table only five minutes after you give them your order.
WHERE: 186 Grand St, New York, NY 10013 | WHO: 212-226-1600
5 | Rubirosa |
Rubirosa is a family-run restaurant in the northern part of Mulberry Street that’s been serving its customers some of the finest cuisine since 2010. This local favorite is famous for its crispy New York-style pizza, including its specialty—Tie Dye pizza, which comes with a dash of vodka, tomato juice, mozzarella, and a touch of pesto.
Besides pizza and pasta, the menu includes plenty of classic Italian dishes. The restaurant's famous carbonara comes with speck instead of guanciale, generously portioned slices of lasagna, and mini rice balls fried to perfection. For those with gluten intolerance, Rubirosa offers a dedicated section of its menu with gluten-free options.
WHERE: 235 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10012 | WHO: 212-965-0500
6 | Emilio’s Ballato |
If you venture slightly off the beaten path to Little Italy’s northernmost area, you’ll find a delightful restaurant steeped in Italian tradition. Since opening in 1956, this spot has hosted stars from David Bowie and Lenny Kravitz to Rihanna, Taylor Swift, and former U.S. President Barack Obama. Although tucked away, Emilio’s is one of Little Italy’s busiest hotspots—you often have to wait a bit before being seated.
Once you step inside, you’ll be greeted by the warm, cozy atmosphere and a menu filled with Italian classics. Some dishes that stand out include ravioli con ricotta and tagliatelle alla bolognese. For those feeling adventurous, Emilio’s Ballato also serves generous platters of baked clams and breaded veal parmesan with tomato sauce.
WHERE: 55 E Houston St, New York, NY 10012 | WHO: 212-274-8881
7 | Torrisi Bar & Restaurant |
Tucked inside the Puck Building, Torrisi Bar & Restaurant offers a classy Italian dining experience. With a lively bar and two spacious dining halls, this charming place brings a seamless blend of traditional Italian cuisine and a modern ambiance.
The restaurant can often get crowded, so it’s a good idea to book ahead—unless you don’t mind standing for a bit until a table frees up. While Torrisi’s prices are certainly not the cheapest, the restaurant’s outstanding selection of Italian dishes ensures that your every bite is worth it.
Guests rave about the restaurant’s East Coast oysters, tortellini pomodoro, and the delicious mix of Italian and American hams served with zeppole.
WHERE: 275 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10012 | WHO: 212-254-3000
8 | Lombardi’s |
Since its opening in 1905, Lombardi’s has become an iconic part of New York’s culinary history. It’s often regarded as the first pizzeria in the United States.
Known for its coal-oven pizzas, the restaurant serves favorites like the classic Margherita, clam pie, and Meatball and Ricotta. Specialty pies like eggplant and ricotta and rustic pepperoni panchetta onion add variety, while pastas like rigatoni and meatball or tagliatelle with basil pesto offer hearty alternatives.
If you’re in the mood for a light bite, try the Caesar salad or Grandma Grace’s meatballs. While prices are a bit higher than other spots in Little Italy, the warm atmosphere and exceptional pizza make it a must-visit destination.
WHO: 32 Spring St, New York, NY 10012 | WHERE: 212-941-7994
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Use Our Handy Map To Find the Best Restaurants in Little Italy, NYC
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Restaurants in Little Italy, NYC
What are some must-try dishes you can get in Little Italy?
The restaurants in Little Italy offer a wide selection of Italian dishes that cater to various visitors’ preferences. Some of the most popular dishes include pizza Napoletana, pasta carbonara, cannoli, lasagna, risotto al tartufo, gnocchi, and many other fine delicacies.
What times are restaurants in Little Italy usually open?
While specific operating hours may vary from one venue to another, most Little Italy restaurants in NYC stay open during lunch hours, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and during dinner hours, which typically start at 5 p.m. and can extend until 10 p.m.
For specific restaurant’s hours, it’s best to check its websites or call since these times can significantly vary.
What is the average price range for a meal in Little Italy?
Prices for a meal in Little Italy vary greatly from one restaurant to another. Typically, prices range from $10 to $20 for appetizers, $15–$25 for pizzas, and $18 to $28 for pasta.
Do Little Italy, NYC, restaurants offer takeout or delivery options?
Yes, many restaurants in Little Italy offer takeout and home delivery options. To see whether a particular restaurant offers these services, check the venue’s website.
Why is Italian cuisine considered the best in the world?
Italian cuisine is popular because of its quality ingredients, simplicity, and healthier preparation processes. Most Italian dishes are made using olive oil instead of unhealthy fats. They are also typically made from scratch, meaning they are less likely to contain artificial ingredients and processed foods.
Little Italy, NYC, Restaurants—A Culinary Paradise Where Tradition and Modernity Converge
Little Italy has become the center of Italian cuisine in NYC, attracting millions of visitors each year. Each dish served in the area’s diverse restaurants tells a story, beautifully reflecting the rich tapestry of flavors that have defined this country for centuries.
For more information on New York hotels and attractions, don’t forget to check out our Westgate Resorts Travel blog.
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* Westgate Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions featured in this article. Items or places listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective website for the most up-to-date offerings and details.
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