8 of the best restaurants in Little Italy New York City
Little Italy in NYC is a must-visit destination for food lovers, known for its vibrant atmosphere and authentic Italian cuisine. The neighborhood is home to a variety of restaurants in Little Italy NYC, each offering unique and delectable dishes that will transport you straight to Italy. Whether you're in the mood for classic pasta dishes, delicious pizzas, or sweet gelato, the restaurants in Little Italy NYC have got you covered.
1. Umbertos Clam House
Serving legendary clam pizza since 1975, cash-only establishment.

The food served at the restaurant was satisfactory, but there were some issues with the charges. The establishment seemed to assume that the customers were tourists and tried to charge them extra for bread, leading to a confrontation. As the visitors were leaving, the waiter rudely yelled something at one of them. The dining experience was marred by this appalling behavior, which did not align with the norms of customer service.
The quality of the food was good, but not outstanding. One of the dishes, linguine and clams, was surprisingly missing clams in their shells, which was disappointing since the diners had specifically come for this dish. The presentation of the dinner did not match the photo on the website, leading to a letdown. Additionally, the atmosphere was negatively affected by an overly aggressive and loud host, who tried to force people to stop and eat. However, the wait staff were commendable in their service.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
2. Casa Bella
Handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza, extensive wine list

Casa Bella treats its customers to excellent service, appetizing food, and a lively atmosphere. The owner's contribution to the entertainment is through singing classic New York-themed songs that enrich patrons' experience. On the other hand, evaluations of the pricing vary, with some clients finding it reasonable, while others believe that the drinks are overpriced.
Casa Bella's positive features include remarkable service, delightful dishes, and an upbeat ambiance, complemented by the owner's nostalgic tunes that pay homage to New York. Cost is a factor in which customers have differing opinions, with some regarding it as fair but others lamenting the high price of drinks. Despite the discrepancies in drink pricing, the restaurant's other benefits make for an overall enjoyable dining experience.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Personal Celebrations
- Dinner
3. IL Cortile
Family-owned and operated for over 20 years

Il Cortile in New York is a restaurant that is highly recommended for anyone looking for delicious Italian cuisine. The service is impeccable, and the staff are friendly and welcoming, making it a pleasant dining experience. Two standout dishes on the menu are the cheese ravioli and tiramisu, which are both bursting with flavor and sure to satisfy.
In addition to the ravioli and tiramisu, there are several other dishes that are worth trying. The meatballs, burrata, gamberi fritti, and stuffed homemade gnocchi are all excellent choices, each with its own unique flavor and presentation. Overall, Il Cortile is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an authentic Italian dining experience in New York.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
- Mid-Range
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4. Da Nico
Features live music on certain nights and a charming backyard garden.

The atmosphere at the venue is described as great, wonderful, and excellent. The location is noted to be perfect for those visiting. The staff at the venue is friendly, contributing to the overall positive experience. The hostess is highlighted as fantastic and extremely friendly, adding to the welcoming environment. The outdoor seating area is also described as lovely, providing a nice ambiance for dining.
The food offerings receive mixed reviews, with some dishes standing out as great. The steak special is mentioned as being particularly delicious. The minestrone soup is also noted for its excellence, with some customers considering it to be the best they've ever tried. However, other dishes receive less positive feedback, implying a range in the quality of food offerings.
TOPICS
- Holiday Celebrations
- Italian Cuisine
- Dinner
5. La Nonna
Handmade pasta, authentic Neapolitan pizza

The dining experience was enjoyable, with the opportunity to sit outside and take in the atmosphere. The food offerings were quite impressive, including ravioli, veal, portobello with cheese and prosciutto, and lasagna. To finish off the meal, a chocolate lava cake with vanilla ice cream, lattes, and cappuccinos were ordered and equally enjoyed.
The pasta stood out for its excellence, while the house red wine was a pleasant surprise, offering a higher quality than expected. The homemade Limoncello was also noteworthy, as it was as good as any previously tasted. The service was commendable, with staff being courteous and efficient throughout the evening. Additionally, the appearance of the restaurant was visually appealing, adding to the overall positive experience.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Celebrations
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6. Lunella
Handmade pasta, authentic Neapolitan pizza

The service at this establishment is highly commendable, with guests consistently praising the friendly, polite, and attentive nature of the staff. Some guests have even gone so far as to describe the service as amazing, incredible, and feeling like they are part of the family.
The food served at this location is a standout feature, with guests raving about the delicious, amazing, and tasty options available. The pasta, in particular, has been praised for being on point. Additionally, the wine selection has been noted as good, enhancing the dining experience for guests. Overall, the combination of incredible service and delicious food has left a lasting impression on guests.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
- Affordable Nightlife
7. Manero's of Mulberry
Family-owned restaurant with authentic Neapolitan pizza

Some customers have reported mixed experiences with the service at this establishment, with some praising the friendly and warm atmosphere, and others reporting long wait times and rude servers. Despite these differing opinions, many reviewers agree that the pizza served here is exceptional.
Customers rave about the delicious, classic taste of the pizza at this establishment. Its quality is highly recommended by many, making it a standout option for pizza lovers. Whether you're looking for a relaxed dining experience or just want to enjoy a slice of excellent pizza, this place is definitely worth checking out.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
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8. Chikarashi
Sustainable seafood, chef-driven, casual setting

Poke balls are a popular food item, but in Hawaii, they are still considered superior. Despite this, a single poke ball can make for a satisfying snack, although it might be insufficient for larger appetites. This is especially true for Asians, who generally have smaller stomach capacities. During a recent visit to Chikarashi, an order of the large unagi bowl and the salmon with avocado was placed.
Chikarashi received positive feedback for its customer service, with friendly staff and prompt bowl delivery. The options available looked appetizing, and the prices were deemed reasonable. For individuals with smaller appetites, the regular-sized bowl would be more than enough. Overall, Chikarashi proved to be an excellent choice for a quick pre-uptown meal before catching the bus.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots