Discovering the Best Food in Little Italy NYC🍝🍕

Introduction: A Culinary Journey Through Little Italy

Welcome to Little Italy, one of New York City’s most charming and bustling neighborhoods. Nestled in the heart of Lower Manhattan, Little Italy is a vibrant community that celebrates its rich Italian heritage. It’s a place where you can explore narrow streets lined with colorful buildings, listen to street musicians, and, most importantly, indulge in some of the best Italian food in the city.

Whether you’re a local or a tourist, Little Italy is a must-visit destination. It’s a place where you can savor classic Italian dishes, sample wines from all over Italy, and experience the warm hospitality of the locals. In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through Little Italy and introduce you to some of the best food that the neighborhood has to offer.

The Best Pizza in Little Italy: Lombardi’s🍕

When it comes to pizza, Lombardi’s is a Little Italy institution. This historic pizzeria has been serving up coal-fired pies since 1905, making it the oldest pizzeria in the United States. Lombardi’s thin-crust pizza is legendary, and its toppings are always fresh and delicious.

In addition to pizza, Lombardi’s also offers an extensive menu of Italian-American classics, including pasta dishes, salads, and sandwiches. But make no mistake, the pizza is the star of the show. If you’re looking for the best pizza in Little Italy, Lombardi’s is the place to go.

The Best Pasta in Little Italy: Carbone🍝

Carbone is a modern Italian-American restaurant that pays homage to the classic red-sauce joints of the mid-20th century. The restaurant has a lively atmosphere and a menu that’s packed with delicious pasta dishes.

Carbone’s pasta is made fresh in-house every day, and the sauces are rich and flavorful. Whether you’re in the mood for spaghetti and meatballs, rigatoni alla vodka, or linguine with clams, Carbone has got you covered.

The Best Cannoli in Little Italy: Caffe Palermo🍮

When it comes to dessert, Little Italy is known for its cannoli. And if you’re looking for the best cannoli in the neighborhood, look no further than Caffe Palermo. This family-owned bakery has been making cannoli since 1973, and they’re famous for their oversized, decadent cannoli that are filled to order.

But Caffe Palermo isn’t just about cannoli. They also offer a wide range of other desserts, including tiramisu, cheesecake, and gelato. So if you have a sweet tooth, this is the place to be.

The Best Gelato in Little Italy: Ferrara🍦

If you’re in the mood for gelato, head to Ferrara. This legendary pastry shop has been serving up Italian desserts since 1892, and their gelato is some of the best in the city. Made with fresh, natural ingredients and served in generous portions, Ferrara’s gelato is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.

But Ferrara isn’t just about gelato. They also offer a wide range of other Italian desserts, including cannoli, pastries, and cakes. And if you’re looking for a more substantial meal, they have a full menu of Italian classics.

The Best Seafood in Little Italy: Pasquale Jones🦐

While Little Italy is known for its Italian food, there are plenty of other culinary delights to be found in the neighborhood. And if you’re in the mood for seafood, Pasquale Jones is the place to be. This upscale restaurant serves up delicious seafood dishes that are fresh, flavorful, and expertly prepared.

From grilled octopus to lobster spaghetti, the seafood at Pasquale Jones is always top-notch. And if you’re in the mood for something a little different, they also offer a range of meat and vegetable dishes.

The Best Wine in Little Italy: Mulberry Street Wines🍷

No Italian meal is complete without a glass of wine, and if you’re looking for the best wine in Little Italy, head to Mulberry Street Wines. This cozy wine shop offers a wide range of Italian wines, along with expert guidance to help you choose the perfect bottle for your meal.

In addition to wine, Mulberry Street Wines also offers a selection of craft beers and spirits. And if you’re looking for a unique gift for the wine lover in your life, they have plenty of options to choose from.

Best Food in Little Italy NYC: A Complete Guide

Now that we’ve introduced you to some of the best food in Little Italy, let’s take a closer look at what the neighborhood has to offer. From classic pizzerias to modern Italian-American restaurants, Little Italy has something for everyone.

The History of Little Italy

Before we dive into the food, let’s take a moment to appreciate the history of Little Italy. This neighborhood has been the heart of New York City’s Italian community for over a century, and it’s played an important role in the city’s cultural landscape.

Little Italy’s history can be traced back to the late 19th century, when Italian immigrants began settling in the area. Over the years, the neighborhood grew and flourished, becoming a vibrant hub of Italian culture and cuisine. Today, Little Italy is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the rich history and traditions of the Italian-American community.

The Best Pizza in Little Italy

We’ve already mentioned Lombardi’s, but Little Italy has plenty of other great pizza options as well. Some other pizzerias worth checking out include:

Di Fara Pizza🍕

Di Fara Pizza is a Brooklyn institution that recently opened a location in Little Italy. This family-owned pizzeria is famous for its thin-crust pies, which are topped with fresh mozzarella, San Marzano tomatoes, and other high-quality ingredients.

Prince Street Pizza🍕

Prince Street Pizza is a modern pizzeria that’s known for its square-shaped slices. The pizza here is thick, crispy, and loaded with toppings, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

The Best Pasta in Little Italy

Carbone is our top pick for pasta, but there are plenty of other great Italian restaurants in Little Italy that serve up delicious pasta dishes. Some other options include:

Piacere NYC🍝

Piacere NYC is a cozy little Italian restaurant that offers a wide range of pasta dishes, along with other Italian classics like chicken parm and lasagna. The pasta here is made fresh in-house every day, and the sauces are rich and flavorful.

Peasant🍝

Peasant is a rustic Italian restaurant that specializes in seasonal, farm-to-table cuisine. The pasta here is made from scratch using organic ingredients, and the sauces are simple and delicious.

The Best Seafood in Little Italy

Pasquale Jones is our top pick for seafood, but there are plenty of other great seafood options in Little Italy as well. Some other restaurants worth checking out include:

Aquagrill🦀

Aquagrill is a seafood-focused restaurant that’s been a Little Italy favorite for over 20 years. The menu here is packed with fresh, delicious seafood dishes, ranging from raw bar items to grilled fish.

Il Pesce at Eataly🦐

Il Pesce is a seafood restaurant located inside Eataly, the Italian food emporium. The seafood here is always fresh and expertly prepared, and the atmosphere is lively and fun.

The Best Desserts in Little Italy

We’ve already mentioned Caffe Palermo and Ferrara, but there are plenty of other great dessert spots in Little Italy as well. Some other options include:

La Bella Ferrara🍮

La Bella Ferrara is a family-owned bakery that’s been in business since 1970. The desserts here are classic Italian-American treats, including cannoli, cookies, and pastries.

Italian Ice King of Corona🍧

While not technically in Little Italy, the Italian Ice King of Corona is worth a visit if you’re in the mood for something sweet. This legendary Queens institution serves up some of the best Italian ice in the city, along with other frozen treats like gelato and sorbet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best time to visit Little Italy?

The best time to visit Little Italy is during the summer, when the neighborhood comes alive with street fairs, festivals, and other events. However, the area can get crowded during peak tourist season, so if you’re looking for a more relaxed experience, consider visiting in the spring or fall.

2. Is Little Italy safe?

Little Italy is