When you think about Little Italy, there’s a good chance you think of food comas and a haven of carbs. With so many options, how do you figure out which of these restaurants are actually the best? Here’s our recommendation for the five best restaurants in Manhattan’s Little Italy.
Ferrara Bakery
PC: Ferrara Bakery
Don’t let the unassuming exterior fool you, Ferrara’s was America’s first espresso bar and is famous for their Italian treats. Their cannoli and gelato are amazing, as expected, but if you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary, try their mouth-watering Lobster Tail pastry a delicious flakey pastry filled with oozing creamy custard.
Capri Ristorante
PC: Capri Ristorante
The latest in a slew of great restaurants by Marcello Assante, Capri Ristorante brings a modern twist to traditional Italian food. The restaurant’s rustic setting is meant to transport diners back to Capri in the 1960s. There’s a number of delicious dishes on offer, but the gnocchi alla sorrentina was one of the best Italian dishes we’ve had in a while!
Mulberry Project
PC: Mulberry Project
Look out for the iconic red door to find the entrance to this somewhat hidden speakeasy. With a laid back atmosphere, Mulberry Project is the perfect place for date night. We love the southwest loaded tater tots, as well as the buttermilk fried chicken sandwich, a dish featured on The Rachael Ray Show.
DiPalo’s
DiPalo’s is hands down one of the best meat and cheese shops in Little Italy – maybe even in all of NYC. They have a full range of homemade pastas, sauces, meats, cheeses, and breads. They really have everything you could want from an Italian deli. The hardest part is picking what to get, but just go with your gut, and you won’t be disappointed!
Il Cortile
PC: Il Cortile
For unique pasta dishes, a trip to Il Cortile is a must. Executive chef Michael DeGeorgio is a master of layering flavors. We absolutely love the lobster ravioli and Sunday sauce both cooked to perfection and generously portioned. What more could you want from an Italian restaurant?