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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Little Italy's best

Italian food

Authentic Italian food that prioritizes traditional recipes over the tourist-focused menus found on every corner.

Based on 542 Opinions
+539
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Updated May 2026
01
Vinarius Wine Bar & Restaurant image 1
Vinarius Wine Bar & Restaurant image 2
Vinarius Wine Bar & Restaurant image 3
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Small Italian spot offers intimate atmosphere with live music and quaint decor. Lasagna and linguine with clams deliver rich flavors while staff handle issues quickly, showing great care. Noise stays low, creating a warm, family-like vibe.

Lasagna and linguine with clams stand out for their rich flavors. The kitchen addresses issues promptly, as shown when they removed a raw risotto from the bill and offered tiramisu.

People are saying

"The seafood pasta here is incredible and perfectly balanced."

"The owner's passion for the wine is evident in every detail."

"The owner's passion for the Italian food really shines through."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4 to 6pm with various food and drink deals.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy times.

3

The restaurant offers a $40 happy hour deal that includes food and drinks.

02
Prendi E Vai image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian eatery shines with house-made pistachio pesto and fresh cannolis. Cozy seating blends coffee shop and bakery vibes. Sandwiches offer generous portions and quality ingredients for a lively taste experience.

Schiacciata sandwiches come with house-made pistachio pesto, savory porchetta, and generous amounts of prosciutto. Fresh cannolis get filled on order, and the tiramisu latte adds a sweet Italian touch.

People are saying

"Their sandwiches are amazing, made with fresh, crunchy schiacciata bread."

"I loved the tiramisu latte; it was the perfect amount of sweetness."

"Their Italian sandwiches are delicious, made with fresh baked bread."

Good to know

1

Prendi E Vai offers 13 different schiacciata sandwiches with various meats.

2

They make their sandwiches from scratch, unlike the previous Starbucks.

3

The place offers both takeout and sit-down dining options.

03
Assenti's Pasta image 1
Pasta shop

Small shop offers fresh handrolled pasta with perfect shape and texture, filling the cozy space with wonderful aromas. Curated Italian cheeses and wines add to the authentic Italian food experience. Quality is world-class and freshness is guaranteed by quick turnover.

Fresh pasta stands out with perfect shape and texture and a nice smell of flour. Ravioli and fettuccine come fresh or frozen, all with homemade quality that surpasses typical boxed pasta.

People are saying

"I found the fresh pasta here to be world-class."

"This Italian market has amazing quality and imported products."

"This Italian food's fresh pasta is amazing and world-class."

Good to know

1

There is a 15-minute parking space available in front of Assenti's Pasta.

2

They handroll their pasta and offer a variety of Italian products.

3

The shop provides a take-home guide with cooking times and recipes.

04
Isola Pizza Bar image 1
Pizza restaurant

Woodfire pizza oven fills the air with fresh pizza aroma in a moody ambiance perfect for dates. Neapolitan-style pizza boasts a charred crust and rich mozzarella, while pasta dishes like cacio e pepe are cooked al dente. Outdoor patio offers pleasant seating for relaxing and people watching.

Neapolitan-style pizza features a charred crust, high-quality mozzarella, and flavorful sauce. Pasta dishes like cacio e pepe and penne ragu come perfectly cooked al dente. Bruschetta and beet salad stand out as fresh and delicious starters.

People are saying

"The Italian food, especially the pizza, is delicious and authentic."

"The pasta here is really good and authentic."

"The service at these dinner spots is so attentive and friendly."

Good to know

1

Reservations are suggested because the restaurant is very busy.

2

Happy hour runs from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM with $5 pizzas.

3

A 4% restaurant fee is added to the bill to support rising costs.

05
Lala image 1
Italian restaurant

Small Italian spot buzzes with intimate decor and rich risotto. Tables sit close, making it cozy but noisy. Blistered tomatoes with burrata shine alongside classic pasta dishes, all served in a lively, packed space.

Risotto stands out with rich flavor. Blistered tomatoes with burrata offer a creamy, fresh contrast. Pasta Siciliana, spaghetti and meatballs, and gnocchi deliver classic Italian tastes with solid execution.

People are saying

"The Italian food, especially the gnocchi and lasagna pinwheels, is amazing."

"It's a cute spot perfect for date night."

"The decor and vibes here are really cool."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to high demand, especially on weekends.

2

Happy hour runs from 4 to 6:30 PM with great drink specials.

3

Valet parking is available for $12, but street parking can be challenging.

06
Puerto La Boca image 1
Argentinian restaurant

Artistic, romantic vibe with colorful paintings and live Motown music sets a chill mood. Indoor and patio seating offer comfort, while the bar area eases waiting. Italian dishes shine with ravioli's fantastic flavor and tasty four cheese pasta, plus garlic parsley potato fries add variety.

Ravioli stands out with its fantastic flavor and consistent praise. The four cheese pasta and garlic parsley potato fries add solid variety to the Italian options.

People are saying

"I loved their chimchurri steak, cooked perfectly."

"You have to try their empanadas; they're delicious."

"The Italian food, especially the pasta, is cheesy and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

Live music occurs every Saturday evening, enhancing the dining experience.

3

Meter parking is available on the street, but can be hard to find.

07
Slice House by Tony Gemignani image 1

Enjoy fresh pesto and burrata with warm dough inside a casual, family-friendly spot. Large outdoor patio with colorful pizza box art fits big groups, while indoor seating is cozy with loud 80s music. Pasta is made fresh daily, featuring sweet and spicy Italian sausage.

Fresh pesto and burrata come with warm, flaky dough. Pasta noodles arrive made fresh daily, with options like sweet and spicy Italian sausage with honey.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was the best I ever had."

"The pizza here has a delicious taste and a nice crunch."

"This Italian food's pizza crust is warm, flaky, and delicious."

Good to know

1

Slices are roughly $8 each, and most people need two for a meal.

2

Expect a 35-40 minute wait for Detroit pizzas.

3

Happy hour runs Monday-Friday from 3-5 pm with daily specialty pizzas.

08
Pappalecco image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian-style cafe offers authentic affogato and traditional cannoli with a cozy, sleek design. Outdoor seating provides a charming spot to enjoy gelato while watching downtown. Friendly vibe makes it perfect for a relaxed, tasty break.

Affogato stands out with espresso and gelato served in espresso cups. Cannoli follow a Sicilian recipe and taste like traditional homemade versions. Croissants come with fillings like prosciutto, salmon, and Pollo Pesto, all noted as delicious.

People are saying

"I thought the espresso drinks were wonderful and authentic Italian."

"I found the gelato here to be super tasty and delicious."

"The Italian food here, especially the cannoli, tasted just like Nana's."

Good to know

1

Paninis are half price on Wednesdays.

2

Parking is available on the street and can be either free or paid.

3

The cafe opens at night, which is convenient for evening visits.

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Little Italy, San Diego

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