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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Southside

Italian food

You are looking for Italian food that stays true to its roots rather than a generic interpretation.

Based on 505 Opinions
+502
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Updated May 2026
01
Emangeo's Brick Oven Pizza image 1
Emangeo's Brick Oven Pizza image 2
Emangeo's Brick Oven Pizza image 3
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Brick oven pizza offers authentic New Haven style with a crispy bottom and savory sauce. Spaghetti beats TonyD's in flavor, while fettuccine Alfredo and tiramisu add Italian variety. Quiet, clean atmosphere suits both solo diners and groups perfectly.

Spaghetti stands out with a better taste than TonyD's. Pizza uses low-moisture mozzarella to keep it from getting oily. Fettuccine Alfredo, Greek salad, and tiramisu also appear on the menu.

People are saying

"I found the pizza outstanding with a nice crisp and flavor."

"The Italian food, especially the pizza, has a perfect char on the crust."

"I thought this place had the best New York style pizza in town."

Good to know

1

The lunch special includes two pieces with one topping and a drink for $10.99.

2

Expect to pay around $21.99 for a regular pizza.

3

The pizza is cooked using a traditional brick oven method.

02
Amaretti Desserts Llc image 1

Bakery offers a calm atmosphere with modern design and outdoor seating. Italian treats like tiramisu and cannoli are fresh and authentic. Cookies such as amaretti provide a delicious variety alongside diverse pastries.

Tiramisu stands out with its perfect moistness and balanced flavor, making it a frequent choice. Italian pastries like cannoli and sfogliatelle come fresh, with crisp shells and rich fillings that recall traditional tastes. Authentic Italian cookies, including amaretti, offer nostalgic flavors and a delicious variety.

People are saying

"The desserts here are outstanding, especially the chocolate cake."

"I found the almond cookies here to be addictive."

"The Italian food, especially the tiramisu, was spectacular."

Good to know

1

The Kentucky Derby pie sells out quickly.

2

Go early if you want a whole pie or a specific pie to ensure availability.

3

Amaretti Desserts offers a large selection of pastries and desserts.

03
Celenoโ€™s Bistro image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian bistro serves classic dishes like chicken parmesan and meatballs with sausage. Cozy family vibe shines with live guitar music and close tables. Private room and buffet add flexibility for groups.

Classic Italian dishes include chicken parmesan, chicken alfredo, and meatballs with Italian sausage. Meals come with garlic knots and options like salad, pizza, and desserts such as zeppole and beignets.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is served by the most kind, welcoming, and hardworking staff."

"This lunch spot's pizza has a crisp crust and delicious sauce."

"You have to try the desserts; they're unreal."

Good to know

1

Celenoโ€™s Bistro offers a buffet-style dinner starting at 5pm.

2

Lunch prices are $11.99, with a full bar during happy hour.

3

The all-you-can-eat buffet runs from 11am to 2pm.

04
The Coffee Grinder image 1

Coffee shop offers a cozy vibe with both indoor and outdoor seating. Tiramisu is a rich delight that satisfies Italian food lovers. Evenings bring a lively DJ scene while prices remain very reasonable for all visitors.

Tiramisu stands out with its rich, creamy texture and perfectly balanced sweetness. It scores consistently high for being mouth-watering and satisfying.

People are saying

"The coffee here is always great and excellent."

"It's so cozy and inviting, I felt right at home."

"The tiramisu here is rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced."

Good to know

1

The Coffee Grinder stays open past midnight for late-night coffee cravings.

2

Prices for coffee are very low, often less than half of Starbucks.

3

The whole order for two people can be as low as $5.

05
Olive Garden Italian Restaurant image 1

Modern Italian spot offers a cozy vibe with thoughtful design. Seafood Alfredo and Calabrian steak bucatini shine with fresh flavors. Busy nights bring efficient service and well-timed dishes, perfect for dining in or taking home.

Seafood Alfredo and Calabrian steak and shrimp bucatini stand out as flavorful options. The breadsticks, salad, and Alfredo sauce consistently impress with freshness and taste.

People are saying

"The food here is hot, fresh, and tasty."

"The staff here is super welcoming and attentive."

"The Italian food, especially the pasta and Alfredo sauce, was delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking for a full restaurant can be challenging; arrive early to find a spot.

2

No reservations are needed; expect quick seating even on busy nights.

3

Lunch portions are a great value, perfect for a midday meal.

06
Milano's Italian Restaurant Pizza and Bar image 1

Cozy spot with a family-friendly vibe and a friendly bar crowd. Authentic Italian dishes shine, especially Eggplant Parmesan with Alfredo and classic Lasagna. Pasta and sauces earn high praise, making it a top choice for Italian food lovers.

Eggplant Parmesan comes with an option to swap marinara for Alfredo sauce. Lasagna stands out as a favorite dish. Pasta dishes and Alfredo sauce receive consistent praise for their quality.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and amazing."

"I thought their Italian food, especially the pizza, was the best."

"It's a really casual and family-friendly atmosphere here."

Good to know

1

On Thursdays, they have a pizza special for $1.50 per slice, with extra charges for toppings.

2

They offer daily specials, such as chicken parmigiana on Tuesdays.

3

Chicken Parm night features a nice portion, spaghetti, and garlic bread for $12.99.

07
Rio Restaurant & Lounge image 1

Dark, eclectic decor sets a lively vibe with live band and DJ music. Pasta shines with oxtail and jerk chicken options, plus creamy seafood like shrimp and salmon. Seating feels like a hole-in-the-wall sports bar, mixing bar spots and mismatched tables.

Pasta dishes feature oxtail and jerk chicken options with rich, tender meat. Seafood pastas like shrimp and salmon come creamy and full of flavor.

People are saying

"The shrimp pasta here is amazing, flavorful, and creamy."

"The oxtails at brunch were so tender and flavorful."

"The oxtail pasta here is outstanding and very tender."

Good to know

1

A cover charge of $20 is required for entry.

2

Bottomless mimosas are available from 12 to 4 PM on weekends.

3

Taco Tuesdays are popular and well-received.

08
The Blue Crab Crabhouse image 1
Seafood restaurant

Nautical-themed spot shines with fresh seafood pasta and stuffed flounder under live oaks draped in Spanish moss. Cozy vibe with string lights draws a social crowd seeking local flavors and a relaxed, homey feel.

Seafood dishes like seafood pasta, crab balls, and stuffed flounder stand out with fresh flavors. Pasta with shrimp and crab and a Caesar salad with blackened chicken also feature prominently.

People are saying

"The staff here is so friendly, especially when serving the Crab Cakes."

"I'd order the Key Lime Pie again; it's the best I've ever had."

"The pasta with shrimp and crab was fantastic."

Good to know

1

Bloody Mary and mimosa specials are available on Sundays until 5 pm.

2

Margarita specials are offered on Tuesdays.

3

Oyster specials are available on Wednesdays for $1 each.

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