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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Little Italy

Cheap eats

A satisfying meal that keeps the bill low and the quality high.

Based on 592 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Spongies Cafe image 1
Spongies Cafe image 2
Spongies Cafe image 3
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Small bakery offers cozy seating and a gallery wall showcasing local young artists. Atmosphere stays quiet and welcoming, with relaxing music enhancing the space. Known for light, airy sponge cakes that are affordable and highly praised.

Food comes at unbeatable prices with a focus on quality. The pandan sponge cake features real pandan flakes and avoids food coloring and excess sugar.

Prices stay very low, with sponge cakes at just $1 for the original flavor. Coffee and other eats also come at cheap rates despite a high-end style.

People are saying

"I found the sponge cakes to be moist and delicious."

"The food here is delicious, especially the airy sponge cakes."

"The sponge cakes here are so cheap, you can grab a bunch."

Good to know

1

The original flavor costs $1, while flavored ones are $1.25.

2

You should remember to bring cash if you just want to buy one or two cakes.

3

They only take cash unless the total is more than $5.

02
Saigon Vietnamese Sandwich Deli image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Small, no-frills Vietnamese deli with authentic hole-in-the-wall charm and cash-only policy. Hip, welcoming vibe with energetic music and limited indoor and outdoor seating. Known for best banh mi featuring unique pickled vegetables and lemongrass.

Food arrives quickly, often within three minutes, with fresh and tasty flavors. Portions are very good and prices stand out for the amount served, offering authentic and quality cuisine.

Prices stay very low with cheap sandwiches that come in big portions. The fresh bahn mi stands out as both affordable and high quality.

People are saying

"This sandwich is packed with fresh flavors and has a perfect crunch."

"The banh mi here is so cheap and filling."

"The banh mi sandwiches are packed with fresh flavors and juicy fillings."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is cash only, but there’s an ATM in the store.

2

The large stuffed baguettes cost $10, and the Bánh Mì #1 special is $9.75.

3

You should get there early if you want a sandwich for that day.

03
Lan Larb Chiang Mai, Soho image 1

Small space with cramped seating and colorful artwork creates an intimate, cozy vibe. Indoor and outdoor areas offer a warm, inviting atmosphere with quiet music that supports conversation. Tables sit close together, making it feel lively and social.

Food here is authentic Thai, closely matching traditional flavors found in Thailand. Dishes are consistently amazing with excellent service enhancing the dining experience.

Foods come at a cheap price and taste very good. Service is also friendly and affordable, though ingredients lean toward the Americanized and inexpensive side.

People are saying

"I loved the authentic northern Thai food here."

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"The food here is cheap and tastes amazing."

Good to know

1

Making an advanced reservation helps avoid waiting.

2

There is a 35-minute wait to get seated because the dining room is small.

3

Thai Diner only accepts walk-ins.

04
Ivana's Pizzeria image 1
Pizza restaurant

Small pizzeria with authentic Italian American style and a cozy, traditional atmosphere reminiscent of mid-20th century Italy. The place fills with the aroma of fresh dough and melting cheese, creating a friendly and inviting vibe. Known for exceptional, affordable pizza made with fresh ingredients and a fresh oven.

Food features authentic Italian cuisine with huge slices and a great selection at fair prices. Staff of Calabrian origin ensures home-made style dishes that appeal to Italians on holiday.

Pizza and pasta come at a really cheap price and offer filling portions. Meals here keep costs low without skimping on quantity.

People are saying

"I'd say this pizza tastes like it's from Italy."

"The food here is delicious and amazing."

"The pizza and pasta here are cheap and filling."

Good to know

1

The place is cash only, but they do have an ATM inside.

2

Prices are all inclusive of taxes.

3

The price of the pizza is really affordable compared to others.

05
Golden Steamer image 1

Small, cramped bakery with a cash-only policy and no seating. Offers inexpensive, fresh steamed buns with fillings like pork, egg custard, and pumpkin. Buns often sell out early, creating a rush in the morning for take-home steaming.

Food offers authentic flavors with generous portions. The combo bun stands out as a consistent favorite, all at a very low price.

Food comes at dirt cheap prices with buns costing about 6 dollars for 6 cha siu pieces. The dishes are filling and tasty while staying very affordable.

People are saying

"I was so surprised by how cheap the buns were, only a few dollars for six."

"The Bakery buns are so soft and fluffy."

"The shrimp rice noodles here are melt-in-your-mouth tender and flavorful."

Good to know

1

They only accept cash payment.

2

The restaurant only offers takeout; no seating available.

3

Go early as items often sell out by 3 PM.

06
May Wah Fast Food image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small Chinese restaurant splits space between dine-in and takeout with a cozy, homey vibe reminiscent of a family kitchen. Atmosphere stays clean and neat with attentive staff creating a relaxed, unpretentious setting. Lunch hours often bring a long line, reflecting steady local popularity.

Offers large portions of Chinese fast food with chicken leg rice as a standout dish. Prices stay around 7 dollars, making it one of the cheapest options with indoor seating available.

Food comes at a cheap price and offers authentic, filling portions. Service is fast, and only cash payments are accepted.

People are saying

"The fried chicken leg is juicy with irresistibly crispy skin."

"The food here is delicious and pretty darn good."

"I found the food to be super cheap and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is cash only.

2

A queue forms from about 11:15 AM to 1 PM.

3

It is advisable to avoid the queue times of 11:15 AM to 1 PM if possible.

07
Bánh Mì Saigon image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Vietnamese sandwich shop with standing counters and limited indoor space designed mainly for quick takeout. The atmosphere is authentic and busy, filled with the aroma of cold cuts and banh mi. Crowds gather especially during peak hours, creating a lively, fast-paced environment.

Food offers consistent quality with crunchy, flavorful sandwiches that stand out from Americanized versions. Prices stay reasonable while flavors remain strong and reliable.

Sandwiches come cheap, fresh, and big here. The food is good and fast without costing much.

People are saying

"This banh mi has the freshest bread and flavorful fillings."

"This banh mi food is the most delicious I ever had."

"The banh mi here is cheap and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is closed on Mondays.

2

Be prepared to wait about 15 minutes during lunch hours.

3

You should order in advance and go to pick up.

08
Manero's of Mulberry image 1
Pizza restaurant

Tiny slice shop with covered outdoor seating offers a cozy 1970s vibe and affordable pizza by the slice. Atmosphere feels like stepping into someone's home, with a chill and inviting energy. Outdoor patio provides a relaxed spot to watch people and enjoy casual dining.

Italian American dishes offer authentic flavors with good quality ingredients. Food comes out delicious and affordable, enjoyed by both adults and kids.

Offers cheap, quality pizza in an expensive neighborhood. Serves a quick, affordable slice for a casual bite.

People are saying

"This pizza is perfectly baked, flavorful, and well-balanced."

"The food here is amazing, especially the classic pizza slice."

"I found the pizza to be cheap and delicious."

Good to know

1

They currently only accept card payments; no cash is accepted.

2

Inside dining with table service opens at 2PM on weekends.

3

The pizza is priced at $4 a slice, with a pizza and beer deal for $7.

09
Quan Sushi Grill image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small space with just a handful of tables creates an intimate atmosphere that feels cozy and family-friendly. The setting is quiet and casual, suitable for a quick bite or casual meal. Limited seating adds to the charm and makes the experience welcoming.

Freshness stands out with fresh fish and quality ingredients. Japanese dishes come with simple yet full flavor and reasonable prices.

Sushi prices run higher here, with $22 rarely covering a full meal. This spot does not offer cheap sushi compared to city options.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is delicious and incredibly fresh."

"The food here is so fresh and delicious."

"I found the sushi to be fresh and affordable."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is best for takeout with limited indoor seating.

2

For just $20, you get three rolls (8 pieces each) of sushi.

3

There is a 15% service charge automatically added to the bill.

10
Nyonya image 1
Malaysian restaurant

Large dining area combines with authentic Malaysian decor and colorful murals to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. The space fills quickly, leading to a noisy, crowded environment with tight seating. Cash-only policy and an on-site ATM support a traditional hawker-style experience.

Malaysian food here is consistently delicious and dependable. The Roti Canai stands out as a favorite dish with reliable quality every visit.

Prices stay very cheap with considerate portions. Food offers high quality at a low cost, which is quite rare.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and affordable with huge portions."

"The roti canai food is perfectly crisp with the best curry for dipping."

"The food here is cheap and surprisingly high quality."

Good to know

1

Nyonya in Chinatown NYC celebrates the Lunar New Year with nine specialty dishes until 2/12.

2

Monday night is great for visiting with friends who have kids.

3

This restaurant only accepts cash, with an ATM on site.

11
Kam Hing Coffee Shop image 1
Chinese bakery

Space feels like a storage room with crowded indoor tables and quirky decor. Atmosphere carries authentic Chinatown vibes with a no-frills, hardworking family energy. Locals and passersby find it welcoming despite its run-down, vintage flare.

Sponge cakes stand out as a highlight with a soft, airy texture. The overall food quality is consistently amazing, despite the dining area feeling cluttered with boxes and supplies.

Prices stay very low, with sponge cakes costing only 1 dollar each. Plenty of baked goods come cheap, making it easy to try many items without spending much.

People are saying

"These sponge cakes are so fluffy and light, like a cloud."

"The sponge cakes are so cheap and amazingly good."

"The sponge cakes here are so fluffy and delicious."

Good to know

1

This place is cash only, so bring cash for purchases.

2

Sponge cakes cost $1, while flavored ones are $1.25.

3

You get 12 sponge cakes for $10, a great deal.

12
Jose Luis Little Italy image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers a fun aesthetic with 90s music that creates a lively, party-like atmosphere. The space feels comfortable and well-maintained, welcoming groups of friends and families. Outdoor seating and dog-friendly accommodations add to its casual, inviting vibe.

Food features excellent quality, amazing flavors, and consistent service. The menu offers dishes that many find highly enjoyable and satisfying.

Drinks come at a very cheap price here. Dining costs stay surprisingly low, making it a nice and affordable spot.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and amazing."

"The happy hour sangria here is amazing and only $5."

"Freddy's attentive and friendly service made me fall in love."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $5 wine, beer, and sangria until 10 PM.

2

An 18% tip is automatically added to the bill.

3

The restaurant has a spectacular happy hour with tapas and sangrias for $5.

13
Paesano of Mulberry Street image 1
Italian restaurant

Small Italian restaurant with rustic wooden beams and strung lights creates a cozy, authentic atmosphere. Seating is tight, fostering a lively but intimate vibe. Outdoor dining with weather protection adds flexibility to the experience.

Offers delectable Italian food with generous portions at unbeatable prices. Service is consistently excellent and adds to the overall experience.

Lunch specials come in very big portions and cost less than typical NYC prices. Italian dishes are cheap and well cooked.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is so creamy and yummy, especially the rigatoni vodka."

"The food here is delicious and authentic."

"The food here is cheap and the portions are enormous."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended at this restaurant.

2

An 18% tip is automatically added to your bill.

3

The restaurant closes by 10 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.

14
Ferrara Bakery & Cafe image 1

Elegant bakery with classic Italian style and richly decorated interiors offers both indoor and sheltered outdoor seating. Atmosphere feels traditional and cozy, filled with the aroma of freshly baked pastries and lively energy. Known for exceptional cannoli and gelato, it blends old-school charm with a vibrant street presence.

Food features authentic Italian flavors that are fresh and savory. Desserts and dishes offer unique tastes that inspire a genuine Italian experience.

Prices run high with no cheap options for food or coffee. Shipping fees add to the overall cost, making it an expensive choice.

People are saying

"I thought the New York cheesecake here was the best I ever tasted."

"The food here is delicious and tasted gourmet."

"The desserts here are so tasty and filling."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times during busy hours.

2

Expect long lines, especially during holidays and special events.

3

National Cannoli Day offers a free plain Cannoli with any purchase.

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Little Italy, New York

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