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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Little Italy's best

Unique Italian food

You want the comfort of Italian food but with a menu that offers something you have not seen a dozen times before.

Based on 616 Opinions
+613
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Updated July 2026
01
Zero Otto Nove Bronx image 1
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Neapolitan restaurant

Spacious interior combines rustic industrial charm with an Italian piazza-inspired back room that feels authentic. Atmosphere balances vibrant rock and roll energy with a kid-friendly open atrium setting. The design suits family groups more than intimate dinners, offering a lively yet comfortable vibe.

Wood oven pizzas feature a perfectly balanced crust with fresh basil and melted mozzarella. Pasta options include squid ink pasta and linguini alla Puttanesca, while the mafalde comes with pesto and burrata. Desserts highlight a tiramisu made with ladyfingers.

Butternut squash and truffle pizza offers a unique flavor combination. The space feels like a converted factory with a rear designed as an Italian piazza, creating a distinct atmosphere.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was totally delicious."

"This pizza is awesome and worth a trip."

"The pizza "La Cirilo" is unique with its butternut squash base."

Good to know

1

The restaurant does not take reservations, so it's best to arrive early.

2

Expect a half-hour wait for a table on Saturday around 6pm.

3

They can accommodate gluten-free options for pastas.

02
Zia Maria Little Italy image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers homey atmosphere with live accordion music and table-side fresh pasta preparation. Outdoor seating provides a view of the illuminated Empire State Building with heaters for comfort. Staff engage guests with personalized entertainment and complimentary drinks.

Fresh pasta stands out with a homemade cheese wheel version and a highly praised lasagne. The Truffle Risotto and tiramisu receive strong mentions for quality and flavor.

Freshness stands out with the Divola pizza and Chicken Marsala offering a distinct taste. The menu stays simple but delivers a truly unique Italian flavor throughout.

People are saying

"The pasta here is fresh and prepared right in front of you."

"I considered the lobster ravioli the best I had ever had."

"The pasta special had a truly unique taste."

Good to know

1

Birthday celebrations include a fun serenade by the wait staff.

2

The restaurant dims the lights around 4:40 PM for dinner ambiance.

3

An automatic 18% service charge is included for parties of two.

03
Il Cortile image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers an authentic atmosphere with a beautiful garden room ideal for celebrations. Live music and piano performances create a lively ambiance throughout meals. The space feels cozy and roomy, blending traditional charm with engaging entertainment.

Pasta dishes stand out with penne alla vodka and chicken stuffed gnocchi offering rich flavors. Starters like calamari and eggplant rollatini add variety alongside an antipasti platter.

A small, unique seating area greets you at the entrance, setting a distinct tone. The menu features unusual appetizers like a pie with sausages, artichokes, and mozzarella, complementing the comforting ambiance.

People are saying

"The Italian food here feels magical, like a fairy tale."

"The food at these dinner spots is delicious and truly extraordinary."

"The Christmas decorations create a uniquely festive, fairy-tale atmosphere."

Good to know

1

The wedding is held in the Garden Room this Sunday.

2

Be wary of planning events around the San Gennaro festival due to crowds.

3

The restaurant participates in restaurant week with a special menu.

04
Osteria Barocca image 1
Italian restaurant

Open kitchen features fresh pasta made in house and a big cheese wheel for cooking. Interior blends modern design with traditional Italian elements, including sleek banquets and brass tables. Live contemporary jazz music and energetic tap dance performances create a lively, authentic atmosphere.

Brown butter mushroom ravioli and gnocchi golden genovese stand out as signature dishes. The menu features Fett.Alfredo and bruschetta, all prepared without trans-fats.

Drinks like the Spicy Calabrian and Scorcher cocktail stand out with unique flavors and strong kicks. Authentic Italian dishes come with unique touches that set them apart from typical offerings.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, and the servers are so attentive."

"The handmade pasta here is so fresh, you can watch them make it."

"The flavors here are vibrant, satisfying, and truly unique."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy events like San Gennaro.

2

A 3% credit card transaction fee is added to the bill.

3

An 18% gratuity is automatically included on all bills.

05
Da Gennaro image 1
Italian restaurant

Outdoor seating triples indoor space and offers live Italian music and heaters for warmth. Tables sit close together, creating a crowded but lively atmosphere with views of the street under an iconic sign. The vibe blends authentic Little Italy charm with a busy, fun energy.

Mushroom ravioli and penne alla vodka stand out for their rich flavors. The tiramisu offers a creamy, satisfying finish. Pasta dishes like lasagna and cheese ravioli round out a solid Italian meal.

Creative drinks and a very unique menu stand out here. The host Douglas adds a distinctive touch to the experience.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is delicious and served super fast."

"The staff made fresh pasta right in front of us."

"It's a unique place with a warm, characteristic atmosphere."

Good to know

1

Happy hour priced drinks are available before 7pm for outdoor seating only.

2

A mandatory tip of at least 18% is added to the bill.

3

The cost for two pizzas and a salad is over $160.

06
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.

Cannoli stand out with rich, authentic flavor and good value. Tiramisu and cannoli cake also deliver strong, memorable tastes.

Offers a unique Italian atmosphere with delicious treats. Menu items and gelatos feature familiar flavors without quirky or standout uniqueness.

People are saying

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

"The cannolis here are crisp, fresh, and heavenly."

"It's got this unique old-world Italian charm, like stepping back in time."

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.

07
Ceres image 1
Pizza restaurant

Small space with minimal seating and modern minimalist design creates a sleek, focused atmosphere. Loud music featuring jazz and Bossa Nova adds energy, while the vibe feels relaxed and welcoming despite the compact setting.

White pizza features onion and pancetta while the marinara slice pairs well with peppers. Cheese blends include sharp scamorza, mellow mozzarella, and bright San Marzano tomato sauce, creating a distinct flavor profile.

Fresh ingredients and a unique crust create a distinct pizza base. The mushroom pizza features a umami-rich mushroom powder and a sauce with unusual flavor combinations.

People are saying

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

"You should be prepared for a serious wait for takeout."

"The Italian Food's crust is thin, crispy, and structurally sound."

Good to know

1

Pizza runs about $6 per slice or upwards of $60 per pie.

2

The shop offers a variety of slices including cheese, tomato, white, and mushroom.

3

The restaurant offers both slices and whole pies.

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Little Italy, New York

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