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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Nolita

Authentic Italian food

Italian food that feels authentic to the tradition, not just a collection of familiar menu items.

Based on 653 Opinions
+650
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Updated May 2026
01
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Pizza restaurant

Small pizzeria with a spacious, recently upgraded interior and minimalist design. Lively atmosphere fueled by DJ Barry's curated music, creating an engaging vibe. Seating is limited, often crowded, with a mix of indoor and street tables.

Slices deliver authentic New York pizza with a classic NY-style crust and rich flavors. The pizza tastes genuinely Italian and stays true to traditional recipes.

Burrata pizza stands out with fresh mozzarella and rich flavors. The Sicilian square slice features homemade marinara, while the vodka pasta offers a delicious twist on classic Italian dishes.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here had the best sauce-to-cheese ratio."

"The pizza crust here is amazing, thin, and perfectly foldable."

"I thought the pizza here was the most authentic New York slice."

Good to know

1

Pizza is available until 2am on weekends.

2

The restaurant is inexpensive, making it a budget-friendly option.

3

You can get free drinks if you order a whole pie.

02
Figo il Gelato Italiano image 1

Small gelato shop offers authentic Italian flavors with vibrant, creamy gelato displayed in a clean, modern space. Outdoor seating includes comfortable tables and heaters, complemented by a live DJ that creates a lively atmosphere. The spot blends Little Italy ambiance with a relaxed yet energetic vibe.

Gelato offers authentic Italian flavor with a focus on freshness and true taste. The pistachio gelato stands out for its genuine Italian quality.

Pasta stands out as exceptionally good here. Desserts like the SAN VALENTINO TIRAMISU with dark chocolate chips and amarena offer rich, complex flavors. The affogato with pistachio also draws attention for its quality.

People are saying

"This is the best gelato I've ever had."

"You have to try their Italian Food, the cannoli are out of this world."

"I found the gelato to be authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

There is no public bathroom at this gelato shop.

2

Prices for gelato start around $6 for a single scoop.

3

Vegan and dairy-free options are available.

03
Marcellino image 1
Italian restaurant

Giant wood-fired pizza oven behind the bar anchors a space with cozy Italian decor and beautiful outdoor patio views. Fantastic music sets a lively yet pleasant mood, making it ideal for conversation and relaxed dining.

Italian dishes feature fresh ingredients and home-made meals with a delicious, authentic taste. The atmosphere supports a genuine Italian dining experience.

Lobster ravioli stands out as a highlight, noted for its rich flavor. The rigatoni bolognese offers a classic take, while the burrata appetizer is a must-order starter.

People are saying

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

"Danilo, the manager, made our dinner a delightful and fun evening."

"I found the food to be truly authentic Italian."

Good to know

1

The restaurant was busy during the San Cerano festival.

2

The total cost for 2 people was $250.

3

The restaurant automatically charges 18% gratuity even for a party of 2.

04
Peasant image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers a romantic, dimly lit atmosphere with candles and dried flowers creating a cozy, intimate vibe. A downstairs wine bar provides a quiet space for conversation, while the wood-burning smoker adds unique flavor to dishes. Tables sit close together, giving a slightly cramped feel but enhancing the lively energy.

Italian food features rustic, wood-fired dishes that deliver an authentic flavor. Dimly lit, cozy ambiance adds to the soulful, genuine experience.

Handmade pastas cook to a perfect al dente texture with dishes like rigatoni and wild boar ragu standing out. Lobster pasta features fresh, fleshy lobster in a balanced portion with flavorful sauce.

People are saying

"The rigatoni and carbonara are amazing Italian food."

"The wine selection here is fun and brilliant."

"The service here is so warm and attentive, making you feel truly celebrated."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly suggested for a romantic evening or special occasion.

2

Parking is available right out front on busy nights.

3

Expect to pay around $200 per person, including tip and wine.

05
La Pecora Bianca SoHo image 1
Italian restaurant

Corner location with seamless indoor and outdoor seating creates an airy, chic atmosphere. Large sidewalk patio with heated terrace offers comfortable al fresco dining. Wide open dining room with garage door style windows enhances the spacious, relaxed vibe.

It serves authentic Italian food that is consistently fresh and flavorful. Italians dining there add to the genuine atmosphere and the dishes hit all the right spots at reasonable prices.

Fresh pasta comes all dente with rich, creamy sauces like the vodka pasta and hearty options like chicken parmesan. Large portions of classic desserts like tiramisu add a sweet finish.

People are saying

"I couldn't stop talking about how great the food was."

"The pasta here is perfectly cooked and the vodka sauce is amazing."

"The food here is authentic, fresh, and flavorful Italian."

Good to know

1

The brunch-only menu ends at 1:45 PM on Saturdays.

2

It is a good idea to make reservations because the place is always full.

3

You need to have a reservation for dinner or try your luck at the bar.

06
Balzem image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Tiny Mediterranean restaurant offers romantic decor and live DJ music that fills the space loudly. Seating includes a community table and a cute outdoor patio, creating a vibey and intimate atmosphere. The place feels busy and cozy, best suited for couples rather than groups.

Food offers flavorful, fresh, and authentic tastes. Authentic baklava comes highly recommended.

Pistachio spread and flatbread pizza stand out with rich flavors. Pasta dishes include a hearty seafood pasta and classic options. Desserts like dulce de leche and tiramisu offer sweet finishes.

People are saying

"I really loved the delicious food here."

"The Italian food, especially the seafood pasta, was delicious and hearty."

"The authentic Mediterranean food here is amazing and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends to avoid long wait times.

2

Bottomless mimosas are available on weekends for $30 per person.

3

A complimentary drink and flatbread are offered during the anniversary celebration.

07
Rubirosa image 1
Pizza restaurant

Narrow space with a NYC vibe and tight seating creates an intimate but sometimes cramped atmosphere. Calm music and great air conditioning balance the energy, making it comfortable despite the crowd. Frequent door traffic can cause temperature shifts, adding to the dynamic environment.

Thin crust pizza stands out with its authentic Italian flavor. Pasta dishes carry classic, homely flavor profiles that reflect genuine Italian cooking. The overall vibe feels warm and authentic.

Clam pasta comes with buttery garlic sauce and crispy fried garlic, paired with pancetta. Eggplant parmesan stands out as a perfectly executed classic. Pasta dishes show exceptional quality and flavor.

People are saying

"The pizza here is thin-crust perfection with a flavorful, crispy crust."

"The pasta here is rich, creamy, and delicious."

"I found the authentic Italian pizza here to be incredible."

Good to know

1

Reservations should be made 1 or 2 days in advance.

2

The usual wait is 45-60 minutes, not 90+ minutes.

3

You need to be punctual as they mean it when they say you have ten minutes to get there after the text.

08
Pietro Nolita image 1
Cocktail bar

Cocktail bar with pink decor creates a charming atmosphere filled with good music and photo opportunities. The vibe suits lively gatherings, especially for groups seeking a visually striking setting. Drinks feature well-balanced cocktails including standout lavender and spicy margaritas.

Pasta dishes are 100% homemade and match the quality of authentic Italian cuisine from Rome. The food consistently delivers authentic Italian flavors with a variety of tasty options.

Homemade pastas shine here, including a gluten-free option that holds authentic flavor. The cacio e pepe matches the style found in Rome, and the Chicken Meatballs come tender with a rich marinara sauce.

People are saying

"The food here is super delicious and fresh."

"The Italian food, especially the ravioli, was amazing."

"The pasta here is delicious and authentic Italian."

Good to know

1

You need to reserve on Resy to get a spot since seating is limited.

2

It is highly suggested to get reservations due to the small size of the restaurant.

3

If your whole party isn't there on time, your indoor dining is cancelled.

09
Emporio image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers cozy decor with a backyard seating area featuring natural light from a glass panel roof. Atmosphere is chic and lively, often filled with great music that enhances the vibrant energy. Space accommodates larger groups comfortably, making it suitable for social gatherings.

Dishes showcase authentic Italian flavors with fresh, mostly organic ingredients. The menu includes a delightful and unusual selection prepared with great attention to detail.

Pasta dishes come out perfectly al dente with fresh ingredients creating a balanced flavor. The truffle pasta offers a rich taste despite a higher price, and seasonal specials include items like lamb loin carpaccio and lobster risotto.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is outstanding, with thoughtfully crafted dishes."

"The pizza here has a flawless crust and premium ingredients."

"The authentic Italian food here is amazing and packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

A reservation is definitely needed for dinner.

2

Without a reservation, it is very difficult to get a place on the weekend.

3

Finding parking can be difficult sometimes in New York.

10
Emilio's Ballato image 1
Italian restaurant

Small dining space with family-style Italian seating creates a lively, old school atmosphere filled with celebrity photographs and a sense of history. The environment is loud and energetic, especially in the front room, encouraging conversation and laughter. A hidden back room adds a private, exclusive feel reminiscent of classic Italian dining spots.

An old school feel fills the space with authentic southern Italian flavor in every dish. The menu features finest ingredients crafted into classic New York City Italian cuisine.

Pasta comes cooked al dente with rich, robust sauces and perfect seasoning. Dishes like ravioli, bolognese, and linguine vongole stand out for their fresh flavors.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is classic, comforting, and executed with confidence."

"It felt like stepping into timeless New York with that old school Italian vibe."

"The food here is authentic Italian and genuinely excellent."

Good to know

1

Get there before 5 to avoid a long wait.

2

Tuesdays feature a recurring theme event.

3

They only accept walk-ins and donโ€™t seat you unless the entire party is present.

11
19 Cleveland image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant offers a tight, crowded space with loud music and high energy that grows rowdier later. Outdoor heated terrace and a secret downstairs speakeasy add unique layers to the experience.

Dishes highlight authentic Israeli flavors with fresh, top-notch ingredients. Menu offers creative and authentic Middle Eastern options, though some find certain items like falafel less genuine.

Calamarati pasta offers a perfect amount of spice. The house focaccia and Jerusalem focaccia stand out, along with the burrata served with tomato jam and pita bread.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, beautifully presented, and full of flavor."

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

"The Italian food here, especially the pasta, is fantastic and perfectly spiced."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating capacity.

2

Expect a mandatory 20% gratuity added to your bill.

3

The restaurant does not accommodate dietary restrictions well.

12
Lombardi's image 1
Pizza restaurant

Small pizzeria with old-world Italian decor and a bustling yet warm atmosphere. Coal-fired ovens create a crispy, unique crust on pizzas, contributing to a historic dining experience. Seating is limited, often requiring outdoor arrangements with heaters and plexiglass for crowd management.

Authentic New York-style pizza shines here with a historic vibe that keeps the original Italian flavors intact. The atmosphere feels genuine, reflecting a true slice of Italian pizza tradition.

Rustic double pepperoni pizza has a crispy, slightly charred crust, bright tomato sauce, special pepperoni, gooey mozzarella, and fresh basil. Classic Margherita pizza combines fresh mozzarella, vibrant tomato sauce, and basil. Breadsticks arrive steaming hot with a crunchy outside and soft inside.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was amazing and delicious."

"It's a classic New York spot with an authentic old-school pizza vibe."

"The Italian food's coal-fired crust had a perfect char."

Good to know

1

Lombardi's is a cash-only establishment.

2

Be prepared to wait unless you come for lunch.

3

Peak hours are typically Friday and Saturday evenings between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM.

13
Prince Street Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Small, crowded pizza spot with no indoor seating and limited outdoor tables creates a bustling, vibrant atmosphere. Loud, energetic vibe matches the city's pace, with 90s dance hits adding to the mood. Separate counters for slices and whole pies streamline quick orders amid the cozy, hectic setting.

Pizza features a sweet sauce and captures authentic New York style with a taste close to Italian pizza.

Rectangular slices come with a thick focaccia-style crust and are loaded with pepperoni. The Spicy Spring features Fra Diavolo sauce, fresh mozzarella, and Pecorino Romano on thick, fluffy dough.

People are saying

"I thought this pizza had the greatest slices ever."

"This Italian food's pizza has a wonderfully flavorful, spicy kick."

"This authentic New York pizza is sensational and a must-experience."

Good to know

1

Prince Street Pizza only accepts cash payments.

2

There is no seating available; it's primarily a takeaway place.

3

The pizza costs $8 per slice.

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Nolita, New York

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