Top New York City Italian Restaurants not to miss!
As Valentine’s Day approaches many of you might be wondering where to have dinner with your sweetheart… why not go to an Italian restaurant? New York City has some of the best! This month we want to share with you some of the top New York City Italian restaurants not to miss. Some of these restaurants have been serving customers for decades and are truly established and delicious. Enjoy!
1. Becco 355 W 46th St. (between 8th Ave & 9th Ave) A well-known and affordable Lidia Bastianich restaurant along Restaurant Row. Becco is known for their signature “all you can eat” pasta dish. The variations of pastas change daily; they are freshly made and served table side. Also, if you love your vino, make sure to order a bottle here… all are set at a very reasonable price.
2. Angelo of Mulberry Street 146 Mulberry St. After visiting Little Italy with Ahoy New York Food Tours, many love to return and experience some of the classic restaurants. Angelo’s has been serving Little Italy since 1920 and will be sure to serve you a delicious meal. The atmosphere can be described as “old school” and it is said that you can suggest what you like to your waiter and they will put together a special meal for you and your friends.
3. Il Vagabondo 351 E 62nd St. If you like to play bocce ball before or after you eat– this is the place for you. A restaurant with an indoor bocce ball court! We recommend their eggplant parmigiana; it is one of the best we have tried! According to Emeril Lagasse, their veal parm was “the best thing he ever ate”. Go and enjoy some tasty food and a great game.
4. Lupa 170 Thompson St. A West Village favorite frequented by locals and owned by Mario Batali. A must try is their ricotta gnocchi with sausage and fennel.
5. Otto Enoteca Pizzeria 1 5th Ave (between Washington Mews & 8th St.) A Mario Batali restaurant that is friendly on the wallet! Come and enjoy their pizza or pasta and make sure to order their homemade gelato for dessert– a must is their olive oil gelato. Trust us, you will enjoy. Another bonus, the atmosphere of the restaurant is set up as an old Italian train station.
6. Trattoria Tra di Noi 622 East 187th St. (Bronx) As we’ve shared with you on our tours, what is considered to be the “true Little Italy” is Arthur Avenue. The next time you are shopping along Arthur Avenue, you must stop here for a meal. Along 187th street (steps off of Arthur Avenue), Trattoria Tra di Noi, is a friendly “mom and pop” restaurant that will make you feel like a local and at ease in its relaxed setting.
7. The Leopard at des Artistes 1 W 67th St. (between W Central Park & Columbus Ave) After the former Cafe des Artistes closed, new owners arrived and created The Leopard at des Artistes, serving tasty Italian cuisine (as opposed to the former French). Their homemade pastas and elegant service make this restaurant a place for your perfect special occasion… not to mention the lovely murals along the walls that make for a romantic setting.
8. Locanda Verde 377 Greenwich St. (between Franklin St & Moore St.) Owned by Robert DeNiro, this Tribeca spot is one not to miss for sure. Start your meal with their extraordinary crostini (blue crab) and another must try is their sheep’s milk ricotta to enjoy with crusty Italian bread. For your entree their Grandmother’s Ravioli is always a hit.
9. Patsy’s Italian Restaurant 236 W 56th St. (between 8th Ave & Broadway) An “old-school” NY restaurant and one of Frank Sinatra’s favorites; when in midtown come here and enjoy their Penne a la vodka.
10. Supper 156 E 2nd St. (between Avenue A & Avenue B) An alphabet city restaurant that has a fun vibe and yummy Italian food. A must try is their spaghetti al limone.
