Little Italy has been home to some of New York City's tastiest off-the-boat eats since its establishment in the early 1900’s.
Since then, Little Italy has become a mecca for New Yorkers and tourists alike to carbo-load on house-made pasta, thin crust pizza, and delicious freshly made breads.
However, it’s also become home to heaps of overpriced tourist traps serving overly Americanized Italian food.
Fortunately for us, there are still a handful of unbelievable restaurants and bakeries in Little Italy doing what Italians do best: cook.
If you’re heading out to honor the Patron Saint of Naples at the 89th Annual San Gennaro Festival in Little Italy, you’re going to need some pretty dope authentic eats.
We’ve scoured the scene and put together 6 drool-worthy Italian eateries that will even impress any native Napolitano.
1. Angelo’s of Mulberry (146 Mulberry Street)
Founded in 1902, this old-school restaurant serves up an authentic Neapolitan cuisine in the heart of Little Italy.
Owned by the Silvestri and Aprea families, Angelo’s has remained consistent to its roots, focusing on quality dishes and exceptional service that have upheld a glowing reputation.
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With a lively dining room and plethora of outdoor seating, Angelo’s impresses tourists and New Yorkers alike.
For a taste of Angelo’s at home, their red sauces, including their signature braciola sauce, can be bought by the jar.
2. DiPalo’s (200 Grand Street)
eoliva Nice to know that in this ever changing metropolis some things stay the same @billspector #dipalos #littleitaly
Looking for a Little Italy staple that has spanned generations? DiPalo’s Specialty Market has withstood the test of time (and the great depression), and is still offering unique, quality cheeses, cured meats, and other Italian favorites at its newly expanded storefront.
Originally opened as a latteria, or dairy store, DiPalo’s is run by fourth and fifth generation descendants of founder Concetta DiPalo.
Apart from imported goods, DiPalo’s offers house favorites: homemade burrata, mouthwatering meatballs, and arguably the best porchetta sandwich in NYC.
However, they only prepare a set number of porchetta sandwiches, so if you’re craving for one, hit up DiPalo’s before the lunch rush.
3. Parisi Bakery Delicatessen (198 Mott Street)
Still owned and operated by the same family that founded it in 1903, Parisi Bakery is a must visit in Little Italy.
Parisis offers Italian bread with a thick, crunchy crust while the interior crumb stays moist and chewy, or in our opinion, the perfect Italian bread. This is certainly attributed to the fact that they are one of the last brick oven bakeries in the city.
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Parisi boasts of secret world recipes and baking techniques perfected over the course of three generations of bakers.
Though rightfully known for their fresh, daily breads, Parisi’s Delicatessen serves up some of New Yorkers favorite sandwiches, such as the Dennis: breaded chicken cutlets, prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil.
Need more convincing? Frank Sinatra and Andy Rooney frequented Parisis for their remarkable sandwiches and renowned bread.
,4. Parm (248 Mulberry Street)
James Beard nominated Chefs Mario Carbone and Rich Torrisi founded Parm on the heels of their success with The Meatball Shop.
In spite of opening less than five years ago, Parm has already secured its spot on our list of places to eat in Little Italy.
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Amid its retro, American diner-like décor, Parm delivers killer sandwiches, crazy cocktails, and delicious small plates and snacks
That's right, we’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again, mozz sticks are where its at.
5. Pellegrino’s (138 Mulberry Street)
samcalps laughed so much today, surely the old(er) people seated next to us were glad to see us leave the restaurant
Pellegrino’s has become one of the best restaurants in Little Italy since it opened in the mid 90's, and for good reason.
Served by a tuxedoed wait staff, Pellegrino’s is a great date-night spot in Little Italy if you’re looking to splurge on your significant other.
Not looking for a romantic meal? Try for their outdoor seating to people watch on Mulberry Street.
There is a reason why Pellegrino’s has maintained a spot at the top of Little Italy’s favorite restaurants. Try the gnocchi Bolognese or the veal tortellini.
6. Rubirosa (235 Mulberry Street)
dining_diva tie-dye pizza (vodka sauce and pesto) tastes even better than it looks, if that's possible ❤️💚 #diningdiva #foodporn #eeeeeats
Do you love pizza? If you don’t we can’t be friends. If you do, you have to try Rubirosa’s vodka pizza.
Angelo Pappalardo and his family-run restaurant serves up a delicious range of pasta, excellent cocktails and Italian wines, along with their popular pizzas.
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Rubirosa’s thin-crust pizza recipe was perfected in 1960 at Joe and Pat’s Pizzeria in Staten Island, run by Giuseppe Pappalardo, Angelo’s father.
Looking for them to cater? Check out their pizza-mobile, a mobile pizza oven bound to impress at any event. Try their Tie-Dye pizza, a thin crust pizza topped with tomato, pesto, and fresh mozzarella.
Check out 7 Best Spots for Chicken Parm in NYC.
[Feature Image Courtesy: Huffington Post]