Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Dexter, I think many of the folks here consider themselves too savvy to dine in a tourist area like Little Italy... but I agree with you. There are quality restaurants down on Mulberry Street, my favorites:
Luna's... you get a HUGE sandwich for $8 (takeout only), eat in is a NY experience with gruff staff and less than pretty decor with the little old lady sitting at the back table.
Il Fornaio... casual good personal pizzas
Il Cortile is pricey but outstanding food.
Puglia's is a tourist attarction but they put on a good show.
Little Charlie's on Kenmare St... off the beaten path but again, good food but not a bargain.
If you find yourself in East Elmhurst, Queens... go Mama's Italian deli on 104 St & 46 Ave. AKA Leo's Latticini. This is the real deal with the best fresh mozzarella & they have a delicious special everyday... Wednesday is ravioli day OMG. They also have an awesome Italian Special sandwich.
Absolutely worth the trip.
Baylovers, are you talking about the restaurant "Luna" that was next to La Bella Ferrara Cafe. If you are, that restaurant is gone, and is know a gift shop, the last time that I was down in Little Italy. They did have good prices on the food when Luna was in business.
I have to disagree with the 'no good Mexican' food in NYC. Rosa Mexicano is really good..a bit touristy but good. There are multiple locations throughout the city. Mexican Radio on Lafayette and Kenmare is fun. Las Palapas is also good. Dos Caminos is popular and a bit touristy but it is usually a fun, hip time.
If you do want to go to Little Italy for food, I love Il Cortile. Grimaldi's and Lombardi's are great for pizza. If you make it to Brooklyn check out Peter Luger's. In Chinatown, go to Wo Hop. Sit downstairs. I lived in NYC and I would make the trek down there sometimes. One of my favorite restaurants is Jane on Lafayette street. Great American food.
H&H's bagels are sold in most Korean delis, and I think Starbucks that sell bagels. You don't have to go to the store at 80th & Broadway, but the store bagels are fresher from the oven than those sold elsewhere.
Why worry about restaurants being "excellent"? Part of the adventure of travelling is experiencing local culture. While you definitely should hit up one or two "renowned" places while you're here, the rest of the time you should just pop into a neighborhood restaurant where ever you happen to be when you get hungry .....
Just a few of the best under $25. I have a list with more information if you want, let me know. The best pizza is at Di Fara, not Lombardi's. Pick up a Zagat guide if you want, they're quite informative.
Thai: Sea, Joya, Wild Ginger, Jasmine, Spice American: Penelope, Grey Dog's Coffee, Hope & Anchor, Old Devil Moon, Pop Burger Asian: Tsampa, Faan, Zen Palate, Rice, Friendhouse, Sandobe, Republic Mexican: Pacifico, Bonita Italian: 'ino, Panino 'teca 275, Ferdinando's Focacceria, Il Corallo Trattoria, 3 of Cups French: Cafe Gitane, Tartine
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
