Angelo of Mulberry Street

146 Mulberry St, between Grand and Hester Sts, New York, NY 10013 212-966-1277

Description: LITTLE ITALY. If you are looking for an old-school NYC Italian joint, then this is it. This Little Italy storefront eatery has been a neighborhood staple since 1902, offering a cozy mix of homemade dishes and traditional décor. Start your meal off with an order of fried zucchini or sautéed eggplant, and then move on to a filling entrée ­ the rigatoni with vodka and tomato or grilled lamb chops with mushrooms or peppers come to mind. Be sure to ask about the daily specials, and keep your fingers crossed that calamari is among them. TRAIN: J, M, Z; N, R, 6 to Canal St
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ápizz

217 Eldridge St, between Stanton & Rivington St, New York, NY 10012 212-253-9199

Description: LOWER EAST SIDE. One block below Houston and just a short walk from Little Italy, ápizz (pronounced "ah-beet") is housed in an assuming storefront that, inside, belies the restaurant's urban environs. Indeed, the intimate dining area is centered around a wood-burning brick oven, and the food ... well, the food is the stuff that makes for an unforgettable evening. Take one bite into their homemade gnocchi with honey-braised prime beef short ribs, and you'll easily see this is so. TRAIN: F, V to 2nd Ave
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Ballato's

55 E Houston St, New York, NY 10012 212-274-8881

Description: NOHO. The new chef/owner may have updated the décor, but this classic Italian eatery is Old World at its best. Neapolitan tradition lives on in entrees of raviolis, lasagnas and linguini with clam sauce. Arrive hungry because the portions at Ballato's will satisfy any appetite. Reasonably priced; reservations recommended. TRAIN: B, D, F, Q to Broadway-Lafayette; 6 to Bleecker St
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Barolo

398 W Broadway, New York, NY 10012 212-226-1102

Description: SOHO. Situated on Broadway between Broome and Spring Streets, this little eatery nearly straddles the boundary between SoHo and Little Italy. Although Barlo is known for its excellent ravioli dishes, you'll most likely want to try something a little different ­ you can't go wrong with the daily meat and pasta specials. In the warmer months, couples jockey to dine al fresco in the restaurant's beautiful garden area. Reservations suggested. TRAIN: C, E to Spring St
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Caffe Falai

265 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012 212-274-8615

Description: This cozy spot feels larger than its is thanks to its sleek, white interior and the wall-mounted mirrors. Palates are treated to bold, savory flavors, thanks to a brunch menu that includes fare such as baked eggs with tomato sauce and smoked salmon, mozzarella and prosciutto panini, and poached figs with fresh ricotta and crunchy almonds. A selection of decadent pastries and desserts is also available for something on the go.
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Da Nico Risorante

164 Mulberry St, between Grand & Broome St, New York, NY 10013 212-343-1212

Description: LITTLE ITALY. Located on Little Italy's "restaurant row," Da Nico is THE place to go if you want to be part of the neighborhood's hip scene. Everybody ­ from money-hungry Wall Streeters to movie stars ­ stops in here to enjoy the fine Italian menu and contemporary, if overdone, décor. Try the fried calamari for an appetizer, and make sure you save room for the monk fish with mushrooms and capers, Osso Buco alla Milanese with gnocchi, or Veal Verona with shiitake mushrooms. Call ahead for reservations, especially if you want to dine al fresco in the courtyard area. TRAIN: B, D, Q to Grand St; 6 to Spring St
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Falai

68 Clinton St, New York, NY 10002 212-253-1960

Description: LOWER EAST SIDE. Iacopo Falai's chic cucina shines on the strength of homemade pastas, breads and desserts. TRAIN: F to Delancey St; J, M, Z to Essex St
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Frank

88 2nd Ave, between 4th & 5th St, New York, NY 10003 212-420-0202

Description: EAST VILLAGE. Frank, a popular place with the neighborhood folks for years, serves up excellent homemade pasta dishes for very reasonable prices. Make sure you show up early for a meal at this cozy storefront restaurant, located between Fifth and Sixth Streets. Expect to see everybody here, from suit-wearing business-types to local artists and musicians ­ all of them crowded around the oak tables enjoying the likes of Uncle Tony's tasty gnocchi. TRAIN: F to 2nd Ave; 6 to Astor Pl
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Grandaisy Bakery

73 Sullivan St, New York, NY 10012 212-334-9435

Description: SOHO. Runners might not be carbo-loading at Grandaisy Bakery, but the pizza and the artisan breads are certainly good enough to make anyone else consider it. The sunny bakery's display cases are chock full of filone, ciabatta and olive loaves, but surprisingly enough, the pizza is the main attraction for most regs. The bianca con pecornio features 13-month old Sardinian pecorino folded into the dough, while the pizza cavolfiore has layers of cauliflower and gruyere on top of a thin, crisp crust.
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Il Bagatto

192 E 2nd St, between Ave A & B, New York, NY 10009 212-228-0977

Description: EAST VILLAGE. Great Prices! Known for serving tasty Italian food at reasonable prices, this cozy eatery is the perfect choice for those wanting to venture into Alphabet City. Prepare to wait for a table as this spot is usually hopping. You can enjoy your wait in the spacious downstairs lounge, where you can order cocktails and absorb the dynamic, energetic atmosphere and anticipate your upcoming feast. Reservations are recommended. Casual atmosphere. TRAIN: F, V at Lower East Side-Second Ave
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Il Cortile

125 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10013 212-226-6060

Description: LITTLE ITALY. This outstanding Mulberry address features one of the neighborhood's most charming dining areas, a garden room whose roof is actually an expansive skylight. The decor elsewhere in Il Cortile is distinctly Roman ­ lush greenery, statues and, of course, white columns. The kitchen, meanwhile, takes a creative approach to Italian cuisine, leading them to serve up dishes like veal scaloppine rolled with currants and veal sweetbreads. TRAIN: 6 to Spring St; 6, J, M, N, Q, R, W, Z to Canal St
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Il Fornaio Ristorante

132-A Mulberry St, New York, NY 10013 212-226-8306

Description: LITTLE ITALY. For family-style Italian cooking, it's hard to beat this Mulberry Street eatery, where the food is terrific, the waitstaff friendly and the prices inexpensive. Try the red snapper marechearo or the veal marsella sautéed with mushrooms and broccoli; before you do, however, make sure you start off your feast with an order of their delicious pasta and bean soup. Reservations are not accepted. TRAIN: B, D, Q to Grand St; J, M, Z, R, 6 to Spring St
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Il Palazzo

151 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10013 212-343-7000

Description: LITTLE ITALY. Smack in the heart of Little Italy, this romantic, two-level eatery offers an enchanting escape from modern life. Indeed, things here are done the old-fashioned way ­ landscapes of the Old Country adorn the walls of the main dining room, the service is courteous and professional, and the fare is cooked-to-order. Regulars are torn over what the kitchen does best: Is it the pollo alla Palazzo or the gnocchi? The spaghetti or the tre paladini? One thing's for certain, dinner at Il Palazzo is an experience you won't soon forget. TRAIN: 6 to Spring St; 6, J, M, N, Q, R, W, Z to Canal St
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La Mela

167 Mulberry St, Between Broome St and Grand St, New York, NY 10013 212-431-9493

Description: LITTLE ITALY. Mulberry Street has more than its fair share of casual, laid-back eateries where you can enjoy your meal in relative peace and quiet. La Mela is not one of those. La Mela is served family style with generous portions and a chummy staff. Here, you join the rest of the crowd at the long table in the middle of the restaurant and proceed to enjoy your meal like one, big happy family. And don't worry: they always have enough to go around. Reservations are suggested. TRAIN: 6 to Spring St
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Lombardi's

32 Spring St, between Mulberry & Mott St, New York, NY 10012 212-941-7994

Description: NOLITA. If this is your first time in New York, then you are obligated to sample some "real" New York pizza before you leave. Just so you know, this place, the first licensed pizzeria in the Big Apple, serves up just about the best there is. Poll the neighborhood folks, and you'll find nothing but raves for their Lombardi's coal-oven pies. All their toppings are fresh, all the sauces tangy and all the cheeses sublime ­ Fuggetaboutit! TRAIN: 6 to Spring St
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Lupa Osteria Romana

170 Thompson St, New York, NY 10012 212-982-5089

Description: WEST VILLAGE. What keeps a place like this popular in a city where Italian restaurants seem to be in throwing distance of one another? The formula couldn't be simpler: First, boast a wine list that well-represents Italy, from well known vintages down to undiscovered gems. Next, create a space that is upscale yet comfortable ­ the kind of place that embraces the concept of family. Lastly, serve outstanding food (perfect examples: ricotta gnocchi with sausage and fennel or pork shoulder with rose petal glassato), and do so at reasonable prices. Nota bene! TRAIN: A, C, E, B, D, F, Q to 4th St; 1 to Houston St
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Peasant

194 Elizabeth St, between Prince & Spring St, New York, NY 10012 212-965-9511

Description: NOLITA. When NoLita's Peasant opened its doors, it did so to the applause of area hipsters, who were craving a stylish alternative to the traditional Mulberry Street eateries. Boasting an open kitchen design and wood-burning oven, the dining area is warm and inviting ­ though it has been known to get quite clamorous at times. Appetizers come to your table on rustic earthenware and smelling as good as they taste. Indeed, the kitchen staff does not spare garlic, olive oil, and Italian herbs and spices! Something to keep in mind: regulars often opt for the pizzas rather than the pasta dishes. TRAIN: B, D, F, Q to Broadway-Lafayette; N, R to Prince St
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Pellegrino's

138 Mulberry St, between Hester & Grand St, New York, NY 10013 212-226-3177

Description: LITTLE ITALY. This neighborhood eatery is one of the gems of Mulberry Street. Boasting a warm cozy interior and amiable waitstaff, Pellegrino's menu offers dishes like linguine with arugula, sun-dried tomato, porcini and cremini mushrooms or veal scaloppini with prosciutto and spinach. For dessert, you'll never forgive yourself if you don't save room for the homemade tiramisu or Italian cheesecake. In the warmer months, dine al fresco. TRAIN: 6 to Spring St
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Positano Ristorante INC

122 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10013-4604 212-334-9808

Description: LITTLE ITALY. Mario Giglio's Nolita bistro, located between Canal and Hester Streets, is an attempt to recreate the taste and feel of Positano, a small town in Southern Italy. This red brick storefront eatery offers just the right amount of intimacy for a romantic dinner. Recommended entrées include the Sirloin Steak alla Carlo with mushrooms and peppers, Rigatoni alla Vodka, Linguine con Calamari, and Veal Sorrentina with eggplant, prosciutto and mozzarella. Sidewalk tables are available. Reservations are accepted for groups of six or more. TRAIN: J, M, Z, N, R, 6 to Canal St
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Savore

200 Spring St, at Sullivan St, New York, NY 10012 212-431-1212

Description: SoHo is one of those neighborhoods that makes you feel guilty for not sporting the latest fashion or having an artistic flair. Fortunately, this unpretentious Italian restaurant offers a haven from all of that. If you are looking to dine in a casual setting ­ the kind of place where the managers comes out and greet each table personally ­ then this is the place for you. Savore's Northern Italian includes everything from veal and fish dishes to always-innovative daily linguini and calamari specials. You'll want to accompany your meal with one of their smooth Tuscan wines and, perhaps, top it off with the house grappa and a little homemade dessert. Reservations suggested.
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