Little Italy
Little Italy
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Neighborhood west of SoHo famous for Italian restaurants.
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Downtown Manhattan (Downtown)
How to get there
- Canal St • 4 min walk
- Canal St • 4 min walk
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Best nearby
Restaurants
10,000 within 3 miles
Attractions
2,439 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Ravenhawk39St. Catharines, Canada461 contributionsNice place to walk around and eatMy husband is Italian and wanted to visit little Italy on our trip to New York City. It was just before a festival so there was a lot of decorations around. We ate a delicious pizza and calzone lunch at Lombard’s Pizzeria and walked around a bit. It was very enjoyable.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten September 5, 2023
- odoyle584Belvidere, Illinois89 contributionsA great way to experience an historic part of NYCOur Little Italy Food Tasting Tour was a great way to experience an historic part of NYC. Our guide Vincent kept our group of 11 entertained and well fed as we walked many of the streets along Mulberry Street. We enjoyed sponge cake, two kinds of cannoli, gnocchi, cheeses, proscuitto, and, of course, NY-style pizza. Along the way, Vincent used authentic local accent to tell us stories of gangsters and historic places where cheeses and pasta have been made for years, along with historic churches and stores and restaurants that we recognized from well-known films and TV shows. He dropped many famous names and left us so full that we cancelled our dinner reservations. We highly recommend it.Visited October 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 21, 2023
- tinaNtravelSan Jose, California1,978 contributionsWorth walking around and a great place to get pizzaWe visited Little Italy on a walking tour. We were told Little Italy had consisted of 17 blocks but is now down to 4 blocks. The area mostly has restaurants, bakeries and shops – some almost 100 years old. It is worth a visit for dinner and/or dessert.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 21, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
3,670 reviews
Excellent
1,172
Very good
1,217
Average
830
Poor
326
Terrible
126
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,338 contributions
Dec 2020
When we visited Little Italy, they were preparing for a festival, the streets were cordoned off and the crowd was building. Little Italy has been in relative decline, as Chinatown encroaches but many people return from their places of exile in New Jersey for the festivals. This enclave still has some great restaurants and things to see; it's well worth a trip.
Written December 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Renee D
2 contributions
Sep 2021
I haven't been to this festival since the early 2000's and decided to go this year 2021 with my teenage daughters. NEVER AGAIN. The charm is gone!!!! There is no Italian music playing in the streets, every vendor plays their own music over the others, it was so crowded, my poor daughters were getting felt up in the crowd!!!! HOW DISGUSTING!!!!!!
It is now a carnival type experience. A small cannoli was $10-12.00, they were sitting out in the heat in a few of the stands with flies buzzing around and not refrigerated. Garbage was piled all over all the corners of the streets and not being picked up. There were also very few Italian vendors. A RIP OFF
It is now a carnival type experience. A small cannoli was $10-12.00, they were sitting out in the heat in a few of the stands with flies buzzing around and not refrigerated. Garbage was piled all over all the corners of the streets and not being picked up. There were also very few Italian vendors. A RIP OFF
Written September 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
odoyle584
Belvidere, IL89 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Our Little Italy Food Tasting Tour was a great way to experience an historic part of NYC. Our guide Vincent kept our group of 11 entertained and well fed as we walked many of the streets along Mulberry Street. We enjoyed sponge cake, two kinds of cannoli, gnocchi, cheeses, proscuitto, and, of course, NY-style pizza. Along the way, Vincent used authentic local accent to tell us stories of gangsters and historic places where cheeses and pasta have been made for years, along with historic churches and stores and restaurants that we recognized from well-known films and TV shows. He dropped many famous names and left us so full that we cancelled our dinner reservations. We highly recommend it.
Written October 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daisy
Nottingham, UK108 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We went here as friends had told us was worth a visit for good food. We walked through China Town which personally I wouldn't recommend I didn't get that 'vibe' also it was the only place in New York I felt unsafe. I didn't take note of where we ate in little Italy but I had the most amazing Lasganure ever. We went to a place on the corner but worth a visit for dinner. Not massively expensive depending on where you go. They are not to pushy to get you in there restaurant either but will try to persuade you because they want your custom.
Written January 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BigDK
Scotland13 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
Little Italy was on my to do list to get a taste of authentic New York. We walked from the financial district and passed impressive architecture on the way. Little Italy was quaint and okay to walk around. We decided to stop by one of the restaurants and ate inside. I had pasta and my wife had ceaser salad and asked for chicken with it. It wasn't until we ordered I saw that a 20 per cent gratuity would be added. Although the food was okay I felt at 92 dollars for a salad pasta and two drinks was a bit much. Compared to other parts of the city it was twice as expensive. We walked on and my wife spotted a rat running into the bags of rubbish left beside an eating area. Between that and the meal kind of spoiled the experience. I realse things are more expensive but feel I was ripped off. Long story short visit walk around eat elsewhere.
Written April 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hunbun81
West Sussex, UK121 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
I read good things about this area and saw nice photos ahead of taking a walk through, with the aim to stop and have a meal. I felt disappointed. As we walked up the main strip of Little Italy we stopped to glance at a menu or decide if we fancied the restaurant, and we had waiters come out trying to verbally force us to go in, or reading out the menus (we can read!) And one waiter was literally thumping continously on the window from the inside waving us in. So we just the left. Very off putting.
We did find a lovely Italian restaurant further down and it was a gem. I'll review that once I've found the name of it.
We did find a lovely Italian restaurant further down and it was a gem. I'll review that once I've found the name of it.
Written April 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ildiko T
Budajeno, Hungary606 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
Little Italy has no Italian inhabitants anymore those who work there are mostly coming from Mexico or Central America. It consists of many small restaurants just right beside each other no difference at all what the menu or preparation mode matter. We heard the same music ( Movie soundtrack from the godfather) from every place, some manager tried to push us into his/her restaurant… it is a pity cause the neighbourhood has a certain vibe due to its history but the fame and shine are long gone. They still have good and expensive ice cream - maybe the only place in Manhattan so therefore it was worth a ride.
Written June 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BrakiWorldTraveler
Belgrade, Serbia18,060 contributions
May 2022
I suggest visiting this neighborhood only if you're nostalgic, so you want to see this historic neighborhood to capture pics seen in many movies filmed here.
That's exactly what business owners here count on.
Loads of restaurants, pizzerias, gellaterias,...one by another with almost same music (again from old era movies) and pretty annoying waiters in front trying to get you in.
Low quality and small portions for set menus and astronomic prices for a la carte.
That's exactly what business owners here count on.
Loads of restaurants, pizzerias, gellaterias,...one by another with almost same music (again from old era movies) and pretty annoying waiters in front trying to get you in.
Low quality and small portions for set menus and astronomic prices for a la carte.
Written June 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dustythoughts
Manchester, CT2,116 contributions
Oct 2020
This small, packed neighborhood is colorful and busy, and a wonderful place to wander to take in the colors, and to stop in for a great bite to eat at one of the many delicious restaurants. This neighborhood, which borders Chinatown, has been getting smaller in recent years, but it still retains the same nostalgic yet vibrant atmosphere of a community which has lived in the US for centuries. They celebrate holidays and festivals in style, with people coming in from surrounding areas to visit family and enjoy the festivities. Because it's such a small neighborhood, it's easy to see in a day, but no less interesting for it.
Written April 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA16,128 contributions
Nov 2021
It's a very small neighborhood, just a few blocks, pushed up against Chinatown. It is jammed full of restaurants that all seem the same, same menus, and the same barkers out front trying to pull you in. I'm sure some are good, but how can you tell? All set in old tenement apartment buildings. Crowded and bustiling.
Written January 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stan29
San Lucas Sacatepequez, Guatemala16 contributions
My wife and I are in the initial planning stages of a NYC trip. I am of Italian descent and have always wanted to go visit Little Italy just for the food. I am reading that a lot of places are fairly new OR that they really aren't as great as advertised. I am wanting some recommendations on a few of the restaurants there that meet just two criteria: 1.) They have been around and are a part of the history of Little Italy, and 2.) The food is to die for. I don't care about the price. If I am going to come from Guatemala, which is where my wife and l live now, I want to experience the best of what Little Italy as to offer, and I might mention that I am looking for two types of food recommendations as well: spaghetti and meatballs, and some outstanding pizza. Thanks so much for any help.
Rich G
Acton, MA2,490 contributions
Hi Stan - Your question is a bit tough to answer. The best part of visiting NYC and Little Italy is to take it all in, walk the streets, and decide "on the fly" what restaurant suits your fancy. I do NOT recommend making a reservation at any specific restaurant sight unseen. You shouldn't have a problem walking into any of the many options they have, and oftentimes the waiters stand in the streets to entice you to come in.
So, head to Little Italy 60 mins before you want to eat, walk Canal Street and check out all the spots, then return to the one that you liked the most,depending on what kind of Italian you are in the mood for.
The good news is that most ALL of the restaurants there are delicious, and have great food. It's more about the ambiance, lighting, seating (indoor or out) and feel you get for the place.
Please DO try the pizza - it's the best in the world. Also, please do try cannoli as you're in the perfect place for those sweet treats as well!
Enjoy!
Disculpen, me gustarÃa saber cuánto mide Little Italy en kilómetros. AgradecerÃa sus respuestas. Gracias.
pastoretaylor
Hope Mills, NC138 contributions
It's only on one street mulberry Street half mile one long block street
Hi! What would be the best hour of the day to visit Little Italy? I'm just preoccupied that the restaurants aren't close when I go. Thanks!
iz j
Bedfordshire, UK143 contributions
The best time to go would be around 18.30 or 17.00 that way you should be able to get a table. We went around 21.00 and found that a lot of people were finishing their meals at that time
neil Stephenson
Darlington, UK267 contributions
Can anybody please recommend a restaurant in little Italy as obviously there's loads thanks
Tim121home
Southampton, UK2,286 contributions
You are right, there are loads to choose from and a lot of inflated prices because of the Little Italy tourist trade.
Without doubt, the best decent value choice is Paesano on Mulberry St.
Check out the reviews, it’s a great choice, enjoy!!
H0w expensive is dinner and the best restaurants
BonnieCarlan
New Haven, CT24 contributions
Dinner in Little Italy ranges from about $14 to $28 and up. Most of the restaurants are pretty much the same in price , if you add appetizers and alcoholic drinks of course your bill we be much higher demand a %20 tip , which I believe is standard in the city can be quite pricey. Almost all of the restaurants are very good. It money is an issue you might decide on going for lunch. Lunch without appetizers and alcoholic drinks will be about $10 to $18 depending on what you order. There are also some great Italian restaurants in Manhattan and Brooklyn . I'm so sorry their names escape me right now. Check out Zagat website for all kinds of restaurants and more importantly excellent reviews and $ amounts. Enjoy your time in the city , Bonnie
good restaurants
NJG15
Windhoek, Namibia89 contributions
There are great restaurants there. Look at the respective menus to see what you like. It s treat and adventure.
Laurs234
Worcester, UK93 contributions
Just wondering if anyone knows if the restaurants in little Italy will be open on Christmas Day? Thanks!
Jerusalmit
166 contributions
Yes, many of them are open; however, get on the internet and check Little Italy's restaurants, and you'll see l their days and hours of operation. New York is the city that never sleeps and is open for business :)
Tamara R
Cambrils, Spain15 contributions
Hola, viajamos en familia y me gustarÃa saber si little Italy es una zona segura para alojarse con niños. Y si recomendáis alojamiento compartido o individual. Apartamento o hotel???...
Viajamos en junio. Gracias
roxvallarta
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico195 contributions
Hola, A mi se me hizo seguro para caminar por ahi. Caminamos hasta tarde por la zona y nos quedamos a cenar ahi sin problemas. Caminamos después hasta el metro por la noche y todo estaba bien, pero soy algo desconfiada para la hora de llevar niños, honestamente te recomendaria lo que dice BIMBA_83, mejor muévete hacia la zona del Grand Central.
Buen viaje y disfruta.
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