Menu
Popular dishes
Location & Hours
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Amenities and More
About the Business
Ever since La Mela opened in 1985, this trattoria has been serving authentic Italian cuisine to hungry customers with a healthy dose of NYC style. This well-known establishment caters to the passersby on Mulberry Street in New York City's Little Italy neighborhood. La Mela offers an a la carte menu as well as family style options. Antipasti starts with dishes like Mozzarella Tomatoes or Calamari Fritti. Pasta dishes include Linguini with Mussels or Clams. New York strip steaks are available with sauteed mushrooms or sausage and chicken. Rounding out the menu are chicken (pollo), veal (vitelli), and seafood (fruttidimare) options. La Mela also offers a delectable variety of desserts to finish off your meal, such as rich cannoli or decadent tartufo. La Mela has a great space for private parties. The Garden Room sports a glass atrium and has seating for 80 people.
Ask the Community
Q:
Do they have any gluten free pasta?
A:
Sorry I really don't know but we have never had to go on a gluten free diet. Four generations have been eating here also my daughter had her wedding reception their with just the close friends and family. Never had a problem with the food at all… more
Jeanne W.5 years ago 1 person found this helpful
Recommended Reviews
Overall rating
881 reviews
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Jacky K.Van Nuys, San Fernando Valley, CA0711Mar 27, 2024words cannot describe how GOOD this place is... Im not a huge Italian food fan but WOW... this place is absolutely DELICIOUS. I had this TWO days in a row.. NO REGRETS. Portions are shareable between 2 people. I am not from here but I will litterely fly here for this food. I am not kidding. The service is impeccable. I do not like being bothered while eating and this place did just that. Respectful and absolutely delicious. The Fettuccine with chicken. Wow. Words cannot describe it. So good. I WILL COME BACK TO LITTLE ITALY ALL THE WAY FROM LOS ANGELES FOR THIS PLACE! SO GOOD! Thank you!!!!!
Come here for good food. Seriously.
Helpful 1
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Oh no 0- Jan 6, 2024
First time I came here in 2021, I was so impressed! We got the tre corsi (three course) meal and our socks were blown off. But in 2023, it was just not hitting, the food was not warm, it was soggy, and overall very unimpressive.
The ambiance is giving ~tourist trap~ a bit, but that's kind of fun in its own way.
Service is good enough. But honestly, nothing was remarkable enough this time that I'd ever come back.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Oct 15, 2023
On a Saturday early morning/lunch venture to my family's yearly visit to the San Gennaro. It was a gloomy day and not all places were open yet so of course my family had me decide in a place to eat as we usually don't do the restaurants but this was something different especially in my dads birthday.
I was attracted my the nice $19 lunch menu and how authentic it was as well.
Service was very attentive to everything asked and place felt like an authentic Irkutsk restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. We were the first ones to arrive and by the time we left felt full and place was buzzing with people. Hilly recommend for that honey Italian feeling.Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 2Oh no 0 - Jan 7, 2024Updated review
A Mulberry Street staple! Family style is the absolute way to go here with the hot anti pasta being the unsung hero in the lineup
Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 2Oh no 1May 14, 2021Previous reviewStill going strong after a few decades in the game. A lot of spots in Little Italy have folded so it's good to see this one is still turning out solid family style dishes.
Jul 17, 2015Previous reviewQuintessential Little Italy experience. Family style dishes are the rule here. Tomato and mozzarella starter is fine and the anti pasta of peppers, asparagus and spiedini is good enough. Pasta courses of rigatoni, tortellini and gnocchi are the standout here. But leave room for the veal franchese, shrimp marinara and chicken scarpariello because you'll need it. Wash is all down with a bottle of red or white and the evening is complete.
2704434Sep 12, 2023Little Italy in New York City is known for its bustling atmosphere and authentic Italian cuisine, and La Mela captures the essence of this lovely neighborhood. My dining experiences at La Mela always leave me satisfied, and utterly impressed. From the welcoming ambiance to the outstanding flavors, this restaurant truly shines in every aspect.
Upon entering the cozy eatery, I was immediately greeted with warm smiles and genuine hospitality from the staff. From the host, to the bartenders and servers, they go above and beyond. Not to mention Butch the Hat! He is an old school Italian classic guy that loves to share stories of history! Make sure to say hello to Butch the Hat!
Now, let's dive into the true star of the show: the food. La Mela exceeds expectations with an extensive menu of mouthwatering Italian classics.
One dish that triumphed above all was the heavenly and my favorite, Chicken Francaise. Their pasta is perfectly cooked and delectable. Always leaving me craving for more. Pair any dish with a bottle of fine Italian wine from their extensive selection, and you will find yourself in culinary heaven. Oh yeah, not to mention the portions at La Mela are generous.
I cannot recommend this restaurant enough. If you're looking for authentic Italian cuisine with a welcoming atmosphere, this is the place!Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0- Dec 19, 2022
Located right on Mulberry in the heart of Little Italy. We stopped after seeing the dishes of people dining outside. They have these nice buildings with heaters, covered to provide more dining in a controlled environment outside.
Line was one of the longest we saw around so thought food must be good. Didn't have reservation (party of 2) and were seated fairly quickly.
They can accommodate larger groups, saw a party of 10-12 inside.
They also offer various price fixe options ranging from $35-$50 pp for variety of food.
Large portions, yummy food. Bread with oil, balsalmic and fresh parmesan at table.
Helpful 6Thanks 0Love this 3Oh no 0 
Fayee T.Fort Lauderdale, FL0150803Sep 25, 2023Updated reviewWhen you enjoy nice lunch once , you will like to repeat and that's what happens today, Same host welcomed us last time was the same today as well!
We ordered same platters as what we did last time and still enjoyed the same quality even better, from the complimentary bread to the eggplant parmigiana to the chicken franchese
Meals met our expectations ( savory, and the perfect taste looking for) and will be back for sure when we are planning to visit the area next time
Very quiet ambiance!
Recommended to visit if you're in this areaHelpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0Apr 10, 2023Previous reviewWalking in Little Italy , I recommend to check La Mela Restaurant
In a beautiful weather day, decided on the outdoor seating area , Busy place but Truly very quick service , good ambiance with tasty and flavorful food. Our party ordered Chicken parmigiana , Eggplant parmigiana , Chicken franchise where salad ( various) is included to choose from along with the platter . All our food came as promised even better.....
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