Quick Notes on Little Italy
“Where the streets are narrow, the cannolis are huge, and everyone’s ‘uncle’ is suddenly the best chef in the world.”
“A neighborhood that is 10% history, 90% mozzarella, and 100% chance of me needing a translator.”
“It’s only three blocks long, but somehow it takes three hours to leave because of all the free samples”
“Red sauce, red wine, and tourists trying to pronounce ‘gnocchi’ while a guy in a suit watches them from a stoop”
Eats
Must Go Eats
(some are also located in nearby neighborhood Nolita)
Puglia
(189 Hester St) — Order: Rigatoni alla Vodka, Chicken Parmigiana, or Fried Calamari — $$$; Res recommended
La Nonna
(134 Mulberry St) — Order: Homemade Gnocchi, Rigatoni alla Nonna, or the Grilled Octopus — $$$; Res recommended
La Esquina Brasserie
(114 Kenmare St) — Order: Elotes Callejeros (Grilled Corn), Tuna Tostada, or the Sexico Margarita — $$$; Res recommended
Di Palo's
(200 Grand St) — Order: Fresh Mozzarella, Imported Prosciutto, or House-made Ricotta — $$; Walk-in friendly
Maman
(239 Centre St) — Order: Nutty Chocolate Chip Cookie, Truffle Croque Maman, or Almond Croissant — $$; Walk-in friendly
Fiat Cafe
(203 Mott St) — Order: Penne alla Vodka, Homemade Gnocchi, or the Fiat Burger — $$; Walk-in friendly
Ferrara Bakery & Cafe
(195 Grand St) — Order: World Famous Cannoli, Lobster Tail Pastry, or Italian Rainbow Cookies — $$; Walk-in friendly
Grotta Azzurra
(177 Mulberry St) — Order: Penne alla Vodka, Homemade Fettuccine, or the Veal Scaloppine — $$$; Res recommended
Lucy’s
(Mulberry St, San Gennaro Festival Stand) — Order: Famous Zeppoles, Fried Oreos, or Funnel Cake — $; Walk-in friendly (Seasonal: September 17 – September 27)
Gelso & Grand
(186 Grand St) — Order: The Italian Special Sandwich, Homemade Lasagna, or the Grand Street Panini — $$; Res recommended
Little Cupcake Bakeshop
(30 Prince St, Nolita) — Order: Brooklyn Blackout Cake, Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake, or Dreaming Princess Cupcake — $$; Walk-in friendly
% Arabica
(8 Prince St, Nolita) — Order: Spanish Latte, Kyoto Latte, or a Matcha Latte — $$; Walk-in friendly
Leon’s Bagels
(181 Mulberry St, Nolita) — Order: The Leon’s Signature, Bacon Egg & Cheese, or a Classic Lox Bagel — $$; Walk-in friendly
Urban Backyard
(180 Mulberry St, Nolita) — Order: Rose Matcha Latte, Lavender Latte, or a specialty Cupcake — $$; Walk-in friendly
Café Leon Dore
(214 Mulberry St, Nolita) — Order: Freddo Espresso, Greek Mountain Tea, or a Butter Croissant — $$; Walk-in friendly
The Butcher's Daughter
(19 Kenmare St, Nolita) — Order: Avocado Toast, Surfer’s Bowl, or the Spicy Kale Caesar — $$$; Walk-in friendly
Lombardi's
(32 Spring St, Nolita) — Order: Original Coal Oven Pie, White Pizza, or Buddy’s Cake — $$$; Res recommended
Ruby's Cafe
(219 Mulberry St, Nolita) — Order: Bronte Burger, Creamy Chicken Pasta, or Pumpkin Salad — $$; Walk-in friendly
Café Integral
(149 Elizabeth St, Nolita) — Order: Nicaragua Pour Over, Horchata Latte, or Chia Pudding — $$; Walk-in friendly
Peasant
(194 Elizabeth St, Nolita) — Order: Wood-Fired Lasagna, Suckling Pig, or Grilled Octopus — $$$; Res recommended
Emporio
(231 Mott St, Nolita) — Order: Margherita Sbagliata Pizza, Cacio e Pepe, or Roasted Octopus — $$$; Res recommended
Thai Diner
(186 Mott St, Nolita) — Order: Thai Diner Egg Sandwich, Uncle Boon’s Pineapple Fried Rice, or Khao Soi — $$$; Res recommended
Rintintin
(14 Spring St, Nolita) — Order: Lamb Chops, Halloumi with Honey, or the Mediterranean Platter — $$$; Res recommended
Upside Pizza
(51 Spring St, Nolita) — Order: The Upside Signature Slice, Mushroom & Lemon Slice, or the Pepperoni Slice — $$; Walk-in friendly
The Grey Dog
(244 Mulberry St, Nolita) — Order: The Grey Dog’s Breakfast, Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich, or Michigan Salad — $$; Walk-in friendly
Prince Street Pizza
(27 Prince St, Nolita) — Order: Spicy Spring Square, Prince Perfection, or the Naughty Pie — $$; Walk-in friendly
Il Cortile (125 Mulberry St) — Order: Lobster Ravioli, Osso Buco, or Caprese Salad — $$$; Res recommended
La Mela (167 Mulberry St) — Order: Family-Style Antipasto, Linguine with Clam Sauce, or Veal Saltimbocca — $$$; Res recommended
Da Nico (164 Mulberry St) — Order: Penne alla Nardi, Coal Oven Margherita Pizza, or Chicken Francese — $$$; Res recommended
Rubirosa (235 Mulberry St, Nolita) — Order: Tie-Dye Pizza, Rubirosa Salad, or Mini Meatballs — $$$; Res recommended
Gelso & Grand (186 Grand St) — Order: The “Gelso” Pizza, Hand-Pulled Burrata, or Pappardelle — $$$; Res recommended
Manero’s Pizza (113 Mulberry St) — Order: Classic Cheese Slice, Margherita Square, or Vodka Slice — $$; Walk-in friendly
Figo il Gelato Italiano (178 Mulberry St) — Order: Classic Pistachio Gelato, Stracciatella, or a Warm Brioche Gelato Sandwich — $$; Walk-in friendly
Caffe Palermo (148 Mulberry St) — Order: The “Cannoli King” Cannoli, Traditional Tiramisu, or an Espresso — $$; Walk-in friendly
Caffe Roma (385 Broome St) — Order: Pignoli Cookies, Ricotta Cheesecake, or a Cappuccino — $$; Walk-in friendly
Notable Mentions
Umberto’s Clam House (132 Mulberry St) — Order: Baked Clams, Linguine with White Clam Sauce, or Calamari Fritti — $$$; Res recommended
Piacere (351 Broome St) — Order: Brick Oven Pizza, Tagliatelle al Tartufo, or Grilled Octopus — $$; Res recommended
Paesano (136 Mulberry St) — Order: Homemade Lasagna, Chicken Parmigiana, or Fettuccine Alfredo — $$$; Res recommended
Casa D’Angelo (146 Mulberry St) — Order: Gnocchi alla Sorrentina, Veal Marsala, or Grilled Branzino — $$$; Res recommended
Osteria Barocca (133 Mulberry St) — Order: Mushroom Ravioli, Seafood Risotto, or Black Macaroni with Lobster Tail — $$$; Res recommended
Art and Scenes
Street Art
Crying Girl Mural. Multi-layered portrait of a woman composed of intricate, comic-book-style patchwork and graffiti patterns.
Meaning: A celebration of New York City’s diverse energy and the “dreamer” spirit, using a blend of pop culture imagery and street art textures to form a cohesive face.
Find it: 421 Broome Street (near the corner of Lafayette Street).
Big City of Dreams. A vibrant, patchwork-style portrait of silver screen legend Audrey Hepburn, juxtaposing classic black-and-white illustration with bursts of colorful, abstract patterns.
Meaning: A tribute to timeless elegance and classic beauty that blends Hollywood glamour with the grit and brand-saturated reality of modern New York City life.
Find it: Central Market Pl (on the Park It Management wall, between Broome St and Kenmare St).
More Art
(some are a short walk from Little Italy)
(Mulberry St & Canal St)
A bold collage-style mural by street artist Tristan Eaton with layered graphics and patriotic imagery visible from Mulberry Street.
Liberty Mural
(Mulberry St & Broome St)
A whimsical mural by Italian street artist Alice Pasquini showing a woman reading coffee grounds in an espresso cup.
Reading the Future in My Espresso
(Mulberry St between Grand St & Broome St)
Bright, playful ice-cream themed street art created as part of the Little Italy Street Art Project, adding colorful pop visuals along the restaurant strip.
Mulberry Street Ice Cream Mural
(Lafayette St between Broome St & Grand St)
Large tiger mural by Sonny Sundancer created for the L.I.S.A. Project to raise awareness for wildlife conservation.
Project CAT Tiger Mural
(Elizabeth St near Prince St)
Classic typographic graffiti mural painted across storefront shutters in Nolita, known for its bold lettering and vibrant color palette.
“HELLO” Graffiti Shutter Mural
Galleries
A locally loved, “black box” alternative art space that hosts provocative exhibitions ranging from historic activist works to underground emerging artists, staying true to the area’s gritty creative roots. — 116 Elizabeth St — (Free Admission)
PARTICIPANT INC
A refined two-story space on Elizabeth Street that showcases contemporary painting and sculpture from a global roster of artists, known for its elegant presentation and sensual aesthetic. — 127 Elizabeth St — (Free Admission)
Nathalie Karg Gallery
A multi-level flagship space known for its commitment to socially engaged and avant-garde art, representing a diverse roster of artists who challenge traditional narratives through multimedia installations and sculpture. — 145 Elizabeth St — (Free Admission)
Company Gallery
A world-renowned sanctuary for cinephiles housing thousands of rare, vintage, and modern original movie posters from around the globe, displayed in a gallery setting that feels like a curated journey through film history. — 239 Centre St — (Free Admission)
Posteritati Movie Poster Gallery
Museums
Serves as a gallery for the Italian-American experience, currently featuring the intricate Manteo family puppets and exhibits on immigrant history. — 151 Mulberry St — ($15 Suggested Donation)
Italian American Museum
A leading institution for contemporary art housed in an iconic, stack-of-boxes building designed by SANAA, dedicated to showcasing adventurous new art and new ideas from living artists around the globe. — 235 Bowery — (Ticket Required)
New Museum
A vibrant, multi-sensory experience featuring interactive installations like a giant sprinkle pool and edible treats, designed to celebrate the joy of ice cream through a pink-hued, whimsical lens. — 558 Broadway — (Ticket Required)
Museum of Ice Cream
This museum tells the diverse stories of Chinese Americans through a rich collection of artifacts, oral histories, and contemporary art. — 215 Centre St — (Ticket Required)
Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA)
Street Spotlight
Mulberry
St
Signature blocks
Grand St ↔ Hester St (on Mulberry Street) — Core Little Italy restaurant strip, dense row of classic Italian spots and outdoor café seating.
Canal St ↔ Bayard St (on Mulberry Street) — Gateway block into Little Italy from Chinatown. Lantern-lined street with Italian restaurants.
Historic spine of Little Italy; lined with Italian restaurants, cafés, and red-white-green décor and home to the annual Feast of San Gennaro
How to get here? Get off at Nearby stations (short walk)
B or D — Grand St (at Chrystie St).
6 — Spring St (at Lafayette St).
Why it matters
This street is the historic heart of Little Italy in Manhattan—a narrow corridor where waves of Italian immigrants built one of New York’s most iconic cultural enclaves in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today it remains the neighborhood’s symbolic main street.
Look for
Sights: Church of the Most Precious Blood, The Little Italy Sign, Audrey of Mulberry, Italian American Museum.
Shops/Food(Nearby): Umberto’s Clam House, Pellegrino’s Ristorante, Mulberry Street Cigars, Caffe Roma Pastry Shop, E. Rossi & Co., Italian American Museum Gift Shop.
Hidden Gems
-
Elizabeth Street Garden (Elizabeth St) A lush, one-acre "secret" garden filled with statues.Community Garden
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The Catacombs of St. Patrick’s (266 Mulberry St) The only underground Catholic crypts in Manhattan (200 yr old).Historic Site
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DeSalvio Playground (Spring St at Mulberry) A quiet neighborhood park featuring play equipment.Playground
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Love Adorned (269 Elizabeth St) A curated "jewelry and curiosities" shop.Boutique
-
McNally Jackson Books (134 Prince St) A multi-story independent literary hub featuring a cafe.Bookstore
-
Caffe Roma Pastry Shop (176 Mulberry St) A family-run fixture since 1891 with good desserts.Bakery
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Pietro Nolita (174 Elizabeth St) A Italian bistro famous for its "all-pink" interior and exterior.Restaurant
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St. Patrick's Old Cathedral Graveyard (Mott St at Prince) A high-walled, 19th-century cemetery that.Cemetery
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Museum of Chinese in America (215 Centre St) Museum that documents the immigrant journey.Museum
-
The Bowery Wall (Houston St at Bowery) Rotating mural wall features massive, world-famous street art.Public Art
Nightlife
Clubs
Popular
High-ceilinged lounge with arched windows facing Howard Street that transitions from a chic afternoon workspace into a seductive, red-lit dance club after 10 PM. — 11 Howard St — (Nightclub / Lounge)
The Blond
A trendy Soho/Nolita hybrid that blurs the lines between a high-end restaurant and a nightclub, where the dinner crowd seamlessly transitions into a high-energy party as the night progresses. — 415 Lafayette St — (Supper Club / Nightclub)
Jean’s Lafayette
Featuring a sultry red-lit lounge and a massive third-floor rooftop with retractable glass and palm trees. — 95 Delancey St — (Nightclub / Rooftop)
The DL
this edgy club beneath the Moxy Lower East Side features a killer sound system and a no-attitude dance floor designed with raw materials like cement and metallic-flecked walls. — 145 Bowery — (Nightclub)
Loosie’s
Best For Events
A glamorous, velvet-draped institution on the border of Little Italy that provides an old-world New York “members-only” vibe for corporate events, fashion after-parties, and late-night gatherings. — 310 Canal St — (Lounge / Event Space)
The Club Room (SoHo Grand)
A stylishly chaotic, retro-chic nightclub that pays homage to Where the Wild Things Are with bamboo walls, zebra-print ottomans, and a life-size Grace Jones mannequin, offering an high-energy dance floor. — 249 Eldridge St — (Nightclub / Event Space)
Rumpus Room
An upscale, bespoke cocktail club tucked inside the historic Beekman Hotel, offering a luxurious, velvet-draped setting that is ideal for sophisticated, private birthday gatherings. — 10 Theatre Alley — (Lounge / Club)
Laissez Faire
Launchpad for global sounds, Latin beats, and hip-hop for decades, featuring a spacious floor and stage perfect for live performances and large-scale private celebrations. — 204 Varick St — (Nightclub / Live Music Venue)
Sounds Of Brazil (S.O.B.'s)
Some are in close proximity of Little Italy (less than 15min walk)
Bars/Lounges
Popular
A chic and cozy French wine bar that offers an extensive, curated list of international bottles and small plates in a stylish space that feels like a hidden Parisian living room. — 249 Centre St — (Wine Bar)
La Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels
A legendary wood-paneled institution that has been a neighborhood staple since 1908, serving as a backdrop for numerous classic mob films while maintaining its authentic, old-school New York vibe. — 176 Mulberry St — (Dive Bar / Landmark)
Mulberry Street Bar
A high-energy neighborhood favorite known for its daily-changing frozen drinks, exceptional cocktails, and a boisterous atmosphere that stays lively from afternoon brunch until late into the night. — 18 Spring St — (Cocktail Bar)
Mother’s Ruin
An upscale, fashion-forward cocktail lounge tucked away in a Nolita basement, featuring plush velvet seating and a sophisticated drink menu that draws a well-dressed, “see-and-be-seen” crowd. — 240 Mulberry St — (Cocktail Bar / Lounge)
The Mulberry
Best For Events
Functions as a “spiritual retreat” for the nightlife elite, featuring a vegetarian supper club, a world-class sound system, and a multi-room layout that hosts everything from deep house sets to wellness-focused cultural events. — 281 Lafayette St — (Nightclub / Supper Club)
Gospel
A beloved, no-frills Nolita staple located in a former furniture store basement, offering a relaxed vibe, budget-friendly prices, and a loyal local following. — 47 E Houston St — (Dive Bar)
Botanica Bar
A timeless Nolita corner spot featuring a dark, moody front room and a spacious, velvet-curtained back lounge that draws an energetic weekend crowd for cocktails and dancing. — 12 Spring St — (Cocktail Bar / Lounge)
Vig Bar
A chic Mediterranean wine and cocktail bar with a rustic-modern aesthetic, offering an intimate atmosphere and a small outdoor patio perfect for people-watching on the Nolita border. — 202 Mott St — (Wine Bar / Lounge)
Balzem
Some are in close proximity of Little Italy (less than 15min walk)
Comedy Night
Popular
The newest of the legendary franchise, offering an intimate, brick-walled basement experience that captures the raw energy of NYC stand-up. — 85 E 4th St — (Comedy Club)
New York Comedy Club
Comedy destination that pairs high-caliber stand-up with a serious culinary program, featuring a sleek, industrial basement showroom and a reputation for hosting the biggest names in the industry. — 116 E 16th St — (Comedy Club / Restaurant)
The Stand NYC
The iconic “subterranean mecca” of comedy’s most famous brand where the world’s most famous comedians frequently drop in to test new material in a classic, tightly-packed room. — 130 W 3rd St — (Comedy Club)
Comedy Cellar (Village Underground)
A brick-wall, speakeasy-style venue that specializes in diverse programming, offering shows in English, Spanish, and Mandarin along with a menu of vegan empanadas. — 12 St Marks Pl — (Comedy Club)
St. Marks Comedy Club
Some are in close proximity of Little Italy (less than 15min walk)
Live music + Jazz Nights
Popular
Paris-inspired jazz club beneath the Roxy Hotel featuring vaulted ceilings, exposed brick, and a state-of-the-art sound system that hosts world-class jazz acts seven nights a week. — 2 Sixth Ave — (Jazz Club / Cocktail Bar)
The Django
A legendary, Art Deco-style basement lounge that offers an intimate “listening room” environment specializing in straight-ahead jazz, Latin rhythms, and global sounds. — 82 W 3rd St — (Jazz Club / Landmark)
Zinc Bar
A classic, no-frills dive bar famous for its Tuesday night “Hot Jazz” jam sessions, where pro musicians and enthusiasts gather for a raw, energetic, and completely unpretentious musical experience. — 224 Avenue B — (Dive Bar / Live Music)
Mona’s
A second-story “blues saloon” overlooking Bleecker Street featuring nightly acoustic and electric blues sets and an extensive whiskey collection. — 149 Bleecker St — (Blues Club / Live Music)
Terra Blues
Some are in close proximity of Little Italy (less than 15min walk)
Aim for smart-casual: neat jeans or trousers, casual dresses, clean sneakers/boots.
Bars/taverns: casual is fine; avoid beachwear or gym shorts at night.
Loungey spots/late nights: lean a bit dressier (button-down/blouse;no athletic gear).
Waterfront venues: relaxed, but still tidy; bring a layer (windy even in spring/fall).
Dress Code
Many bars/taverns: no coat check—you’ll keep jackets at your table/chair.
Lounges/indoor event spaces: sometimes offered on busy nights; expect $2–$5.
Waterfront/outdoor activations (Pier 15/17): generally no coat check.
Tip: carry a small, wearable layer; big bags may be turned away or not accepted at check.
Coat Check
Events
More
Christmas in New York
Christmas in New York is a massive two-story festive wonderland that uniquely remains open year-round for holiday enthusiasts.
Visitors can explore an overwhelming selection of fully decorated trees, customized NYC-themed ornaments, and unique pop-culture items on the entire first floor.
Nolita (North of Little Italy)
Supreme Store
The highly influential streetwear brand draws constant crowds of dedicated fans looking to score limited-edition skate decks, apparel, and exclusive sneaker drops.
Also the exterior of the building serves as an incredibly popular picture spot.
