The best family style Italian in NYC

The Italian dining scene would be incomplete without the mention of Patrizia's, the family-style restaurant that continues to expand across New York and New Jersey. While adults will want to opt for favorites like clams and fried calamari for starters, they'll be equally as excited about classic entreés such as eggplant parm, fettuccine carbonara and chicken marsala, among many others. Pizza is a great options when kiddies are in tow, but rest assured they'll be taken care of—there's a kids' menu with chicken fingers, sphagetti and meatballs and other tot-friendly options if you have picky eaters in your crew. 

Getting a table under Carmine’s mismatched chandeliers is tough, even by Theater District standards. Once you do snag a spot, you’ll be greeted by an amicable staff that dishes out gigantic portions of family-style specialties. Chicken comes slathered in savory marsala sauce, and eggplant parmigiana is thickly layered with tomato sauce and bubbling cheese. Enormous desserts (like the aptly named Titanic, a sundae atop a chocolate torte) verge on the obscene, and the odds are high that you will hear “Happy Birthday” sung more than once. It's one of the top spots that comes to mind when you hear "family style."

Looking to grab a bite in Little Italy? La Mela is a mainstay in the community for family-style bites and plenty of options. The favorites are all on the menu—veal parmigana, shrimp marinara, veal tortellini and so much more. Kids with small palette will gravitate toward dishes such as spahgetti and meatballs, chicken parm and penne vodka. Good luck choosing—you might be scanning the lengthy menu for quite some time. 

Low- and highbrow meet in this little corner of the West Village, where patrons range from big spenders to hungry bohemians. Nothing fancy here, just perfectly cooked pastas in tangy, chunky tomato sauce (try the plump ricotta-stuffed ravioli) and deceptively basic mains, like jumbo shrimp swimming in buttery broth. A simple antipasto of caciocavallo, a subtle Sicilian cheese, is served with baby tomatoes, mozzarella, salami and savory prosciutto. 

Tony's Di Napoli serves southern-style Italian cuisine—the classic comfort food families have come to love. Opt for favorites such as linguini marinara or chicken parm (if you have kiddies who can be a bit picky). More adventurous families will want to dig into options such as the ravioli bolognese and shrimp scampi. Note that full portions of each entreé serve two–three people. 

Whether you’re in search of the perfect slice or looking to sit down with the family to enjoy their infamous Sicilian pie, this Bensonhurst pizzeria does not disappoint. Kids 12 and under get their own menu here with child-sized pasta with meatball in tomato sauce, chicken finger basket, macaroni and cheese and ravioli and meatball in tomato sauce—all for $10.95. Rebellious ones can forgo pizza entirely—dishes from the grill, heroes and seafood ensures no one goes home hungry. The Chef's Tasting Table—which caters anywhere from two up to 200 customers—is a four-course family style service that includes fan-favorite dishes such as baked clams, vodka sauce, steak and sweet treats such as spumoni and ice cream for dessert. 

Northern Italian specialties are up for grabs at the 75-year-plus establishment. Pasta fans will delight in the gnocchi al pesto and tortelli alfredo, while main main courses such as veal scaloppini will leave patrons delightfully stuffed. The menu isn't quite as extensive as other family style restaurants NYC offers, but its longevity is a testament to its success. Bon appetit! 

Young or old, everyone can find something that strikes their fancy at this sprawling Italian food complex. The hard part is deciding what—and where—to eat! Six full-service restaurants serve pizza, gelato and everything in between; alternatively, shoppers can skip the long waits and pick up some fresh pasta or exotic produce to prepare at home. The family-style selection at the Flatiron hotspot is the Serra Alpina rooftop greenhouse that features greens, meats, cheeses and other tasty options. With plates such as gnocchi with gorgonzola cream, walnuts and parsley, or a porterhouse for two, this venue might be better for the older kids in your clan. 

This pizzeria minichain sells thin-crust pizza by the inch (not the slice), baked in a wood-burning oven. Options are aplenty, including classic margherita and and white pies, but if you're looking to pack in the flavor, opt for broccoli white pizza, buratta pizza and other delicious choices! It's easy to opt for family style dining when 29-inch-pies are up for grabs, but you can personalize your dinner with orders of pasta dishes or sides like broccoli rabe and fries (a go-to for the little ones).