Technically, this Italian restaurant is located in Nolita, but this eatery’s thin-crust pizza, classic red-sauce fare and to-die-for meatballs certainly taste like they belong in Little Italy. You can order many variations of the always-crisp pies with a crackerlike crust, but we recommend the vodka rendition, with its reasonable layer of creamy, booze-spiked tomato sauce and perfect placement of fresh mozzarella. Pro tip: Make a reservation in advance.
As one of Manhattan’s most enchanting neighborhoods, Little Italy, NYC, is bursting with tourist attractions. From popular coffee shops and Italian restaurants, to the annual two-week blowout celebrating all things Italian, it’s no surprise that out-of-towners flock to the bustling nabe. For some jaded New Yorkers, Little Italy may be too overplayed (not as much as Times Square, of course). Regardless, the ‘hood has many redeeming qualities, including authentic Italian markets, some of the best pizza in NYC and great bars that locals love.
RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Little Italy, NYC