Forget about the neighborhood’s over-hyped Lombardi’s and go for the best thin-crust pizza in Nolita at Rubirosa, the restaurant bringing the Little Italy back to Nolita. Operated by the son of Giuseppe Pappalardo of Joe & Pat’s, Rubirosa not only makes a mean pie, but also a baked ziti that’ll have you on a carb high all night. Tip: try the Pra Soave Classico wine if they have it.
235 Mulberry Street, Nolita
212-965-0500
Brought to you by an avid surfer, hotelier, and all-around big-man-on-campus when it comes to NYC nightlife, Sean MacPherson’s Gemma is a solid Italian brasserie – instead of serving steak tartar, it serves pappardelle with oxtail ragu…and truffled polenta fries. Good god, the truffled polenta fries! Kick back and people-watch on the Bowery while devouring said fries.
335 Bowery (East Village)
212-505-9100
Mario Batali’s homage to his homeland food court is basically a fancy, gigantic Italian grocery store with individual departments offering the best of everything, as well as some sit-down restaurants with waiter service. It can be completely chaotic, but is worth braving. Try to avoid the lunchtime rush (12:30 – 2pm), and you’ll have better luck finding a seat.
200 5th Avenue
212-229-2560
From the Frank’s/Little Frankie’s empire comes Supper – another locals-only spot we hate to divulge, but we’re doing it anyway ‘cause we like you. Supper, as its name implies, is down-home, affordable Italian just like mama used to make. Sometimes they have burrata or grilled calamari with hot peppers – if they do, those are must-haves. Otherwise, try the Tagliatelle or Osso Bucco (Sundays only). Local tip: Supper is cash only.
156 East 2nd Street, East Village
212-477-7600
