New York City is home to some of the best Italian restaurants in the world. From classic dishes like pasta and pizza to innovative new creations, these eateries have something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of fresh, homemade pasta or decadent tiramisu, there’s a restaurant in the city that will satisfy your taste buds.
There’s no denying that Italian food is one of the most popular cuisines in the world. It’s also no secret that New York City is home to an abundance of amazing Italian restaurants. One such establishment is Ristorante Toscana, located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Opened in 2001, Toscana offers a unique blend of classic Italian dishes and contemporary twists on old favorites.
How many Italian restaurants are there in New York?
Italian food is almost synonymous with the United States. With more than 90,000 establishments offering Italian-style dishes here in America, there are endless options to consider when craving the flavorful cuisine. From pizzerias and pasta houses to trattorias and bistros, there’s a perfect Italian restaurant for everyone. But which one should you go to? Here are some key factors to consider when choosing an Italian restaurant:
Location is key when searching for an Italian restaurant. Make sure you pick one that’s centrally located so you can easily get around town. The type of cuisine the restaurant serves is also important to consider. If you’re looking for a pizza place, for example, make sure they have a variety of topping options available.
Here are five of our favorite Italian restaurants in New York:
Italian food is a popular staple in New York City, and there are plenty of great Italian restaurants to choose from. Here are five of our favorites:
#1. Diana of Little Chef, Little Kitchen
Little Chef was a chain of restaurants in the United Kingdom, founded in 1958 by entrepreneur Sam Alper
#2. Piccola Cucina Estiatorio
Piccola Cucina Sicilian Osteria is a casual Italian restaurant located in the heart of Midtown, New York City.
#3. Harry Cipriani
Since opening in New York City’s Soho district in 2004, Harry Cipriani has become one of the most popular Italian restaurants in the city.
4. Altesi Ristorante
Altes Ristorante is a noteworthy Italian restaurant in the Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan.
5. Lincoln Ristorante
The restaurant is located in a prime spot in the city, and its menu reflects this.
#1. Diana of Little Chef, Little Kitchen
Little Chef was a chain of restaurants in the United Kingdom, founded in 1958 by entrepreneur Sam Alper. The restaurants were known for their pizza and pasta dishes, as well as their chai teas. In 2000, Little Chef was sold to the private equity firm Terra Firma Capital Partners. In 2006, the chain filed for bankruptcy and was subsequently sold to private investors. As of 2016, there are four Little Chef restaurants remaining in the United Kingdom.
In the 1970s, chain restaurants were still a relatively new concept. The first ones started appearing in the mid-1950s, but it wasn’t until the early 1970s that they really took off. One of the most popular chains in this era was The Italian Place, which had over 100 locations across the United States. In 1978, The Italian Place’s parent company, Trans World Restaurants (TWR), acquired Happy Eater, which had around 30 locations. This made TWR the largest chain of Italian restaurants in the United States.
However, TWR’s biggest acquisition came in 1984 when it acquired Howard Johnson’s restaurant chain. This gave TWR a total of 1,000 restaurants across North America. This expansion not only made TWR one of the largest restaurant chains in the world but also gave it a strong foothold in the fast food industry.
In 2007, the Italian restaurant chain Giardino entered the administration. This marked 41 out of 239 restaurants closing at the time. The chain was followed by another closure program in 2012 to reduce its debt levels. As a result, only 26 restaurants remain open today.
Giardino faced many challenges during its tenure as a restaurant chain. In 2007, the recession hit, and customers were less likely to spend money on dining out. Additionally, Giardino’s was also affected by the subprime mortgage crisis which led to a decrease in consumer spending.
Despite these challenges, Giardino persevered and managed to keep most of its restaurants open for a few years after entering administration. However, due to continued financial difficulties and declining customer numbers, the chain finally closed all of its restaurants in 2017.
Euro Garages had planned to convert all Little Chef locations by the end of January 2018, though the project overran with 36 restaurants still awaiting conversion. Euro Garages cited higher than expected labor costs and a shortage of skilled workers as reasons for the delay. The company has since announced that it will be extending the deadline to convert all restaurants until June 2018. In spite of the delay, Euro Garages is still seeing positive growth in its Little Chef business.
| Industry | Roadside restaurant chain |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1958 |
| Founder | Sam Alper |
| Defunct | January 2018 |
| Owner | Kout Food Group K.S.C.C. (trademarks) |
- Rating: 5.0 / 5 (112 reviews)
- Detailed ratings: Food (5.0/5), Service (5.0/5), Value (5.0/5)
- Type of cuisine: Dine With a Local Chef, Italian
#2. Piccola Cucina Estiatorio
Piccola Cucina Sicilian Osteria is a casual Italian restaurant located in the heart of Midtown, New York City. The friendly service and inviting atmosphere make it a perfect place to enjoy a meal with friends. The typical setting of an Italian restaurant features wooden floors, exposed brick walls, and brightly lit tables. The menu offers a variety of items including pasta, pizza, and salads.
Piccola Cucina Sicilian Osteria is a quaint Italian restaurant in the heart of the bustling city of New York. With its exposed brick and wood interior, this osteria is perfect for a romantic evening out with your loved one. The menu features traditional Sicilian dishes like pasta e Pomodoro (pasta with tomato sauce) and chicken cacciatore (a dish consisting of chicken breasts grilled over an open fire). In addition to their delicious food, Piccola Cucina offers a delightful atmosphere perfect for dining with friends. So whether you’re looking for a quaint Italian restaurant in New York City or just want to enjoy some delicious food in a beautiful setting, Piccola Cucina is definitely worth checking out!
Piccola Cucina Sicilian Osteria is a hidden gem in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. The restaurant has 234 reviews with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. The food is Italian and the service is top-notch. The value for your money is excellent and you can’t go wrong with any dish on the menu.
| Service Options: | Dine-in · Curbside Pick-up · Delivery |
| Address: | 75 Thompson St, New York, NY 10012, USA |
| Opening Hours : | Sunday 11:30 AM–11:00 PM Monday 11:30 AM–11:00 PM Tuesday 11:30 AM–11:00 PM on Wednesday 11:30 AM–11:00 PM Thursday 11:30 AM–11:00 PM Friday 11:30AM–12:00AM Saturday 11:30AM–12:00AM |
| Phone Number : | +1 646-781-9183 |
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (234 reviews)
- – Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5)
- – Type of cuisine: Italian, Seafood
#3. Harry Cipriani
Since opening in New York City’s Soho district in 2004, Harry Cipriani has become one of the most popular Italian restaurants in the city. The atmosphere is elegant and sophisticated, with black and white marble floors and wood paneling, giving the restaurant an air of sophistication. The menu features a variety of Italian dishes including pasta, pizza, and salads. The wine list is extensive and includes both domestic and international wines.
Harry Cipriani is a popular Italian restaurant located in New York City. Opened in 1985, the restaurant has been praised for its high-quality food and elegant atmosphere. The menu features a variety of dishes, including pasta, pizza, and steak. Harry Cipriani is also known for its extensive wine list, which includes some of the best labels in the industry.
Giuseppe Cipriani, the son of Arrigo Cipriani, is the majority owner of the famed New York restaurant, Zafiro. Giuseppe has worked in the business for over 25 years and has overseen many renovations and expansions to the restaurant. Giuseppe’s son, Giuseppe Cipriani, Jr., is a busboy at Zafiro and is in charge of overseeing day-to-day operations. The younger Giuseppe also attends school to pursue a degree in hotel management.
When you’re looking for a luxurious Italian restaurant in New York City, there’s no better place to be than Harry Cipriani at the Sherry Netherland Hotel. Opened in 1985 and still packing ’em in today, this establishment is famed for its delicious food and elegant setting. From starters like calamari appetizers to main courses like beef Wellington, you’re sure to find something to your taste. And don’t forget to enjoy a nice glass of wine while you’re here – the wine list is extensive and features many well-known Italian producers. So whether you’re in the mood for a romantic dinner or simply want to treat yourself to some amazing cuisine, Harry Cipriani is an excellent choice.
In the heart of Midtown, on 47th Street, you’ll find one of New York’s most popular Italian restaurants. Known for its delicious food and friendly staff, Harry’s Bar has been serving up classic dishes from Harry’s Bar in London for over seventy years. The menu features items like fettuccine with black pepper sauce and veal scallops with a lemon caper sauce, as well as many Italian favorites like lasagna and cannelloni. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, Harry’s Bar is the perfect spot to enjoy a great Italian meal.
| Service Options: | Dine-in · Takeout · No delivery available |
| Address: | 781 5th Ave, New York, NY 10022, USA |
| Opening Hours : | Sunday 7:00–10:00AM, 12:00–11:00PM Monday 7:00–10:00AM, 12:00–11:00PM Tuesday 7:00–10:00AM, 12:00–11:00PM on Wednesday 7:00–10:00 AM, 12:00–11:00 PM Thursday 7:00–10:00AM, 12:00–11:00PM Friday 7:00–10:00AM, 12:00–11:00PM Saturday 7:00–10:00AM, 12:00–11:00PM |
| Phone Number : | +1 212-753-5566 |
4. Altesi Ristorante
Altes Ristorante is a must-try Italian restaurant in New York City. The atmosphere is cozy and the food is delicious. The chefs have mastered the art of cooking traditional Italian dishes in a way that is both fresh and flavorful. From the antipasto to the main course, everything on the menu is mouth-watering. If you’re looking for an intimate dining experience with great food, Altesi Ristorante is worth checking out.
If you’re looking for an authentic Italian restaurant in New York City, look no further than Altesi’s Spring Street Downtown location. The wood-burning pizza oven is a unique feature not seen in many kitchens, and it really gives the restaurant an Italian touch that’s not often found. The menu features dishes like osso buco with white wine and garlic, veal Milanese with vegetables, and chicken marsala. If you’re looking for a delicious meal, Altesi’s is definitely worth checking out.
Altes Ristorante is rated 4.6 stars by 723 OpenTable diners. The restaurant, located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, offers a variety of Italian dishes that are sure to please even the most discerning diner. From lasagna to tiramisu, Altesi has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening out or just want to enjoy a delicious meal with friends, Altesi is a perfect choice.
Altes Ristorante is a noteworthy Italian restaurant in the Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan. The restaurant’s menu features a variety of Italian dishes, from appetizers to entrees. The restaurant is known for its seasonal dishes, and its kitchen is constantly experimenting with new recipes. Alesi’s wine list features a variety of fine wines from around the world.
| CUCINE | Italiana, Mediterranea |
| Address: | 26 E 64th St, New York City, NY 10065-7238 |
| DIETE SPECIALI | Per vegetariani, Opzioni vegane, Opzioni senza glutine |
| Phone Number : | +1 212-759-8900 |
5. Lincoln Ristorante
The Lincoln Center complex, which includes the Henry Moore sculpture and reflecting pool, is the setting for one of the city’s most exquisite Italian restaurants, Lincoln Ristorante. The restaurant has won numerous accolades over the years, including a prestigious Michelin star. The food is inspired by traditional Italian cuisine but with a modern twist. Highlights of the menu include seared scallops with roasted garlic puree and apple gastrique, a rack of lamb with roasted potatoes and harissa green beans, and a chocolate torte with espresso ice cream.
The restaurant is located in a prime spot in the city, and its menu reflects this. There are both Italian dishes and Americanized options, ensuring that everyone can find something to their liking. The pre-theater dinner menu includes items like rosemary roasted chicken and spaghetti carbonara, making it the perfect option if you’re looking for something to eat before seeing a show.
Lincoln Ristorante is a destination for fine Italian cuisine in New York City. With our panoramic views of Lincoln Center and grass lawn roof, Lincoln is a perfect place to enjoy a meal. The restaurant offers classic dishes such as pasta dishes and pizzas as well as more unique options like wood-fired oven-roasted salmon. The wine list is extensive and includes both domestic and imported selections. Whether you are looking for a romantic dinner for two or an intimate gathering with friends, Lincoln Ristorante is the perfect spot.
Lincoln Ristorante is the acclaimed Lincoln Center restaurant showcasing contemporary Italian cuisine. Located in a stunning glass pavilion overlooking Central Park, the restaurant has been awarded three stars by The New York Times and was named one of “The 101 Best Restaurants in New York” by Forbes. Offering a unique experience for both food lovers and tourists alike, Lincoln Ristorante is an ideal place to enjoy a romantic dinner or a special event.
The contemporary Italian cuisine at Lincoln Ristorante is carefully chosen to reflect the latest trends in the industry. Chef Davide Menzione utilizes only the finest ingredients to create mouth-watering dishes that are sure to impress.
| Service Options: | Dine-in · Takeout |
| Address: | 142 West 65th Street, Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023, USA |
| Opening Hours : | Sunday Closed Monday Closed Tuesday 4:00–9:00 PM on Wednesday 4:00–9:00 PM Thursday 4:00–9:00 PM Friday 4:00–9:00 PM Saturday 4:00–9:00 PM |
| Phone Number : | +1 212-359-6500 |
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a delicious Italian meal in the heart of New York City, check out Ristorante Mamma Lucia. With its romantic atmosphere and delicious food, this restaurant is sure to please. So if you’re looking for a special night out with your loved ones, be sure to try Ristorante Mamma Lucia!
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