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Italy in NYC
When in Rome is a “where to eat” series that will feature culinary outings across the globe. In our first When in Rome series, we will be celebrating old-school Italian American Iconic NYC restaurants.
When Italians migrated to America, they didn’t just bring recipes from their hometowns, they brought an innovative spirit. What started out with a focus on ensuring that their families could carry on their traditional cuisine in their new homes, eventually spilled out onto the streets of America. And it was only a matter of time before Americans started to enjoy this new cuisine in Italian restaurants.
In New York City, there are many of these restaurants spread across the five boroughs. If you are traveling in to NYC, here are three restaurants that stand as living proof that Italian American cuisine didn’t just endure — it defined the culture of American dining. These three each represent something unique and in fact one, Carmine’s, is owned by a major restaurant group which celebrates the Italian American experience as good as anyone.
• Il Cortile in Manhattan’s Little Italy neighborhood (Downtown)
• Carmine’s in Time Square neighborhood (Midtown)
• Isle of Capri on the Upper East Side (right near Bloomingdales if you are a shopper)
This series isn’t about nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake. It’s about honoring the grit, ambition, and flavor that Italian immigrants poured into America — one plate at a time.
Now you know where to go for that Old-School Italian American meal in NYC. These are some fun recommendations that will serve you coming out of a Broadway show, touring lower Manhattan or walking home from Central Park. Enjoy!
An Upper East Side Mainstay
Isle of Capri is a classic Italian-American restaurant located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in New York City. Founded by Maria and Vincenzo Lamanna in the mid-20th century, this spot has been serving high quality authentic Italian and Italian American dishes since 1955. A few highly recommended dishes are their Mozzarella en Carozza (with a brown anchovy sauce), Classic Caesar Salad, Penne alla vodka (in a lighter pink sauce) and their homemade Braciole…oh and of course their selection of house made after dinner drinks (on the house!). The restaurant maintains a warm, old school vibe that delivers exactly what the Upper East Side dinner is looking for…quality food and service. This is a great spot if are looking for a traditional family owned Italian American restaurant after your feet are tired of shopping at Bloomingdale’s.
Restaurant Details
- Cuisine: Italian and Italian American classics
- Location: Upper East Side, NYC (Corner of 63rd Street and 3rd Avenue)
- Service: Dine-in with full service
- Dining Experience: Nice Upper East Side vibe, but leans casual
- Reputation: Known for consistency and quality for a higher end neighborhood spot
- Website: https://www.isleofcapriny.com/
Family Style Theatre Eats
Located in the heart of Times Square, Carmine’s is one of New York City’s most well known Italian-American restaurants. This red sauce joint presents a family-style dining atmosphere with generous portions of classic Southern Italian dishes. Carmine’s opened with the idea of recreating the feeling of a big Italian family meal. This goes for the traditional comfort food dishes such as fried calamari, baked manicotti or chicken scrapariello that are piled high on large serving platters. The feeling of big goes beyond the food, it is felt the moment you walk into their large (and loud) dining room where the staff makes you feel at home.
Restaurant Details
- Cuisine: Italian-American (family-style)
- Location: Times Square, Manhattan
- Dining Style: Large-format dishes meant for sharing
- Ideal For: Groups, celebrations, theater dining
- Reputation: Known for it’s large portions and lively crowd
- Website: https://carminesnyc.com/locations/times-square
Little Italy Excellence
Located on New York City’s, Mulberry Street in the heart of Little Italy is one of the neighborhoods, best restaurants, Il Cortile. Known for it’s enclosed courtyard that makes you feel like you are in an Italian Piazza, rather than bustling New York City, this restaurant delivers on all aspects of Italian charm. Since 1975, Il Cortile has been a favorite of locals, politicians, celebrities, and visitors seeking a high quality meal in heavily touristy area. The menu is large, so focus on the homemade appetizers and a lighter pasta and ask your waiter to find the right wine to pair with your entree. Whether you are looking for a romantic dinner for two to celebrate an anniversary or a larger celebration, Il Cortile will deliver.
Restaurant Details
- Cuisine: Classic Italian / Southern Italian
- Location: Little Italy, Manhattan
- Setting: Iconic enclosed courtyard + elegant dining room
- Dining Style: Refined, traditional, full-service
- Reputation: A Little Italy institution known timeless Italian cuisine
- Website: https://ilcortile.com/