Uncover Little Italy's Best Foodie Secrets


Melanie Yu
Foxface Natural is a natural continuation of Foxface sandwiches. We're going wild and natural! During Halloween week 10/30-11/3 Foxface Natural will be offering a five course special wild game menu (with an optional blood & guts focus for Halloween).


Melanie Yu
NYC Must Try: Dashi Okume Dashi Okume is both a store and a restaurant cafe packed into one beautifully minimalist but intricately put together building in the most popular part of Brooklyn! It comes from a Tokyo location thatās been around in the Tokyo location in the Tsukiji Fish Market since the 1870s. Walking in, youāll see a cute DIY high quality dashi-making shop in the front of the store and a lifestyle shop Cibone selling upscale tea sets, kitchenware, and other traditional Japanese work on the right. Walking toward the back of the building, youāll find a small cafe area selling only Teishoku (a meal set) that comes with your select tea, fish, rice, Kyuri no Asazuke (Japanese cucumber pickles), miso soup, and Kobachi (sides of the day) priced anywhere from $35-$150+ depending on your choice of specially prepared fish. I generally donāt even prefer to eat cooked fish but it was absolutely mind-blowing how delicious everything was, and I left so full but not bloated AT ALL because they only use additive-free ingredients - love everything here! What I ordered in my teishoku set meal: - Haiboshi Saba (because they were out of stock with the most popular Saikyo Zuke!) - Nasu Agebitashi: deep-fried juicy eggplant soaked in their in-house dashi - Tomato Tosazu Zuke: tomato pickled in a sweet vinegar, soy sauce, and their in-house dashi - Kabocha Nitsuke: simmered kabocha squash - Hojicha Tea Bonuses - I got to try my friendās sides too: - Nikujaga: gently stewed pork, carrots, and potatoes in sweetened soy sauce - Donko Shiitake Umani: dried donko shiitake simmered in lightly sweet soy sauce


Foodie_NYC
I had a great dinner at Kalye (āStreetā in Tagalog). Itās an amazing, affordable Filipino restaurant on Broome Street specializing in Filipino street food. Kalye, a small, unassuming restaurant, delivered an amazing parade of unique, delicious food based on the ownerās chef heritage, as seen on the restaurantās page. āOur menu is full of Robās cherished family recipes, offering a variety of mouth-watering dishes that will make you feel like youāve traveled straight to the Philippines. From our famous Ube Sliders to other traditional Filipino favorites, every bite is a celebration of our culture and love for good food. Whether youāre here to dine in, taking food to go, or having it delivered to your doorstep, Kalye makes enjoying Filipino food easy and convenient.ā Totally enjoyable unique experience. Salamat, Chef ššš¼š


Melanie Yu
In the heart of New York City resides Thirteen Water, a sushi bar that promises an intimate and casual dining experience. This gem offers a variety of sushi dishes that will leave your taste buds satisfied. With the option for reservations and catering services, Thirteen Water ensures a seamless dining experience for all. While dogs are not allowed, the friendly staff and delicious food make up for it. Whether you're a sushi aficionado or a novice, Thirteen Water is a must-try for any food lover in the Big Apple.
![NYC Must Try: Foxface Natural š¦
Foxface Natural is a continuation of NYCās famous Foxface sandwich shop which served unconventional meats - camel, elk, hare and more. They change their menu every few days to weeks, but there are several that stay on longer, like the kangaroo tartare which I came to Foxface just to try! Must tries are definitely any dishes that has their super popular fluke (melts in your mouth!) as well.
Also, all meats are sustainably sourced and from non-endangered species! This was the epitome of casual fine dining - absolutely amazing and Iād love to go back again!
If these items are ever on the menu again, find my must-tries below. Pro tip - make a reservation!
What I ordered:
- Point Judith Squid - black aguachile, fermented tomatillo, crispy berkshire pork ear, pickled ramp
- Tajarin Pasta - our sake cured mullet roe (karasumi)
- [must-try] Kangaroo Tartare - warm spices, charred eggplant, sardinian flatbread
- [must-try] Maine Uni - wood oven roasted seafood quenelles, nantua sauce (seafood)
- Sweetbreads Schnitzel - melted leek, chestnut purƩe, fermented sourdough mustard](https://storage.googleapis.com/s.kikihub.com/posts/66efaa14c59c46c52cd6a8da/img-preview/9docow8mtw.webp)

Melanie Yu
NYC Must Try: Foxface Natural š¦ Foxface Natural is a continuation of NYCās famous Foxface sandwich shop which served unconventional meats - camel, elk, hare and more. They change their menu every few days to weeks, but there are several that stay on longer, like the kangaroo tartare which I came to Foxface just to try! Must tries are definitely any dishes that has their super popular fluke (melts in your mouth!) as well. Also, all meats are sustainably sourced and from non-endangered species! This was the epitome of casual fine dining - absolutely amazing and Iād love to go back again! If these items are ever on the menu again, find my must-tries below. Pro tip - make a reservation! What I ordered: - Point Judith Squid - black aguachile, fermented tomatillo, crispy berkshire pork ear, pickled ramp - Tajarin Pasta - our sake cured mullet roe (karasumi) - [must-try] Kangaroo Tartare - warm spices, charred eggplant, sardinian flatbread - [must-try] Maine Uni - wood oven roasted seafood quenelles, nantua sauce (seafood) - Sweetbreads Schnitzel - melted leek, chestnut purĆ©e, fermented sourdough mustard


Time Out New York
Grand Central Terminal gains a massive French brasserie! However, this historic landmark has given us plenty of reasons to bide our time there... This month, the terminal gained another tenant, sure to ease the trials of traveling with its Parisian charms. Grand Brasserie took over the former City Winery space on October 8. Designed by the Rockwell Group, it seamlessly blends into the historic architecture of Vanderbilt Hall and mimics the various sidewalk cafes found in Parisāthe front of the restaurant welcomes with towering greenery and black and white bistro chairs. Passing through the wrought iron bar entryway, the main dining room houses red leather banquettes and enough chairs to seat a staggering 300 souls. As if that wasnāt enough, the 100-seat Green Room is decorated with black and white photos of New Yorkās past and features a grand marble bar with bottles that climb up to the ceiling.


Infatuation
A vegan and a meat-eater enter a plant-based Ethiopian restaurant. A couple of hours later, they both leave completely satisfiedāand with the newfound knowledge that vegan nacho cheese is far superior to the real (fake) stuff. Such miracles can happen at the second location of Ras Plant Based in Greenwich Village. The menu here is essentially the same as their original spot in Crown Heights, except for the injera nachos, which you must order, because thatās where that melty vegan cheese comes into play. Add on a few cocktails and a mercato platter, with lots of spongy injera for scooping up creamy ground chickpeas, and youāve got a feast for friends who love legumes, and those who'd normally rather be eating meat.
See also
Dining in Willowbrook: Explore Local Dining Experiences & Foodie Favorites Near NYC


Natasha Surti
š„©The steaks are highš„© š½Where I went: Le Relais de Venise - LāEntrecoĢte āļøWhat I got: Salad, Steak & Fries š°What I paid: $32 ā š¤What I think: This restaurant is arguably one of my favorites in the city. They only serve salad, steak (cooked to your preference), and fries for a fixed price of $32. That being said, this steak is cooked to perfection and what really makes entrecoĢte so special is the sauce that they serve with the steak. If you like steak, I would highly recommend trying this restaurant.


Foodie_NYC
WOW! I had an amazing experience at Chef Guo, a world-renowned expert in Chinese imperial cuisine. The chef invited me to the first tasting of his plant-based menu, and it was an absolutely amazing experience. Servers with white gloves, a restaurant that felt more like a palace, and a meal where every item was a perfect celebration for the taste buds. All that with five different kinds of tea servings, a continuous aroma designed by the chef, and a dessert served in an eggshell. While I was the first to experience this meal, the chef hasnāt set a price for it yet, but it is planned to be very affordable. The plant-based tasting menu is planned to be available in October. Definitely one of the best dining experiences Iāve had in the city, clearly a Michelin star-worthy restaurant.


Eater
Kisa, short for kisa sikdang (also spelled gisa sikdang), or ādriverās restaurant,ā is an homage to Korean diners that emerged in the ā80s catering to taxi drivers. The spot echoes kisas in Korea, with vintage TVs, wall-mounted fans, Korean calendars, and a coin-slot coffee machine. Thereās only one dish on the menu ā it comes on a tray with seasonally-changing banchan. All there is to do is pick a main: Thereās jeyuk (spicy pork); bulgogi; and jingeo bokkeum (spicy squid). The team recently added lunch and reservations.


Davinaā”ļøNYC
Vietnamese lunch with the girls Äi AĢn Äi. Iāve had this spot bookmarked for years (since before the Covid pandemic!) and Iām so happy I finally went, and with good company. Food was so good and I love all the hanging plants! Totally inspired me to buy a plant for the apt over the weekend - true story.


Eater
Son Del North In places like Los Angeles, itās much easier to find burritos without rice: Not so much in New York. Son del North opened last month, a tiny takeout counter thatās already cementing itself as a welcomed addition to New Yorkās burrito scene, thanks in part to its homemade Sonora-style flour tortillas. The kitchen is under the direction of Annisha Garcia, from Tijuana, Mexico, who was the 2021 Chopped Grand Champion.


Little Kid Big City NEW YORK
FIRST LOOK: Serendipity3 Opening š Times Square just got a whole lot sweeter! The iconic New York City restaurant (and home of the world-famous Frrrozen Hot Chocolate!) has opened a second location. In addition to all the favorite menu items of the original location, the menu has special additions such as the Chicken Dinner Sundae, two new sandwiches, three new ice cream flavors, and more. The new location also features a bar area with over-the-top cocktails, AND a full dessert bar. The new space is similar in size to the original restaurant space, and reminiscent of the same fun and funky look - including glass mosaic installations. Bonus- you may even see Marin Monroe and Andy Warhol. A perfect spot for your next serendipitous moment.


Foodie_NYC
CLASSIC āļø I had a fabulous evening at Empire Steakhouse, such a timeless establishment. The food was incredibleāthe steak literally melted in my mouth. The vibe was amazing, so classic that I almost expected Olā Blue Eyes, Frank Sinatra, to walk in any minute⦠Every part of the meal was a masterclass in classic flavors, and the service was equally impeccable. A real class of its own š
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Discover the Vibrant Local Community in Willowbrook Near NYC - Engage in Trending Discussions & Anonymous Posts


Eater
The Opening of Din Tai Fung NYC For Din Tai Fung fans, the grand opening is the restaurant event of the summer. The New York location was first announced two years ago. For some, the wait has felt longer. āWeāve been waiting for this for years,ā says David Zhang, a Queens resident. Thereās no shortage of soup dumplings in New York City. Lots of places serve them, from famous establishments like Joeās Shanghai to local chains like Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao. Tell that to Din Tai Fung fans: They insist thereās something special about the ones served here. āThe thinness of the soup dumplings is impeccable,ā according to Zhang.


Cheryl
this szechuan spot just opened in the lower east side, nyc. right by delancey you can satisfy your szechuan cravings with their gorgeous interior. each dish was delicious and had strong flavor. ⢠thin sliced pork belly with chill garlic sauce ⢠egg custard bun ⢠tradition stewed pork belly cubes ⢠superior dry fried crab szechuan style ⢠stir-fried string beans with minced cabbage and garlic ⢠wagyu beef black truffle fried rice ⢠handmade brown sugar glutinous rice cake šFan Szechuan å¤§å® éØ


Food Baby
One of the best restaurants to open this year! CHLOE is back in the SAME location where she originally opened By Chloe. Your best new lunch / quick dinner option in the area, so many things here are so good. The Butternut Nachos are a must to start, the Classic Burger is one of the best vegan burgers in town, and every salad is so good, especially the Quinoa Taco Salad. And all the cookies are a must for dessert! Will be here for lunch all the time. š¶š½š„ šš½šš½šš½šš½


Eater
Son Del North In places like Los Angeles, itās much easier to find burritos without rice: Not so much in New York. Son del North opened last month, a tiny takeout counter thatās already cementing itself as a welcomed addition to New Yorkās burrito scene, thanks in part to its homemade Sonora-style flour tortillas. The kitchen is under the direction of Annisha Garcia, from Tijuana, Mexico, who was the 2021 Chopped Grand Champion.


Natasha Surti
Ramen love with you ā¤ļø š½Where I went: Ichiran āļøWhat I got: Classic Tonkotsu Ramen š°What I paid: $18.90 ā š¤What I think: The setup of the restaurant in itself is extremely unique as they have individual booths where you have to order by filling out a form. They use this setup because they want the people who come to their restaurant to be able to focus on the flavor of the ramen without any distractions. Ichiran only serves tonkatsu ramen, and they've clearly mastered it. The broth is rich and perfectly seasoned, the pork is tender and tasty, the noodles are made to your texture preferences (here we went with firm), and of course the egg just adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish. Overall one of the better bowls of ramen you can get in NYC.


Eater
Sunday C&C is located in the Bowery Market, a permanent home for this concept first launched at Smorgasburg. Owner Christian Torres is a one-man operation serving up Latin American vegan food with a rotating menu. When it opened it featured Venezuelan-style arepa thatās made with sweet corn, housemade cashew āmozzarellaā with ssamjang, and vegan honey, but the menu regularly changes. The market is technically open-air, but covered and shaded for weather, and there are several tables for dine-in.


Secret NYC
Cool off with ice cream at Caffe Pannaās new Brooklyn location! Caffe Panna has officially opened its first Brooklyn location! The new location in Greenpoint spans 4,700 square feet with both indoor and outdoor seating. Customers can get excited for the new menu item, granitas, only available at the Brooklyn shop.
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Infatuation
The Most Fun Dinner Spot In NYC Kisa: a night out at this restaurant will never be boring. Donāt spend half your meal trying to figure out what to order and how to split your check. Go to Kisa, a walk-in-only retro Korean diner on the Lower East Side where you choose from four combo sets, all of which cost $32 and come with soup, rice, and a buffet of bottomless sides. The bulgogi is slightly sweet and sliced into ribbons, and the spicy pork, with its crispy charred bits, is even better. Enjoy it alongside some kimchi and mung bean jelly in the packed room while groups pass around soju before hitting the coin-operated latte machine by the entrance.


Eater
Clara: Fun Place to Try in NYC Summer is a great time to catch up on your museum-going. While the next-door American Museum of Natural History will be mobbed, the New-York Historical Society is very often less crowded. The exhibit of New York paintings and the Tiffany lamp collection are unrivaled. And thereās a wonderful restaurant on the ground floor named Clara where you can linger over your burger or meal-size salad, and where the bloody marys are strong. There is even a seating area outside with a view of Central Park, and you donāt have to pay museum admissions if you go directly to the restaurant. 170 Central Park West, at 77th Street, Upper West Side


New York Locals
Charoen Krung Thai is bringing the vibrant flavors of Bangkokās famous Charoen Krung Road to Midtown East! š¹š Founded by Avirut Lerddirekrat, this restaurant pays homage to one of Thailandās oldest and most culturally rich streets, blending traditional Thai recipes with modern Asian flair. ⨠Signature dishes like Hunk-Lay, Hor Mok, and Nam-Yar Crabmeat take inspiration from Bangkokās renowned street food, offering an authentic taste of Thailand right here in NYC. š²āØWhether youāre craving bold flavors or a welcoming dining experience, Charoen Krung Thai is the perfect spot to enjoy a fusion of heritage and innovation in the heart of the city. š


Time Out New York
Ess-a-Bagel has been a Manhattan staple since 1976, and local love for the family-owned business radiates throughout all of the five boroughs. Now, its expertly rolled, boiled and baked beauties are available right here in Brooklyn. Choose your own adventure with a doughy, fluffy everything, pumpernickel or cinnamon raisin bagel, and schmear it with all manner of decadent cream cheese options. Or, leave it to the experts and choose a sandwich from their curated menu of NYC faves.


Natasha Husein
Weekends are for pretty brunches šø and for Recette Bklyn Restaurant. Cozy Williamsburg bistro with tasty dishes & unique specials. Number one restaurant on Tripadvisor among almost 3,000 restaurants in Brooklyn!


Eater
Nanchang dry rice noodles at We Noodle Some new noodles in town originated in Nanchang, the capital of Jiangxi, an inland province northwest of Fujian and southwest of Shanghai: The area is known for the high quality of its rice, so donāt be surprised that this dish ($12) features delicate rice noodles slicked with sesame oil laced with ginger, garlic, and chiles. Heaped on top, thereās ground pork, roasted peanuts, and scallions, for a distinctively flavored bowl of noodles. Other characteristic Nanchang dishes found at We Noodle, just north of Baruch College in Curry Hill, include soups with beef tripe or pig intestines, and stir-fried noodles with tomatoes and eggs.


Secret NYC
NYCās First & Only Floating Mexican Restaurant Is Open La Barca Cantina offers Mexican fare and delicious cocktails afloat! Hop onboard the three-story boat on the Hudson River and sail around the city for incredible skyline and sunset views with New York Cruise Lines. The boat offers custom artwork by Tlisza Jaurique, the first Mexican-American woman to exhibit at the Met, an incredible top deck for guests to take in the scenery, and most notably, an expansive agave-based spirits menu.
See also
Discover the Best Cocktails in Willowbrook: Local Bars & Rooftop Nightlife Near NYC


ResX
Antidote Chinese Restaurant is a place where the food is designed in order to please all palatesš š„¢ This Williamsburg Chinese restaurant is a favorite! Antidoteās menu draws influence from Sichuan and Shanghai. Itās a great spot for a group dinner!
![NYC Must Try: Okatte Tanto
This spot is a traditional and authentic Japanese joint serving fresh sushi and a variety of elevated cold and hot Japanese dishes. I really enjoyed their popular pork katsu sando, mentai udon, and fried oysters that they make right in front of you. Their drinks are also fantastic - Iād recommend getting the Shochu Woolong and the Summer Orange!
Pro tip: If you want to get the $34 hidden menu item tuna bone, call ahead to make a reservation - they only serve the tuna bone from 5-6:45pm and itās first reserved, first served with their limited stock per day.
What I Ordered:
- Tuna Bone [must-try]
- Mentai Udon [must-try]
- Pork Katsu Sando
- Fried Oysters
- Octopus marinated with wasabi
- Shochu Woolong - drink
- Summer Orange - drink](https://storage.googleapis.com/s.kikihub.com/posts/66f54fcdc59c46c52cd6b15f/img-preview/dl2qejqrjc.webp)

Melanie Yu
NYC Must Try: Okatte Tanto This spot is a traditional and authentic Japanese joint serving fresh sushi and a variety of elevated cold and hot Japanese dishes. I really enjoyed their popular pork katsu sando, mentai udon, and fried oysters that they make right in front of you. Their drinks are also fantastic - Iād recommend getting the Shochu Woolong and the Summer Orange! Pro tip: If you want to get the $34 hidden menu item tuna bone, call ahead to make a reservation - they only serve the tuna bone from 5-6:45pm and itās first reserved, first served with their limited stock per day. What I Ordered: - Tuna Bone [must-try] - Mentai Udon [must-try] - Pork Katsu Sando - Fried Oysters - Octopus marinated with wasabi - Shochu Woolong - drink - Summer Orange - drink
Local Food Secrets of Little Italy near NYC
Discover the Best Italian Restaurants
Little Italy near NYC is a haven for foodies seeking an authentic Italian dining experience. While popular spots often garner long lines and plenty of reviews, locals share some hidden gems worth exploring. Forget the tourist traps and venture into cozy establishments like Di Palo's Fine Foods, offering traditional parmigiana and fresh mozzarella that will transport your taste buds straight to Italy. Another favorite among residents is Emilio's Ballato, where you can savor handmade pasta and family-recipe sauces that have been passed down through generations.
Iconic Brunch Spots
Brunch in Little Italy holds a special charm, merging classic Italian dishes with beloved brunch staples. If you're looking for a unique brunch experience, head to Puglia. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and delightful food, Puglia serves up a mouthwatering Frittata di Nonna and mimosas that keep the weekend spirit alive. Another brunch favorite is Bar Primi, where you can indulge in sweet and savory options like ricotta pancakes or rustic egg dishes while enjoying a perfectly-brewed cappuccino.
Trendsetting Eateries
Trend seekers and food enthusiasts will find much to celebrate in Little Italy's innovative dining scene. One of the latest trending eateries is Gelso & Grand, where modern touches blend seamlessly with traditional dishes. The trendy ambiance pairs well with their inventive menu featuring dishes like burrata pizza and truffle pasta. For an upscale experience, Seamoreās Nolita offers a seafood-centric menu with Italian flair, providing a refreshing twist on classic coastal flavors, perfect for both lunch and dinner.
Secret Cocktail Lounges
Cocktail connoisseurs can explore the hidden nightlife of Little Italy by visiting some under-the-radar lounges. Mainland is a speakeasy-style bar secretly nestled on Mulberry Street. Known for its craft cocktails and intimate ambiance, it's a local favorite for a night out. Another hot spot is Peachy's, a chic, dimly-lit lounge offering exquisite cocktails. Insider tip: donāt miss their signature drink, the Peachy Colada, for a refreshing twist on a classic.
Dessert Excellence
What's a trip to Little Italy without indulging in some heavenly desserts? The locals have their go-to spots, like Ferrara Bakery & Cafe, a staple since 1892. Ferraraās cannolis and tiramisu are legendary, promising a sweet ending to any meal. For gelato lovers, Grom is an unmissable destination. Handcrafted with the finest ingredients, their gelato flavors are as authentic as any you'd find in Italy.
Local Insights and Hidden Gems
Residents of Little Italy near NYC are part of a tight-knit community, their dining preferences reflecting years of local lore. To experience Little Italy like a true New Yorker, tap into these local reviews and food secrets. Connect with neighbors on platforms like Kikihub, where you can gain real-time insights and discover more hidden spots like the tiny but unmatched Piccolo Cafe, known for its artisanal sandwiches and friendly atmosphere. Another well-kept secret is the cozy Pepe Rosso Social, where intimate dining meets mouthwatering homestyle Italian dishes.