New York City is known for its diverse food scene, and two of the best places to eat like a local are Chinatown and Little Italy. These neighborhoods are packed with traditional restaurants, hidden family-run eateries, and some of the most flavorful dishes in the city. Whether you’re craving soup dumplings, hand-pulled noodles, fresh pasta, or a classic cannoli, Chinatown and Little Italy have something for every food lover. If you’re looking for the best bites in NYC, here’s where to start.
1. Chinatown: The Best Spots for Dumplings, Noodles, and More
Chinatown is one of the best places to eat in New York City, offering a mix of traditional and modern Chinese dishes. Many of the restaurants here have been serving authentic food for decades, making this neighborhood a top destination for anyone looking for rich flavors at affordable prices.
Joe’s Shanghai – Famous Soup Dumplings
Joe’s Shanghai is one of the most well-known spots in Chinatown, and for good reason. Their soup dumplings, or xiao long bao, are some of the best in NYC. These delicate dumplings are filled with a flavorful broth and tender pork or crab meat. Each dumpling is made fresh and served steaming hot. To eat them properly, use a spoon to catch the broth, take a small bite to let some of the steam out, and then enjoy the rest in one bite. Aside from their dumplings, Joe’s Shanghai also serves excellent scallion pancakes and Szechuan-style beef.
Tasty Hand-Pulled Noodles Inc. – Handmade Noodles in Every Style
This small, family-run restaurant is one of the best places to get fresh, hand-pulled noodles. The noodles are made right in front of you, giving them the perfect chewy texture. You can order them in a rich beef broth, stir-fried with vegetables, or served with a spicy Szechuan-style sauce. Their portions are generous, making this a great spot for a filling meal.
Peking Duck House – Crispy, Juicy Peking Duck
Peking Duck House specializes in one dish: perfectly roasted Peking duck. The duck is cooked until the skin is crispy and golden, while the meat remains tender and juicy. It is served with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and scallions, making it a perfect mix of flavors and textures. The duck is carved tableside, adding a special touch to the dining experience. This is one of the best places in NYC to try authentic Peking duck.
Mei Lai Wah – Chinatown’s Best Pork Buns
If you’re looking for a quick and delicious snack, the pork buns at Mei Lai Wah are a must-try. These buns are slightly sweet on the outside and filled with flavorful roast pork. They are baked fresh daily, making them a perfect grab-and-go option. Mei Lai Wah also serves other classic Chinatown snacks like egg tarts and pineapple buns.
Kung Fu Tea and Tiger Sugar – The Best Bubble Tea
Bubble tea is one of the most popular drinks in Chinatown, and there are plenty of great places to get it. Kung Fu Tea and Tiger Sugar are two of the best options. Kung Fu Tea offers a variety of flavors, including classic milk tea, fruit tea, and matcha. Tiger Sugar is known for its brown sugar boba, which has a rich caramel flavor. Both places serve their drinks with chewy tapioca pearls for the perfect texture.
2. Little Italy: The Best Places for Pasta, Pizza, and Dessert
Little Italy may be smaller than it used to be, but it still has some of the best Italian food in New York City. From freshly made pasta to classic cannoli, this neighborhood is packed with delicious options.
Rubirosa – Fresh Pasta and Thin-Crust Pizza
Rubirosa is a family-run restaurant that has become one of the best places in NYC to get Italian food. Their pasta is made fresh daily, and their vodka sauce pasta is a local favorite. The sauce is creamy, rich, and packed with flavor. In addition to their pasta, Rubirosa is also known for its thin-crust pizza. Their signature tie-dye pizza, made with vodka sauce, tomato sauce, and fresh mozzarella, is a must-try.
Lombardi’s – America’s First Pizzeria
Lombardi’s is one of the most historic pizza spots in the country. As the first pizzeria in the United States, it has been serving coal-fired pies since 1905. Their classic margherita pizza, topped with fresh basil, mozzarella, and tomato sauce, is a great choice. The crust is perfectly charred, giving it a signature smoky flavor.
Ferrara Bakery & Cafe – The Best Italian Pastries
Ferrara Bakery has been a Little Italy institution since 1892. This bakery is famous for its cannoli, which are filled with sweet ricotta cream and topped with chocolate chips or pistachios. Ferrara also serves other classic Italian desserts like tiramisu, sfogliatelle, and gelato. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick espresso or a full dessert spread, this is one of the best places to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Di Palo’s – Authentic Italian Sandwiches and Cheese
Di Palo’s is both a specialty grocery store and a deli, making it a great place to find high-quality Italian ingredients. Their sandwiches are made with fresh mozzarella, prosciutto, and other traditional Italian meats. Everything is freshly sliced to order, ensuring the best flavor and quality. If you’re looking for a quick but satisfying meal, a sandwich from Di Palo’s is a great option.
Mulberry Street Bar – A Classic Little Italy Experience
Mulberry Street Bar is one of the oldest and most famous bars in Little Italy. It has been featured in several movies and TV shows, giving it a nostalgic charm. The bar serves classic Italian-American dishes, including spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, and eggplant parmesan. It’s a great spot to enjoy a casual meal with a bit of old-school New York atmosphere.
3. Where to Eat for an Affordable and Delicious Experience
If you’re looking for budget-friendly options in Chinatown and Little Italy, there are plenty of great choices that won’t break the bank.
- Chinatown:
- Dumplings at Prosperity Dumpling ($5 or less for a full meal)
- Noodles at Xi’an Famous Foods (affordable and filling)
- Roast pork buns from a bakery ($2 each)
- Little Italy:
- A slice of pizza from Sal’s ($3-$5 per slice)
- Espresso and a pastry at a local café ($6-$8)
- A fresh sandwich from a deli ($10-$15)
The Best Way to Experience Chinatown and Little Italy
Chinatown and Little Italy offer some of the best food in NYC, from authentic Chinese dumplings to homemade Italian pasta. These neighborhoods are packed with restaurants that have been serving generations of New Yorkers, making them must-visit spots for any food lover.
For more recommendations on where to eat, Visit NYC has everything you need. Use our New York City travel guide to plan your trip, book a one-day guided tour of New York City, or find the best budget-friendly hotels in NYC. If you’re interested in Broadway, check out Hamilton Broadway tickets New York for a great night out after a day of eating.
