Summary

• Rao's in East Harlem and Carbone in Greenwich Village offer classic Italian-American dishes in an old-school setting, preserving the traditional Italian culinary experience in NYC.
• Nonna Dora's, despite being newly opened, serves handmade pasta dishes with authentic flavors, offering a taste of Italy without the need for a flight.
• J&V Pizzeria in Bensonhurst and Bamonte's in North Williamsburg are classic Italian joints that have stood the test of time, serving delicious pizza and traditional Italian dishes in a nostalgic atmosphere.

Some diners prefer over-the-top cuisine, and New York offers places with unique views. With the influx of Instagrammable dishes, sometimes it can be difficult to find a simple, humbling meal true to its roots. Less is more, as they say, and if there's one type of cuisine that brings that statement home, it's Italian.

Luckily, New York City boasts Italian restaurants with mouth-watering dishes. Some places date back to the 19th century and remain popular. For New York diners looking for old-school Italian restaurants, try one of these spots for classic Italian food.

DISCLAIMER: These restaurants are in no particular ranked order.

Due to the popularity, most restaurants on this list request a reservation.

UPDATE: 2023/09/30 16:55 EST BY LUANA FERREIRA

The More Traditional Italian Restaurants In New York City

The Italian culture is part of New York City's DNA, and it's no surprise the city is home to places that make clients feel they are in a ristorante in Naples or Sicily. This list has been expanded to include two more traditional places: Rao's and Carbone.

16 Rao's

Rao's is a synonym for old-school Italian charm in East Harlem, New York City. Established in 1896, this iconic restaurant became one of the most popular in the city. Reservations are notoriously difficult to secure, adding to the allure of this treasured gem making dining at Rao's an unforgettable New York experience.

Its intimate setting and famously limited seating create an exclusive, familial atmosphere. The menu boasts classic Italian-American fare, with standouts like the Lemon Chicken and Veal Parmesan. Rao's is renowned for its red sauce, a culinary cornerstone that infuses each dish with rich, robust flavor.

• Address: 455 E 114th St, New York, NY 10029, United States
• Open hours: From Monday to Friday, from 7 pm to 11 pm
• Recommended dishes: Seafood salad, super-sized meatballs, lemon chicken

15 Carbone

Carbone, located in Greenwich Village, features a nostalgic décor and classic menu, paying homage to the traditional Italian-American experience. The restaurant's signature dishes, such as the Spicy Rigatoni Vodka and Chicken Scarpariello, are beloved for their bold flavors and hearty portions.

Carbone's attentive service and retro ambiance transport diners to a bygone era of Italian hospitality. The menu's commitment to timeless favorites makes Carbone a cherished destination for those seeking a taste of vintage Italian culinary excellence in the heart of Manhattan.

• Address: 181 Thompson St, New York, NY 10012, United States
• Open hours: From Sunday to Saturday. From 11:30 am to 2:00 pm, from 5:30 pm to 11 pm
• Recommended dishes: Spicy Rigatoni Vodka, Meatballs, Caesar Alla ZZ, Chicken Scarpariello

14 Nonna Dora's

Some folks rush to retirement, collecting their 401Ks by age 65 and perhaps relocating to Florida for an easy, laid-back life. 86-year-old Dora of Nonna Dora's, however, is only just getting started. Well, she's not just getting started, but the newly opened Nonna Dora's in Manhattan's Murray Hill has certainly kept her busy as of late. Though the spot is new, the team behind Nonna Dora's is not, as they've been serving pasta in NYC for over 30 years.

Nonna Dora's is a no-frills joint, where everything is handmade fresh daily by Dora herself and the four other women in her kitchen. Despite only being open since February 2022, this 44-seat eatery sells out just about every single night, so you'll want to make plans far in advance to ensure you can snag a spot. The menu features anywhere between 18 and 20 pastas, with classics that you'd find right in Italy without the hassle of booking a flight to Rome.

Their best-sellers are their orecchiette in rabbit ragu, a nod to the Puglia region from which Dora originates, and their pappardelle del ristoro with wild boar. Whatever diners choose to order, they can't go wrong, but starting off with an order of panzerotti, or baby fried calzones, is probably not a bad idea. Classic to true Italian cuisine, not a single pasta dish at Nonna Dora's includes cream.

• Address: 606 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10016, United States
• Open Hours: Sunday, from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Monday - from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm; from Tuesday to Thursday - from noon to 2:30 pm and from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm; Friday - from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Saturday - from 5:00 pm to 10 pm
• Recommended dishes: Baked eggplant, Ristoro del Cinghiale

13 J&V Pizzeria

For those who are looking for something old-school on the go and happen to find themselves in the uber-Italian neighborhood of Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, look no further than J&V Pizzeria. Known to be one of the first New York City establishments that served pizza by the slice, J&V has kept it simple since day one. Owner, Vito, is often found making the pizza himself, and he's seldom found without his giant grin from ear to ear. Proving the mantra, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it," J&V delivers classic New York-style pizza both high with consistency and love.

12 Bamonte's

Known to be one of the oldest Italian restaurants in New York City is Bamonte's, in the heart of Brooklyn's North Williamsburg. Opened in 1900, it's ironic that a joint as old and classic as Bamonte's still stands, nearly unchanged from its opening days, in an area that has been swarmed with gentrification. A meal at Bamonte's is like a meal in an Italian grandma's kitchen. Find classic fan-favorites such as clams casino, veal parm, rigatonia alla vodka, and a simple red sauce that is as close to perfect as a red sauce could be, all served by tuxedo-wearing waiters in a frills-free dining room. To keep it as classic as it gets, don't forget to order a martini.

11 Don Antonio

Many Americans think of classic Italian joints as red-and-white checkered tablecloths serving up large portions of spaghetti and meatballs. Still, the real Italians have a different and more literal approach. Insert Giorgia Caporuscio of Manhattan's Don Antonio. Italy is home to some incredible street foods like the pizza fritte, or "fried pizza," classically found in Naples, Italy, still to this day. Master Pizzaoiula Giorgia brings one of Italy's oldest and most profound humble dishes to her Manhattan eatery, Don Antonio.

Try the montanara, perhaps the most popular menu item, a fried dough topped with tomato sauce, imported smoked buffalo mozzarella, and basil. Even if fried dough isn't quite your thing, Don Antonio has a wide offering of Neopolitan-style pizza, and the menu even gives insight into the old history of the origins of classics such as Margherita and Pizze Fritte.

• Address: 309 W 50th St, New York, NY 10019, United States
• Open hours: From Sunday to Saturday, from 11:30 am to 10:00 pm

10 All'Antico Vinaio

In Florence, Italy, visitors from all over the globe line up and wait upward of hours for one of the most famous Italian sandwiches at All'Antico Vinaio. Lucky for New Yorkers, this classic Italian sandwich shop now resides not only near Times Square, but for a much quieter experience, in Manhattan's Greenwich Village on Sullivan St. Diners won't be missing out on the quality of ingredients just because they're not in Firenze; nearly all ingredients are imported, and the porchetta, turkey, and roast beef are all made in-house.

The creams commonly found on these sandwiches, from pecorino cream to artichoke cream to truffle cream, are also made in-house with the highest quality ingredients. The bestseller is the Favoloso, piled high with salame toscano, pecorino cream, artichoke cream, and spicy eggplant, but for something funky, go for the Sweet Treat For The Fall, a monstrous sandwich with lardo, truffle honey, and gorgonzola. Does it get more classically Italian than dining at a place that originates in Italy itself?

• Address: 729 8th Ave, New York, NY 10036, United States
• Open hours: From Saturday to Thursday, from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm; Friday, from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm

9 Ferdinando's Focacceria

Established in 1904 in the heart of Brooklyn's Cobble Hill is an old-school Sicilian joint, Ferdinando's Focacceria. For travelers who have visited Sicily, stepping into this small eatery will immediately transport you there. The restaurant recreates the atmosphere of the romantic restaurants in Sicily. With classic Sicilian nods to their Pomodori Secchi Ripieni (stuffed sundried tomatoes), Sicilian Antipasto (fried chickpeas with ricotta and grated cheese), Capanotina (eggplant salad), and of course Polpo All'Insalata (cold seafood salad), it can be daunting in deciding what to order.

However, no visit to Ferdinando's is complete without trying their infamous panelle, a Sicilian chickpea-based "fritter," which is more like a flattened pancake than a fritter. They can be eaten on their own or in between slices of bread, and with Focacceria in the name of the restaurant, it's safe to say you should order it with the bread.

• Address: 151 Union St, Brooklyn, NY 11231, United States
• Open hours: From Monday to Saturday, from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm
• Recommended dishes: Rice balls, seafood salad, hand-rolled pasta

8 Emilia’s Restaurant

One of the most infamously Italian neighborhoods in New York City is Little Italy in The Bronx. Arthur Ave, the main street that cuts through this neighborhood, is lined with Italian specialty stores, sandwich shops, and eateries. Though it's difficult to go wrong in choosing, for diners looking for a truly authentic, no-frills meal, head to Emilia's Restaurant. The staff has infectious smiles that seemingly can't be wiped off of their faces, and the warm, welcoming food will naturally have you relaxing. Know that no matter what you order, from osso bucco to shrimp fra diavolo, you're in good hands.

• Address: 2331 Arthur Ave, Bronx, NY 10458, United States
• Open hours: From Thursday to Monday, from noon to 9:00 pm
• Recommended dishes: Fried calamari, Gnocchi Bolognese, Chicken Parmigiana

7 Giuliana’s Ristorante

Despite being wildly overlooked in favor of the other four boroughs, Staten Island has something that remains unmatched by the rest of the city: Italian food as classic and humble as it gets. Italians make up about 40% of Staten Island's population and are the largest ethnic group in the area. In his book, "A Very Punchable Face," Colin Jost, a local Staten Islander, goes as far as to say even the Irish, Arabic, and Vietnamese communities in Staten Island naturally become Italian just for living there.

Because of this, it goes without saying that some of the best Italian food in the New York City area is found on the island. It's worth the trek to dine at Giuliana's Ristorante; the food standing on its own makes Giuliana's a great spot, especially with dishes like Artichoke Giuliana (fried artichoke and fried spinach in a gorgonzola cream sauce) and Frangelico chicken (almond-crusted chicken with a Frangelico liqueur sauce topped with veggies). Still, if the array of dishes offered isn't enough, the prices will remind diners that they're not in Manhattan anymore. Giuliana's offers a prix fixe dinner menu at only $23.95 Tuesdays-Thursdays. Buon Appetito, indeed!

• Address: 4105 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10308, United States
• Open hours: From Tuesday to Thursday, from noon to 10:00 pm, Friday and Saturday, from noon to 11:00 pm; Sunday, from 1:00 pm to 9:00 pb

6 Randazzo's Clam Bar

In 1920, Sam Randazzo opened a seafood market in Manhattan's Lower East Side. That seafood market eventually was moved to Sheepshead Bay, a neighborhood close to Coney Island and a popular place in Brooklyn for the fishing community. Yes, that's right, even Brooklyn has a fishing community. After years of evolution and recipes passed down from generation to generation, including their famous "gal-ah-mah" (calamari), Randazzo's Clam Bar was born.

It remains a classic Italian staple down by the Brooklyn sea, serving up some of New York's best seafood. Even the late and great Anthony Bourdain paid homage to Randazzo in his Brooklyn episode of No Reservation. For visitors who find themselves anywhere, even remotely, in the area of Randazzo's, it is worth it to try some of their famous gal-ah-mah with spicy red sauce themselves.

• Address: 2017 Emmons Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11235, United States
• Open hours: From Monday to Thursday, from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm; from Friday to Sunday, from 11:00 am to midnight

5 Emilio's Ballato

Waiting in long lines isn't for everyone, but if there's a line everyone should be willing to wait in, it's the one out the door of Emilio's Ballato. This old-school joint is one of Manhattan's most popular for a good reason. The service, the food, the vibes, and the atmosphere nearly scream "old-school" in your face. Start off the meal with warm focaccia, dip it into the homemade bolognese sauce, and finish it off with a buzzworthy tiramisu. Don't be surprised if you run into a celebrity here; it's a common spot for celebrity sightings, which the restaurant proudly boasts with its photo wall of those who have dined there in the past.

• Address: 55 E Houston St, New York, NY 10012, United States
• Open hours: From Sunday to Thursday, from noon to 11:00 pm; Friday and Saturday, from noon to midnight
• Recommended dishes: Chicken parmigiana, rigatoni zucchini

4 Pier 76

Also located on Staten Island is the acclaimed Italian restaurant Pier 76. It is just a stone’s throw from the Staten Island Ferry and the historic St. George Theatre on the North Shore of the island. It is the ideal place for family dinners as well as private parties and drinks with colleagues. They are acclaimed for their Italian dishes as well as their artisan sandwiches and wraps.

• Address: 408 12th Ave West, New York, NY 10018, United States
• Open hours: From Sunday to Saturday, from 6:00 am to 1:00 am

3 Goodfella's Brick Oven Pizza

Staten Island's Goodfella's Brick Oven Pizza makes a bold claim on their website that many are sure to dispute "World's Best Pizza." Naturally, no one can actually say they are wrong without going there and trying it for themselves. They were originally established in 1992 and have just moved to a new location at 4029 Hylan Blvd, in Staten Island. They also do take-out catering for Staten Island and Brooklyn.

• Address: 4029 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10308, United States
• Open hours: From Monday to Thursday, from 11:30 am to 10:00 pm; Friday, from 11:30 to 11:00 pm; Saturday, from noon to 11:00 pm; Sunday, noon to 10:00 pm

2 Joe & Pat's Pizzeria & Restaurant

It may come as a surprise to many, but one of the great attractions to NYC's forgotten Staten Island is its rich Italian heritage and restaurants. One of the best Italian restaurants to visit on Staten Island is Joe & Pat's Pizzeria & Restaurant. It has been serving delicious pizza and Italian dishes since 1960, with a pizza that rivals the best in the five boroughs. They also have pasta, seafood, and more.

• Address: 1758 Victory Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10314, United States
• Open hours: From Sunday to Thursday, from 11:00 pm to 10:00 pm; Friday and Saturday, from 11:00 am to 11: pm

1 Take A Pizzeria Tour Of NYC

If one can't decide which New York City Pizzeria to visit, then consider going on a pizzeria tour of the Big Apple. Pizzas were made popular in the United States as soldiers returned from fighting in Italy. Today, New York City prides itself in having some of the best pizzas in the country (although to say the world risks incurring the wrath of Italy's Naples). Go on a pizza tour and have a very different experience in NYC.