I have to go to Little Italy, I know I know

[Cpalms]

I know it sucks and that its purely for toursists and that I should really go to Arthur Avenue, etc etc...But I have to go and I have to make the plans...Can somebody please recommend a fun lively place with good food, where my clients will be feel that the at least approximated the real expierence....Please...

[stephaniec25]

I actually really enjoy Angelo's of Mulberry Street everytime I go. I've been going there for a long time and while it gets a reputation as a tourist trap (like all of Little Italy), the food is very good. I especially enjoy the eggplant caponata, minestrone soup, and gnocchi. It's a bit tacky but a nice, old school place with quality food.

Would I pick that over something like Scarpetta or Babbo? Probably not, unless I really wanted some serious red-sauce Italian which is what it is.

[Peter Cherches]

Would the real experience be bad food, nasty waiters and lots of noise?

Lombardi's is a pizzeria, so maybe not what you're looking for?

Il Cortile is upscale and relatively classy, so maybe not what you're looking for?

Umberto's does have good mob pedigree.

What about the Benito's restaurants? I haven't been in years, but I remember them being bearable.

http://petercherches.blogspot.com

[fourunder]

Since you mention clients....

Il Cortile or Angelo's.....but I would recommend you go to Peasant in Nolita.

[LI_foodie]

I second Il Cortile if you have to do Little Italy, one of the few that isn't really a tourist trap.

-----
Il Cortile
125 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10013

[notsochubbychubette]

Luna is LONG gone (was my fav down there too_
Lombardi's
32 Spring St
[phone]

Umbertos Clam House
www.umbertosclamhouse.com
386 Broome St
[phone]

[southernitalian]

It's been a number of years but when I was living in NYC and had friends/family/clients who wanted that "authentic" Little "It-lee" experience, I always steered them towards Luna.