can anyone give me some suggestion on place to eat in little italy new york city. i live in Texas and would love to try real italian food

Go to Mulberry Street,and try Luna's and/or La Mela.Both very simple but delicious Itailian food.

natalie! we were just talking about Luna's last night.one of my favorite little Italy restaurants! love the mussels !!

Go to Il Mulino in the Village. It's been rated the best Italian restaurant in America! I'd recommend lunch as it is can be very pricy and difficult to get dinner reservations. However, it was one of the best meals I've ever eaten. Enjoy! PS: The Italian places I've eaten at in Little Italy are just fair to pretty good.

If you want the best, Bubba is right, you can't beat Il Mulino. For something less pricey and located in the (ever shrinking) Little Italy, try Florio's on Grand just east of Mulberry (right across the street from Ferrara's). The lunch can't be beat for quantity, quality and price. Added bonus for smokers is that the front part is a cigar shop, so you can smoke there.

You should also try Ferrara's for pastries (although the cannoli at Venero's in the East Village (11th between 1st and 2nd) is better). For an after meal drink, check out Mare Ciarra on Mulberry, an old mob hangout that served as a set for "Donnie Brasco."

Roy,

I agree with La Mela. I have also heard great things about Il Cortile.

That's IL Cortile.

Just so you know, Il Mulino is extremely expensive. I would say about $100 a person (including wine and tip) conservatively. Most Little Italy restaurants are relatively inexpensive. It all depends on what you're looking for. I've had many good fun meals in Little Italy at Luna, Benito and others. Just walk around Mulberry Street and see what appeals to you. Two other excellent Italian restaurants are in the East Village and are moderately priced: Frank on 2nd Ave. and 5th St. and Supper on 2nd St. between A & B. Same owners, amazing Italian food and cool atmosphere. They have huge neighborhood followings and are small so you may have to wait a bit to get in, but they are worth it.

I stick by my advice. Visit Little Italy & Canal St. and then head over to the Village to Il Mulino. Yes, it is expensive. However, that's another reason I recommended going at lunch. Enjoy!

My Little Italy favorites are Il Fornaio for lunch and Da Nico for dinner, both on Mulberry of course.

i'm 55 years old and usually eat in upscale restaurants. when i was a little kid of five, my parents took me to Luna's because it was the best in little italy. I haven't eaten there in many years. everyone here was so helpful and so right. i agree that Luna is still the best for the money. so is benito and even better is benito II. you absolutely must go to ferrara's because it's ferrara's. i think i'm even gonna take fast freddy's advice on some of the spots he mentioned. gee i love this site. have the best time.