I've heard different advice regarding eating in Little Italy - Mulberry St? Recommendations for a 'authentic' meal, moderate price range ($50 for 2 not including alcohol, desserts). Something we can't experience in our WASPy New England hometown. Reservations needed? One friend told me about a place where you sit family style, the place cooks one selection for each course, and they just start passing food around. Sounds like fun, traveling with 13-yr-old son, not afraid to try something new, LOVES good italian!

The best Italian in the city is II Mulino on Third street between Sullivan and Thompson street. It is pricier than what you are looking for. Sorry to say those restaurants down town are very commercial in there appeal and quality. Frequented largely by college students and tourists. I would only go with Zagat's recommendations unless you find that what you hear here is in Zagats. I have lived here for 15 years this is my experience.

Hi Cj, my best friend was born and raised in Sicily. She always said Luna's in Little Italy had the most authentic, excellent Southern Italian food, and I have to agree! Last time there they served wine in a juice type glass.......can't get more rustic or family style IMO. Judy ;-)

For Little Italy restaurants, I would go with either Luna's or Il Cortile. If you look up www.zagat.com, it will tell you more about each place.

With a big CAVEAT that you can find better food elsewhere, Il Cortile for example, Puglia's (Hester St.) is a fun spot that has been in Little Italy for years.

It has long tables that you may have to share with others. At night, they have a guy with an electric piano and the crowd sings along ("Volare", etc.)

Again, you don't go for the food. You go for the cheap wine, the fun atmosphere and the decent, not great, Italian.

Another good choice, although not in Little Italy, is Carmine's on W. 44th St. Reasonably priced big portions that are served family style.

Hi. I agree with Judy. Luna's is simply the best for family style, unpretentious (spelling?) and in-expensive Italian. They do not take credit cards when I went a few years ago when I used to live in Chinatown, but they might now. Good luck!

Hi CJ,

If you want authentic Italian food, DO NOT go to Little Italy. Little Italy does not really exist anymore. There are only a few restaurants and coffee houses there that are surrounded by Chinatown. I would check Zagat's to see what appeals to you. Carmine's is also a tourist trap in the theatre district. You mentioned you had a 13 yr. old. How about a visit up to the Bronx Zoo? You could then head over to Arthur Ave. in the Bronx where REAL Italian people still live, shop, and eat in the neigborhood.

I think going to Little Italy is more about the experience than about the food; it is now very touristy. A good option may be to go there for dessert and coffee. A good inexpensive southern Italian place is John's of 12th Street in the East Village (place looks like a Godfather scene.) A good northern Italian place for pasta is Becco in the theater district. The 3 pasta $22 dinner (no booze) can't be beat and it's owned by a venerable NYC Italian restaurant family that also happens to own part of Babbo (shared w/ chef owner Mario Batali of Food Network fame.)