Da Nico Ristorante

"Da Nico hosted the Sopranos 25th anniversary party, which gives them quite a bit of Mulberry Street cred. Street cred aside, the food here is unremarkable, but for the true (extra touristy) Little Italy experience, this two-floor restaurant is a solid choice, especially for big groups. Listen in on a conversation between four women in fur, order the pizza vodka, and say yes to any opportunity for tableside spoonfuls of pre-grated parm. You'll get free zeppoles with the check, which are a little too chewy. But free." - molly fitzpatrick, willa moore, bryan kim

"With two sprawling floors, a backyard and big round tables that could easily hold a dozen bottles of red, Da Nico would be perfect for a big group dinner where the dress code is fur. (Or faux fur.) Clearly we’re not the only ones who’ve thought this, because in January 2024, The Sopranos 25th anniversary party was held at this Italian restaurant in the heart of Little Italy. This is a big claim to fame for the restaurant (which opened in 1993). There are signs about it everywhere. The food here is pretty unremarkable—except the meatballs, which could win a prize for their density—but you don't really come here for the food. You come here to finally experience Little Italy in all its touristy glory, listen in on the monthly meetup of a New Jersey-based Bunco league, talk to your server who met Michael Imperioli that one time, and get a spoonful of pre-grated parmesan poured on everything you eat. photo credit: Alex Staniloff Food Rundown Caesar Salad The dressing tastes slightly out-of-a-bottle, but this salad will scratch a caesar itch for sure. Meatballs Very dense. Very, very dense. Bathed in a smooth, mellow tomato sauce. Order if you appreciate a pizza parlor-style meatball. Pizza Vodka With a slightly thicker crust than a Neapolitan pizza, these wood-fired pies are satisfying and shareable. The mozzarella is soft and stretchy, and the vodka sauce is well-seasoned. Orecchiette This is a totally fine pasta, but the broccoli rabe in it is perfect. They cook it so that it loses all its bite, but not too much so that becomes a sad, overdone lump. Free Zeppoles They're pretty chewy, but they're also very free. Mind the mound of powdered sugar." - Willa Moore

"“When I was a kid, my grandfather, my father would take us down to the feast [of San Gennaro] to eat. And then, when I was a teenager, I worked at Forlini’s, which was actually below Canal, but still kind of considered a Little Italy restaurant, even though it was officially Chinatown. In the mornings, I'd have to go to Mulberry Street to get the cannolis for service. So Mulberry Street always has a real place in my heart, and Da Nico keeps that tradition up. To me, it’s the last really good old-school Italian restaurant there. There used to be a lot more, and over the years it's gotten a little more touristy. They make the best rigatoni alla vodka that I've ever had—a little spicy. And they have a great garden. It’s great to be in Little Italy eating good Italian food, especially in the summer.”" - sonal shah