Step into Parisi Bakery, a family-run gem since 1903, where enormous heros loaded with fresh ingredients and crusty bread continue to draw lunchtime crowds in the heart of Little Italy.
"This family-run Nolita bakery dates back to 1903 and makes heroes with great, crusty bread for about $17 each. Consider this a bargain—you can easily get two meals out of these things, and possibly even use them as dumbbells in case of a weight-lifting emergency. From cold cuts to meatball parm, every Italian deli standard is represented on the menu, but there's a reason the Dennis, their signature chicken cutlet and prosciutto sandwich, is the one scribbled at the top of the chalkboard. The Order: The Dennis. Parisi’s chicken cutlets are so crispy you’d think they couldn’t be juicy, and so juicy you’d think they couldn’t be crispy—and yet. They’re well complemented by the sweet-tart balsamic vinegar and soft mozzarella." - will hartman, willa moore, neha talreja, bryan kim, sonal shah, molly fitzpatrick
"A stroll through Little Italy isn’t quite the same without a stop into Parisi Bakery, established in 1903, that turns out inimitable sandwiches. The Dennis is especially good, a meld of chicken cutlet, prosciutto, mozzarella, tomato, balsamic vinegar, and herbs into one joyful mess." - Emma Orlow, Robert Sietsema
"Parisi Bakery opened in 1903, and once counted Frank Sinatra among its regulars. The man had taste: They make excellent crusty bread here, and even better sandwiches. From cold cuts to meatball parm, just about every Italian deli standard is available—but The Dennis is the sandwich scribbled at the very top of their chalkboard menu for good reason. It’s hefty, with a chicken cutlet that achieves the perfect balance of crispy and juicy, and is well complemented by the sweet-tart balsamic vinegar, prosciutto, and soft mozzarella. There's no seating in the small, unflashy storefront, so plan on lugging your hero elsewhere to eat." - molly fitzpatrick, willa moore, bryan kim
"There are mom-and-pop shops, and then there are grandmom-and-grandpop shops. Parisi Bakery, a family-run Nolita institution, has made great, crusty bread with a loyal following since 1903. Frank Sinatra was such a Parisi fan that he’d apparently regularly order loaves to be shipped to his house in Palm Springs. From cold cuts to meatball parm, every Italian deli standard is represented on the menu here. But there's a reason the Dennis is the sandwich scribbled at the top of the chalkboard menu. Their signature chicken cutlet and prosciutto sandwich is as hefty as it is delicious: layer after layer of simple, quality ingredients with extremely satisfying variety in texture. photo credit: Alex Staniloff Parisi Bakery is open 9am-4pm (closed Sundays), and cash only, so plan accordingly. There’s no seating in the small storefront, which is mostly undecorated—with the exception of a handful of portraits, including various generations of Parisis, Babe Ruth, and the archangel Michael—but you and your Dennis might find a spot on the bench outside. Food Rundown photo credit: Alex Staniloff The Dennis Parisi’s chicken cutlets achieve the perfect balance of crispy and juicy, and they’re well complemented by the sweet-tart balsamic vinegar and soft mozzarella. (You can also add roasted red peppers for an extra dollar—they’re plenty tasty, though we slightly prefer the sandwich in its original form.) $17 for a hero might not sound like a great deal, but the Dennis is a bargain. You can easily get two meals out of this, and possibly even use it as a dumbbell in case of a weight-lifting emergency." - Molly Fitzpatrick
"Though the mothership bakery is kaput, this branch keeps churning out sandwiches on homemade bread, and a line still forms at lunchtime, especially for its hot heros. Actually, the interior of the shop, which looks every year of its 120 years old, complete with antique cabinetry, white enamel walls, and condiments arrayed for your perusal on the counter — is one of Little Italy’s prime tourist attractions." - Eater Staff
