These Hole-In-The-Wall New York Italian Restaurants Make Every Bite Feel Like Sunday Supper

Growing up, Sunday supper meant the whole family squeezing around a too-small table, sauce bubbling on the stove, and enough garlic bread to feed an army.

New York City is packed with Italian restaurants, but the best ones are the tiny, tucked-away spots that feel like someone’s nonna invited you over for dinner.

These hole-in-the-wall gems serve up food that tastes like home, with recipes passed down through generations and enough love baked into every dish to make you want to come back every week.

Via Della Pace

Tucked on East 4th Street in the East Village, Via Della Pace is the kind of place where the owner remembers your name after one visit. I stumbled in here on a rainy Tuesday and felt like I’d been transported straight to a Roman side street. The menu is simple but perfect, with handmade pasta that makes you wonder why anyone bothers with the boxed stuff.

Their cacio e pepe is silky and rich, coating every strand of spaghetti with creamy cheese and cracked pepper. The portions are generous without being overwhelming, and the prices won’t make your wallet cry. Regulars crowd the small space most nights, chatting with the staff like old friends.

It’s cash-only, so hit the ATM first. But trust me, every dollar is worth it when you’re savoring food this authentic.

Rubirosa

Rubirosa on Mulberry Street serves pizza so good it’ll ruin all other pizza for you forever. The crust is thin and crispy, with just enough chew to remind you it’s made by hand. I once brought my cousin from Chicago here, and she actually admitted New York pizza might be better than deep dish—that’s how powerful this place is.

Their vodka sauce is legendary, creamy and tangy with a hint of sweetness that makes you want to lick the plate. The restaurant itself is narrow and always packed, with exposed brick walls and a neighborhood vibe that feels welcoming rather than rushed. They also make tie-dye pizza, a colorful masterpiece of vodka and regular sauce swirled together.

Reservations help, but walk-ins can usually snag a spot at the bar if you’re patient.

Piccola Cucina

Piccola Cucina in SoHo feels like someone plucked a Sicilian trattoria and dropped it in Manhattan. The space is tiny, with mismatched chairs and walls covered in Italian drink bottles. I went for lunch once and stayed for two hours because the atmosphere was too cozy to leave. Their seafood pasta is unreal, with clams, mussels, and shrimp swimming in a garlicky white sauce.

Everything tastes fresh and bright, like the ingredients were picked that morning. The staff speaks Italian and treats you like family, even if it’s your first time there. They also have a burrata appetizer that practically melts on your tongue.

It’s a bit pricier than other hole-in-the-wall spots, but the quality and experience justify every penny. Bring a date or your best friend and prepare to be impressed.

Emilio’s Ballato

Emilio’s Ballato on East Houston has been serving red sauce classics since 1956, and it hasn’t changed much since. The walls are covered in celebrity photos, but the real stars are the meatballs—massive, tender, and swimming in marinara that tastes like Sunday dinner. I’ve been going here for years, and it never disappoints.

The veal parmigiana is another standout, crispy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth tender inside. Portions are huge, so come hungry or plan to take home leftovers. The staff has attitude in the best way possible, treating regulars like royalty and newcomers with playful sass.

It’s cash-only and often crowded, but the wait is always worth it. This is old-school New York Italian at its absolute peak.

Lil’ Frankie’s

Lil’ Frankie’s on First Avenue is the neighborhood spot where everyone knows everyone, and the pizza oven never stops blazing. Their Neapolitan-style pies come out blistered and smoky, with toppings that range from classic margherita to creative seasonal combos. I love sitting at the outdoor tables in summer, watching the East Village buzz by while I devour a pizza topped with spicy soppressata.

The salads are surprisingly excellent too, with fresh greens and tangy vinaigrettes that balance out all that cheese. Prices are reasonable for the quality, and the vibe is laid-back and unpretentious. They also serve a mean tiramisu that’s light, boozy, and exactly what you need after a big meal.

No reservations, so expect a wait during peak hours. But good food is always worth a little patience.

John’s Of 12th Street

Walking into John’s of 12th Street feels like stepping into a romantic Italian movie scene. Candles flicker on every table, and the aroma of garlic and tomatoes fills the air. I took my partner here for our anniversary, and the old-world charm made the night unforgettable. Their lasagna is a masterpiece, layered with rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and bubbling mozzarella.

The chicken scarpariello is another must-try, with tender chicken, sausage, and peppers in a tangy lemon sauce. Service is warm and attentive without being overbearing. The prices are fair, especially considering the generous portions and quality ingredients.

It’s the perfect spot for a special occasion or just a night when you want to feel pampered. Make a reservation because this hidden gem fills up fast.

Peasant

Peasant in Nolita takes rustic Italian cooking seriously, with a wood-burning oven as the centerpiece of the open kitchen. Everything here is cooked over fire, giving dishes a smoky depth that’s hard to replicate. I ordered the roasted chicken once and nearly proposed to the chef because it was that good—crispy skin, juicy meat, and herbs that sang.

Their pasta changes seasonally, but every version I’ve tried has been outstanding. Prices are moderate, and the drink list is impressive without being intimidating.

It’s a bit more polished than your typical hole-in-the-wall, but the food and vibe are pure Italian soul. Perfect for impressing someone or treating yourself to something special.

Da Nico

Da Nico on Mulberry Street is a no-frills spot where the food does all the talking. The pizza is thin, crispy, and topped with quality ingredients that let each flavor shine. I stumbled in here after a long day of sightseeing and left feeling like I’d discovered a secret treasure. Their penne alla vodka is creamy perfection, with just the right balance of tomato and cream.

The staff is friendly and efficient, getting food to your table fast without making you feel rushed. Prices are reasonable, especially for Little Italy, where tourist traps abound. They also have great pasta specials that change daily, so there’s always something new to try.

It’s small and often crowded, but that’s part of the charm. Grab a seat and enjoy honest, delicious Italian food.

Rao’s

Rao’s in East Harlem is legendary, and getting a table here is harder than winning the lottery. Reservations are basically passed down through families, and the tiny restaurant only seats about ten tables. I was lucky enough to snag a spot through a friend of a friend, and it was worth every string I had to pull. Their meatballs are iconic, swimming in marinara that tastes like it’s been simmering for days.

The lemon chicken is another standout, tangy and tender with a sauce you’ll want to sop up with bread. Everything is made with love and tradition, recipes that haven’t changed in decades. The atmosphere is intimate and exclusive, with regulars who’ve been coming for generations.

It’s nearly impossible to get in, but if you can, it’s a meal you’ll never forget.

Supper

Supper on East 2nd Street is the kind of place where you feel instantly at home. The menu is straightforward, focusing on well-executed classics rather than fancy tricks. I love their bucatini all’amatriciana, with thick pasta tubes coated in a spicy tomato and guanciale sauce that packs a flavorful punch. The portions are generous, and the prices are shockingly affordable for the quality.

The space is cozy and casual, with a neighborhood vibe that makes you want to become a regular. They also have a great selection of Italian drinks that pair perfectly with the food. Service is friendly and knowledgeable, happy to make recommendations if you’re unsure what to order.

No reservations, so arrive early or be prepared to wait. But once you’re seated, you’ll forget all about the wait.

Frankie 457 Spuntino

Frankie 457 Spuntino in Carroll Gardens is famous for its hidden garden, a magical outdoor space that feels worlds away from the city. I ate there on a warm summer night, and the twinkling lights and cozy atmosphere made it unforgettable. Their meatball sliders are addictive, with perfectly seasoned meat and tangy marinara on soft rolls. The pasta is all homemade, and you can taste the difference in every bite.

They also serve excellent salads and antipasti, perfect for sharing with a group. Prices are reasonable, and the portions are satisfying without being overwhelming. The staff is welcoming and attentive, making you feel like a valued guest.

The garden seating is first-come, first-served, so get there early if you want that experience. Either way, the food is worth the trip to Brooklyn.