Best Restaurants for Creative Cuisine in Little Italy

19 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Beauty & Essex- New York restaurant

1. Beauty & Essex- New York

4.6

Exceptional(9941)

Price: Expensive

• Unspecified • Lower East Side

Booked 76 times today

Beauty & Essex has an innovative design that starts in the restaurant’s entrance, a well-curated modern-day pawn shop replete with a saxophone, boombox, quirky artifacts, vintage treasures, and an eclectic array of “one-off” pieces of jewelry. Continuing past the pawnshop, guests encounter a grand, circular staircase wrapped around a two-story custom chandelier, but only the adventurous will discover all that Beauty & Essex has to offer. With four distinct dining rooms (one private), two bars, a lounge, and a women’s bathroom complete with a salon including a luxurious sofa, and antique perfume bottles. The cuisine, much like the design, is intended to set a new course. Chef Chris Santos was one of the pioneers of the small, share plate dining trend that has swept the nation, and with the Beauty & Essex menu, he once again has created waves on the food scene.

2. The River Cafe

4.9

Exceptional(9201)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • DUMBO

Booked 26 times today

River Cafe, nestled under the Brooklyn Bridge, is renowned for its exquisite setting, beautiful decor, and award-winning wine list. Reviewers laud its 'creative and delicious cuisine', 'amazing little bites in between courses', and 'fantastic view'. The restaurant's commitment to quality and service, along with its 'magical' ambiance, make it a unique dining experience that goes beyond just a meal.

3. Cecconi's Dumbo

4.6

Exceptional(5257)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Italian • DUMBO

Booked 147 times today

In support of the regulations issued by the city of New York, Cecconi’s Dumbo is now open for outdoor seating until 11pm. Cecconi’s Dumbo is a modern day classic Italian restaurant near Brooklyn Bridge park, specializing in hand-made pasta, wood-fired pizza and other Italian staples. Originating in Venice and with outposts in London and West Hollywood, Cecconi’s has become a critically acclaimed dining destination featuring simply prepared Venetian inspired food. With waterfront views of the Manhattan Skyline, join us in our main dining room, bar or patio dinner and weekend brunch seven days a week. Cecconi’s offers an elegant and relaxed dining experience for all guests.

4. Casa Bond

4.6

Exceptional(92)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • NoHo

Booked 3 times today

Casa Bond offers a vibrant dining experience, blending creative, modern Mexican cuisine with a chic, Bohemian atmosphere. Named one of "New York's Best New Restaurants of 2023" by the Financial Times, we’re known for standout dishes like Aguachile and Gobernador Tacos. Join us for an unforgettable meal that captures the essence of authentic Mexican flavors with a contemporary twist. Perfect for those seeking top-notch service, exceptional food, and a lively, artistic ambiance.

5. Essex

4.5

Awesome(3196)

Price: Expensive

• Fusion / Eclectic • Lower East Side

Booked 19 times today

Lower East Side pioneer famous for award winning contemporary cuisine, oyster happy hours & NYC's original bottomless brunch party. A vibrant multi-level space in the historic Shapiro's Winery, Essex offers intimate seating as well as group dining and event spaces. Essex's New American Dinner Menu, guided by Chef Steffen Sander, who has helmed some of New York's top Michelin-Starred restaurants, showcases seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients, with extensive vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, as well as burgers & classic steakhouse fare. Our Prime Cuts Menu features shareable Dry Aged and Prime Angus Steaks. Join us for Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Dinner and indulge in as special Three-Course Christmas Dinner as well as items from our regular dinner menu and kid's menu. Our 25th Annual New Year's Eve Celebration features a three-course dinner with champagne toast and music by DJ Eric Visa. Enjoy our Bonus Bottomless Brunches on Christmas Day & New Year's Day.

6. ASKA

4.9

Exceptional(68)

Price: Very Expensive

• Nordic • Williamsburg

Booked 7 times today

Chef Fredrik Berselius brings his love of nature to his urban surroundings through food at Brooklyn's only two Michelin-starred restaurant. With an emphasis on ingredients from the Northeastern region and influenced by his Scandinavian homeland, Aska, Swedish for "ashes," offers a distinctive dining experience through a procession of courses prepared from an open kitchen and served to guests of only ten tables each night.

7. Le B.

4.4

Awesome(18)

Price: Very Expensive

• European • West Village

Booked 2 times today

Continental cuisine, for the modern diner. Restaurant Le B. is a celebratory, lively, dinner setting that is rooted in the culture of Downtown Manhattan. Staying true to form, Chef Angie Mar’s cuisine mines history for forgotten pleasures, with a focus on land air and sea. Tableside presentations and over the top excess has always been a hallmark of Mar’s style. Awarded Four Stars by Forbes, Best New Restaurant by Conde Nast Traveler, Financial Times and Robb Report, and rated 50 Best in America by Esquire Magazine, her award winning team’s overwhelming hospitality coupled with the essence of her cult favorite restaurant, The Beatrice Inn, are carried through in this next iteration of downtown dining, with a sophisticated and playful point of view. *Please note that Le Burger is not available in the Dining Room, and is first come first serve exclusively at our Bar. If you'd like to experience Le Burger, we invite you to book our Bar Experience by calling the restaurant directly.

A photo of Le Jardinier - New York restaurant

8. Le Jardinier - New York

4.6

Exceptional(436)

Price: Very Expensive

• French • Midtown East

Booked 15 times today

Le Jardinier is an approachable yet refined hyper-seasonal restaurant from Michelin-starred Chef Alain Verzeroli. Rooted in classic French technique, Verzeroli has created a menu where seasonality a prominent role: local, seasonal fruits and vegetables, fresh herbs, and greens are complemented by sustainable proteins. The wine list features over 350 references, and has an international focus drawing heavily on the French regions of Champagne, Burgundy, and Bordeaux. Cocktails utilize high quality craft spirits, fortified wines, fresh herbs, and house made tinctures and bitters.

A photo of Tokugawa - Madison restaurant

9. Tokugawa - Madison

4.6

Exceptional(60)

Price: Expensive

• Sushi • Upper East Side

Booked 7 times today

Coming Soon!

A photo of 87 Sussex - Jersey City restaurant

10. 87 Sussex - Jersey City

4.7

Exceptional(94)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Jersey City

Booked 2 times today

Open for Dinner Tuesday - Sunday.Opening for Brunch Saturdays & Sundays beginning 05/04.A memorable culinary journey awaits at 87 Sussex, a new gourmet experience offering refined dining in the heart of Jersey City in the quaint neighborhood of Paulus Hook at 87 Sussex Street. 87 Sussex is a true landmark of style featuring thoughtfully prepared menus inspired by global flavors and authentic ingredients, creating dishes of elevated American fare with special attention to delectable vegetarian dishes.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

N
nancy
San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
I made a reservation for my niece and her Australian boyfriend who are visiting New York from Toronto. Her Nana and I treated them to dinner for her birthday. They absolutely loved it! And judging by the photos, the food looked fabulous! Thank you for the extra touch by giving her a birthday cupcake. I’ve been hearing about Beauty & Essex for years from a fellow Canadian. I hope I get to visit one day! Thanks again for giving them a wonderful experience.
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Beauty & Essex- New YorkPrice: Expensive• Unspecified• Lower East Side
•
4.6
W
WayneVIP
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Great experience across the board - good, drinks, service. Luis and his team were wonderful. Highly recommended.
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Casa BondPrice: Expensive• Mexican• NoHo
•
4.6
S
Stephen
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 16, 2024
The best meal we’ve ever had. The tasting menu was incredible and the wine pairings were perfect. The service was impeccable and our every need was anticipated. We will definitely be back!
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Le Jardinier - New YorkPrice: Very Expensive• French• Midtown East
•
4.6
T
Tim
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined on Dec 16, 2024
Essex food and service were totally on point. Vibe was very mellow, but we were dining on a Sunday night. We shared a burrata flatbread which was very good but the steak was the star. The Porterhouse Steak for Two, which could easily serve three, was on another level of awesome and was cooked to perfection. I've been to all the name steakhouses and this may have been the best steak I ever had. Shout out to Kate, our server, for her excellent food and wine recommendations. Will be back!
More info
EssexPrice: Expensive• Fusion / Eclectic• Lower East Side
•
4.5
RA
RobertA
New York City •13 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 4, 2023
Fantastic creative cuisine served by professionals in a beautiful space- what's not to like? Angie Mar's personal touch made it even better!
More info
Le B.Price: Very Expensive• European• West Village
•
4.4

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Little Italy

Best Restaurants for Creative Cuisine in Little Italy

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19 restaurants available nearby

1. Beauty & Essex- New York

2. The River Cafe

3. Cecconi's Dumbo

4. Casa Bond

5. Essex

6. ASKA

7. Le B.

8. Le Jardinier - New York

9. Tokugawa - Madison

10. 87 Sussex - Jersey City

See what locals rave about

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