Best Date Spots in Nolita and Little Italy in New York

Rubirosa brings old-school Italian-American charm to Nolita, making it a lovely choice for a casual dinner date. Known for its signature thin-crust pizzas and fresh handmade pasta, the restaurant is perfect for sharing a few favorites over good conversation. Its lively neighborhood atmosphere makes it a fun spot to start a romantic evening before heading out to explore the city together.

Torrisi brings a sophisticated take on Italian dining to Nolita, making it a beautiful choice for a romantic dinner or special occasion. Located on Mulberry Street, the restaurant from Major Food Group puts a creative spin on Italian-American classics, with an à la carte menu that's fun to explore together. Whether you're celebrating an anniversary or looking to impress your date, Torrisi offers an elegant setting for a memorable evening in New York.

Emporio is an Italian restaurant on Mott Street where thin-crust pizza is the focus. The pizza topped with sausage, pecorino shavings and honey is the one to try, and the steak and cacio e pepe earn nods too. A dining room at the back, under skylights, adds more seating beyond the front room.

Balzem brings rustic Mediterranean charm to Nolita, with soft candlelight, exposed brick, vintage mirrors and a high beamed ceiling that create a warm, romantic atmosphere. Settle in at the reclaimed pine bar for drinks or share a cozy dinner over dishes like Turkish beef dumplings, Hummus Balzem and grilled whole branzino. The intimate setting makes it a lovely choice for a first date or a relaxed evening together.

Beyond The Pale brings a lively Irish pub atmosphere to Nolita, with warm globe lighting, cozy leather booths and a relaxed setting that's perfect for a first date. Settle into one of the tables in the back for a little more privacy, order a round of cocktails and get to know each other over espresso martinis and a side of curly fries. It's a fun, low-key spot for drinks without the formality of a traditional cocktail lounge.

Epistrophy is a charming Nolita spot on Mott Street that makes a lovely setting for a first date. Its relaxed neighborhood atmosphere is perfect for getting to know someone over drinks or a casual meal, whether you're meeting for the first time or spending an evening exploring the neighborhood together.

The same family has run Il Cortile since 1975 in Little Italy. This long-established Italian restaurant suits a classic Little Italy night amid the bustle of Mulberry Street. The cooking is rich in flavor, and the fettuccine di parma gets a mention. The cast of The Sopranos reportedly took departing actors here for a meal.

Estela is up a short flight of stairs on Houston Street, a snug room with a relaxed, unfussy feel. Chef Ignacio Mattos opened this intimate downtown bistro in 2013. Small plates come out for sharing, with candles lighting the table. The endive salad is a signature dish, and the restaurant is also a good pick for date nights.

Grab a seat at the bar along the open kitchen at Pasquale Jones, a Nolita pizza restaurant with an easygoing mood and a touch of polish. Two wood-burning ovens produce much of the menu, and the clam pizza with littleneck clams is the signature pie. Expect pies with a puffy, chewy crust and good char, plus a wine list full of lesser-known Italian varieties. It is a pick for date nights and special occasions.

Peasant is a rustic Italian restaurant in Nolita, dark and candlelit, with a smoky smell drifting from the wood fire. The dark, candlelit room gives a dinner for two a cozy backdrop. The cooking is built around live flame and a wood-burning oven. We recommend the roasted skate with breadcrumbs, tomato and capers, and the wood-fire-charred octopus.