Best Upscale Paleo Restaurants in Little Italy | Upscale & Paleo

30 restaurants in Best Upscale Paleo Restaurants in Little Italy | Upscale & Paleo

• Orchard Grocer — American · rated 5/5: This vibrant neighborhood gem reimagines the classic deli experience, where the nostalgic aroma of toasted bagels and savory schmear mingles with the sun-drenched energy of a bustling morning. Towering, inventive sandwiches like the Miles and the Bowery offer a satisfying harmony of textures and bold flavors, while the signature breakfast burrito provides a warm, hearty embrace for the soul. Whether you’re grabbing a crisp Orchard Cobb to go or lingering over a perfectly pressed roll, it’s a charming corner where modern culinary creativity meets the timeless spirit of the city.
• The Wren — American · rated 5/5: Bathed in a warm, convivial glow, this spirited gathering spot invites guests to linger over a vibrant array of elevated snacks and shareable plates designed for social dining. The air hums with energy as tables fill with charred shishito peppers, smoky brisket croquettes, and velvety whipped ricotta, each bite celebrating bold textures and communal flavors. Whether diving into a golden-fried chicken sandwich or sampling colorful vegetable dips, diners find a welcoming retreat where sophisticated comfort food takes center stage.
• Raf's — Italian · rated 5/5: Sunlight dances across a counter laden with golden, shatteringly crisp pastries, where the buttery aroma of fresh-baked croissants and caramelized sugar fills the air. This chic neighborhood haunt elevates the morning ritual with an array of artisanal treasures, from savory parcels of prosciutto and taleggio to decadent harissa chocolate cake and jewel-like seasonal tarts.
• Pecking House — Chinese · rated 5/5: Pecking House reimagines the classic fried chicken joint as a vibrant crossroads of Southern comfort and bold Sichuan heat, where the air hums with the aromatic scent of toasted chilies and sizzling poultry. Diners dive into shatteringly crisp chili chicken and spice-dusted wings that pair perfectly with smoky turkey bacon fried rice and the refreshing, charred crunch of wok-fried lettuce. From the fiery kick of handmade wontons to the savory depth of their signature sandwiches, every bite offers a masterclass in texture and a soulful celebration of cross-cultural flavors.
• Sōrate — Japanese · rated 5/5: Sōrate invites guests into a tranquil, minimalist sanctuary where the ancient ritual of Japanese tea is performed with modern elegance and quiet precision. Vibrant clouds of emerald matcha are whisked to a delicate froth in ceramic bowls, while the nutty aroma of roasted hojicha and the deep, oceanic notes of superior gyokuro fill the air. Whether exploring a flight of rare shade-grown powders or savoring a steaming pot of sencha, the experience is a sensory immersion into the refined soul of traditional tea culture.
• Noona's — Korean · rated 5/5: Noona’s transforms the simple joy of a frozen treat into a sophisticated exploration of heritage and whimsy, where the air is sweet with the scent of toasted grains and warm spices. Silky scoops of earthy matcha and vibrant ube latte mingle with playful, texture-rich creations like crunchy honeycomb and chewy banana pudding mochi. It is a modern creamery that celebrates cross-cultural flavors, inviting guests to rediscover nostalgic comforts through a bold, artisanal lens.
• Los Tacos No.1 — Mexican · rated 4.8/5: The air hums with the rhythmic chop of cleavers and the savory scent of marinated pork searing on the trompo, instantly transporting diners to a vibrant Mexican street corner. Hand-pressed corn tortillas, still warm from the griddle, serve as the perfect canvas for succulent meats topped with a bright burst of lime and house-made salsas that dance on the palate.
• Da Silvano — Italian · rated 4.8/5: Sun-drenched sidewalk tables under iconic yellow awnings offer a front-row seat to the vibrant pulse of Greenwich Village, where the clinking of wine glasses mingles with spirited conversation. The kitchen breathes life into the rustic traditions of Tuscany, serving up soul-warming bowls of handmade pasta and tender, herb-infused meats that capture the effortless elegance of a long, leisurely afternoon in Florence.
• Briciola Pizza Bar — Italian · rated 4.8/5: Briciola Pizza Bar pulses with the vibrant energy of a modern Italian enoteca, where the intoxicating aroma of wood-fired dough and simmering San Marzano tomatoes draws guests into its warm, convivial embrace. Beneath the soft glow of the oven, diners tear into artisanal pies boasting perfectly blistered crusts and hand-pulled mozzarella, paired with crisp glasses of wine that flow as freely as the conversation. It is a sanctuary of soulful flavors where rustic craftsmanship meets a sleek, social atmosphere, turning every meal into a spirited celebration of the perfect crumb.
• Lei — Chinese · rated 4.8/5: Lei invites guests into a sanctuary of refined elegance, where the soft glow of silk lanterns illuminates a space filled with the fragrant steam of jasmine tea and the rhythmic, soulful sizzle of the wok. The kitchen masterfully balances the bold, numbing heat of traditional spices with the delicate sweetness of fresh ingredients, creating a vibrant tapestry of regional flavors that transforms every shared plate into an evocative celebration of Chinese culinary artistry.
• Song’ E Napule — Italian · rated 4.7/5: Song’ E Napule captures the boisterous, sun-drenched spirit of Naples, where the rhythmic clatter of plates and the intoxicating aroma of wood-fired crusts fill a space adorned with vibrant azure accents and spirited soccer memorabilia. Diners dive into pillowy Neapolitan pizzas and silken pastas that sing with the brightness of San Marzano tomatoes, all served with a passionate energy that transforms a simple meal into a lively Mediterranean escape.
• Yum Cha — Chinese · rated 4.7/5: Steaming bamboo baskets arrive in a rhythmic procession, unveiling translucent shrimp dumplings and honey-glazed pork buns that perfume the air with ginger and five-spice. The space hums with the convivial energy of shared stories and clinking porcelain, creating a vibrant backdrop for a leisurely feast where the ancient art of tea-drinking meets a kaleidoscope of handcrafted delicacies.
• Jerrell's BETR BRGR — American · rated 4.7/5: Bathed in the glow of vibrant neon and retro-cool aesthetics, this high-energy haunt reimagines the classic American burger joint with a bold, plant-based soul. Sizzling patties are layered with gooey cheese and zesty signature sauce, paired perfectly with golden waffle fries and thick, velvety shakes that deliver a nostalgic punch of flavor for the modern diner.
• Kalye — Filipino · rated 4.7/5: Kalye transports diners to the heart of a bustling Manila night market, where the air is thick with the intoxicating scent of garlic-infused rice and the smoky char of street-style skewers. The vibrant, urban space hums with a communal energy, offering a soulful exploration of Filipino heritage through bold plates that masterfully balance punchy citrus brightness with rich, slow-simmered depths.
• Café Habana — Mexican · rated 4.6/5: This vibrant urban retreat pulses with energy, drawing guests in with the intoxicating scent of charred corn, zesty lime, and slow-simmered spices. Inside, neon lights and retro accents create a lively backdrop for savoring bold Mexican flavors, from smoky, cheese-dusted elote to tender meats infused with the heat of sun-drenched chilis. It is a sensory celebration of street-food soul, where every plate captures the spirited warmth and festive rhythm of a bustling neighborhood cantina.
• Boqueria Soho — Spanish · rated 4.6/5: Stepping into this vibrant corner of Soho feels like being transported to a bustling Barcelona market, where the air hums with the energy of shared conversations and the rhythmic clatter of small plates. Golden light spills over marble counters as the kitchen turns out a parade of smoky pimentón-dusted tapas and bubbling pans of paella, inviting guests to lose themselves in a communal celebration of bold Spanish flavors and flowing cava.
• Set L.E.S — American · rated 4.6/5: Bathed in the glow of neon lights and framed by exposed brick, Set L.E.S. captures the restless, electric spirit of the Lower East Side. The kitchen elevates the American gastropub experience, sending out a parade of smoky, glazed skewers and inventive small plates that burst with bold, savory flavors designed for sharing. It is a high-energy sanctuary where craft cocktails and communal dining create a sensory backdrop for an evening that feels both effortlessly cool and vibrantly social.
• Piacere — Italian · rated 4.6/5: Piacere captures the soul of Italy in a sun-drenched space where the aroma of toasted garlic and slow-simmered ragù drifts through an atmosphere of effortless elegance. Guests linger over silken ribbons of hand-rolled pasta and vibrant, seasonal antipasti, savoring a dining experience that elevates simple ingredients into a celebration of flavor. It is a sanctuary of warmth and light, where every pour of robust wine and every shared plate feels like a heartfelt toast to the joy of living.
• Ramen Ishida — Japanese · rated 4.6/5: This intimate, minimalist sanctuary invites diners to settle into a narrow counter where the rhythmic clatter of noodle baskets and the gentle simmer of pots create a focused, soulful soundtrack. Crystalline chicken broths are elevated by the earthy perfume of truffle and the delicate snap of thin, artisanal noodles, resulting in a bowl that feels both profoundly traditional and strikingly modern. Each slurp reveals a masterclass in balance, providing a serene escape where the complex depth of umami meets the quiet elegance of Japanese craftsmanship.
• Torrisi — Italian · rated 4.6/5: Torrisi pulses with the vibrant, high-octane energy of a modern New York landmark, where the historic charm of the Puck Building meets a glamorous dining room anchored by the theatrical hum of an open kitchen. The experience serves as a sophisticated love letter to Italian-American heritage, weaving together the nostalgic aromas of a traditional deli with masterfully refined plates that elevate soul-warming flavors into something truly cinematic.
• Momofuku Ko — Japanese · rated 4.6/5: Diners are drawn into a moody, minimalist theater where a sleek wrap-around counter provides a front-row seat to the meticulous choreography of the open kitchen. The experience celebrates the art of the unexpected, blending disciplined Japanese techniques with bold, imaginative influences to create a multi-course journey that is as intellectually stimulating as it is delicious. Each dish arrives as a miniature masterpiece, balancing refined elegance with a vibrant, modern energy that redefines the traditional omakase.
• Divya’s Kitchen — Indian · rated 4.6/5: Step into a serene sanctuary where the air is perfumed with the gentle warmth of toasted spices and the calming essence of an Ayurvedic kitchen. Each dish is a vibrant tapestry of healing ingredients, from golden kitchari to herb-flecked vegetable bowls, meticulously crafted to nourish both the body and the spirit. This sun-drenched space invites a mindful approach to Indian cuisine, where ancient wisdom meets modern elegance in every balanced, flavorful bite.
• Mictlān — Mexican · rated 4.6/5: Mictlān transports guests to a shadowy, candlelit realm where the ancient spirit of Mexico is channeled through the intoxicating fragrance of wood-smoke and hand-ground spices. The experience unfolds across a landscape of velvety moles and heirloom corn, where every bite of tender, slow-cooked protein and sip of artisanal mezcal pays homage to the vibrant, soulful traditions of the Oaxacan highlands.
• V-Nam Cafe — Vietnamese · rated 4.6/5: V-Nam Cafe invites diners into a world of vibrant aromatics, where the steam from slow-simmered phở broths carries notes of star anise and charred ginger through the cozy, bustling space. The experience centers on a masterful balance of textures and temperatures, from the shatteringly crisp crust of a savory banh mi to the cooling crunch of fresh herbs and zesty citrus that brighten every soul-warming bowl.
• Misirizzi — Italian · rated 4.6/5: This charming neighborhood escape wraps guests in a warm embrace of rustic textures and soft, amber light, setting a whimsical stage for soulful Italian cooking. Hand-rolled pastas take center stage, tossed in vibrant, herb-flecked sauces that celebrate the seasons alongside crisp wines and effervescent spritzes. The atmosphere hums with the convivial spirit of a modern trattoria, inviting diners to linger over the comforting aromas of freshly baked focaccia and slow-simmered ragu.
• Ba‘al Cafe & Falafel — Middle Eastern · rated 4.6/5: Ba‘al Cafe & Falafel is a sun-drenched sanctuary where the air is thick with the intoxicating scent of toasted cumin and the irresistible fragrance of chickpeas crisping in the fryer. Golden, herb-flecked falafel offers a satisfying crunch that gives way to a tender, steaming center, served alongside velvety hummus and zesty pickles that capture the soulful, sun-kissed essence of Levantine
• May Kaidee — Thai · rated 4.6/5: May Kaidee serves as a vibrant sanctuary where the bold, aromatic flavors of Thailand are reimagined through a soulful plant-based lens. Guests are greeted by the intoxicating scent of fresh galangal and kaffir lime as they settle into an unpretentious space that celebrates the art of healthy, traditional cooking. Each plate arrives as a colorful mosaic of garden-fresh vegetables and hand-ground spices, offering a nourishing journey that proves meatless dining can be both deeply satisfying and explosively flavorful.
• Dame — Seafood · rated 4.6/5: This bustling seafood sanctuary reimagines the classic British chippy with a sophisticated, sun-drenched elegance, where the clinking of glasses mingles with the irresistible aroma of golden-fried delicacies. Diners tuck into plates of impeccably crisp, beer-battered fish and briny, ice-cold oysters that capture the raw essence of the Atlantic, all served within an intimate space defined by white tiles and a vibrant, neighborhood energy.
• Pep's on Grand — Italian · rated 4.6/5: Bathed in the warm glow of amber lights, Pep's on Grand invites guests into a spirited sanctuary where the rhythmic clinking of wine glasses harmonizes with the intoxicating aroma of garlic-infused olive oil. Silken, hand-rolled pastas and slow-simmered sauces celebrate the soulful simplicity of Italian tradition, creating a dining experience that feels both timelessly elegant and vibrantly alive.
• Grandma’s One Pizza — Italian · rated 4.6/5: Stepping into Grandma’s One Pizza feels like a nostalgic journey to a sun-drenched Italian kitchen, where the comforting aroma of toasted garlic and bubbling tomato sauce fills the flour-dusted air. Each hand-stretched pie boasts a perfectly charred, crispy crust that serves as a canvas for vibrant, garden-fresh toppings and molten cheeses, evoking the soulful warmth of a home-cooked meal. This cozy neighborhood gem invites guests to linger over rustic tables, celebrating the simple, timeless joy of a slice made with heart and heritage.