Best Upscale Salad in Little Italy | Top 2 Upscale Spots

16 restaurants in Best Upscale Salad in Little Italy | Top 2 Upscale Spots

• 12 Chairs — Middle Eastern · rated 4.2/5: 12 Chairs captures the vibrant, sun-drenched energy of a Tel Aviv cafe, where the air is thick with the scent of freshly baked pita and toasted spices. Diners gather around rustic tables to share velvety swirls of hummus and vibrant, herb-flecked salads that celebrate the bright, bold flavors of the Mediterranean. This lively neighborhood sanctuary transforms every meal into a spirited celebration of Middle Eastern hospitality, where the warmth of communal dining turns a simple gathering into a soulful experience.
• Indochine — Vietnamese · rated 4/5: Step into a lush, atmospheric sanctuary where the vibrant energy of Southeast Asia meets timeless sophistication, enveloping guests in a world of tropical elegance and moody, evocative lighting. The kitchen artfully balances delicate textures and bold spices, from the refreshing crunch of herb-filled summer rolls and zesty beef salads to the irresistible golden heat of salt-and-pepper rock shrimp. Each plate, whether a silken Vietnamese ravioli or a bright branzino crudo, serves as a fragrant journey through a landscape of exotic flavors and refined culinary artistry.
• Pasquale Jones — Italian · rated 3/5: Pasquale Jones hums with an effortless urban energy, where the glow of the open kitchen illuminates a space dedicated to the vibrant, seasonal flavors of the Mediterranean. Crisp market chicories and delicate fennel salads provide a bright, herbaceous counterpoint to the rich depth of tender ricotta meatballs and the smoky sweetness of wood-charred red prawns. The experience is one of refined simplicity, where every plate—from the silken tuna crudo to the brittle crunch of pane carasau—celebrates the beauty of pristine ingredients handled with expert care.
• Ray's — American · rated 3/5: Stepping into Ray's feels like a warm embrace of classic Americana, where the crunch of golden-brown onion rings and the spicy aroma of buffalo wings set the stage for a spirited gathering. Friends huddle over overflowing plates of nachos and signature "Red Hots," while the kitchen turns out hearty Cuban sandwiches and crisp wedge salads that elevate traditional comfort food into a soulful neighborhood feast.
• Parm — Italian · rated 3/5: Step into a spirited celebration of Italian-American comfort, where retro charm meets a modern pulse and the air is thick with the irresistible aroma of toasted garlic and bubbling mozzarella. The kitchen turns out elevated renditions of soul-warming classics, from shatteringly crisp zucchini and herb-flecked pesto arancini to tender, sauce-drenched meatballs that anchor a table meant for sharing. Zesty buffalo cucumbers and vibrant, leafy salads provide a bright, crunchy counterpoint to the indulgent, golden-fried starters, creating a lively dining experience that feels like a perpetual neighborhood celebration.
• Cafe Clementine — American: Cafe Clementine serves as a sun-drenched sanctuary where the steam from hearty, slow-simmered soups meets the vibrant, crisp textures of garden-fresh salads. From the fragrant, spice-laden depths of West African peanut broth to the bright, tangy bite of marinated artichoke sandwiches, every dish is a masterclass in artisanal comfort. This neighborhood gem transforms the midday meal into a soulful retreat, offering a refined yet cozy space where every bite feels like a handcrafted embrace.
• GMT Tavern — American: This inviting neighborhood tavern pulses with a warm, social energy, drawing guests into a space where the aroma of salty Brauhaus pretzels and zesty, golden-fried wings fills the air. The kitchen balances indulgence with freshness, pairing crispy calamari and coconut-crusted shrimp with vibrant, garden-fresh salads that celebrate seasonal flavors. Whether settling in for a comforting bowl of the daily soup or sharing a platter of classic pub favorites, diners find a relaxed sanctuary perfect for lingering over good food and spirited conversation.
• Bowery Meat Company — Steakhouse: This stylish destination blends mid-century glamour with a sophisticated energy, where the clinking of martini glasses meets the briny scent of glistening seafood towers and chilled oysters. Velvety house-made ricotta and delicate hamachi crudo lead the way for an indulgent experience, complemented by the crisp snap of artisanal salads and the decadent, salty pop of premium caviar. It is a masterclass in modern luxury that celebrates the finest ingredients with artistic precision, creating a dining atmosphere that feels both timelessly classic and vibrantly current.
• Lafayette Grand Café & Bakery — French: This grand, high-ceilinged brasserie hums with the vibrant energy of a Parisian landmark, where the scent of fresh-baked bread from the bustling bakery mingles with the sophisticated charm of a sun-drenched dining room. The experience unfolds over chilled platters of market oysters and silky hamachi, leading into soul-warming classics like bubbling French onion soup and garlic-kissed escargots Lyonnaise. Whether tucking into a vibrant heirloom beet salad or a decadent prime steak tartare, every dish captures a timeless elegance that makes each meal feel like a celebratory escape.
• Kiki's — Greek: Bathed in an atmosphere of effortless Mediterranean charm, this vibrant taverna invites guests to linger over a kaleidoscope of silken dips and sun-ripened flavors. From the sharp tang of barrel-aged feta to the earthy richness of fava and smoky eggplant, every plate celebrates the rustic simplicity of the Greek islands through vibrant, soul-warming ingredients. Crisp, herb-flecked salads and briny olives round out a communal dining experience that feels like a sun-drenched afternoon on the Aegean coast.
• Bacaro — Italian: Bacaro captures the spirited essence of a Venetian wine bar, where the clinking of glasses and the vibrant colors of seasonal produce create an inviting, lively hum. Plates of buttery Castelvetrano olives and marbled bresaola share the table with crisp, garden-fresh salads and steaming bowls of hearty pasta and bean soup, celebrating the beauty of simple, high-quality ingredients. It is a space designed for lingering over a glass of wine and a spread of savory bar snacks, offering a refined yet relaxed escape that feels both timeless and contemporary.
• Les Enfants de Bohème — French: This sun-drenched neighborhood bistro captures the soulful spirit of a Parisian corner, where the inviting aroma of bubbling Gruyère and garlic-herb butter drifts through a warm, unpretentious space. Diners linger over velvety duck liver mousse and briny oysters on the half shell, transitioning seamlessly from crisp garden salads to communal pots of mussels bathed in fragrant Dijon cream. Whether sharing a molten wheel of roasted Camembert or a classic bowl of French onion soup, every meal feels like a leisurely escape into the heart of bohemian cafe culture.
• Bayard Sushi — Japanese: Bayard Sushi invites diners into a bright, tranquil space where the art of the salad is elevated through vibrant textures and the freshest coastal flavors. Each dish celebrates a delicate balance of creamy avocado, sun-ripened mango, and spice-kissed seafood, offering a refreshing experience centered on bowls that are as visually stunning as they are nourishing.
• Lovely Day — Thai: Lovely Day feels like a sun-drenched neighborhood retreat where the comforting warmth of a hearty Irish breakfast meets the vibrant, zesty crunch of Southeast Asian-inspired fare. Diners can transition from fluffy, farm-fresh omelettes to crisp green papaya salads and delicate summer rolls, all served in an inviting space that hums with a relaxed, creative energy. It is a place where fresh, market-driven ingredients are transformed into bright, flavorful plates that feel both soul-satisfying and refreshingly unexpected.
• Butler — American: Butler hums with the vibrant energy of a neighborhood hub, where the scent of freshly toasted grains and artisanal coffee fills a bright, sun-drenched space. Mornings invite guests to linger over jewel-toned acai bowls and creamy avocado toast, while the afternoon brings a shift toward bold, savory flavors like succulent rotisserie chicken and spicy gochujang pork tucked into crusty bread. Whether grabbing a flaky breakfast empanada on the go or settling in for a vibrant delicata squash salad, every dish feels like a thoughtful, elevated take on daily nourishment.
• L&L Hawaiian Barbecue — American: L&L Hawaiian Barbecue captures the vibrant, sun-soaked spirit of the islands through hearty plate lunches that serve as a soulful tribute to Hawaii’s diverse culinary heritage. Sizzling grills produce smoky charred short ribs and caramel-glazed chicken, while golden-fried katsu and tender kalua pork find their perfect companions in the iconic pairing of fluffy white rice and cool, creamy macaroni salad. This bustling, unpretentious spot invites diners to dive into the rich, savory depths of a gravy-smothered loco moco, offering a genuine taste of aloha in every generous, comforting bite.