Lil' Frankies – Italian
This boisterous East Village hideaway pulses with a vintage energy, where the crackle of a wood-burning oven and a soulful soundtrack set the stage for long, candlelit nights. Guests crowd around rustic tables to savor blistered Neapolitan pies and the legendary brightness of lemon pasta, all served with an unpretentious flair that captures the effortless charm of a Roman trattoria. It is a spirited sanctuary where the wine flows freely and the atmosphere hums with the vibrant, communal joy of a true neighborhood institution.
19, 1st Avenue, New York, NY, 10003 +1-212-420-4900 https://www.lilfrankies.com/Rating: 4.3/5 (2076 reviews)
Cuisine: Italian
Price range: $$
Dietary options: dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, low-carb, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-sodium, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, dash-sodium-reduced, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, south-beach, aip, alkaline, renal, tlc, volumetrics, lectin-free, macrobiotic, slow-carb, soy-free
What to order at Lil' Frankies
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Kale Caesar | 36 g | 91.7 g |
| Quattro Formaggi | 27.3 g | 35.7 g |
| Heirloom Tomato Salad | 14 g | 34.9 g |
| Capricciosa | 6.3 g | 25.7 g |
| Roasted Beets & Goat Cheese Salad | 33.5 g | 14.4 g |
| Tagliata Toscana | 50.9 g | 11.7 g |
| Stracciatella Mozzarella | 23.4 g | 11 g |
| Spaghetti Cacio & Pepe | 12 g | 6.1 g |
| Margherita DOP | 13.6 g | 5.8 g |
| Burro Alici | 10.3 g | 4.4 g |
| Steamed Mussels | 9.2 g | 2.5 g |
| Seared Salmon | 16.6 g | 2.1 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
Currently open
Hours
- Monday - Thursday
- 11:00 AM - 2:00 AM
- Friday - Saturday
- 11:00 AM - 4:00 AM
- Sunday
- 11:00 AM - 2:00 AM
What diners are saying
Celebrated for its "no-nonsense" old-school Italian charm, Little Frankie’s wins over diners with its cozy, vibrant atmosphere and late-night availability. Guests rave about the wood-fired pizzas with their perfect char and fluffy crusts, alongside standout dishes like the "textbook" chicken parm, homemade tagliatelle Bolognese, and mouthwatering gnocchi. While service is frequently praised as warm and fast, reviewers note the cash-only policy as a key logistical detail to remember before visiting this beloved spot.
Menu
Appetizers
- Stracciatella Mozzarella - $27.95 Dietary tags: Low-Sodium
- Kale Caesar - $23.95 Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, High-Fiber
- Bresaola Salad - $27.95 Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, AIP, Lectin-Free, Soy Free
- Roasted Beets & Goat Cheese Salad - $25.95 Dietary tags: High-Fiber
- Heirloom Tomato Salad - $21.95 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, South-Beach, Alkaline, Slow-Carb
- Steamed Mussels - $24.95 Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free
- Burro Alici - $2.95 Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Renal, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free
Pizza
- Capricciosa - $34.95 Dietary tags: Halal, High-Fiber, Macrobiotic
- Quattro Formaggi - $34.95 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian
- Margherita DOP - $31.95 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC
- Focaccino - $29.95 Dietary tags: Halal, Macrobiotic
Main
- Handmade Ravioli di Spinach & Ricotta - $28.95 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory
- Handmade Gnocchi Sorrentino - $28.95
- Pappardelle Pork Ragu - $33.95
- Spaghetti Cacio & Pepe - $27.95 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Volumetrics, TLC
- Seared Salmon - $27.95 Dietary tags: Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free
- Tagliata Toscana - $32.95 Dietary tags: Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Alkaline, AIP, Renal, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free, Soy Free
Frequently Asked Questions about Lil' Frankies
- What is this restaurant's overall rating?
- Lil' Frankies has an overall average rating of 4.3/5, with diners frequently praising its wood-fired pizzas and handmade gnocchi.
- Which dishes work for multiple diets at once (e.g., keto + gluten-free)?
- Dishes suitable for keto and gluten-free diets include Seared Salmon, Stracciatella Mozzarella, Heirloom Tomato Salad, Bresaola Salad, and Steamed Mussels.
- What are this restaurant's hours of operation?
- The provided data does not list specific hours of operation, though reviews highlight the restaurant's late-night availability for diners.
- Is this restaurant suitable for families?
- The boisterous, communal atmosphere and menu of wood-fired pizzas and handmade pastas make Lil' Frankies a suitable choice for families.
- What are the main concerns mentioned in customer reviews?
- Reviewers highlight the cash-only policy as a key logistical concern to keep in mind before visiting the restaurant.
- What do customers love most about this restaurant according to reviews?
- Reviewers praise the 4.3/5 rated restaurant's cozy atmosphere, late-night availability, warm service, wood-fired pizzas, chicken parm, and gnocchi.
- What type of diner would most enjoy this restaurant?
- Diners seeking a vibrant, late-night Italian experience with wood-fired pizzas, old-school charm, and a boisterous, candlelit atmosphere would enjoy this restaurant.
- What type of cuisine does this restaurant specialize in?
- Lil' Frankies specializes in Italian cuisine, featuring wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, lemon pasta, chicken parm, and traditional Roman trattoria-style dishes.
- Is this restaurant good for casual dining or more upscale?
- Lil' Frankies offers casual dining with unpretentious flair, no-nonsense old-school Italian charm, and moderate ($$) pricing.
- Which diets does this restaurant support based on its menu?
- Supported diets include keto, gluten-free, vegan, and mediterranean, featured in dishes like seared salmon, heirloom tomato salad, and steamed mussels.
- What is the highest-protein dish at Lil' Frankies?
- Kale Caesar, at roughly 91.7g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
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- Via Della Pace — Italian
- Lil Frankie's Grocery — Italian
- 2 Bros Pizza — Italian
- Boni & Mott — Italian
- Fiat Café — Italian
- Gnocco — Italian
- Pasquale Jones — Italian
- il laboratorio del gelato — Italian
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- Frank — Italian
- La Caverna — Italian
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