New York City is a place famous for its food and restaurants. If you've ever been to the Big Apple—or even if you haven't—you probably have heard about Little Italy. This is an area in the lower part of Manhattan that is famous for its Italian cuisine and culture.
Mulberry Street is the main street in Little Italy that you definitely need to check out. For me, the restaurant that stands out from the rest is Angelo's of Mulberry Street. This restaurant is ultimately a family establishment that was opened in 1902.
Let me start off by saying that every time I eat at Angelo's, I can literally go for lunch and stay there for dinner. That's how much time I spend there and how much I eat when I go. When I go with my family, we usually just order a ton of food and pick at everything on the table until we can't move anymore.
The menu has so many options, so here's a little guide to follow if you ever find yourself at Angelo's.
Starters
Cherry Peppers
These are not on the menu, so you have to ask for them. They are sautéed in olive oil and garlic and are absolutely amazing. If you like a kick in your food, these definitely pack a punch, so make sure you have a glass of water handy. These peppers explode with flavor, a garlicky spicy taste. Top these on some bread and you have a great appetizer.
Parmesan Cheese and Bread
Whenever I go to an Italian restaurant, I need my cheese and bread. Luckily, Angelo's doesn't serve less than the best.
Caprese Salad
This salad is an Italian classic. It simply includes fresh tomato, mozzarella cheese, and basil drizzled with olive oil. It is light and refreshing, but full of flavor.
Fried Calamari
Fried calamari is a dish that everybody loves. I feel like this is something you can find anywhere, whether it is Italian or not. However, Italians do it best. This fried calamari is extra tasty, especially with some lemon squeezed on top and when it is dipped in the warm homemade Marinara.
Pasta E Fagioli
This is a soup made with pasta and beans. It is actually the best soup I've ever had. This is only a cup of the soup, but usually they serve you a large bowl of it. Trust me, it is 100% more appetizing than it looks. I recommend adding some Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper on top.
Entrees
Meatballs
These are glorious. They are some of the the tastiest meatballs I've ever had. Eat them with pasta—recommended—or even by themselves for a lighter meal.
Fusili Bolognese
Angelo's has one of the best bolognese—a meat sauce—I have ever had. This dish is my favorite at this restaurant, so this is something you need to try on my behalf.
Gnocchi
If you haven't had gnocchi, you haven't lived. They are little soft potato dumplings that taste like heaven. They are light, yet filling.
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
This dish is good for your carbohydrate, non-meat needs since it only includes spaghetti, garlic, and oil. Those chunks on top are garlic chunks, which give this dish an amazing flavor. Also, it is topped with some crushed red pepper flakes, which gives it some spice. Don't pass up this up, trust me.
Rigatoni Alla Vodka
This here is a rigatoni in a vodka sauce, which is basically a cream-based tomato sauce. The cream makes it a pink sauce, which is so good. I personally like rigatoni, but whichever pasta you like—like the classic penne alla vodka—is just as good.
Shrimp in White Wine
If you want to pass on the carbs, you can opt for this plate, which is packed with protein and is on the lighter side. Although it is only shrimp, there is so much flavor packed into these little babies.
Spicy Chicken with Cherry Peppers
You probably can't see the big piece of chicken under all that sauce, but it's there. This is for that protein dose you might want. They top a huge grilled chicken breast with cherry peppers in an Arrabiata, which is kind of like a spicier tomato sauce.
Calves Liver
This dish requires more of an acquired taste. If you like liver, this is as good as it gets. This calves liver is mixed with sautéed onions and is so tasty. Some people aren't into the whole liver things, but you really should step out of your comfort zone and give it a try. It is so good, and is packed with protein, iron, and all that other good stuff.
Chicken Parmigiana
Good 'ole chicken Parm. This is an original dish that most of you probably love. You can basically ask for whatever you want on the side too. If you want a side of pasta, they can bring that for you. This particular dish has a couple cheese raviolis on the side. The raviolis are bomb, by the way. But this plate is huge and so delicious. I would absolutely recommend.
These are just a few of the dishes served at Angelo's on Mulberry Street, but the possibilities are endless. Seriously, I have turned so many of my friends on to this place and they are obsessed. Every time I'm in the city, this is a repeat destination and it never ceases to amaze me.
If you ever find yourself in NYC, make sure you make the trip to Little Italy and check out Angelo's. It's honestly the whole package, you won't be disappointed. Also, feel free to check out the menu at the restaurant, but order almost any Italian classic you want and they'll be able to make it. Most of the dishes above aren't even on the menu, you just gotta be creative.