NYC's 5 Best Family-Style Italian Restaurants For 2011
In our book, every family in New York needs a family style Italian restaurant in their speed dial. It's the perfect place to feed a family inexpensively. They are also great for when you have a large group for dinner and need to feed grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends – but don't want to spend the day in the kitchen. Below are a few of our favorites for family-style Italian eating in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island.
Vinny's of Carroll Gardens
Vinny's of Carroll Gardens
295 Smith Street
Brooklyn, NY 11231
(718) 875-5600
Vinny's is a small family owned business that's been in the neighborhood for as long as anyone can remember. The food is good, inexpensive, and plentiful. Our favorites include the penne alla vodka, the meatballs, and an order of fried calamari. Use the bread to sop up the amazing red sauce! A family meal can be had inexpensively by ordering a main course which includes a side of pasta and sauce – enough for a family of four!
Carmine's
200 West 44th Street
New York, NY 10036
(212) 221-3800
carminesnyc.com
Reviews & more info
Okay, so we couldn't make a list of NYC's best family-style Italian and not mention Carmine's. If you ever find yourself in Times Square, this is the place to go before a show with kids. It's loud and fun – and perfect to fill up everyone's stomachs before a big Broadway show. It's also a huge space with many tables so there is a very good chance you can get a table without a reservation.
Dominick's Restaurant
2335 Arthur Avenue
Bronx, NY 10458
(718) 733-2807
Reviews & More Info
Forget Little Italy - Arthur Avenue in the Bronx is the place to find any and all things Italian in New York City. The restaurant doesn't really have menus, and the tables are all communal. Just shout out your order to your friendly waiter and soak up the atmosphere. Make sure to try the stuffed artichoke and the baked clams – out of this world! Just a note: this place is cash only.
Trattoria Romana
1476 Hylan Blvd
Staten Island, New York 10305
(718) 980-3113
trattoriaromana.com
Reviews & More Info
A friendly place where the chef and owners greets everyone, Trattoria Romana has some of the best Italian food on Staten Island. The prices might seem on the high side but the portions are very family friendly (i.e. sharable). Make sure to try to the brick oven pizzas and the seafood dishes.
Spolini's
116-25 Metropolitan Ave
Kew Gardens, NY 11418
(718) 805-5852
spolini.com
In business for over 30 years, the family menu at this Queens spot features classics like chicken parm and linguine with calamari, plus a Steak Pizzaiola which can feed three people.
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