Kara Birkenstock

GAL Eats – Affordable Italian in NYC (New York, NY)

New York City is a food lover’s paradise!  No matter if you desire cheap eats or an upscale, fine dining experience, you’ll definitely find something to satisfy your palette in NYC!  While there’s no shortage of Italian restaurants in the city, it’s always fun to discover new eateries around town, especially those that are affordable options for singles, couples, and families. Next time you’re in the city that never sleeps, check out one of the following GAL finds and you won’t be disappointed! 

Stromboli Pizzeria – $

It’s a well known fact that New York City has some of the best pizza in the country.  With all of the pizza joints around the Big Apple, it’s difficult to find one that doesn’t serve up a decent slice of pie.  Stromboli Pizzeria in Union Square is no exception.  For just $2.75, enjoy a bit of heaven with a tasty slice of their signature Margherita pizza.  The sweet tomato sauce is an unexpected surprise, while the melt in your mouth mozzarella cheese and crisp crust are a perfect complement.  Located on a busy but friendly street between Union Square and Greenwich Village, Stromboli’s is the ideal place to enjoy a slice in a casual, neighborhood eatery that is quintessential NYC. 

Vapiano – $$

Just across the street from Stromboli’s in Union Square is the fast casual restaurant with a twist, Vapiano.  This ultra cool concept restaurant is making a splash in NYC with foodies who love a delicious meal at a great price.  Customers receive a “chip card” upon entering, which allows them to personally order all food and beverages in one easy step.  Just bring it back to the register after the meal to settle up (how cool is that?).  Choose from a delectable selection of freshly prepared pizzas, pastas, salads, sandwiches and appetizers, all for under $12.95!  With its chic and modern décor, generous portions, communal seating and full bar serving up tantalizing cocktails, Vapiano is the perfect place for dinner with friends, family, and loved ones!

A Voce Madison – $$$

On the edge of Madison Square Park is A Voce, a stylish and modern eatery that serves up home-style Italian fare.  While the location (on the first floor of a business building) may throw you at first, once you walk in past the inviting terrazza and into the dimly lit, warmly decorated dining room, you’ll instantly feel at ease.  The service is impeccable, with servers that are extremely knowledgeable of the daily selections, wines, and house specialties.  The fried dough filled with Swiss chard and crescenza cheese ($11), and served with thinly sliced prosciutto de parma, is a comforting and delicious starter.  Creative pasta dishes such as tagliatelle in a braised goat ragu ($25), and spaghettini with razor clams in a lime, garlic, and chili sauce ($24), are savory and inventive.  To top it all off, the Tuscan donuts ($10) are a fantastic way to end the carb loving feast.  These fluffy, cream filled donuts are dusted with cinnamon sugar and served with a warm chocolate sauce.  Delish!