Podcast Summary: All Of It – "NYC's Best Italian Food"

Release Date: August 4, 2025
Host: Alison Stewart
Guest: Nadia Chasseri (Eater New York)

Introduction

In the August 4, 2025 episode of All Of It, hosted by Alison Stewart on WNYC, the spotlight shines on New York City’s vibrant Italian culinary scene. Joined by Nadia Chasseri from Eater New York, the episode delves into the city's best Italian restaurants, ranging from cherished red sauce joints to contemporary pasta establishments. Engaging listeners through live calls and texts, the discussion captures personal favorites, hidden gems, and beloved classic spots that define NYC's Italian dining landscape.

Overview of NYC’s Italian Food Scene

Alison Stewart opens the episode by setting the stage, emphasizing the role of Italian restaurants in offering a "taste of Italy" within the city. She references Netflix’s Nonnas, inspired by a Staten Island Italian restaurant run by grandmothers, highlighting the deep-rooted tradition and heart that Italian cooking brings to NYC’s diverse neighborhoods.

Notable Quote:

"[...] the city is full of Italian restaurants that are full of homemade pasta. From the simple to the refined." – Alison Stewart [00:07]

Spotlight on Roberto's Restaurant

The conversation begins with a detailed discussion of Roberto's Restaurant in Belmont, Bronx—the heart of Little Italy in the Bronx. Nadia praises Roberto's for its exceptional seafood offerings, rich red sauces, and an inviting neighborhood atmosphere where servers remember regular customers.

Notable Quote:

"Italian dining in New York is such a special thing. [...] there's something about pasta that is evergreen or seasonless." – Nadia Chasseri [01:59]

Listener-Recommended Italian Gems

Alison and Nadia engage with listeners who share their top Italian restaurant picks across New York City and beyond. Highlights include:

• Il Bocaccino (West 28th Street, Manhattan): A family-run spot known for its sausages and authentic drinks.

  Caller Denise: "They bring kids, their nieces or granddaughters to wait tables. Not very sophisticated, but it's wonderful. And they make a mean orange daiquiri." [06:11]

• Bastilio Inn (Staten Island): The oldest restaurant on Staten Island, featuring a garden-grown produce menu and a bocce court.

  Caller Patty: "The burrata with grilled zucchini is absolutely sick. They have their own bocce court that you can play while you dine." [07:08]

• Parkside (Flushing, New York): A haven for red sauce enthusiasts, renowned for eggplant rollatini and baked pastas.

  Nadia Chasseri: "The eggplant rollatini. Honestly. And baked pastas are another big one of my go-to comfort foods." [08:00]

• Risotteria Melotti: Highlighted for its gluten-free options, especially the mushroom risotto and rice bread, with locations in Italy and NYC.

  Caller Mook: "They have the most amazing mushroom risotto and rice bread because the family grows their own rice." [08:51]

• Gabriel’s (Central Park South, Manhattan): An upscale restaurant praised for its professional service and exquisite pasta dishes, favored by both locals and international guests.

  Caller Madalana: "I took cousins from Rome. The chef greeted them in Italian and provided sums up to all the choices we made." [16:47]

Expanding the Horizons: Beyond Manhattan

The discussion extends to various boroughs and nearby areas, showcasing the rich tapestry of Italian cuisine across NYC:

• Latanzi (Theater Row, New York): Celebrated for its Jewish-Italian fusion dishes like eggplant and cauliflower introduced by Italian Jews.

  Caller Joe: "Latanzi has a Jewish aspect to the cuisine. The first time I had their sauce, I got tears in my eyes because I was thinking of my grandmother." [10:47]

• Frankie Spunettino (Brooklyn): Known for meatball salads, lamb pappardelle, risotto, and osso buco.

  Text from Jenna: "Great meatball salads, lamb pappardelle, and osso buco." [19:05]

• Chicala Restaurant (Newark, New Jersey): Located in a historic hotel with a renowned pizzeria, hosting events like Neapolitan street parties.

  Caller Jerome: "They make great pizzas that are just to die for." [19:32]

Midtown’s Culinary Highlights

Nadia introduces Carmelini (Midtown) as an opulent dining venue perfect for power lunches and elegant dinners. The restaurant is lauded for its duck tortellini and bean salads, offering a refined Italian dining experience.

Notable Quote:

"The duck tortellini. I'm also a big beautiful fan of duck. And duck in anything is great." – Nadia Chasseri [15:03]

Greenwich Village and Beyond

• Roscioli: A combination restaurant and wine bar known for its tasting menus and connection to Rome, creating a feast-like experience for diners.

• Montes Trattoria (Greenwich Village): Celebrated for its longstanding presence and consistency, serving authentic Emilia Romano dishes like roasted artichokes and stuffed pastas.

  Nadia Chasseri: "It's very, you know, it's the quality done. [...] Serving what you serve instead of answering to passing trends." [17:10]

Special Mentions and Unique Offerings

• Mama Lombardi's (Holbrook, Long Island): A family-run establishment offering Neapolitan dishes, fried calamari, and a loyal following that spans decades.

• Lazier or Lizzie Die (Chelsea): Praised for its duck ravioli with sage sauce, fried calamari, and versatile dining spaces catering to various group sizes.

• John's (12th Street, Yonkers): A vegan-friendly Italian restaurant with an extensive vegan menu, featuring delectable dishes like seitan adelosa.

  Caller Jim: "They serve a whole back page vegan menu. The seitan adelosa is delicious." [25:47]

Highlights and Signature Dishes

Throughout the episode, several signature dishes emerge as must-tries:

• Fried Calamari: Universally loved, transcending seafood preferences with its crispy appeal.

• Duck Tortellini: Featured at Carmelini, blending rich duck flavors with traditional pasta.

• Burrata with Grilled Zucchini: A standout at Bastilio Inn, showcasing fresh, garden-grown ingredients.

• Pasta Fazul and Osso Buco: Classic Italian dishes that resonate with both traditionalists and modern diners.

Listener Engagement and Recommendations

Alison Stewart actively encourages listeners to share their favorite Italian dining spots via calls and texts, fostering community involvement. This interactive segment not only enriches the discussion but also brings diverse perspectives to the forefront, reflecting the multicultural essence of New York City.

Conclusion and Final Recommendations

As the show wraps up, Nadia Chasseri summarizes the best Italian dining spots tailored to various occasions:

• Romantic Dinners: Carmelini is recommended for its elegant setting and exquisite dishes.

• Solo Dining: Cafè Spaghetti in Williamsburg offers a welcoming atmosphere, especially with its hard-to-get reservations and bar seating.

• Group Dining: Theresi’s is ideal for adult-centric celebrations, while Frankie's 457 in Carroll Gardens caters to families with children.

Notable Quote:

"Solo dining is like my bread and butter. [...] Sit at the bar." – Nadia Chasseri [27:27]

The episode concludes with Alison thanking Nadia and the callers, highlighting the extensive list of recommendations that underscore the richness of NYC’s Italian culinary landscape.

Key Takeaways:

• Diversity of Italian Cuisine: From traditional red sauce joints to modern, innovative pasta spots, NYC offers a wide range of Italian dining experiences.

• Community and Tradition: Many recommended restaurants emphasize family-run operations, authentic recipes, and a sense of community, embodying the true spirit of Italian culture.

• Regional Specialties: Various neighborhoods boast unique Italian culinary offerings, reflecting the diverse influences and regional specialties within Italian cuisine.

Listeners are encouraged to explore these recommended spots, each offering a unique slice of Italy in the heart of New York City.