Discovering the Heart of Little Italy at Zia Maria
Nestled in the historic and vibrant neighborhood of Little Italy, Zia Maria stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of traditional Italian culinary arts. Located at 138 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10013, this establishment captures the essence of a bygone era, offering a sanctuary for those seeking an authentic dining experience amidst the bustling streets of Manhattan. The atmosphere is carefully curated to reflect the warmth and hospitality synonymous with Italian culture, making it a destination for both locals and visitors who appreciate the simplicity and depth of classic Mediterranean flavors.
Stepping into Zia Maria is akin to being welcomed into a family home where the kitchen is the center of life. The philosophy here is rooted in the belief that great food is a bridge between generations, connecting people through shared plates and meaningful conversations. By focusing on the integrity of ingredients and the patience required for traditional cooking methods, the restaurant maintains a standard of quality that honors its heritage. Whether you are wandering through the iconic streets of New York or specifically seeking a place to unwind, the environment provides a serene backdrop for a memorable meal.
The culinary approach at Zia Maria is defined by a commitment to consistency and respect for the craft. Every dish is prepared with a focus on balance, ensuring that the natural characteristics of the produce and proteins are allowed to shine. This dedication to the fundamentals of cooking is what sets the restaurant apart, creating a dining experience that feels both familiar and refined. It is a place where the noise of the city fades away, replaced by the inviting aromas of a kitchen dedicated to the art of Italian hospitality.
Why Zia Maria Remains a Local Favorite
Authentic Culinary Heritage: The menu is designed to celebrate the timeless recipes that have defined Italian cuisine for centuries, focusing on traditional techniques that emphasize flavor and texture.
Prime Location in Little Italy: Situated on the historic Mulberry Street, the restaurant offers an immersive experience that allows guests to connect with the rich cultural history of one of New York City’s most famous neighborhoods.
Warm and Inviting Atmosphere: The interior design and service style are centered around the concept of hospitality, ensuring that every guest feels comfortable, valued, and part of the community.
Commitment to Quality Ingredients: By prioritizing the selection of high-quality components, the kitchen ensures that each plate serves as a pure representation of the ingredients used, avoiding unnecessary complexity in favor of honest, robust flavors.
The experience of dining at Zia Maria is not merely about the consumption of food, but about the appreciation of the culture that surrounds it. The staff takes pride in maintaining a welcoming environment where the pace of life slows down, allowing guests to fully engage with their surroundings and their companions. This focus on the human element of dining is what makes the restaurant a staple in the community, reflecting the values of connection and shared joy that are central to the Italian way of life.
As the landscape of New York City continues to evolve, Zia Maria remains a steadfast presence on Mulberry Street. It serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving traditions while remaining relevant to the contemporary diner. The restaurant invites you to experience a slice of Italy in the heart of New York, where every visit is an opportunity to enjoy the simple pleasures of life, one meal at a time. Whether you are a long-time resident or a traveler exploring the city, you will find a sense of belonging and a commitment to excellence that defines the spirit of Zia Maria.
Ultimately, the goal of the team at Zia Maria is to provide a consistent and enjoyable experience that leaves a lasting impression. By focusing on the intersection of tradition, quality, and community, the restaurant continues to be a cherished part of the Little Italy dining scene. We look forward to welcoming you to our table, where the traditions of the past meet the vibrant energy of the present, creating a dining experience that is both timeless and uniquely New York.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
From the business
Identifies as women-owned
Service options
Outdoor seating
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Onsite services
Takeout
Dine-in
Highlights
Fast service
Great cocktails
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great wine list
Live music
Serves local specialty
Sports
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Happy hour drinks
Happy hour food
Hard liquor
Late-night food
Organic dishes
Salad bar
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Bar onsite
Restroom
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Romantic
Trendy
Crowd
Family-friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Transgender safespace
Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu
Parking
Usually difficult to find a space
Menus
ANTIPASTI
MISTA SALAD (Vegan/GF)$15.00
SPINACH SALAD (VEGAN/GF)$15.00
CAESAR SALAD$15.00
ROASTED BEET SALAD (GF)$15.00
CAPRESE (GF)$18.00
BRUSCHETTA (VEGAN)$15.00
BURRATA CAPONATA$20.00
ZIA'S FRIED CALAMARI$21.00
MOZZARELLA STICKS$16.00
ARANCINI$18.00
POLPETTINE$17.00
CARPACCIO DI MANZO$22.00
COZZE VONGOLE (GF)$19.00
BAKED CLAMS$19.00
GARLIC BREAD$10.00
PIZZA
MARGHERITA$22.00
TONI'S$24.00
FORMAGGI$24.00
TARTUFO E FUNGHI$24.00
SALSICCIA$24.00
FIG AND PROSCIUTTO$26.00
GRANDMA PARMA$24.00
DIAVOLA$24.00
BONASERA MI CARNE$28.00
PEPPERONI$24.00
HOMEMADE PASTA
LINGUINI VONGOLE$30.00
LINGUINI FRA DIAVOLO$35.00
SHRIMP SCAMPI$32.00
LOBSTER RAVIOLI$29.00
RAVIOLI AGIL SPINACI$26.00
CHEESE RAVIOLI$25.00
ZIA MEETS ALFREDO$25.00
PENNE LOVE VODKA$26.00
GRANDMA'S LASAGNA$28.00
BUCATINI BOLOGNESE$28.00
FETTUCCINE MEATBALLS$28.00
SPAGHETTI CARBONARA$28.00
PAPPARDELLE ALL' FUNGHI$27.00
RISOTTO KISS TRUFFLE$28.00
RIGATONI SPICY VODKA$27.00
RIGATONI/GNOCCHI PESTO$30.00
RICOTTA TORTELLINI$28.00
SECONDI
ZIA MARIA CHICKEN$32.00
CHICKEN PARMESAN$30.00
CHICKEN MARSALA$32.00
CHICKEN ANY STYLE$32.00
VEAL ANY STYLE$38.00
EGGPLANT PARMIGIANA$26.00
SALMONE AL FORNO (GF)$35.00
BRANZINO ARROSTO (GF)$39.00
CANTORNI
Olive oil & Rosemary Roasted Potatoes$12.00
Garlic Roasted Broccoli Rabe$12.00
Roasted Wild Mushrooms$12.00
Sauteed Garlic Spinach$12.00
Photos
Reviews Zia Maria Little Italy
Kim Scott Cook
21-06-2026
This was my 2nd time visiting. Uncle took great care of me. I always enjoy the homemade pasta, service and atmosphere. The Riesling was amazing and the restaurant doubles as a wonderful place for families and date night. Can’t wait to bring the rest of my family the next time. 10/10 recommend. More
Curt McClung
30-05-2026
Probably the best food I have ever put in my mouth!! And that's coming from a southern country boy that likes his southern comfort food! We ate here on our NYC trip and it was so good we came back a 2nd time before the trip was over!! Best … More
Billy Lazer
06-05-2026
Incredible in every way from the moment we walked in the door. Food and service outstanding. Homemade pasta to die for mussels and shrimp prepared perfect. Probably the best restaurant in little Italy. More
Miami Travel
05-04-2026
I loved our family dinner at Zia Maria Chelsea. My husband really enjoyed his pasta with truffle oil and mushrooms - he ate it so quickly I didn’t even get a chance to take a picture! We both enjoyed the frozen margaritas, which were … More
Edjanine Singletary
21-03-2026
Late review
We visited this place in july and when we arrived it wasnt that crowded it was during brunch, i didnt get to see the bathroom as i usually do. … More
D Vargas
21-03-2026
The atmosphere was amazing along with our waiter. As a Texan who knows what a steak should taste like, the steak was amazingly cooked. You can taste the quality of the food. I can’t say enough and definitely when back in town we will be back! More
L G
19-03-2026
Amazing authentic Italian food. Great for families with children. Hard workers here. Family owned. Appreciated the good food and small business. My kids absolutely loved it! More
Christy Hernandez
15-03-2026
I had a great time at this place. Everyone is super friendly and helpful as well as informative. The food was out of this world. Fresh, authentic and filling. The drinks were absolutely full of taste. If you want an authentic experience I … More
Jean-Claude Doublet
05-03-2026
We were seated and had our orders taken immediately. Place was fully packed so we were a bit cramped. The food arrived promptly and was fresh and delicious, pasta was homemade and lobster ravioli was geniuine. I am deducting a star from a … More
Mimi Brown
09-02-2026
Had such a wonderful experience!!!! I came here because of the high reviews and now I understand why is the highest rated Italian restaurant in Little Italy. I got the pasta prepared in the Parmesan cheese wheel, made in front of the table … More
Sandra Houser
08-01-2026
This was our 2nd time for 2 of us and new for the other 2. We specifically came back as one was dreaming of their lobster ravioli from 10 months ago. She said it matched expectations and wished we could come more often. We are from out of town. The truffle mushroom risotto was outstanding as well as the chicken francese. More
Laurin Patton
19-12-2025
Excellent food and atmosphere! Highly recommend. Our favorites were the fettuccine Alfredo, cheese ravioli, lasagna, and chicken Marsala! More
Hong Lee
20-11-2025
We were looking for something to eat in a restaurant rather than trying some of the delicious looking street food whilst walking around the Festival of Gennaro, which is held along and around Mulberry Street in Little Italy. … More
Jeremy Willmon
20-10-2025
I have ate at multiple Italian restaurants over the years. This is by far the best Italian restaurant that I’ve ever eaten that short of going to Italy. The food was wonderful. The atmosphere was amazing definitely a place to visit if you are traveling in New York. More
Sara Carrillo
20-10-2025
Perfect place to feel you in Italy. The food, the desserts, the service and the place is awesome.
We tried the sea pasta, delicious, we recommend it! … More
Vanessa Jordan
19-09-2025
I ordered from them via uber eats and had to come here at the restaurant because of how good the food was. Everyone here is so attentive, especially Verano, what a good talk we had with him. I recommend the Alfredo pasta or the vodka pasta … More
Ezra Levi
21-07-2025
We came here a party of five and had dinner. Our servant was really kind, and he find us a table very quickly even though the restaurant was full and we had no reservation. The food was very delicious, and we enjoyed all dishes we took, the … More
Brian Dente
16-06-2025
Always enjoy going to Little Italy on NYC trips, but this was hands-down the best meal I’ve ever had in the area. New York was generally packed for Christmas, but the service was fantastic. Very efficient, but personable and they were even … More
Jack
07-06-2025
First time in little Italy & checked the reviews for best Restaurant! This was top!!! & it definitely did not disappoint! My mum aunt cousin son & I all loved it! The food the service & atmosphere was fantastic 👌 … More
Amy Saldivar
27-05-2025
Asked Chat Gpt what was the best pasta in Little Italy, and did not disappoint. One of the best carbonaras I’ve ever had in the States. Pizza was really good too. Host was very nice and attentive. Gratuity was already included for 2. More
Reviews Zia Maria Little Italy