Lunella Introduce
In a neighborhood famous for its rich history and exceptional food, Lunella stands as a shining example of an authentic Italian restaurant in the heart of New York’s Little Italy. This isn’t just a place to eat; it's a family-run establishment that has been a beloved part of the community since it opened. What makes Lunella truly special is its commitment to tradition, passed down through generations. From the moment you step inside, the atmosphere is warm, cozy, and inviting, making you feel like you've been welcomed into a family home. The menu is a testament to classic Italian cooking, featuring a wide range of dishes, from fresh homemade pasta to robust meat and fish entrees. Lunella is the perfect spot for any occasion, whether you're planning a romantic dinner, a casual lunch with friends, or a family gathering. It provides a dining experience that is both satisfyingly traditional and full of the vibrant energy of New York, a place where the food is always fresh and the hospitality is second to none.
Conveniently located at 173 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10013, USA, Lunella is at the epicenter of Little Italy’s charming and bustling scene. The restaurant's prime address makes it a fantastic destination for locals and tourists alike. Getting there is straightforward, with various public transportation options available nearby. Lunella is dedicated to being accessible to all guests. The restaurant features a wheelchair accessible entrance, a wheelchair accessible restroom, and wheelchair accessible seating. This thoughtful approach ensures that everyone can enjoy the full dining experience without any hassle. The charm of the location is magnified by its outdoor seating, which allows diners to soak in the lively atmosphere of Mulberry Street. On pleasant evenings, the street is often a hub of activity, providing a perfect backdrop for a relaxing meal. While paid street parking is available, the best way to enjoy the neighborhood is often on foot, allowing you to fully appreciate the unique character of the area before and after your meal.
Lunella offers a variety of service options to cater to different dining needs and preferences, making it a flexible and accommodating choice for any plan. The core services available include:
- Dine-in: Experience the full charm and hospitality of Lunella by dining in. With table service, you can sit back and let the friendly staff take care of your meal.
- Takeout: For those on the go, the takeout service allows you to enjoy Lunella’s delicious food wherever you are.
- Delivery: Stay at home and have your favorite Italian dishes delivered right to your door, ensuring a fresh and authentic meal with minimal effort.
- Curbside pickup: A convenient option for a quick and easy grab-and-go experience. You can order ahead and pick up your meal without having to leave your car.
- Catering: For large events, parties, or corporate functions, Lunella provides catering services, bringing their beloved Italian cuisine to your special occasion.
- Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner: Lunella serves food throughout the day, offering specific menus for brunch, lunch, and dinner, so you can enjoy their delicious offerings at any time.
- Accepts Reservations: For a hassle-free dining experience, especially during peak hours, it is recommended to make a reservation. Lunella accepts reservations, which is a great way to ensure you have a table.
What sets Lunella apart are the distinctive features and highlights that elevate it from a simple restaurant to a memorable destination. These highlights include:
- Authentic Atmosphere: The atmosphere is described as casual, cozy, romantic, and trendy, making it versatile for any occasion. It is a place that feels authentically Italian, with a palpable sense of warmth and tradition.
- Family-Run & Women-Owned: Lunella identifies as a women-owned business and is proudly family-run. This dedication to hospitality and community is felt in every interaction.
- Live Music: Adding to the ambiance, Lunella offers live music, which creates an even more immersive and enjoyable dining experience.
- Great Offerings: The restaurant is known for its great coffee, great dessert, and a great wine list. It also serves a full range of beverages including beer, cocktails, and hard liquor.
- Highlights: In addition to their exceptional food and drinks, Lunella is praised for its fast service, especially when not overcrowded, and it's a popular spot for solo dining.
- Inclusive Space: Lunella is a welcoming establishment for all. It is LGBTQ+ friendly and a Transgender safespace, fostering an environment where everyone feels comfortable.
- Family-Friendly: The restaurant is good for kids, offering a dedicated kids' menu and high chairs, making it a great choice for families.
- Pet-Friendly: For those with furry friends, dogs are allowed, which is a great bonus for dog owners wanting to dine out.
For reservations, inquiries, or to place an order, you can contact Lunella using the following information:
Address: 173 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10013, USA
Phone: (212) 966-6639
What makes Lunella worth choosing is its unwavering commitment to providing an authentic and high-quality Italian dining experience. This is powerfully demonstrated in the glowing customer reviews. One reviewer noted, "This was probably some of the best Italian food I’ve ever eaten," and praised the friendly staff, from the person outside to the waiters. This sentiment highlights the welcoming and hospitable environment that is a core part of Lunella’s identity. The menu is a major draw, with a wide array of options that reflect traditional Italian cuisine. From the "Penne Alla Vodka" and "Lasagna Al Forno" to the "Spaghetti Alla Carbonara" and a variety of pizzas, the food is consistently praised for being delicious and fresh. The restaurant is also celebrated for its desserts and great coffee, making it a perfect spot for a full meal. While some reviews may mention minor issues with service during busy periods or with automatic gratuity, these are often overshadowed by the high praise for the food quality and overall atmosphere. The fact that Lunella is a women-owned, family-run business that has been a staple in the community for decades adds a layer of genuine authenticity. It’s a place where you can feel the history and passion in every dish. For a taste of real Italy in the heart of New York City, with a side of warm hospitality and a lively, romantic atmosphere, Lunella is a top choice that promises an unforgettable dining experience.
Lunella Menu
Meat
- Il Maialino Alla Tavola $36.25
12 oz pork chop with a mixture of hot and sweet vinegar peppers and potatoes
- Cotoletta Di Pollo $27.25
Chicken cutlet topped with an arugula and cherry tomato salad
- Pollo Alla Francese $26.25
Sautéed chicken breast in a lemon sauce
- Saltimbocca Alla Romana $30.25
Veal cutlet sautéed with prosciutto sage and spinach
- Agnello Alla Griglia $38.25
Marinated grilled lamb served with potatoes and mushrooms
- Bistecca Con Patate $36.25
Steak (cut of the day) served with roasted potatoes
- Pollo Alla Parmigiana $27.25
Fried chicken breast with mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce with spaghetti
- Tu Vuo Fa L’Americano $18.25
Beef Hamburger on a brioche bun topped with Gorgonzola spinach and tomato, served with French fries
Pasta
- Penne Alla Vodka $21.25
Creamy tomato sauce with a touch of vodka
- Ravioli Pomodoro $23.25
Cheese ravioli in a tomato sauce
- Cavatelli Capish $22.25
A take on mulberry street classic …..cavatelli pasta in a roasted pepper creme sauce with crumbled sausage
- Trofie Al Pesto Alla Genovese $21.25
Trofie is a small hand rolled pasta from the Liguria region. It is served in a basil pesto sauce with potatoes
- Tortellini Di Carne Burro E Salvia $21.25
Pasta filled with meat and butter and sage sauce
- Spaghetti Alla Carbonara $22.25
pancetta , eggs, black pepper and parmesan cheese
- Tortellini Al Brodo $20.25
Meat tortellini in chicken soup
- Orecchiette Salsicce E Broccoli $25.25
Hat shaped pasta with olive oil, broccoli rabe, italian sausage
- Penne Alla Norma $21.25
Tomato sauce with eggplant and topped with ricotta salata cheese
- Tagliatelle Ai Fungi Porcini E Tartufo $28.25
Tagliatelle pasta in a porcini and truffle sauce
- Lasagna Al Forno $26.25
Homemade lasagna made with bolognese ragu (beef) bechamel sauce, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese
- Rigatoni Alla Amartriciana $21.25
Rigatoni pasta in a tomato sauce with pancetta and sprinkled with pecorino romano
- Gnocchi Al Gorgonzola E Noci $23.25
Homemade gnocchi in a gorgonzola cream sauce with toasted walnuts
- Fettuccine Alfredo $24.25
Homemade pasta with parmesan cream sauce
- Fettuccine Rossana $27.25
Tomato sauce with touch of cream, shrimp, and asparagus
- Risotto Ai Frutti Di Mare $28.25
Seafood - 25 min prep. time
- Ravioli Al Carciofi $25.25
Artichoke ravioli in a lemon and crème sauce
Fish
- Filetto Di Sogliola $27.25
Filet of sole serves with asparagus
- Salmone Alla Griglia $28.25
Grilled salmon with asparagus
Appetizer
- Parmigiana Di Melanzane $16.25
Eggplant layered with mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce sprinkled with parmesan cheese
- Bruschetta Al Pomodoro $15.25
Bread toasted with cherry tomatoes, basil, and olive oil
- Carciofi Alla Guidia $18.25
Fried artichokes 3 pieces
- Tagliere Di Ssalumi E Formaggi $34.25
Assorted cheeses meats and accompaniments for two
- Arancini Siciliani $11.25
rice balls made with meat ragu, peas and mozzarella cheese 2 pieces
- Polpette Al Sugo $18.25
Beef meatballs with tomato sauce, basil, and parmesan cheese
- Olivie Mediterrane $14.25
Warm Mediterranean olives
- Burrata $18.25
Burrata cheese with fresh tomatoes
- Fritto Di Mare $22.25
Fried calamari and shrimp
- Sautè Di Cozze $18.00
Mussels sautéed with a white wine reduction and parsley.
Salad
- Insalata Di Cesare $17.25
Romaine with balsalmic aromatized crispy bacon and parmesan shavings drizzled with a cesar dressing
- Insalata Caprese $16.25
Cherry Tomatoes and Nodini of Mozzarella dressed with basil and Sicilian orange oil
- Insalata Finnochio E Arance $14.25
Fennel and Orange Salad
- Insalata Di Spinaci Di Gualtiero $17.75
Spinach, pears, walnuts, goat cheese, and balsamic drizzle
Pizza
- Pepperoni $21.25
Tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni
- San Daniele $24.25
White pizza with mozarella cheese, prosciutto “san daniele”, cherry tomatoes, arugula, and parmesan cheese shavings
- Pizza E Tartufo $24.25
White pizza with mozzarella and truffle
- Mortadella $25.25
White pizza with mortadella burrata and pistachio pesto
- Margherita $20.25
Tomato sauce with mozzarella cheese and basil
Lunella Details
From the business
- Identifies as women-owned
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Curbside pickup
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Live music
- Sports
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- 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
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Paid street parking
- Parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Lunella Photos










Lunella Location
Lunella Reviews
tiphappy hourpenne alla vodkafettuccine alfredochicken parmtourist trapvincenzosignora carmelawalnutscarmella
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1This is a small, family-owned Italian restaurant in Little Italy. We had fried calamari, filet of sole with pasta, and oysters with pasta—everything was delicious. The owner’s mother was there, and while she puts a lot of pressure on the staff, it’s clear she cares deeply about making sure guests are well taken care of. I’ve been here a few times, and the food is always fresh and very good. I’ll definitely be back and highly recommend this place.
August 15 · Carolina SantiagoThis was probably some of the best Italian food I’ve ever eaten and I’ve been an Italian for 47 years! I don’t think I’ve had any thing this good at any restaurant here in Philly or even made by any family members. I’m coming back after the festival to eat again. I might come up there once a month just to get my fill on amazing food !! Everyone was so nice too from the guy outside who convinced us to go in to the waiters and bus boys and the woman who i think owns the place 😂. Loved it all
September 14 · Kelly JosephWhat a great experience at this ( family run?) Restaurant! All servers and personnel were a pleasure to be around. They genuinely enjoyed their work and had a lot of fun interacting with customers. Carbonara not on special two course( plus house wine!)), not bad👌) menu but was offered and was excellent. Highly recommend👍👍❤️
August 10 · Craig SimpsonCarmela and her team are AMAZING! It felt like dining with family. They are attentive and the food is AMAZING!! Don't miss this place! Also, I'm gluten sensitive and they were extra careful with my pizza 💕
August 14 · Laura OrozcoFabulous food, I had the pollo Francesca and the chicken was melt in your mouth. We had an antipasti of cheese snd meats again delicious - def recommend. Service was impeccable, great atmosphere. Made to feel very welcome
April 24 · Sheryl Korljan
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