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La Mela

La Mela, 167 Mulberry Street, New York

4.7
RESTAURANT RATING: 
WONDERFUL
4.7 out of 5 (45 Ratings)
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2.5 miles Bowery Ballroom
About La Mela
The Spotlight on La Mela

Hearty Italian Hits Just Steps from the Stage

Classic, no-frills Italian dining comes alive at La Mela, nestled in the heart of Little Italy on Mulberry Street. With its warm, bustling vibe and generous portions of traditional Italian staples, this long-standing favorite is just a short walk or subway ride from many of New York’s popular concert venues. Whether you're craving pasta piled high or a glass of Chianti before the show, La Mela delivers big flavor and old-school charm at a budget-friendly price.

Why Concert-goers love it

La Mela is a go-to for music fans looking for a quick, hearty meal before a show. Its lively, informal atmosphere means you won’t feel rushed but can still be in and out in time for curtain call. Located in Lower Manhattan, it’s well-positioned for those heading to evening performances across the city. Large tables and family-style platters also make it a great option for groups pre-gaming a concert night.

Who this Restaurant is great for

  • Groups of friends looking to share big bowls of pasta and bottles of wine
  • Solo travelers who want a comforting meal at the bar before a show
  • Couples enjoying a romantic weekend with a side of cannoli
  • Fans looking for a fun, casual spot to kick off the night
  • Budget-conscious music lovers who still want full flavor and generous portions

What People Say

TripAdvisor and OpenTable reviewers consistently praise La Mela’s authentic Italian feel, calling it “like Sunday dinner at grandma’s.” The endless bread basket, house-made sauces, and friendly staff are major hits, and many note it's a “great value for Manhattan.” Diners love the fact that it’s casual, welcoming, and dependable—ideal for a pre-concert bite without fuss.

Areas for Improvement

Some guests mention that the decor could use a refresh, and it can get loud and crowded during peak times—though for most, that’s part of the charm. A few note that service can be a bit hit-or-miss when it’s very busy, so leave a little buffer before your show.

The Bottom Line

If you're craving classic Italian comfort food with a lively vibe before hitting a concert, La Mela delivers every time.

Average Price
$30 and under
Cuisine
Italian
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Opening Hours
Lunch
Daily 12:00 pm-3:00 pm
Dinner
Daily 3:00 pm-10:00 pm

La Mela Customer Reviews

Many have visited, but none have returned to tell the tale. Will you be the first to write a review of La Mela?

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

La Mela Ristorante is #793 of 14721 things to do in New York City

5 of 5 stars5 out of 5
By: Candice C
Wed 5 Feb, 2025
l We came to Little Italy and went to a unique Italian store where we bought a great espresso maker. They suggested La Mela for dinner and it was a great choice. The caprese salad was amazing. The...

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1 of 5 stars1 out of 5
By: minina G
Tue 7 Jan, 2025
l The food is very simple I didn't like and really misleading as I took my family to dinner there and I ordered some spaghetti with meatball for my 5-year-old boy and asked for it to be small, they...

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1 of 5 stars1 out of 5
By: DiamondTreacle, Farnham, United Kingdom
Wed 20 Nov, 2024
l I am basing my review not on the food but on the fact I was cheated out of money. We had an enjoyable meal and it appeared busy which I think is always a good sign. Was happy to pay the bill which I...

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La Mela 167 Mulberry Street, New York