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Lil' Frankie's, New York, NY

Lil' Frankie's

4.6
4.6
827 Reviews
$30 and under
Italian

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 23 times today
  • Lively
  • Charming
  • Neighbourhood gem
Italy's neighorhood pizzeria's are known as really casual places to hang out, meet friends, eat, drink and talk. Lil' Frankie's is just that. We offer real Neapolitan pizza, made exactly as it's made in Naples, fresh handmade pastas cooked to order, a wine and grappa list that rivals any in the city, and friendly (never pushy) service - all in a setting designed to make you feel at home.

Our brick, wood burning, oven was handcrafted by a 3rd generation Neapolitan oven builder, brick by brick. It features real lava from Vesuvio and through a unique double dome design, recycles heat to reach near 900 degrees.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Pizzeria
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–2:00 am Fri, Sat 11:00 am–4:00 am Sun 11:00 am–2:00 am
  • Phone number
    (212) 420-4900
  • Payment Options
    Cash Only
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive Chef
    Frank Prisinzano
  • Private party facilities
    We have two private dining rooms that can sit up to 18 and 75 guests. We offer two different pre-fixe menus and bar packages.
  • Neighbourhood
    East Village
  • Parking details
    None
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Late Night, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wine

What 827 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Lil' Frankie's offers a delightful dining experience with "amazing food" and a lively atmosphere. Known for its authentic Italian cuisine, standout dishes include the Spaghetti Limone and fire-roasted eggplant. While some mention service hiccups, the restaurant remains a "true East Village gem" with attentive staff and "wonderful" ambiance.

827 Reviews
  1. Elizabeth

    New York City

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 9, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    I found their prices very high considering it's location on lower East side, strict cash policy and lack of signage for the restaurant. Deserts were all overpriced as were some of its appetizers. For $8 they gave you a slice of garlic bread! For $20 a Sunday.

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  2. nina

    VIP

    New York City

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on February 9, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    lovely place to enjoy yummy food! great service and just fun

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  3. cristina

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 2, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 5
    Was really excited to try the pasta al limone but I don’t know if I got a bad batch or it was underwhelming, for big groups the give you a very large table you have to yell across.

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  4. Randy

    New York City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 1, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was terrific, and the service was good and attentive. Right in the middle of the city is a beautiful spot as well.

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  5. Debra

    New York City

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on January 30, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything was excellent: Arugula Salad, Calimari, Spaghetti Limone, Pizza Salsiccia, Rigatoni Polpettine Ragu, Spaghetti w/Broccoli, and Chicken Parmigiana! Perfect size portions, great flavoring, and food arrived hot. Service was attentive, not overbearing. We’ve been coming to L’il Frankie’s since 2001- it’s an unpretentious restaurant with a great vibe that keeps getting better.

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  6. Syrena

    New York City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 25, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Delicious place. Perfect for a small date or a gathering with a few people. The space is small so be aware and this place is also cash only so they have an atm in the back. Food was delicious and fresh, definitely filling and flavorful. I personally didn’t order dessert but next time I come that is a must on my list of things to try. It was a very comfortable space and warm lighting great for photos. Sweet staff they were patient and lovely. Overall perfect place and I will definitely be returning.

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  7. Gary

    Central Coast

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 20, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Arrived for an early dinner and waited to be seated. Twice we were told to hold on and we would be seated by two different fellows. Meanwhile two other couples walked in and were immediately seated by a different greeter. When it was about to occur again , I had to interject that we had been waiting and were there first and had been waiting. It was as if we were invisible. Staff needs to be aware and to communicate. It’s a cash only restaurant and the food is good, but overall, I knocked it down for this lack of attention.

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  8. Meagan

    Chicago

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on January 19, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    We had a great meal at Lil Frankie's. Highly recommend the fire roasted eggplant with a piece of the amazing garlic bread on the side to pile the eggplant on. The gorgonzola on the pear and gorgonzola salad was one of the best cheeses I've ever eaten. Had the classic Spaghetti Limone and the Pappardelle with Lamb Ragu from the specials- both pastas phenomenal. Tables are squeezed in tight and there are no coat hooks but other than that - no complaints!

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  9. Martine

    New York City

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on January 16, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    Lil Frankie’s is a delightful, reliable night out. It was yearly so the place was quiet which was fine. Prochuitto pizzza , perfect! Ragu w meatballs and wood fire mushroom delicious! The rose hit the spot! Service could have been more attentive but all in all lovely night out!

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  10. Ray

    New York City

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 3, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    First time visit for a dinner with my partner & we’d happily return! The amount of food you get for the price is amazing, the service was phenomenal, the food was delicious & I highly recommend a visit!

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FAQs

Lil' Frankie's offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (212) 420-4900.

Lil' Frankie's is rated 4.6 stars by 827 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 23 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Lil' Frankie's

19 First Avenue, New York, NY 10003

Additional information

  • Neighbourhood
    East Village
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–2:00 am Fri, Sat 11:00 am–4:00 am Sun 11:00 am–2:00 am
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Pizzeria
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    None
  • Payment Options
    Cash Only
  • Executive Chef
    Frank Prisinzano
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Late Night, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wine
  • Phone number
    (212) 420-4900
  • Private party facilities
    We have two private dining rooms that can sit up to 18 and 75 guests. We offer two different pre-fixe menus and bar packages.
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