Exploring the vibrant culinary scene of Nolita and Noho in New York City is always a treat, and recently, I had the pleasure of embarking on an unforgettable food tour that led me to discover some true gastronomic gems. Among the many delightful stops, Emporio on Mott Street truly stood out, leaving a lasting impression with its authentic Italian flavors and inviting ambiance.
Nestled on Mott Street, just below the bustling Prince Street, Emporio offers a refreshing contrast to the high-end boutiques that define this fashionable neighborhood. Far from being pretentious or unwelcoming, Emporio exudes a warm and serene atmosphere, drawing you in with its promise of genuine Italian cuisine. The no-nonsense menu focuses on delivering quality and flavor, ensuring a dining experience that lingers pleasantly on your palate long after the meal is over.
Our culinary journey at Emporio began with the kale salad, a vibrant and flavorful appetizer that immediately showcased the restaurant’s commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients. While tempted by the Fritto Misto and Burrata, we opted for the salad, considering our main course would feature mozzarella on the much-anticipated prosciutto and arugola pizza. This turned out to be an excellent choice. The kale salad was a delightful medley of textures and tastes, featuring tender roasted squash, bursts of pomegranate, and generous shavings of Grana Padano cheese. It was a light yet satisfying start to our meal, perfectly preparing our palates for the richer dishes to come.
Emporio Prosciutto and Arugola Pizza
For the main courses, we decided to share two standout options: the special pasta dish, I Casarecci, and the renowned prosciutto and arugola pizza. Following a recommendation from our insightful food tour guide, we were eager to sample Emporio’s homemade pasta, and it did not disappoint. The I Casarecci, crafted with whole wheat pasta and combined with eggplant and tomato, was simply divine. The pasta itself was perfectly cooked, showcasing the skill and dedication of Emporio’s pasta makers. I wholeheartedly echo our guide’s enthusiasm for their pasta creations – they are truly a must-try.
However, the star of the meal, and perhaps one of the best pizzas I have ever tasted, was the prosciutto and arugola pizza. This Roman-style pizza boasts a thin, almost Neapolitan crust, cooked to perfection in a wood-fired oven in a mere four minutes thanks to the intense heat. Being a white pizza, it forgoes tomato sauce, allowing the quality of the other ingredients to truly shine. Once out of the oven, it is generously topped with fresh arugola, thinly sliced prosciutto, sweet cherry tomatoes, and flakes of Grana Padano. The result is an explosion of flavors and textures – the crispiness of the crust, the saltiness of the prosciutto, the peppery arugola, and the slight sweetness of the tomatoes, all harmonizing beautifully. Every bite of this Emporio Mott Street pizza is a culinary revelation, and it comes with my highest recommendation.
While Emporio’s dessert menu, particularly the Nutella calzone, sounded tempting, we decided to venture out and explore another New York culinary institution for our sweet treat: Cake Boss Cafe. Located in the Port Authority Bus Terminal, Cake Boss Cafe offered a different kind of Italian indulgence.
Cake Boss Cafe Treats
Stepping into Cake Boss Cafe, we were greeted by a brightly lit and spacious setting, a welcoming contrast to the often-crowded Carlo’s Bakery. We opted for a lobster tail pastry and an orange flower-topped cupcake. The lobster tail, a flaky, croissant-like pastry filled with rich cream, was an absolute delight. The cupcake, while pleasant, leaned towards a more commercially sweet flavor profile, reminiscent of familiar bakery brands. Cake Boss Cafe is certainly worth a visit, especially if you find yourself in the Times Square area or passing through Port Authority, but it might be on its way to becoming a tourist hotspot.
In conclusion, while Cake Boss Cafe provided a sweet ending to our culinary explorations, it was Emporio on Mott Street that truly captured my heart and taste buds. From the warm ambiance to the exceptional homemade pasta and, most importantly, the unforgettable prosciutto and arugola pizza, Emporio is a Nolita culinary gem that deserves to be experienced. If you’re looking for an authentic and delightful Italian dining experience in Nolita, make sure Emporio Mott Street is at the top of your list. It’s a place I know I’ll be returning to again and again.
Emporio
231 Mott Street
Nolita, New York
Take the N/R to Prince Street and walk east a few blocks.
Cake Boss Cafe
Corner of 42nd Street and 8th Avenue
Times Square, New York
Take the A/C/E to 42nd Street and exit near 8th Avenue.
