Acquedolci - CLOSED

4.0 star rating
22 reviews Rating Details

Category: Italian  [Edit]

181 Grand St
(between Baxter St & Centre Market Pl)
New York, NY 10013
Neighborhood: Little Italy
(212) 219-8911
Nearest Transit:

Canal St (4, 6, 6X)

Canal St (J, N, Q, Z)

Spring St (4, 6, 6X)

Attire:
Casual
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Price Range:
$
Good for Groups:
No
Good for Kids:
Yes
Takes Reservations:
No
Delivery:
Yes
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
No
Good For:
Lunch
Alcohol:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Pasquale R. said: "Very nice spot to have a nice meal before an event at NJPAC or just for a night on the town. It's a lot bigger than I expected. Lots of seating, a room in the back that can accommodate a medium to large party and a large bar with TV's.…"   read more »

Review Highlights   

  • user photo
    "...are awesome and only a little bit more than Parisi." In 3 reviews
  • user photo
    "Prosciutto with mozzarella, lettuce and peppers was..." In 4 reviews
  • user photo
    "This little Italian deli opened up recently and I'm..." In 6 reviews
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22 reviews in English

  • Review from Patty T.

    • 78 friends
    • 194 reviews

    New York, NY

    5.0 star rating
    12/30/2010

    Love this place...This is the best lunch spot... great spot for a sub.  The hot and cold subs are great!!!

    Love the Turkey Meatball sub and they have great lunch specials for $6.50!  

    They even delivery on Seamless Web!!

  • Review from Justin L.

    New York, NY

    2.0 star rating
    6/19/2011

    I never knew about this place until I found it randomly a few weeks ago.  I took one look at their menu, and I was there the same day.  Roast beef w/ gravy, panelle?  Hell yea, I'm there.  However despite the praises here, from NYMag and elsewhere, this place is unfortunately another tired Little Italy joint.

    Acquedolci was originally the Italian market on the corner of Mulberry & Grand, which closed not too long ago considering it was open when I lived in the area in '09.  I never had a sandwich there, only the pizza they sold from a cart on the street (which was just ok).  This was supposed to be their resurgence, but it hasn't taken off and it looks like the owners have skimped on the product in order to remain profitable.  Most of the prepared stuff, like the panelle, looked like it had been sitting around for awhile.  Therefore I decided to give the roast beef a shot, seeing as thats a hot item.  

    And it was ok.  As good as microwaved roast beef and gravy can be, I suppose.  Literally, they sliced it, threw everything on top, microwaved the dish out in the open, and then slid it onto the sandwich.  I guess i was thinking it would be along the lines of other roast beef delis like John's in Brooklyn or Vito's in Hoboken, but this beef lacked any real flavor.  The mozzarella was alright, the onions weren't good, the bread wasn't that good, and the gravy saved the sandwich even though it was mostly just salty.  The sandwich was priced well at $6.50 for a full hero which was filling, but I only bothered to eat half so that says something too.  It was edible, but not what it should've been.  

    I wish this place would step up its game, but unfortunately this seems like one of the many over-the-hill establishments of Little Italy that is only going to get worse.  I'd give it another shot, but its a long way down to Grand past other great places like Torrisi, Parisi, and Rubirosa.  Too bad.

  • Review from Jim U.

    Washington, DC

    3.0 star rating
    11/21/2010 2 photos

    The strange thing about Seamless Web is that the places just beyond the boundaries of Fi-Di and BPC, are not any better.  There is this weird insistence to only include mediocre restaurants with few surprises.  Indeed, even though Acquedolci hails from all the way over in Little Italy, there is nothing on the menu to justify the extended delivery radius and the very high $20 minimum for lunch.  Yes, $20 minimum.  

    I ordered a meatball parmigiana hero, the Italiano sandwich for my girlfriend, and a pepperoni roll (to put me over the top).  The meatball hero was huge and quite messy.  It wasn't particularly saucy though, and the meatballs were a little bland.  Filling comfort food for sure, but not memorable among meatball sandwiches that I have had in the past.  As for the pepperoni roll, I had no idea what to make of it.  It looked absolutely disgusting (seriously, look at the photo).  Burnt, with a mismatch of textures, I found it to be too salty and largely inedible.  After a couple of attempts trying to gnarl off a morsel or two, I just gave up and abandoned it all together.  That thing was horrible.  

    So will I pony up $20+ to eat here again?  No, never, but the sandwiches are fine for those that feel so inclined.

  • Review from Colin N.

    • 123 friends
    • 187 reviews

    New York, NY

    4.0 star rating
    7/22/2009

    Welcome to the thrive lunch rotation Acquedolci.

    Sandwiches are awesome and only a little bit more than Parisi. They also have pasta, and antipasto. I think this is one of the only times everyone from the office got food together. I got the chicken cutlet with Spinach and Fontina that Caitlin M. had and it was awesome.

    Usually I breeze through little italy on the way to lunch at Parisi, Cafe Habana or Pinche , but with friendly staff and great food options, I'm going back to Acquedolci and soon.

  • Review from Kirsten B.

    • 4 friends
    • 14 reviews

    Studio City, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/9/2010

    i've been reading reviews on this place, and most of the bad reviews have been on the sandwiches.  I haven't tried their sandwiches, but I have had their pasta and potato rolls!  and they were amazing!!   The fettucini carbonara was amazing and such a large portion!  My mother-in-law got the stuffed shells, which were lathered in sauce.  My sis in law got pizza which she said wasn't "fabulous" but was pretty good.  But, she basically lives off of nothing but honey cheerios, and thinks most food is terrible, so she doesn't count :-).  

    I was saddened b/c several people looked in and left b/c when you walk in it does look like a deli with only cold served items!  I wanted to yell to them as they walked out that they needed to give it a chance and look at the menu and give it a chance, b/c i almost did the same thing, but boy am i glad i stayed!

  • Review from Sarah R.

    • 31 friends
    • 29 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    5.0 star rating
    1/22/2010

    My office has been ordering from Acquedolci ever since our neighborhood place, Pane Peppe, closed down. Acquedolci now takes care of all deliveries for the closed restaurant- impressive considering they're pretty far from us.

    The sandwiches are always great, the pasta is good, the salads are huge and delicious... The only thing I've really been disappointed in has been the minestrone soup which did not seem "homemade" like everything else.

    We love this place.

  • Review from Alison C.

    Hoboken, NJ

    3.0 star rating
    8/20/2009

    I recently got a look into the new Italian deli, Acquedolci, through a picture on New York Magazine's website.  The brief profile highlighted several menu items and showcased a lengthy counter of pastries, breads, and Italian specialities.  I was also pleasantly surprised to notice that they were serving muffulettas, as I had just returned from a vacation in New Orleans.

    My friend and I walked over to the cafe in Little Italy to check out the scene firsthand.  I had unfortunately already eaten lunch, but I did try a small spinach roll.  The thin, moist pastry dough was curled around thick hunks of sauteed spinach.  The hearty treat was quite filling, but lacked flavor.  The spinach should have been better seasoned.  

    My friend's grilled vegetable sandwich was served on a large multi-grain baguette that he found only satisfactory.  It did not live up to the reputation of real Italian-baked bread.  His hero was also stuffed with multiple cloves of garlic, the ingredient missing from my spinach.  

    I found the deli quite charming, and I enjoyed the fact that they stocked more fresh meals than packaged ingredients.  

    I would be willing to go back and sample my own sandwich, though with so many other options in Little Italy, I would not rush back.

  • Review from Caitlin m.

    • 10 friends
    • 46 reviews

    Manhattan, NY

    4.0 star rating
    6/22/2009

    Specialty Italian deli with a good selection of pastries, breads, and made-to-order sandwiches. I had the chicken cutlet sandwich with roasted red pepperes, spinach, and melted fontina cheese on a hero. It was delicious. Average price is about $8.50 but the portions are large! I couldn't finish mine.

    The chocolate croissants looked amazing, I'll have to go back and try. They also have Italian ices out front.

    There's one table in the front and then a bar with about 4 or 5 stools to sit down at.
    Customer service was very good and they even had some free samples of pepperoni and baguettes out.

  • Review from Wendy W.

    • 5 friends
    • 70 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    4.0 star rating
    8/1/2009

    Haven't come here yet? Go! Now!

    This place is really tiny and cute. It looks like a mix between a bakery and a deli, but there are also a few tables near the wall where you can sit and enjoy your food. I ordered the sausage parmigiana, only because they had no veal at the time, and it wasn't very expensive. $9 or so? The portions are humongous. The meal also comes with bread, so you can dip away to your heart's content and soak up all that cheesy tomato goodness. Plus, the people working there are very friendly. They insist that you sit, eat, and take your time before you pay.

    I was sitting right next to the display for chocolate croissants and I think my mouth was watering. I will definitely go there next time to buy one or two or five.

  • Review from Maura D.

    • 4 friends
    • 35 reviews

    New York, NY

    4.0 star rating
    6/24/2010

    Jury Duty Day 3-
    Ok. I was off this day, but went to have lunch with a friend freelancing in that hood.
    We walked by and popped in for sandwiches. Great lunch special- sandwich and beverage for $8.

    And again- huge sandwiches! I could only eat half of mine. I ordered a Calabria Sandwich:  sopressata, mozzarella cheese, lettuce & roasted peppers.

    The lettuce was that shredded stuff I hate- arugula would have been a better option. The meat was freshly cut and very generous. It was actually quite beautiful on the sandwich- like ribbons! The guys who work there were super friendly and charming. And my friend got an italian ice to eat on the way back to her office. Perfect.

  • Review from wilbur s.

    • 0 friends
    • 28 reviews

    New York, NY

    5.0 star rating
    9/28/2009 1 photo

    We came in here a few times and got a spinach bread and some ruglach and some spaghetti sauce all of which were pretty good.  The rice balls across the street are better for the price.

    This place gets 5 stars from me because the last 2 times I have ordered sandwiches here they were really amazing.  Their ingredients look really clean and fresh, even the red meat seems healthy.  Word on the street is the Mufulettas are light on the olive salad but I thought it was perfectly balanced.

    This is where I'm taking tourist friends for lunch in Little Italy from now on.

  • Review from Ryan S.

    • 11 friends
    • 35 reviews

    New York, NY

    2.0 star rating
    12/31/2010 1 Check-in Here

    Decent, but not all that. I'll give them a shot with delivery and see how that goes...

  • Review from Alexis A.

    • 13 friends
    • 236 reviews

    New York, NY

    2.0 star rating
    10/18/2010

    Meh.  I work across the street and we get delivery.  It is nothing special.  Maybe I need to go in.

  • Review from Katherine C.

    • 10 friends
    • 28 reviews

    New York, NY

    4.0 star rating
    Updated - 12/19/2010

    I'd also like to add that their sandwiches are ABSOLUTELY amazing.  Prosciutto with mozzarella, lettuce and peppers was delicious.  So incredibly filling.  They also have a lunch special on the sandwiches M-F that make them only $6.50.  Woohoo!

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 4.0 star rating
      10/2/2010

      One thing that really sells me on this place is the prices.

      I went there last night with a couple of… Read more »

  • Review from Elissa S.

    Boston, MA

    4.0 star rating
    6/18/2009

    This little Italian deli opened up recently and I'm definitely a fan.  They have a great selection of authentic Italian sandwiches and dishes.  I've only had the muffaletta and the l'italiano so far, and they were both delicious.  Also, their sandwiches are HUGE.  I could actually buy one sandwich from Acquedolci and eat it as two meals.  I have yet to actually do that, because I seem to lack the will power to only eat half a sandwich when the other half is looking so attractive on the table.

  • Review from Joanie K.

    Brooklyn, NY

    4.0 star rating
    7/18/2009

    sicilian places might be the least represented of all the italian regions, so finding this place is AMAZING!

    i've been on a 2 yr hunt for real granita (not the ones from the drink vending machines). and this place made it for me!! they were really sweet about it too! def going back for more

  • Review from Quite C.

    • 0 friends
    • 25 reviews

    New York, NY

    4.0 star rating
    Updated - 1/26/2011

    I have only ever ordered delivery from these guys.  For whatever reason, even though the office is located down in FiDi - these guys deliver to us.

    But everything is always incredibly speedy, GIANT portions, and very very tasty.

    I highly recommend the brick oven hero as the bread of choice for the sandwiches

    I would give them 5 stars but for the fact they are not around at night for dinner.

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review:

    • 5.0 star rating
      12/28/2010

      Delicious and american-italian sandwiches.  Cheap, tasty, great ingredients.

      HIGHLY Recommend

      Was this review …?

  • Review from Nicholas J.

    • 34 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Manhattan, NY

    5.0 star rating
    11/17/2010

    Diamond in the rough. Acquedolci is the best priced/sized/tasting italian sandwich in the hood. The sandwiches are typically to big to eat in one sitting and are all between $7-8.50. No minimum for credit card!! If you go during lunch, 11-4, only $6.50 for a full sandwich. Seriously, the size is overly generous. The meats/cheeses are always fresh! I recommend anything turkey and mozzarella based, never been disappointed! If you like spice, tell them to add the crushed pepper spread, pre warning, it's hot! ;)

  • Review from Brian S.

    • 0 friends
    • 10 reviews

    Ooltewah, TN

    3.0 star rating
    8/27/2010

    Good beakfast. Bummer the bread guy had not delivered yet. Would have better choice of breads.

  • Review from Brian L.

    • 1 friend
    • 5 reviews

    Long Branch, NJ

    5.0 star rating
    8/4/2010

    I'm a regular here. The prices are a tad expensive ($2 for a single potato croquette) but the quality of food is undeniable. I usually eat my lunch here and then buy 2 scoops of cappuccino italian ice from their guy outside every day. The service is extremely good and they're all friendly. I definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a cozy, friendly place to have lunch.

  • Review from Dennis S.

    • 9 friends
    • 11 reviews

    New York, NY

    4.0 star rating
    7/12/2009

    My go to italian deli is Parisi Bakery - the biggest baddest sandwiches here.

    Acquedolci is like a refined Parisi, open for about a month now.  

    I recommend the L'Italiano sandwich or the mufaletta sandwich which has ham, salami, mortadella, provolone, mozz & olive salad.  What makes this sandwich unique is the olive salad.  A little salty, but filled with finely chopped olives, and veggies.

    worth a try if ur in the neighborhood.

  • Review from Josh V.

    • 11 friends
    • 4 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    4.0 star rating
    12/10/2009

    Really great service, great setting, and great food. Coffee too!

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