Piccola Strada

Of course I'm going to grab some Italian when back in NYC. This spot is a great hole in the wall option, but I think it literally sits 15 people so may be hard to get a table or can easily feel too small.

But the food is solid, the chicken parm had a great balance of cheese and sauce, and the chicken didn't exactly have the burntness I like but each bite was really nice. The pasta was fine, not very memorable and small but still enjoyable, I do wish though it was more al dente and less sauce-heavy.

This restaurant has got to be one of the cutest mom and pop shops in New York. If you know, you're in the know.

The restaurant is not good if you have a group larger than 15 people, but the cozy intimate atmosphere is what makes it so special. Plus you can actually talk with whoever you're getting a meal with!

I came here for a work dinner and basically my team rented out the entire restaurant for the night. The staff really just took care of my entire team and everything was really delicious. The food was not life changing but if you're looking for a good simple dinner with minimal corkage fees, this is the place!

Came here with family on last day of weeklong trip to NY, and it was lovely. It's a wonderful, small Italian family restaurant. We sat outside on the covered streetside patio - which was, like the street, quiet and pleasant. The restaurant wasn't crowded, and the owner was our waiter. He was very old world - very friendly, but let us take our time over everything. Everyone's food was outstanding, various starters and pasta dishes cooked perfectly and with goldilocks proportions. Had coffee after and then some of the nicest cannoli I have ever had (and I've had many). Highly recommended if you're looking for a nice Italian meal (or any kind of meal) in the East Village.

Wasn't an issue for us, but there's no booze there. You can bring your own wine (which you can get nearby) with a $5 corkage. If you want cocktails have them before (and/or after) at the many nearby bars, as they don't allow hard liquor.

The only things better than the food, which is outstanding and made with love, is the atmosphere and the personal attention by the waitstaff and Esperanza the owner-chef. The penne ala vodka and the maltagliati bolognese pastas were savory and joyful. We cannot wait to return.

Very cozy restaurant that's nice for a quick after work meal. I got the ossobuco and loved it. The meat was incredibly tender and the sauce was great. The only issue I had was how small the portion was. There was a handful of gnocchis on the plate and I was still so hungry after the meal. I would still suggest coming here but get some apps to fill you up.

This place made the best Friendsgiving! Friendliest staff and homemade quality Italian food. Come here if you want the feeling of a home cooked meal. The eggplant parm was amazing and I am still thinking about the cannolis. Can't recommend this place enough!

Heeeey, your boy Clerksrat with another tasty review!!

So tonight Mrs. Clerksrat and I hit up this Italian joint in the EV (I'm talking east village you outsiders), we was hungry but not starving 6PM on a Friday.

Yelp said this place slaps, and wow; this place slaps.

People sleep but this is a BYOB Italian joint. Sit back, think of this. Pizza, pasta, calzone, ravioli, BREAD before. Italian places serve you almost every course cheap ingredient bread, and this place is BYOB. We rocked a dope bottle of red and there was a liquor store on corner so it wasn't a hunt.

Mrs Clerksrat had Penne Vodka and the dude brought the cheese, and while I went home with her, HE BROUGHT THE CHEESE.

Myself I had the chicken parm and I won't lie this was legit. Red sauce a bit tangy, the penne on side was ok... but the chicken was legit. Seasoning was so perfect , meat so flat where it was perfect texture. I felt it wAs prepped so well. Honestly this chicken parm is top of city. I honestly only hated I didn't even get penne noodles (I saw a dude get sphaghetti and I was very jealous) they were meh.

Overall this place is small but this place is LEGIT. Vodka sauce is insane, chicken is whoa, ambiance is date ready. I didn't get paid crap but I promise you this is a spot you need.


Clerksrat tested, Clerksrat approved. Cheers, don't bring hard liquor but bring a dry red and cheers me thanks.

Outstanding food, tiny operation. Simple menu, byob with $5 cork fee for wine. Liquor store one block up on 2nd Ave) Vodka penne and pesto noodles par excellence, also veal scallopini and eggplant parm outstanding. Did not have antipasti or dessert, but would confidently try anything here.

We were made to feel like family! Though the shrimp appetizer was simple, it was delicious. We all had pasta and you can't go wrong with the homemade ravioli. The other three dishes were also excellent and flavorful. The owners are the best! We'll be back!!

Hosted a small party for my boyfriends birthday here and everything was lovely! Great value, great food, and the service was also phenomenal and everyone was kind. Literally a lovely family owned establishment and they were very responsive with all the logistics for the event.