Tra Di Noi

Tra Di Noi delivers exactly what you expect from a cozy Italian eatery: red-and-white checkered tablecloths, toasty atmosphere, gnocchi that doesn’t sit too heavy, and tomato-based sauce that recalls Chef Boyardee in the most satisfying way possible. At Zero Otto Nove, you’ll find more than a little schtick (the hallway’s low ceiling and distressed walls are meant to evoke an imagined life in Italy) and a variety of gourmet pizzas. Its menu also includes pasta, meat, and seafood dishes, but you should take advantage of the oven that sits in the corner of the main dining room.

Tra Di Noi opened in 2002—an unimpressive date when you consider the other places on this list—but we’re throwing it on here anyway. This Arthur Avenue restaurant is like something out of a movie, without trying too hard to feel like a Godfather marathon: it’s got checkerboard tablecloths, chalkboard specials, and empty-nester owners who’ve been married for over 50 years. While her Italian husband cooks carbonara in the kitchen, your host, a born-and-bred New Yorker, will speak on the day’s swordfish special like it’s her daughter’s first dance recital.

The name of this Little Italy restaurant translates to “between us,” and you’ll certainly want to keep its saucy specialties to yourself after a raucous meal here. Chef Marco Coletta, who has over 50 years of experience behind his apron, wields a deft hand with even traditionally heavy dishes like fettuccine alla Alfredo. Don’t miss the ethereal cheesecake if it’s one of the daily specials.

$$ · Italian. The areas covered by the MICHELIN Guide are increasing regularly so we may have some selection soon.

Over the past two years I've found myself returning again and again to Tra di Noi on East 187th Street, whose sunny dining room with the requisite red-checkered tablecloths is the setting for Chef-owner Marco Coletta's generous, highly personalized cooking, where regulars ignore the printed menu in favor of the blackboard of daily specials, which might include unusual pastas like fusilli with fava beans ($16.95) and rigatoni (above) in a spicy amatriciana sauce ($16.95). There is perfectly fried calamari ($12.95) and robust chicken alla scarpariello ($18.95) rich with garlic. The osso buco may be the best in the area.

Another Michelin starred restaurant for experiencing old school Little Italy is at Tra Di Noi, which serves up meals with many of the local ingredients mentioned here. Although a bit newer, this Italian restaurant run by an Italian chef is the real deal. If you’re craving eating gnocchi at that one osteria in Italy with red table clothes, Tra Di Noi is where to go.

Tra Di Noi (622 E 187th St) which translates to ‘between us’ is a trattoria serving up Italian fare with a friendly warm, welcome. The decor is run down and uninspiring, yet homey. The fish-heavy menu features linguine vongole, clams oregenato, shrimp fra diavolo and branzino.

This charming restaurant is just one block off the Bronx’s famous Arthur Avenue. Red checkered table cloths and a cosy vibe make it popular with locals and visitors alike. Menu highlights include the veal with lemon and white wine and Lasagna Alla Bolognese.

Tra Di Noi is a relatively small, quiet, family run restaurant on 187th, just off the hustle and bustle of Arthur Ave. For our money, it prepares the best Calamari Fritti in the neighborhood, no small task given the abundance of fried calamari in Belmont!