New York City: Chinatown and Little Italy
If authentic Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese food is what you're after, best head for the busy streets of Chinatown . Mulberry Street is Little Italy 's main drag, and though often crowded with tourists, the carnival atmosphere can make dinner and coffee a worthwhile excursion.ASIAN
Canton
45 Division St at the Manhattan Bridge (between Bowery and Market sts) tel 212/226-4441.
Fairly upscale compared to other Chinatown restaurants in terms of decor, style and service, but only marginally more expensive. Seafood is the specialty here; bring your own booze. Closed Mon and Tues.
Joe's Shanghai
9 Pell St (between Bowery and Mott sts) tel 212/233-8888.
Probably Chinatown's most famous restaurant, this place is always packed, with good reason. Start with the soup dumplings and work through some seafood dishes for the main course; communal tables.
New York Noodletown
28 Bowery (at Bayard St) tel 212/349-0923.
Despite the name, noodles aren't the real draw at this down-to-earth eatery - the soft-shell crabs are crisp, salty, and delicious. Good roast meats (try the baby pig) and soups too.
Sweet 'n' Tart Restaurant
20 Mott St (at Canal St) tel 212/964-0380.
The place for shark's-fin soup and other Hong Kong-style seafood delicacies, as well as superb dim sum. Very popular, so expect to wait. The older establishment, with a more limited menu, is located just up the street at 76 Mott St.
Thailand Restaurant
106 Bayard St (at Baxter St) tel 212/349-3132.
The well-priced Thai food is eaten at long communal tables here. The whole-fish dishes, crispy and spicy, are standouts.
Vietnam
11-13 Doyers St (between Bowery and Pell sts) tel 212/693-0725.
This hard-to-find underground eatery doesn't offer much in the way of decor, but the inexpensive Vietnamese fare is among the city's best; you can't go wrong with the ginger whole fish, caramel pork, or sauteed watercress.
ITALIAN
La Luna
112 Mulberry St (between Canal and Hester sts) tel 212/226-8657.
One of Little Italy's longest established and best value choices. The attitude of the waiters is gruff, and the food only middling - but the atmosphere is fun and it's a popular joint, packing in a crowd.
Lombardi's
32 Spring St (between Mott and Mulberry sts) tel 212/941-7994.
Arguably some of the best pizza in town, including an amazing clam pie; no slices though. Ask for roasted garlic on the side.
Vincent's Clam Bar
119 Mott St (at Hester St) tel 212/226-8133.
A Little Italy mainstay that serves fresh, cheap and spicy seafood dishes - clams, mussels and squid.
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