There’s something about home-cooking that simply can’t be replaced by restaurant dining…unless of course the restaurant that you’re dining in has been in the family for decades, producing dishes that taste like they’re straight out of grandmother’s kitchen. These five NYC restaurants have been around for multiple generations, passed down from family member to family member in the process. They are some of the most special and beloved restaurants in the city, and knowing their backstories, that won't come as much of a shock. If you want to enjoy a dining experience that is truly representative of love, sharing, and family values, make yourself a reservation at any one of these noteworthy New York restaurants.
Katz’s Delicatessen (Lower East Side)
Katz’s Delicatessen has been a family-run business for over 100 years, originally beginning as a small deli in 1888 and eventually making itself into the world-renowned and iconic sandwich shop that it’s become today. Over the past century Katz’s has changed hands, but it’s always remained in the family, being passed from fathers to sons. Katz’s Deli is famous for quite a few reasons, the first and foremost being the size and quality of its corned beef and pastrami, each of which are cured over the course of a full 30 days. Katz’s may have been around for quite a long time, but it’s not their longevity that makes them so beloved by New Yorkers, it’s their consistent and unfaltering quality. Order up a Katz’s Pastrami Hot Sandwich or Katz’s Corned Beef Hot Sandwich and you’ll be handed a plate of towering meat that’s some of the best you’ll ever have tasted. The Reuben, hot turkey, steak fries, chili, and matzo ball soup are also all worthy of their stellar reputations among New Yorkers, each more than satisfyingly filling and made with rich, authentic flavors. 205 E. Houston St., 212-254-2246, katzdelicatessen.com
Multi-Generational NYC Restaurants: Villa Mosconi & Monte's Trattoria (Greenwich Village)
You’ll find Villa Mosconi nestled on MacDougal Street between Bleecker and West Houston, the same place it was founded in 1976 by the Mosconi family. The Mosconi family, which originated in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, serves superb Northern Italian cuisine that is reflective of their heritage and Italian origins. Chef Pietro Mosconi immigrated to America in 1966, and it took him only a decade to open up Villa Mosconi along with the help of his siblings. A humble storefront belies the three dining rooms that wait behind it, but any true New Yorker knows not to be fooled by appearances, especially in the case of delicious Italian dining. The Cozze Alla Napoletana (mussels in red/white sauce), Portobello Balsamic, and Fried Calamari will make you rethink Italian appetizers in an exciting and drool-worthy way. And if you’re craving pasta, Villa Mosconi will not let you down with its extensive cream, pesto, and tomato sauce options, including Homemade Ravioli Manicotti, Spaghetti Bolognese, Fettuccine Alla Romana, and Taglierini Al Pesto. The Mosconi family also owns nearby Monte's Trattoria, which has been serving the Village genuine Italian cooking since 1918. Cozy and romantic, you'll find the same family warmth and attention to detail here as at Villa Mosconi.
69 MacDougal St., 212-673-0390, villamosconi.com; 97 MacDougal St., 212-228-9194, montestrattorianyc.com
Multi-Generational NYC Restaurants: Patsy’s Italian Restaurant (Midtown West)
Salvatore Scognamillo is the third generation executive chef and co-owner cooking up Neapolitan recipes that have been passed down from both his father and grandfather (Pasquale “Patsy”) before him. To top it all off, Salvatore’s two sons plan on taking over the business at some point during their lifetimes as well, keeping the restaurant in family hands. Patsy’s reputation has been endlessly expanding over the past thirty years to include jarred sauces, prepared foods, and a best-selling cookbook, so if your lucky enough to find yourself in the neighborhood of the original Scognamilo family-owned restaurant, do yourself the favor and stop in for a meal. Classic dishes like the Spaghetti and Meatballs are packed with the perfect balance of flavors while more inventive dishes like the Stuffed Calamari (stuffed with shrimp, calamari, crab, and lobster in a tomato and garlic sauce) are great for those looking to order a more adventurous meal. Also, don’t be surprised if you see Jennifer Lopez, George Clooney, or Rihanna seated at the next table over, as Patsy’s is a favorite dining spot for A-list celebrities. 236 W. 56th St., 212-247-3491, patsys.com
Multi-Generational NYC Restaurants: Barbetta Restaurant (Hell’s Kitchen)
The decor of Barbetta Restaurant is enough to win anyone over with its Victorian garden feel and vintage elegance (the great chandelier that lights up the main dining room originally belonged to Italy’s royal family, the Savoys). Add on the fact that this place has been running since 1906 (founded by Sebastian Maioglio and now owned by his daughter Laura Maioglio) and is credited as being the first Italian Restaurant in New York City, and it’s rather hard to beat. Known for their white truffle dishes, Barbetta’s menu is all about remaining true to that authentic “Italian taste.” Every meal that finds a home on this restaurant’s menu must pass a long criteria of requirements, including that it must be prepared the way it would be in Italy. If you’re looking for an Italian meal that’s credible, you cannot go wrong with Barbetta. From their Pesto Linguini to their Pan Seared Bass with Jicama and Asparagus, you’ll want to try everything on this delectable menu. 321 W. 46th St., 212-246-9171, barbettarestaurant.com
Multi-Generational NYC Restaurants: Fresco by Scotto Restaurant (Midtown East)
At Fresco by Scotto you’ll find a lot of Scottos, including Marion, who runs the front-of-the-house duties and has been titled one of “New York’s Most Gracious Hosts” by Zagat. Rosanna, Anthony Jr., and Elaina Scotto are never too far off either, helping to run this much-acclaimed Italian Restaurant and Steakhouse. The clientele at Fresco by Scotto is as diverse as the dining options, with common celebrity sightings accompanying NYC power brokers. As far as what to order, the Eggplant & Zucchini Pie is as delicious as it sounds, the Grilled Veal Chop’s tender texture and delicate taste perfectly compliment the accompanying pan roasted ragu and assorted veggies that are served with it, and there are few things that can compete with there Zuppa Di Pesce (calamari, clams, mussels, shrimp and red snapper, spicy lobster tomato brother with fregola and baked Sardinian bread crust….we know, right!?). 34 E. 52nd St., 212-935-3434, frescobyscotto.com
