New York City, a culinary melting pot, offers a dazzling array of cuisines. But amidst the diverse options, some classics stand the test of time, and few are as beloved as eggplant parmesan. This iconic dish, with its layers of fried eggplant, rich tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, is a New York staple. This guide explores 25 exceptional spots to savor this culinary masterpiece. Finding the perfect eggplant parmesan in NYC is a quest worth undertaking, and this list will help you on your journey.
The Best Eggplant Parmesan in NYC: A Diverse Selection
This list isn't just about finding an eggplant parm; it's about discovering the best eggplant parmesan New York City has to offer. From classic Italian-American joints to innovative takes on the dish, we've compiled a diverse range of options to suit every palate and preference.
Classic Italian-American Eggplant Parmesan
These restaurants represent the traditional approach to this beloved dish, emphasizing quality ingredients and time-honored techniques.
- L&B Spumoni Gardens (Brooklyn): Known for their Sicilian pizza, L&B also boasts a legendary eggplant parmesan. Expect generous portions and a rich, flavorful sauce.
- Gino's of Brooklyn: A long-standing Brooklyn institution serving up classic Italian-American fare. Their eggplant parmesan is a testament to their culinary heritage.
- Grimaldi's Pizzeria (Brooklyn): While famous for pizza, Grimaldi's also offers a delicious eggplant parmesan that complements their pizza perfectly.
- Lombardi's Pizza (Manhattan): America's first pizzeria, Lombardi's surprisingly offers a fantastic eggplant parmesan, showcasing their mastery of Italian-American cuisine.
- John's of Bleecker Street (Manhattan): This Greenwich Village institution offers a comforting and satisfying eggplant parmesan, perfect for a casual meal.
Modern and Innovative Eggplant Parmesan
These establishments put a contemporary spin on this classic, incorporating modern techniques and unique flavor profiles.
- Carbone (Manhattan): A high-end Italian restaurant, Carbone offers an elevated eggplant parmesan experience, reflecting their commitment to fine dining.
- Via Carota (Manhattan): This West Village gem provides a rustic and charming ambiance, along with a refined take on eggplant parmesan.
- Lilia (Brooklyn): Known for its refined pasta dishes, Lilia's eggplant parmesan is a testament to their dedication to high-quality ingredients and execution.
- Estela (Manhattan): Estela's eggplant parmesan is a standout dish, reflecting their commitment to seasonal ingredients and innovative techniques.
- Don Angie (Manhattan): This Greenwich Village hotspot provides a creative, yet respectful, take on classic Italian-American cuisine, and their eggplant parmesan is no exception.
Hidden Gems and Unexpected Finds
Sometimes, the best culinary discoveries are made in unexpected places. These are some hidden gems that consistently impress:
- Anella (Brooklyn): A beloved neighborhood spot offering a delicious and unpretentious eggplant parmesan.
- Paulie Gee's (Brooklyn): Famous for its wood-fired pizzas, Paulie Gee's also offers a surprisingly delicious eggplant parmesan.
- Luzzo's Pizzeria (Brooklyn): This popular pizza spot also provides a satisfying eggplant parmesan, perfect for a casual meal.
- Di Fara Pizza (Brooklyn): A legendary pizza place known for its masterful pizza, Di Fara also offers an unexpectedly good eggplant parmesan.
- Emilios Pizza (Brooklyn): A local favorite, Emilio's Pizza offers a delicious and affordable eggplant parmesan.
Eggplant Parmesan with a Twist
These restaurants offer unique variations on the classic dish, incorporating different ingredients or cooking methods.
- The Smith (Multiple Locations): The Smith offers a slightly upscale take on eggplant parmesan, suitable for a more formal setting.
- Osteria Morini (Manhattan): Osteria Morini offers a refined and elevated version of this Italian-American classic.
- Balthazar (Manhattan): Balthazar's eggplant parmesan is a luxurious take on this dish, reflecting the restaurant's grand ambiance.
- The Clocktower (Manhattan): The Clocktower, a sophisticated British restaurant, provides a surprising and delectable interpretation of eggplant parmesan.
- Bar Pitti (Manhattan): Bar Pitti's eggplant parmesan is a more refined take on the classic, perfect for a special occasion.
Eggplant Parmesan Beyond the Expected
Stepping outside of traditional Italian-American restaurants, these places offer a surprisingly good take on this beloved dish.
- The Spotted Pig (Manhattan): This gastropub offers a surprisingly delicious eggplant parmesan, showing the versatility of the dish.
- Rosemary's (Manhattan): This charming restaurant serves up a rustic and flavorful eggplant parmesan, perfect for a casual meal.
- Via Tribunali (Multiple Locations): Via Tribunali offers a consistently good eggplant parmesan across its various locations.
- Joe's Shanghai (Multiple Locations): Known primarily for soup dumplings, Joe's Shanghai surprisingly offers a solid eggplant parmesan.
- Rubirosa (Manhattan): Rubirosa, known for its excellent thin-crust pizza, also offers a surprisingly satisfying eggplant parmesan.
Finding Your Perfect Eggplant Parmesan Slice of NYC
This list is just a starting point. The best eggplant parmesan in NYC is subjective, influenced by personal preferences and culinary experiences. Exploring different restaurants and trying various interpretations is part of the fun. Don't be afraid to venture beyond the well-known establishments and discover your own hidden gems. So, grab a friend, explore, and enjoy the delicious world of NYC eggplant parmesan!
