• Stanley Tucci, the actor and avid foodie, has repeatedly praised five New York City eateries.
  • His picks span fine-dining Italian, classic pizzerias, a kosher deli and a celebrated cheese shop.
  • Notable mentions: Scalinatella, Il Gattopardo, John’s of Bleecker Street, 2nd Ave Deli, and Murray’s Cheese.

Stanley Tucci’s five NYC restaurant picks

Stanley Tucci has long been vocal about his love of food. Raised in an Italian-American household, the actor and cookbook author often points to meals as central to family life — and his New York dining list reflects that heritage. Here are the five spots he names most often when talking about the city.

Scalinatella — Upper East Side Italian fine dining

Tucci calls Scalinatella “a wonderful restaurant” and counts it among his favorite Italian spots. Located on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, Scalinatella delivers old-school Italian fare with house-made pastas and seasonal ingredients. Signature dishes include strozzapreti with wild mushrooms and vitello prepared with Parmigiano Reggiano. Expect elevated prices and reservations in advance; the restaurant’s intimate, cellar-like ambiance attracts regulars and occasional celebrity guests.

Il Gattopardo — Midtown elegance near MoMA

When asked about his go-to in Manhattan, Tucci picks Il Gattopardo on 54th Street. This Midtown restaurant serves high-end interpretations of classic Italian dishes — think pheasant ravioli or rabbit pappardelle — in a setting described as somewhere between a formal living room and an embassy. Il Gattopardo offers a refined dinner experience near the Museum of Modern Art and is praised for its attentive service and rich seasonal menus.

John’s of Bleecker Street — Classic Greenwich Village pizza

For a simpler pleasure, Tucci often favors the thin-crust pizzas of John’s of Bleecker Street. Founded in 1929 in Greenwich Village, John’s is a staple for whole pies (they don’t sell slices) and is known for a crisp, thin crust and traditional toppings. Tucci says he usually keeps his order plain — a Margherita — letting the crust and sauce do the work. It’s a more casual stop on his list and a quintessential NYC pizza experience.

2nd Ave. Deli — Kosher deli comfort food

Tucci has filmed Instagram Reels praising 2nd Ave. Deli’s chicken matzo ball soup and its pastrami. The Midtown deli — relocated from its original 2nd Avenue spot — offers hearty classics at modest prices, and Tucci’s social posts call the soup “heavenly.” Embedded social posts: Instagram Reel from 2024 (https://www.instagram.com/reels/DBd0syNora8/) and a 2025 Reel (https://www.instagram.com/reels/DJMkGOJIVS-/).

Murray’s Cheese — Greenwich Village cheese mecca

A self-described cheese lover, Tucci cites Murray’s Cheese among New York’s best. Located on Bleecker Street near John’s, Murray’s mixes retail, education and a small counter to enjoy mac and cheese or sample curated cheese selections. Tucci even collaborated with Murray’s for a layered cheese creation, underscoring his appreciation for the city’s specialty food shops.

How this list came together

Tucci’s recommendations come from interviews and social posts over recent years. The five places here represent his repeated mentions and a range of NYC dining experiences — from casual pizza to upscale Italian and classic deli fare. If you plan a Tucci-inspired day in Manhattan, pair Murray’s Cheese and John’s on Bleecker, or reserve ahead for Scalinatella or Il Gattopardo for a special night out.

Image Referance: https://www.islands.com/2095122/stanley-tucci-favorite-restaurants-new-york-city/