Stanley Tucci’s NYC: A Foodie’s Guide to the Actor’s Favorite Restaurants
Stanley Tucci isn’t just a scene-stealing actor known for iconic roles in films like “The Devil Wears Prada” and “The Hunger Games”; he’s a true culinary enthusiast. Growing up in an Italian-American family, food has always been central to his life. As he shared with NPR in 2024, “Everything is centered around food. It was what you talked about before you ate, while you were eating, and after you ate.”
Beyond his roles in food-centric movies like “Julie & Julia” and “Big Night,” Tucci has captivated audiences with his food and travel series, “Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy” (CNN, 2021-2022) and “Tucci in Italy” (National Geographic, 2025), showcasing the best pasta Rome has to offer. He’s also a celebrated author, with cookbooks like “The Tucci Cookbook” and “The Tucci Table: Cooking with Family and Friends,” and memoirs like “My Life Through Food” and “What I Ate in a Year.” Simply put, the man knows food!
While currently residing in London, Tucci maintains a strong connection to New York City. Though the Big Apple doesn’t rank among his top three favorite food cities globally, he still has a handful of cherished spots. We’ve compiled a list of five of Stanley Tucci’s favorite NYC restaurants, based on interviews and social media insights.
1. Scalinatella: A Timeless Italian Classic
Located on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, Scalinatella has been delighting New Yorkers with its Italian cuisine since 1992. During a 20th-anniversary interview with Bon Appetit celebrating the film “Big Night,” Tucci declared it one of his favorite Italian restaurants worldwide. He also praised Locanda Locatelli in London as another personal favorite.
Scalinatella offers a refined dining experience, featuring hand-rolled pasta and seasonal ingredients. Expect traditional dishes like Strozzapreti alla Boscaiola and Vitello Martini. The restaurant’s historic setting has been described as entering a “timeless wine cellar.” Be prepared for higher prices, reservations that are hard to come by, and the possibility of spotting celebrities like George and Amal Clooney, Blake Lively, and Jennifer Lopez.
Reviews:
- Google: 4.4/5
- Yelp: 3.8/5
- Tripadvisor: 4.0/5
2. Il Gattopardo: Midtown Manhattan’s Italian Gem
In a 2024 interview with Stylecaster, Tucci identified Il Gattopardo, located on Midtown Manhattan’s “Millionaire’s Row,” as his go-to NYC restaurant. “I don’t have a favorite. If I had to choose, it would be Il Gattopardo on 54th Street, right near the Museum of Modern Art. I love Il Gattopardo,” he stated.
Diners can indulge in elevated versions of classic Italian dishes, such as pheasant ravioli and rabbit pappardelle. Entrée prices range from $39 to $210. The Infatuation describes the ambiance as a blend of a sophisticated living room and an embassy.
Reviews:
- Google: 4.5/5
- Tripadvisor: 4.4/5
3. John’s of Bleecker Street: A Greenwich Village Pizza Staple
For a more casual Italian experience, Tucci is a fan of John’s of Bleecker Street, a nearly century-old pizzeria in Greenwich Village. In a 2024 interview with Tasting Table, he reminisced, “I used to love to go to a place on Bleecker Street. John’s Pizzeria… And that was always really good because there’s a really thin, beautiful crust. I love that.” He typically opts for a simple Margherita pizza.
Founded in 1929, John’s of Bleecker Street serves classic pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, and salads. Pizzas range from $22 to $57, depending on size and toppings. Note that they only sell whole pizzas, no slices.
Reviews:
- Tripadvisor: 4.4/5
- Eater: Named one of the best pizzerias in NYC
4. 2nd Avenue Deli: A Kosher Deli Delight
Stanley Tucci has repeatedly praised 2nd Avenue Deli on his Instagram. Originally located on 2nd Avenue (now on 33rd Street), he raved about their chicken matzo ball noodle soup in 2024, calling it “heavenly” and “one of the best” he’s ever had. He also admired the pastrami’s rich marbling.
You can recreate Tucci’s meal without breaking the bank: chicken matzo ball noodle soup is $13.95, and a hot pastrami sandwich is $28.95.
Reviews:
- Google: 4.4/5
- Tripadvisor: 4.3/5
5. Murray’s Cheese Shop: A Cheese Lover’s Paradise
In a 2024 interview with AFAR, Tucci named Murray’s Cheese Shop and Citarella among his favorite NYC cheese shops. He even collaborated with Murray’s Cheese and San Pellegrino to create a four-tier cheese “cake.”
Located in Greenwich Village, Murray’s Cheese offers award-winning cheeses, a grocery section, cheese classes, and a mac and cheese counter.
Reviews:
- Google: 4.6/5
- Tripadvisor: 4.5/5
- Yelp: 4.2/5
From his roots in Westchester to his current life in London, Stanley Tucci’s passion for food shines through. These five NYC restaurants offer a delicious glimpse into the culinary world of this beloved actor.
