0 Followers
Parisi Bakery
Master Critic Review
Parisi Bakery
8.7
Family-run since 1903, Parisi turns crusty house-baked loaves into overstuffed Italian heroes that regularly spill out of their paper wrap. Lunchtime lines form for classics like chicken cutlet, prosciutto, and mozzarella combinations that eat like two meals in one.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Dennis, Chicken Parm Hero, Italian Combo Hero
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 9.3
What makes it special: Century-old Italian bakery-deli serving towering, old-school hero sandwiches.
Who should go: Sandwich obsessives chasing classic New York Italian heroes.
When to visit: Weekday lunch before peak noon rush and sell-outs.
What to order: The Dennis, Chicken Parm Hero, Italian combo on hero.
Insider tip: Bring cash or a card and know your order before hitting the counter.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; scarce during weekday lunch and generally tight in Nolita—metered spots open up more easily before 11am.
Dress code: No dress code—casual deli attire is entirely appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate during lunch rush with constant counter activity; easy conversation outside peak hours.
Weekend wait: Not applicable; shop closes before dinner hours.
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minutes during peak noon rush; usually no wait before 11:45am.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—simple mozzarella, eggplant, or veggie-focused heroes are available.
Vegan options: Limited—some veggie builds can be made vegan if you omit cheese, but offerings are minimal.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free bread; substitutions are not available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates old-school, counter-service charm—sandwiches are huge and messy, so it’s better for casual meetups than polished first impressions.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there’s no table service and no reservations; expect grab-and-go or limited counter spots depending on the day.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick takeout; sandwiches are large and shareable, but there’s minimal seating and no amenities like highchairs, so best for older kids or stroller parents grabbing food to-go.
Best For
Better for: Massive, classic Italian heroes on house-baked bread with unmatched value and portion size.
Skip if: You need dietary flexibility, gluten-free options, or a comfortable sit-down environment—nearby cafés and modern delis serve those needs better.