Torrisi

If you've tried to snag a table at Torrisi lately, you've probably felt like you're competing in the hunger games of fine dining. The Michelin-starred restaurant from Chef Rich Torrisi disappears faster than free cannoli at a street festival—and for good reason. This isn't just another Italian restaurant in Little Italy; it's a culinary love letter to New York that happens to serve some of the most sophisticated Italian-American food in the city.

The Restaurant

Torrisi represents the triumphant return of a beloved NYC institution. Originally opened in 2010 as a tiny 18-seat sandwich shop, the restaurant evolved into a fine dining destination before closing in 2018. When Chef Rich Torrisi (of Major Food Group fame, alongside Carbone and ZZ's Club) reopened Torrisi in 2021 at 275 Mulberry Street, it came back better than ever.

The restaurant is Torrisi's deeply personal homage to his neighborhood and heritage. As you move through the tasting menu, you're essentially taking a culinary tour of lower Manhattan—from the Italian-American traditions of Little Italy to the Asian influences of neighboring Chinatown. It's fine French technique applied to the comfort foods of Torrisi's youth, all executed with the theatrical flair that Major Food Group is known for.

The space itself feels intimate and elegant, with warm lighting and classic Italian touches that make you feel like you're dining in a sophisticated private club rather than a bustling restaurant. The no-children policy and dress code (no shorts, athletic wear, or tank tops) reinforce the adult-oriented, special occasion atmosphere.

At around $200+ per person for dinner (lunch is slightly more accessible), this is definitely splurge territory, but the Michelin star and consistent rave reviews suggest it's worth every penny.

What to Order

Torrisi operates on a prix fixe format, so you won't be agonizing over menu choices—the kitchen decides your journey. The tasting menu changes seasonally but consistently showcases Torrisi's Italian-American vision through a refined lens.

Signature dishes that have become legends include the restaurant's take on chicken scarpariello, elevated with pristine ingredients and precise technique. The pasta courses are particularly noteworthy—think handmade shapes with sauces that would make your nonna weep with joy. The mozzarella course, which the team describes as "still flowing," remains a highlight that bridges the gap between comfort food nostalgia and fine dining innovation.

The beverage program focuses heavily on Italian wines, with selections that complement rather than overshadow the food. Given the tasting menu format and wine pairings, plan on a leisurely 2-3 hour experience.

The Drop Time

Here's where things get tactical. Torrisi releases reservations exactly 30 days in advance at 10:00 AM Eastern Time through Resy. This is not a drill—those tables disappear in minutes, sometimes seconds.

The reservation system requires a deposit: $25 per person for lunch, $50 per person for dinner (plus tax). While this might seem steep, it's applied to your final bill and helps ensure that people who book actually show up.

What the Internet Says

The Reddit reservation warriors have cracked some of the code. As one r/FoodNYC user noted: "I set three alarms for 9:58, 9:59, and 10:00. Had the Resy app open and refreshed at exactly 10:00:00. Still took me four tries over different days to get a Saturday night."

Another Redditor shared: "Weekday lunches are your best bet. Still competitive but not as insane as weekend dinners. Plus the lunch menu is nearly as good and you'll actually be able to walk afterward."

On Twitter, @NYCFoodie_Jane observed: "Pro tip for Torrisi: they sometimes release additional seats throughout the day, especially for cancellations. I've scored same-day reservations by checking Resy obsessively around 2 PM and 6 PM."

A frequent poster on Chowhound mentioned: "The bar is walk-in only and you get the same menu. I've had luck showing up right when they open for lunch service. It's a gamble but worth it if you're flexible."

Pro Tips

• Be logged in and ready: Have your Resy account loaded, payment method saved, and party size confirmed before 10 AM
• Consider lunch first: Lunch reservations are slightly easier to secure and offer better value
• Target weekdays: Tuesday through Thursday typically have better availability than weekends
• Watch for cancellations: Check the app frequently, especially in the afternoon when people adjust their plans
• Try the bar: Walk-in bar seating offers the full menu without the reservation stress
• Book far in advance: Don't wait for the "perfect" date—book what you can get and enjoy the anticipation
• Have backup dates: Come prepared with multiple date options since your first choice will likely be gone
• Follow the dress code: Nothing ruins a special night like being turned away at the door

Remember that cancellations must be made by noon on the day of your dinner reservation (or 12 hours prior for lunch) to receive your deposit back.

Or Let Mise Handle It

If refreshing Resy at exactly 10 AM while simultaneously trying to live your life sounds exhausting, there's another way. Mise's automated reservation service monitors availability 24/7 and can secure tables at Torrisi and other impossible-to-book restaurants without you lifting a finger. Sometimes the best strategy is knowing when to call in the professionals—especially when your anniversary dinner depends on it.