Pep's On Grand

NYCReview

7.8

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$$$$Perfect For:LunchCasual Dinners

Open since 2022, Pep’s On Grand is very much a newcomer along the geologic timescale of Little Italy, where multiple restaurants have been operating for over a century within a several-block radius. But there’s no mistaking this modern spot for a classic Chianti bottle-candle joint. Almost everything in here is sleek and black—from the pizza oven roaring in the corner to the backlit leather banquettes. (So is the bathroom sink, and even the toilet.)

But what Pep’s On Grand lacks in history, it more than makes up for in undeniably solid Italian food, especially the pizza (we like the diavola). That isn’t something you can count on amid the tourist-infested waters of Mulberry Street, so stop in for lunch to rest your legs when you get tired of window shopping in Soho, or just to order something from the dedicated spritz section of the menu.

Food Rundown

Meatballs

A substantial portion size for an appetizer. The meatballs are flavorful and tender, but not so soft that they fall apart.

Diavola Pizza

The diavola, the most popular pizza at Pep’s, balances a pleasant sweetness with a gentle tingle of heat from spicy salami. (Add hot honey too for an additional dollar.) The crisp, lightly charred crust is wonderfully chewy on the inside.

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Pretty good: You’ll likely be satisfied by a meal here, especially for a specific situation. These are handy back-up restaurants and beloved local spots.