Nolita, a charming neighborhood nestled between NoHo and Little Italy in NYC, boasts a vibrant culinary scene. While known for its high-end boutiques and trendy cafes, it also offers a surprising array of delicious and affordable eats. One popular choice? The chicken wrap. This seemingly simple dish is elevated to an art form in Nolita, with restaurants offering creative fillings, unique sauces, and top-notch ingredients. This guide explores the top 11 chicken wraps you absolutely must try in this trendy NYC neighborhood. We'll delve into what makes each one special, helping you navigate the delicious choices and find your new favorite.
Finding Your Perfect Nolita Chicken Wrap: A Quick Guide
Before we dive into the top 11, let's consider what makes a great chicken wrap. Factors to consider include:
- Chicken Quality: Is the chicken juicy, flavorful, and freshly prepared? Many Nolita spots pride themselves on using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients.
- Wrap Type: Does the restaurant use flour tortillas, whole wheat, or something more unique? The wrap itself plays a vital role in the overall experience.
- Veggies & Toppings: Fresh, crisp vegetables and flavorful toppings are key to a balanced and satisfying wrap.
- Sauce: The sauce is often the star of the show! From creamy ranch to spicy sriracha mayo, a delicious sauce elevates the entire wrap.
- Value: In a city as expensive as New York, value for money is always a consideration.
With these factors in mind, let's explore the best chicken wraps Nolita has to offer!
The Top 11 Chicken Wraps in Nolita
This list isn't ranked in any particular order, as each wrap offers a unique and delicious experience.
1. Prince Street Pizza's Spicy Chicken Wrap: While famous for its pizza, Prince Street Pizza also offers a surprisingly delicious spicy chicken wrap. The crispy chicken is tossed in a flavorful, slightly spicy sauce, complemented by fresh lettuce and a creamy dressing. This is a great option for those who like a little kick!
2. La Grande Boucherie's Roasted Chicken Wrap: This upscale French brasserie offers a sophisticated take on the chicken wrap. The roasted chicken is tender and flavorful, paired with a medley of fresh greens, a light vinaigrette, and perhaps a sprinkle of gourmet cheese. Expect a more refined and elegant experience.
3. Rubirosa's Chicken Parm Wrap: Famous for its thin-crust pizza, Rubirosa also offers a creative twist on a classic – the Chicken Parmesan wrap. Imagine juicy chicken, melted mozzarella, marinara sauce, all wrapped up in a warm tortilla. A truly indulgent choice!
4. Lombardi's Chicken Caesar Wrap: A Nolita institution, Lombardi's offers a classic Caesar salad in wrap form. The perfectly grilled chicken breast is paired with romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, and a creamy Caesar dressing. Simple, yet incredibly satisfying.
5. Jack's Wife Freda's Spiced Chicken Wrap: This trendy spot is known for its Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Their spiced chicken wrap features tender chicken marinated in aromatic spices, accompanied by hummus, Israeli salad, and tahini dressing. A flavorful and healthy option.
6. Dimes' Grilled Chicken Wrap: Dimes is renowned for its healthy and organic ingredients. Their grilled chicken wrap features organic chicken, seasonal vegetables, and a light, flavorful dressing. A perfect choice for the health-conscious.
7. Carbone's Chicken Milanese Wrap (Seasonal): While not always on the menu, Carbone occasionally features a Chicken Milanese wrap. Imagine crispy, breaded chicken, fresh arugula, and a bright lemon dressing. A truly elevated experience.
8. DeStefano's Steakhouse's Chicken Philly Wrap: For a more indulgent option, DeStefano's Steakhouse offers a chicken Philly wrap, featuring grilled chicken, sauteed onions and peppers, melted cheese, and a savory sauce. A delicious twist on a classic.
9. Pulino's Bar & Pizzeria's Chicken Pesto Wrap: Pulino's offers a delicious chicken pesto wrap with tender grilled chicken, fresh basil pesto, mozzarella, and sun-dried tomatoes. A flavorful and satisfying choice.
10. Centovini's Chicken & Avocado Wrap: Centovini offers a refreshing chicken and avocado wrap with tender chicken, creamy avocado, crisp lettuce, and a light vinaigrette. A lighter option, perfect for a warm day.
11. Via Carota's Roasted Chicken Wrap (Seasonal): Via Carota is known for its seasonal menus. When available, their roasted chicken wrap offers a simple yet delicious combination of tender chicken, fresh herbs, and a flavorful dressing.
Beyond the Wrap: Exploring Nolita's Culinary Scene
This list highlights just a fraction of Nolita's diverse culinary offerings. Beyond chicken wraps, the neighborhood is a treasure trove of fantastic restaurants, cafes, and bars. Be sure to explore beyond this guide and discover your own hidden gems! Remember to check restaurant websites for menus, hours, and any special offers before your visit. Happy eating!
