About Us

In 1970, 35-year-old Umberto (Robert) Ianniello strolled around Little Italy and realized there were only a couple of seafood restaurants in the entire neighborhood. Named after the last Prince of Italy, Umberto kept the idea to himself for a little while, until one day when he was speaking with his parents he mentioned it.

His parents encouraged Umberto to realize his dream, and in 1972, Umberto Ianniello opened his restaurant, Umberto’s Clam House on Mulberry Street.

With an unpretentious atmosphere, and an overriding concern by Ianniello that all the seafood served at the restaurant be as fresh as possible and prepared in their soon-to-be-renowned open kitchen, the restaurant became an overnight success.

“Celebrities, and anybody who was anybody in the City,” recounted Ianniello, came for lunch, dinner or a 3AM snack, since we were–and still are open until 4AM.”

“Sports figures from Paul O’Neill to Sammy Sousa, actors and entertainers from Anthony Quin to Bette Midler, and politicians from former Mayor Beame to Senator Alfonse Damato picked up on the buzz our food was making around town from the very first day we opened our doors,” said Umberto.

Approximately two years ago, Umberto’s moved two blocks north, to its current address at 386 Broome Street (between Mott and Mulberry Streets).

“To this day, as we go into the new millenium, as recently as in the past few months, people such as Robert DeNiro, Martin Scorcese, Michael Douglass and Bette Midler continue to come back because of the food and the fact that Umberto’s captures the true flavor of Little Italy in every way,” mentioned Ianniello.

Ultimately, it’s our unpretentious ambience and professional service, combined with the fact that we provide the freshest, most authentic product possible–all at a very reasonable price–that counts.”

Umberto’s full menu of Italian seafood specialties, traditional ocean fare, pastas, steaks and chops, is available by clicking here. Umberto’s original offerings of red and white clam sauces, in hot, medium or sweet varieties over an assortment of pastas are still among its most requested dishes.

Umberto’s sauces are painstakingly simmered for hours, fresh, each day. Just as they were when they were first served on Umberto's Clam House tables in 1972. Originally, Umberto was opposed to serving anything other than seafood at his establishment. But, sometime around 1996, specially prepared steaks and chops found their way onto the restaurant’s menu.

“Some customers insisted, so we complied,” said Robert Ianniello.

Lighter fare, including an assortment of soups, chowders and newer Italian seafood specialties like lobster ravioli, among others, have recently been added and await your personal review.

As Umberto’s states in its advertising, it is “The Heart of Little Italy. If you want a taste of Little Italy, you’ve got to taste the food at Umberto’s Clam House.”

Umberto’s is located at 386 Broome Street, between Mott and Mulberry Streets, in Little Italy. Their phone number is 212-431-7545. They’re open from 11AM to 4AM, seven days a week. Seasonal, outdoor dining is available. They accept all major credit cards. Reservations are not necessary, but they’re encouraged on Friday and Saturday evenings. A function room for parties up to 50 people is also available.