I found this little Italian restaurant, Rafele, on a foodie tour I did in Greenwich Village, New York recently. The food was tasty, authentic and very reasonably priced. When I googled it on trip advisor I was surprised to see it’s rated 14 out of 11,362 restaurants in NY but then again I wasn’t – it’s excellent.

Born and raised in Naples, Rafele owner and chef, Raffaele Ronca comes from a family of butchers, fishermen and restaurant owners and has had a passion for food all his life.

Polpettine -pan seared veal and beef meatballs

Working in his uncle’s restaurant in Naples and helping his mother make fresh pasta daily, Raffaele developed a lifelong passion for food. He immigrated to Americam at 21 and has worked in some of New York’s most authentic Italian restaurants including Palma ( also in the village) as the executive chef.

A few years later, Raffaele and an old friend Romeo from Naples decided to open their own restaurant to showcase their beloved Naples’ cuisine.

Melanzana -layers of eggplant, mozzarella and tomato

Homemade pasta with a classic meat sauce

Having discovered this gem it was difficult to keep away. I asked the chef for the recipe of the delicious Polpettine and back came a list of ingredients with “a little bit of love.”

No wonder Mama’s recipes are so good.

If you’re in the village it’s a must. Evening bookings are essential.

29 7th Avenue, New York City, NY