Forlini's: The Old School Italian Eatery That's Become The Hottest Spot On Instagram

A certain set of New York cool kids (most likely armed with a skateboard and an Instagram account) could turn any unassuming eatery into the spot to see and be seen. First it was FiDi's China Chalet. Now it seems they've acquired a taste for Italian.

Located off Canal Street since 1956 (when Little Italy still extended into what's now Chinatown), Forlini's is a time capsule of old school NYC - it's still family-run, serves a menu of classics, and sees a slew of local regulars. But as the New York Times pointed out last week, a fashionable new crowd has come to appreciate the plush red booths and authentic atmosphere. What's old is new again - especially if it looks good on the 'gram.

Back in May, Vogue rented out the entire place for its annual pre-Met Gala dinner. Aptly hashtagged #SpaghettiAndMetBalls, the event placed supermodels and celebs, from Ashley Graham and Hailey Baldwin to Teyana Taylor and Kate Bosworth, within the restaurant's retro walls. At It Girl Jenné Lombardo's more recent birthday party this summer, which was spotlighted by the Times, the wood-paneled back room played host to yet another fashionable crowd of influencers, designers, and models, including Victoria's Secret Angel Elsa Hosk and Aussie heartthrob, Jordan Barrett.

So what does the third-generation Mr. Forlini think of the new scene? "They’re all nice kids," he told the Times. "Good kids. They’ve never caused trouble. Some are so thin though you wonder how they can even drink liquor."

[Photo via @jennelombardo]