When talking about Little Italy in New York, it is common to think of places like Little Italy in Manhattan, one of the most overhyped places in NYC, Bensonhurst and Dyker Heights in Brooklyn, although it is now a neighborhood with different ethnicities and the communities of Queens and Staten Island. These places certainly reflect an Italian feel.
However, Arthur Avenue in the Bronx is the one place that transports you to the true essence of Italy.
The Bronx’s Little Italy is an underrated neighborhood that every first-time traveler to the Big Apple should visit. This jewel of Italian roots presents a vibrant atmosphere filled with trattorias, markets with authentic Italian products, and various family-owned businesses. This neighborhood is the perfect getaway to taste the authentic Italian vibe without crossing the Atlantic.
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Arthur Avenue: The Bronx’s True Little Italy
This Italian-American enclave offers an authentic taste of Italy in New York City
Arthur Avenue is a commercial street in Belmont, the Bronx. It is known as the Little Italy of the Bronx for its many gastronomic businesses with a rich Italian essence. Unlike Little Italy Manhattan, which can often come off as a tourist trap in NYC, this area of the Bronx presents a more genuine and authentic atmosphere that is more representative of Italy.
There are several reasons to visit the real Little Italy. Apart from being less crowded and generally visited by locals or people looking for more authentic experiences, it has a quaint and cozy atmosphere, and you can feel the Italian influence from the start. The made-in-Italy touch is present in stores, restaurants, and cafes.
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The History Of Arthur Avenue’s Italian Heritage In The Bronx In NYC
How this Bronx neighborhood became an Italian-American stronghold
Arthur Avenue has been the epicenter of Italian-American culture since the late 19th and early 20th centuries when many Italian immigrants decided to settle in this area of New York. This place is a mix of localities from southern Italy, such as Neapolitans, Sicilians, and Calabrians, who brought their traditions and customs to this part of New York.
Today, Arthur Avenue maintains a strong Italian presence, preserved for three to four generations. This Italian atmosphere can be seen in its streets full of history and mainly in the Arthur Avenue Market, which, since its inauguration in 1940, has continued to be one of the community’s pillars. The market offers a variety of products, including fresh pasta, sausages, and cheeses that transport visitors to Italy.
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What To Do & See On Arthur Avenue In The Bronx Today
From traditional Italian eateries to lively cultural events
This little corner of Italy in the Bronx is ideal for food lovers. Almost everything revolves around the Italian gastronomic traditions found here. Whether you’re visiting the market to take home fresh and delicious produce, experience Italian recipes, or enjoy the food prepared in one of the trattorias, you’ll find it all here.
Shopping at Arthur Avenue Retail Market
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market in Little Italy, Arthur Avenue in The Bronx
The Arthur Avenue Market is the focal point of the Bronx’s Little Italy, so a visit to this neighborhood is incomplete without a dive into this place. Here, you’ll find all kinds of Italian products, from Italian pastries to handmade pasta and quality cured meats. Some of the businesses found here are:
Boiano Foods, Inc.: High-quality fruit and vegetable stand.
Café Nocciola: Café for sweet and savory cravings with freshly made beverages.
Enzo’s of Arthur Avenue on the Go: Roma-style pizzeria to go.
Gene Bean’s Ice Cream: Italian gelato and sweets.
La Casa Grande Cigars: One of the best handmade cigars in NYC.
Mike’s Deli: Italian eatery for quick and light meals.
Peter’s Meat Market: Butcher shop with fresh meats and Italian specialties.
Visit on a weekday morning to avoid crowds and see local residents shopping for fresh ingredients.
Taste authentic Italian pizzas
Neapolitan, Roman, or classic Italian pizzas, pizza lovers can find their favorites at Arthur Avenue. Whether you’re looking for the usual classics, like a simple Margherita, or more sophisticated combinations of toppings, on Arthur Avenue, you can find some of the best places to get pizza in New York.
Enjoying the variety of Italian restaurants
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Arthur Avenue Avenida Arthur Bronx New York
Arthur Avenue is home to some of the most authentic and best Italian restaurants in NYC. Whether you want to try a typical pasta or other authentic Italian dishes, you will find something special in the different restaurants. Some of the most popular are:
Ann & Tony’s Restaurant
Antonio’s Trattoria
Emilia’s Restaurant
Michaelangelo’s
Festivals by seasons
Arthur Avenue is kept alive throughout the year with events and festivals celebrating Italian culture with music, food, and entertainment.
Season
Festivals
Description
Summer
Ferragosto
Traditional Italian celebration with food, live music, and street entertainment.
Fall
Italian Heritage Month Celebration
Event to immerse yourself in the rich history and Italian-American business.
Winter
Savor The Bronx Restaurant Week
A 6-day event in which to discover new restaurants in the district.
Arthur Avenue is a neighborhood that keeps its Italian heritage alive. It is one of the NYC neighborhoods that will make you feel like you are traveling internationally, in this case, to Italy. No matter what time of year you visit, it will always be the ideal place to experience Italian culture in New York.