Quick Bites:
- What is it? Arthur Avenue in the Belmont neighborhood of The Bronx, widely considered NYC’s “real” Little Italy, offering an authentic Italian culinary experience.
- Why visit? To explore generations-old family businesses, savor traditional Italian foods made with time-honored methods, and experience a vibrant, old-world atmosphere.
- Highlights: Arthur Avenue Retail Market, renowned restaurants like Zero Otto Nove and Mario’s, bakeries like Madonia and Artuso, and specialty shops like Casa Della Mozzarella and Calabria Pork Store.
- Best For: Food lovers, those seeking authentic cultural experiences, and anyone wanting a taste of Italy in NYC.
Forget the tourist traps – if you’re searching for the heart and soul of Italian-American cuisine in New York City, look no further than Arthur Avenue in The Bronx. For over a century, this vibrant street in the Belmont neighborhood has been the epicenter of authentic Italian food, culture, and community. From the aroma of freshly baked bread and simmering sauces to the sight of hand-pulled mozzarella and hanging cured meats, Arthur Avenue offers an immersive culinary journey unlike any other. This guide will help you navigate the delicious landscape of NYC’s “real” Little Italy.
What Makes Arthur Avenue So Special?
Arthur Avenue’s authenticity isn’t just a marketing slogan; it’s woven into the fabric of the neighborhood. Established by Italian immigrants who settled in the area starting in the 1890s, many drawn by work building the nearby Bronx Zoo, the community has fiercely preserved its culinary traditions. Unlike Manhattan’s Little Italy, which has shrunk and become more commercialized, Arthur Avenue remains a thriving hub where many businesses are still run by the third or fourth generations of the founding families.
Key Finding: The commitment to traditional methods is evident everywhere – from pasta cut to order at Borgatti’s and bread baked in century-old ovens at Madonia Bakery to mozzarella stretched by hand daily at Casa Della Mozzarella.
Your Culinary Guide: Where and What to Eat
Navigating Arthur Avenue’s abundance can be deliciously overwhelming. Here’s a breakdown of must-visit spots, categorized for easy planning:
Price Guide: $ = Budget-friendly, $$ = Moderate, $$$ = High-end
Restaurants
- Zero Otto Nove
- Price Range: $$
- Specialties: Margherita pizza, Seafood salad
- Must Try: Pizza with house-made mozzarella
- Best Time to Visit: Lunch hours; reservations recommended for dinner
- Mario’s Restaurant
- Price Range: $$$
- Specialties: Neapolitan fare, Crisp calamari, Gnocchi, Lamb chops
- Must Try: Traditional pizza
- Best Time to Visit: Early dinner to avoid crowds
- Enzo’s
- Price Range: $$
- Specialties: Bucatini alla carbonara, Cavatelli with broccoli rabe
- Must Try: Grilled meatballs
- Best Time to Visit: Lunch hours for better seating
- Tra Di Noi
- Price Range: $$
- Specialties: Swordfish, Pasta dishes
- Must Try: House-made gnocchi
- Best Time to Visit: Weekday dinner
Bakeries
- Madonia Bakery
- Price Range: $
- Specialties: Olive bread, Biscotti, Cannoli
- Must Try: Crispy and creamy cannoli
- Best Time to Visit: Morning for freshest bread
- Artuso Pastry Shop
- Price Range: $
- Specialties: Sfogliatelle, Pignoli cookies, Cannoli
- Must Try: Tricolor cookies
- Best Time to Visit: Afternoon for pastries
Delis
- Mike’s Deli (Inside Arthur Avenue Retail Market)
- Price Range: $
- Specialties: Italian sandwiches, Eggplant parm, Arancini
- Must Try: Legendary Italian sandwiches
- Best Time to Visit: Early lunch to avoid lines
- Casa Della Mozzarella
- Price Range: $
- Specialties: Fresh mozzarella, Prosciutto sandwiches
- Must Try: Fresh mozzarella sandwich
- Best Time to Visit: Morning for freshest cheese
Specialty Shops
- Arthur Avenue Retail Market
- Price Range: Varies
- Specialties: Fresh meats, Cheeses, Imported products, Cigars, Beer Hall
- Must Try: Various vendor specialties (e.g., sandwiches at Mike’s Deli, produce from Boiano Foods)
- Best Time to Visit: Mid-morning for best selection and atmosphere
- Calabria Pork Store
- Price Range: $$
- Specialties: Hot soppressata, Culatello
- Must Try: Soppressata sandwich
- Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings
The Arthur Avenue Retail Market: A Feast Under One Roof
No food tour of Arthur Avenue is complete without a visit to the Arthur Avenue Retail Market. Opened in 1940 by Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia to bring street vendors indoors, this bustling covered bazaar is a sensory delight. Inside, you’ll find butchers, fishmongers, greengrocers, cheesemongers, and specialty vendors. It’s home to the famous Mike’s Deli, the Bronx Beer Hall offering local craft brews, and La Casa Grande Cigars, adding to the market’s unique, old-world charm. It’s the perfect place to grab lunch, shop for ingredients, or simply soak in the lively atmosphere.
A Suggested Culinary Walking Route
To maximize your tasting adventure, consider this strategic itinerary:
- 9:00 AM – Madonia Bakery: Start your day with fresh bread (try the olive loaf!) and perhaps a cannoli for breakfast. Insider Tip: Best time for freshly baked goods.
- 9:45 AM – Arthur Avenue Retail Market: Explore the market stalls, grab imported goods, and maybe watch mozzarella being made. Insider Tip: Mid-morning offers the best selection and smaller crowds.
- 11:00 AM – Casa Della Mozzarella: Witness the cheese-making and grab a fresh mozzarella sandwich before the lunch rush. Insider Tip: Get here before the lines form.
- 11:45 AM – Calabria Pork Store: Admire the “sausage chandelier” and pick up some authentic soppressata. Insider Tip: Perfect pre-lunch stop for cured meats.
- 12:30 PM – Zero Otto Nove (or other chosen restaurant): Enjoy an authentic Italian lunch. Insider Tip: Make reservations, especially for dinner or weekends.
- 2:30 PM – Artuso Pastry Shop: Time for an afternoon espresso and classic Italian pastries like sfogliatelle or tricolor cookies. Insider Tip: Perfect for a sweet treat.
- 3:15 PM – Mike’s Deli (if not visited earlier or for take-home): Grab one of their legendary sandwiches or some arancini to go. Insider Tip: Great for taking food home.
General Tips for Your Visit: * Bring cash; some smaller shops may prefer it. * Wear comfortable shoes – you’ll be walking! * Consider bringing reusable shopping bags and maybe a cooler for perishables. * Weekdays (Tue-Fri) are generally less crowded than weekends.
Conclusion
Arthur Avenue is more than just a place to eat; it’s a living museum of Italian-American culinary heritage. It’s a neighborhood where quality ingredients, traditional techniques, and family pride converge to create an unparalleled food experience. Whether you’re indulging in a multi-course meal, grabbing a quick sandwich, or shopping for authentic ingredients, savoring the flavors of Arthur Avenue is a delicious journey into the heart of The Bronx’s Little Italy.