Published on 30 April 2024 Last updated on 7 January 2025
Little Italy in Manhattan is one of New York’s most iconic neighborhoods. In this neighborhood, you can enjoy Italian specialties you can’t find anywhere else in New York.
Little Italy in Manhattan
By the 1900s, as many as more than half of all Italians who emigrated to New York City lived in Little Italy. At the time, the neighborhood stretched from East Houston to Chambers Street, and from Broadway to the Bowery. But alas, Little Italy is not what it used to be. Because it has been taken over bit by bit in recent years by Chinatown, which is actually expanding. Also, over the years, more and more Italians have moved to other Italian neighborhoods, where in turn small Little Italys have sprung up such as in The Bronx, Brooklyn and Staten Island.
Italian specialties in Manhattan's Little Italy
“Welcome to Little Italy” is the first thing you read when you walk into Little Italy from Chinatown in New York. It is much smaller than it used to be, but it has retained its Italian atmosphere thanks to its many restaurants, cheese shops, bakeries and cafes, opened years ago by Italian artisans. But the Italian culinary tradition has also evolved in recent years from pure authentic Italian recipes to Italian-American recipes such as pasta Alfredo, spaghetti with meatballs and chicken Parmesan cheese.
Little Italy in The Bronx and Brooklyn in New York
Many cite Arthur Avenue in the Bronx likes to call the authentic Little Italy of New York. The area bustles with markets, restaurants, pastry shops and bakeries. You can find pasta, good espresso, meat, Italian bread and talk to residents who have lived in the area for decades. In Brooklyn, Bensonhurst is the neighborhood that keeps Italian heritage alive. A walk through Dyker Heights in December is also incredibly fun; the Italian community decorates its homes with every Christmas decoration imaginable!
Eating and drinking in Manhattan's Little Italy
If you are in New York and want real Italian food, you should definitely go to Little Italy. Here you will still find nice restaurants where you can enjoy authentic Italian food while enjoying a delicious glass of Italian wine. Below are a few of our favorite culinary addresses.
1. Lombardi’s
Lombardi’s in Little Italy New York was founded in 1905 and was the first pizzeria in the United States.
Many of the best pizza bakers including Totonno’s, Patsy’s and John’s learned the trade here from Gennaro Lombardi.
So if you want to enjoy a truly authentic Italian pizza, you really should head to Lombardi’s in Little Italy.
One of Lombardi’s tastiest pizzas that tops the list of absolute favorites with many New Yorkers is the lightly charred pizzas with San Marzano tomatoes and fresh mozzarella.
2. Ferrara Bakery and Café
Ferrara Bakery and Café Little Italy opened in 1892 and is America’s first espresso bar. From real Italian cannoli to cream puffs, from gelato to Pignoli cookies, you will find it all at Ferrara Bakery and Café. So if you like Italian espresso and sweet treats, then you should definitely take a coffee break here when you are in Little Italy.
A Guided Tour of Manhattan's Little Italy
If you prefer to walk through Little Italy with an experienced guide, there are a number of tours to choose from.
We recommend the 3 Neighborhoods Tour.
With this great tour, you will visit Soho, Chinatown and Little Italy.
More information about this tour can be found at the link below.
Are you going on a city trip to New Yorkand would like to visit some of the sights and attractions, take advantage of the offers below!
About New York Info
Hi, I’m Edward, a passionate New York enthusiast with years of experience exploring the city. Over the past 15 years, I’ve visited New York many times and explored it from north to south. On New York Info, I share my personal experiences, practical tips, and honest recommendations to help you plan your trip to New York City. Have a question? Feel free to send me an email.
Little Italy in Manhattan: Is it worth a visit?
Little Italy in Manhattan is one of New York’s most iconic neighborhoods. In this neighborhood, you can enjoy Italian specialties you can’t find anywhere else in New York.
Little Italy in Manhattan
By the 1900s, as many as more than half of all Italians who emigrated to New York City lived in Little Italy. At the time, the neighborhood stretched from East Houston to Chambers Street, and from Broadway to the Bowery. But alas, Little Italy is not what it used to be. Because it has been taken over bit by bit in recent years by Chinatown, which is actually expanding. Also, over the years, more and more Italians have moved to other Italian neighborhoods, where in turn small Little Italys have sprung up such as in The Bronx, Brooklyn and Staten Island.
Italian specialties in Manhattan's Little Italy
“Welcome to Little Italy” is the first thing you read when you walk into Little Italy from Chinatown in New York. It is much smaller than it used to be, but it has retained its Italian atmosphere thanks to its many restaurants, cheese shops, bakeries and cafes, opened years ago by Italian artisans. But the Italian culinary tradition has also evolved in recent years from pure authentic Italian recipes to Italian-American recipes such as pasta Alfredo, spaghetti with meatballs and chicken Parmesan cheese.
Little Italy in The Bronx and Brooklyn in New York
Many cite Arthur Avenue in the Bronx likes to call the authentic Little Italy of New York. The area bustles with markets, restaurants, pastry shops and bakeries. You can find pasta, good espresso, meat, Italian bread and talk to residents who have lived in the area for decades. In Brooklyn, Bensonhurst is the neighborhood that keeps Italian heritage alive. A walk through Dyker Heights in December is also incredibly fun; the Italian community decorates its homes with every Christmas decoration imaginable!
Eating and drinking in Manhattan's Little Italy
If you are in New York and want real Italian food, you should definitely go to Little Italy. Here you will still find nice restaurants where you can enjoy authentic Italian food while enjoying a delicious glass of Italian wine. Below are a few of our favorite culinary addresses.
1. Lombardi’s
Lombardi’s in Little Italy New York was founded in 1905 and was the first pizzeria in the United States.
Many of the best pizza bakers including Totonno’s, Patsy’s and John’s learned the trade here from Gennaro Lombardi.
So if you want to enjoy a truly authentic Italian pizza, you really should head to Lombardi’s in Little Italy.
One of Lombardi’s tastiest pizzas that tops the list of absolute favorites with many New Yorkers is the lightly charred pizzas with San Marzano tomatoes and fresh mozzarella.
2. Ferrara Bakery and Café
Ferrara Bakery and Café Little Italy opened in 1892 and is America’s first espresso bar. From real Italian cannoli to cream puffs, from gelato to Pignoli cookies, you will find it all at Ferrara Bakery and Café. So if you like Italian espresso and sweet treats, then you should definitely take a coffee break here when you are in Little Italy.
A Guided Tour of Manhattan's Little Italy
If you prefer to walk through Little Italy with an experienced guide, there are a number of tours to choose from.
We recommend the 3 Neighborhoods Tour.
With this great tour, you will visit Soho, Chinatown and Little Italy.
More information about this tour can be found at the link below.
Special offers for a city trip to New York
Are you going on a city trip to New York and would like to visit some of the sights and attractions, take advantage of the offers below!
About New York Info
Hi, I’m Edward, a passionate New York enthusiast with years of experience exploring the city. Over the past 15 years, I’ve visited New York many times and explored it from north to south. On New York Info, I share my personal experiences, practical tips, and honest recommendations to help you plan your trip to New York City. Have a question? Feel free to send me an email.
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