Bronx Little Italy

The Basics

New York’s sizable Italian-American community has been influential in shaping the city’s culture, and Italian cuisine has long defined the flavors New Yorker’s crave, from hand-tossed pizza to spaghetti with clams. To really enjoy the Bronx’s Little Italy, arrive with an appetite. Private and group culinary tours along Arthur Avenue offer guided experiences to local flavors and the best restaurants.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Relax in nearby Ciccarone Park to watch locals play a game of bocce—the park hosts regular tournaments.

• The neighborhood’s Mt. Carmel Church offers Sunday mass in Italian, a draw for some religious visitors.

• The Belmont Library and Enrico Fermi Cultural Center features exhibits on the Italian American experience and a large collection of Italian-language materials.

• Find prepared food, produce, and specialty products at the European-styled Arthur Avenue Retail Market.

How to Get There

Access the Bronx’s Little Italy by public transportation. The easiest way to go is via the Metro-North Train: Hop on the Harlem River Line to Fordham Road. You can also take the 4, 5 subway train to the Boston Road/East Tremont Avenue stop and transfer to the Bx36 bus to East 180th Street/Crotona Avenue, which is a short walk to Arthur Avenue.

When to Get There

If you plan to spend a day in the Bronx, arrive at Arthur Avenue in the late morning or early afternoon to visit the markets, then stay for dinner at one of the famed local restaurants. Weekends are busiest, and restaurants fill quickly. Consider an early—or late—dinner to avoid crowds, and call well in advance to get a reservation.

The Bronx Zoo

As part of a Bronx Little Italy adventure, consider a visit to the Bronx Zoo, one of New York’s favorite family-friendly attractions. Located a short distance from Arthur Avenue, the Bronx Zoo includes more than 260 acres of park area with animal habitats, rides, events, and up-close animal encounters suitable for kids and adults.

Ways to explore

New York’s sizable Italian-American community has been influential in shaping the city’s culture, and Italian cuisine has long defined the flavors New Yorkers crave, from hand-tossed pizza to spaghetti with clams. To really enjoy the Bronx’s Little Italy, arrive with an appetite. Private and group culinary tours along Arthur Avenue offer guided experiences to explore local flavors and the best restaurants featuring ingredients such as handmade mozzarella, fresh pasta, and imported olives. Visiting during one of the annual festivals is a fun way to experience the neighborhood in all its glory.

Accessibility

The neighborhood is generally wheelchair accessible, although some businesses may have stairs. The Tremont Ave. station is wheelchair accessible.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, phone, money/credit card

What to wear

Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and layers are recommended when walking around Bronx Little Italy, as the weather can be unpredictable.

Not allowed

Public intoxication, disruptions to pedestrian or vehicle traffic; be aware of parking restrictions.

Amenities

Restaurants, cafés, restrooms

Address

Visiting Little Italy in the Bronx from Manhattan is easy, especially when taking public transportation. You can take the Metro-North Train or the subway. For drivers, Arthur Avenue is located just off the Bronx River Parkway.

Driving

To visit Little Italy in the Bronx via car, navigate by GPS to 2396 Arthur Avenue—this will get you right to the center of the neighborhood. There is metered parking on the city streets and paid parking lots as well.

Public transportation

Hop on the Metro-North Train, Harlem River Line to Fordham Road. You can also take the 4, 5 subway train to the Boston Road/East Tremont Avenue stop and transfer to the Bx36 bus to East 180th Street/Crotona Avenue, which is a short walk to Arthur Avenue.

Best times to visit

Visiting early for dinner is always a safe bet, as waiting times tend to increase as the day goes on.

Best days to visit

You’ll have an easier time getting dinner reservations during the weekdays, but the weekends can be quite fun, with live music and other events.

Best months to visit

The best months to visit are the summer months, when the Bronx Little Italy area comes alive with live music and festivals.

Special events

The neighborhood hosts a variety of special events, with the largest being Ferragosto, an Italian cultural festival held in September.