Little Italy (Manhattan), New York City - NYC, October 2019
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Little Italy Manhattan

4.6
·491k reviews·New York, United States

A historic enclave in Lower Manhattan, Little Italy offers a taste of Italian-American heritage with vibrant streets and classic eateries.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe

CrowdLow
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Little Italy (Manhattan), New York City - NYC, October 2019

Little Italy Manhattan

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic enclave in Lower Manhattan, Little Italy offers a taste of Italian-American heritage with vibrant streets and classic eateries.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Mulberry Street is the spot and in my opinion Da Nico is good. I like sitting in the courtyard in the back."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Bronx is the Real Deal

Many recommend Arthur Avenue in the Bronx for a more authentic Italian experience than Manhattan's Little Italy.

🚶‍♀️ Mulberry Street is Key

Little Italy has shrunk to mainly Mulberry Street; focus your exploration here for the best atmosphere.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Mulberry Street Stroll

Mulberry Street Stroll

Mulberry Street

Wander down the iconic Mulberry Street, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and Italian-American heritage.

Authentic Italian Pastries

Authentic Italian Pastries

Ferrara Bakery & Cafe

Indulge in classic cannoli and rich espresso at this beloved, long-standing Italian bakery.

Artisanal Delights

Artisanal Delights

Di Palo's Fine Foods

Discover imported cheeses, cured meats, and specialty Italian ingredients at this authentic market.

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Shrinking Charm

Little Italy in Manhattan has significantly downsized, primarily existing on Mulberry Street. While it offers a taste of Italian heritage, many locals suggest the Bronx's Arthur Avenue for a more authentic experience. Plan for a shorter visit focused on key spots.

Navigating the Tourist Hub

Mulberry Street is the heart of Little Italy, bustling with restaurants and shops. Be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends and evenings. Driving and parking are notoriously difficult; public transport is highly recommended.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend evenings
Why
Lively atmosphere, street dining
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Got the full Arthur Ave tour! So many good spots on this list🤌🏾🤌🏾 #bronx #bronxlittleitaly #italianfood #italy #nycfood #foodcrawl #mozzarella #cannoli
@briancantstopeating
295.3K likes • 2.5M views

🎯 Bronx is the Real Deal

Many recommend Arthur Avenue in the Bronx for a more authentic Italian experience than Manhattan's Little Italy. InstagramReddit

🚶‍♀️ Mulberry Street is Key

Little Italy has shrunk to mainly Mulberry Street; focus your exploration here for the best atmosphere. Reddit

An Italian in Little Italy 🇮🇹🤌 @CasaDangeloNYC
@thepasinis
174.4K likes • 2.1M views
Save this video for the next time you visit Little Italy in NYC! 🇮🇹 #brooklynbitess #littleitalynyc #littleitaly #manhattan #newyork #italian #nyceats #newyorkguide
brooklynbitess
3K likes • 82.6K views

☕ Pastries Over Full Meals

Consider enjoying dessert at Ferrara's or a coffee instead of a full meal to avoid tourist traps. Reddit

🚗 Avoid Driving Here

Driving and parking in Little Italy are extremely difficult; opt for public transportation. Reddit

First restaurant on Little Italy : 8.5! ✨ #rachelpizzolato #model #reels #fyp #tallgirl #tastetest #littleitaly #manhattan
beautyandbrainswithatwist
39.6K likes • 1.3M views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Bronx is the Real Deal

Many recommend Arthur Avenue in the Bronx for a more authentic Italian experience than Manhattan's Little Italy. InstagramReddit

🚶‍♀️ Mulberry Street is Key

Little Italy has shrunk to mainly Mulberry Street; focus your exploration here for the best atmosphere. Reddit

☕ Pastries Over Full Meals

Consider enjoying dessert at Ferrara's or a coffee instead of a full meal to avoid tourist traps. Reddit

🚗 Avoid Driving Here

Driving and parking in Little Italy are extremely difficult; opt for public transportation. Reddit

💰 Look for Value

Some restaurants are tourist traps; seek out places like Di Palo's for authentic Italian goods. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Little Italy Manhattan offers a nostalgic glimpse into Italian-American heritage, with Mulberry Street providing a lively atmosphere and iconic bakeries. While some find it commercialized and overpriced, others appreciate the charm and classic treats. Many recommend the Bronx's Arthur Avenue for a more authentic experience.

What People Like

Historic charm
Delicious pastries
Lively atmosphere

What People Dislike

Tourist traps
Overpriced food
Shrunken size

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The best way to reach Little Italy Manhattan is via the NYC subway. Several stations are within walking distance, including the Spring Street (A, C, E trains) and Grand Street (B, D trains) stations. Driving is strongly discouraged due to severe traffic and limited parking. Reddit

Yes, Little Italy Manhattan is very accessible by public transport. The subway lines A, C, E, B, and D all have stops nearby, making it easy to reach without a car. Reddit

Little Italy is best explored on foot. Mulberry Street, the main thoroughfare, is compact and easily walkable. Reddit

While parking garages exist, they are often expensive and difficult to access due to the area's narrow streets and heavy traffic. It's highly recommended to avoid driving. Reddit

Taxis and rideshares can drop you off near Little Italy, but navigating the streets and finding parking for pick-up can be challenging. Public transit is generally more reliable. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no tickets required to visit Little Italy Manhattan. It's a public neighborhood you can explore freely. Instagram

Little Italy is a neighborhood, so it's always open. However, individual restaurants and shops have their own operating hours, typically from late morning to late evening, with many open on Sundays. Reddit

There are no entrance fees to walk around and experience the atmosphere of Little Italy Manhattan. Instagram

For a less crowded experience, aim for weekday afternoons. Weekend evenings are lively but can be very busy. Reddit

Yes, exploring the streets and soaking in the ambiance of Little Italy Manhattan is completely free. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While many restaurants cater to tourists, some highly recommended spots include Il Cortile for its courtyard, Casa D'Angelo for a classic experience, and Da Nico for its atmosphere. For authentic Italian goods, Di Palo's Fine Foods is a must-visit. Reddit+2

Some restaurants in Little Italy Manhattan can be overpriced and cater heavily to tourists. It's advisable to research or stick to well-regarded establishments or markets for better value. Reddit+1

Don't miss classic dishes like handmade pasta, meatballs, and spaghetti. For dessert, cannoli and other pastries from bakeries like Ferrara's are highly recommended. TikTokReddit

Ferrara Bakery & Cafe is a legendary spot for authentic Italian desserts, especially cannoli. La Belle Ferrara is another excellent option. Reddit+1

Many locals and visitors consider Arthur Avenue in the Bronx to be the 'real' Little Italy, offering a more authentic and less tourist-centric Italian experience with delis, bakeries, and markets. InstagramReddit

📸 📸 Photography

Mulberry Street offers classic Little Italy street scenes with colorful awnings and bustling restaurant patios. Look for charming details on buildings and vibrant market displays. Instagram

Generally, yes, you can take photos inside restaurants, especially for your food. However, it's always polite to be discreet and avoid disrupting other diners or staff. Instagram

Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, can offer beautiful lighting for capturing the charm of Mulberry Street. Daytime offers vibrant street life. Instagram

While there aren't major landmarks, the entire stretch of Mulberry Street, with its Italian flags and restaurant facades, serves as a picturesque backdrop. Instagram

A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for capturing the vibrant street scenes and food. If you prefer more control, a mirrorless or DSLR camera with a versatile lens will work well. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Little Italy Manhattan can be a fun outing for families, especially for a treat. The vibrant streets and the promise of delicious pastries like cannoli from Ferrara Bakery are usually a hit with kids. Reddit Consider a stroll down Mulberry Street to soak in the atmosphere, and perhaps enjoy some gelato or a sweet treat. Instagram

While full sit-down meals might be hit-or-miss regarding kid-friendliness and value, focusing on dessert or a casual snack can make for a more enjoyable experience. Remember that it can get crowded, so keeping a close eye on children is essential. Opting for a weekday visit might offer a more relaxed environment for families. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, Little Italy Manhattan offers opportunities for affordable indulgence. Instead of a pricey sit-down meal, focus on grabbing a delicious and relatively inexpensive pastry from Ferrara Bakery or enjoying a coffee. Reddit You can also find good value at Di Palo's Fine Foods for imported Italian snacks and drinks. Reddit

Walking through the neighborhood and enjoying the ambiance is free. If you do opt for a meal, look for places that offer lunch specials or consider sharing larger dishes. Remember that the Bronx's Arthur Avenue is often cited as a more budget-friendly and authentic alternative for Italian food. InstagramReddit

💖 Couples & Romantic Dinners

While Little Italy Manhattan is often bustling, it can still offer a charming setting for couples. Look for restaurants with cozy courtyards, such as Il Cortile, which provides a more intimate dining experience away from the main street's hustle. Reddit Enjoying a leisurely stroll hand-in-hand down Mulberry Street, perhaps stopping for a shared dessert at Ferrara's, can be a romantic way to spend an evening. Reddit

For a truly special occasion, consider researching restaurants that offer a more refined ambiance beyond the typical tourist fare. While some may find the Manhattan Little Italy less romantic due to its commercialization, the historic charm and the promise of delicious Italian food can still create a memorable experience for couples. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Evolution of Little Italy

Once a sprawling neighborhood that was home to hundreds of thousands of Italian immigrants, Little Italy in Manhattan has dramatically shrunk over the decades. It's now largely confined to a few blocks of Mulberry Street, with its southern and western edges being absorbed by Chinatown and SoHo. This transformation means the area is now a significant tourist destination, with many establishments catering to visitors rather than serving the local Italian-American community as it once did. Instagram

Despite its reduced size, Little Italy retains a certain charm. The streets are lined with restaurants, cafes, and shops selling Italian goods, evoking a nostalgic atmosphere. However, it's important for visitors to be aware that the 'authentic' Italian experience might be more readily found in other parts of the city, such as Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. InstagramReddit

Understanding this evolution helps set expectations. While you won't find the vast Italian enclave of the past, you can still enjoy the vibrant street life, delicious pastries, and a glimpse into the history of Italian immigration in New York City. Instagram+1

Culinary Delights: Beyond the Tourist Traps

When it comes to dining in Little Italy Manhattan, it's a mixed bag. Many restaurants on Mulberry Street are known for their red-sauce Italian-American fare, which can be enjoyable but sometimes overpriced and geared towards tourists. Reddit+1 However, there are still gems to be found if you know where to look.

For a truly authentic taste of Italian ingredients, Di Palo's Fine Foods is a must-visit. This family-run market offers an incredible selection of imported cheeses, cured meats, olive oils, and specialty products. It's the perfect place to pick up picnic supplies or unique souvenirs. Reddit For those craving classic Italian pastries and coffee, Ferrara Bakery & Cafe has been a neighborhood staple for generations, renowned for its cannoli and other sweet treats. Reddit+1

If you're set on a sit-down meal, consider places like Il Cortile for its charming courtyard ambiance or Casa D'Angelo for a more traditional experience. Some Redditors also recommend Da Nico for its atmosphere and vodka sauce. Reddit+1 Ultimately, while the Manhattan Little Italy might not be the culinary capital it once was, a discerning approach can still lead to delicious discoveries. TikTok

Navigating Little Italy: Tips for a Smooth Visit

Getting Around: Little Italy Manhattan is best explored on foot. Mulberry Street is the main artery, and while charming, it can get crowded. Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll likely be doing a lot of walking. Instagram

Transportation: Driving into Little Italy is a significant challenge. Parking is scarce and expensive, and the narrow streets can be overwhelming. The most practical way to reach the neighborhood is by using the NYC subway system. Several stations are within a short walk, making it an easy destination via public transit. Reddit

Best Time to Visit: To avoid the largest crowds, aim for a weekday afternoon. If you enjoy a lively, bustling atmosphere, weekend evenings are vibrant, with streets often filled with diners enjoying outdoor seating. InstagramReddit

Managing Expectations: It's important to note that Little Italy has significantly shrunk and is now bordered by Chinatown. While it offers a taste of Italian heritage, many suggest Arthur Avenue in the Bronx for a more authentic and extensive Italian experience. InstagramReddit

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