Little Italy in the Bronx (Arthur Avenue)
Did you know that NYC’s best Little Italy might be in The Bronx? That’s right! New Yorkers know the area as “Arthur Avenue,” but the Italian culture truly covers the entire area of Belmont. A visit to Arthur Avenue is truly one of the most unique things to do in NYC. It takes you out of Manhattan and shows you an authentic piece of NYC culture. Many of the NYC businesses on Arthur Avenue are small and family-owned, with recipes passed down through the generations. Here are some of our favorite places to explore on Arthur Avenue.
Joe’s Italian Deli
For over 40 years, Joe’s Italian Deli has been a staple of the neighborhood. Their specialty is their fresh mozzarella cheese, arguably the best fresh mozzarella in NYC. Joe’s Italian Deli makes fresh balls of mozzarella every day, saying most of it only stays on the shelf for four hours, max!
This unique NYC deli was founded by Giuseppe (Joe) and Maria Ruscigno, and their son Anthony continues the tradition. At Joe’s Italian Deli you can find fine Italian groceries, warm delicious pastas, ready-made sauces, and of course, meats and cheese. Joe’s Italian Deli might just have the best sandwiches in NYC. Other Arthur Avenue Deli’s might be more “Instagram Famous,” but true New Yorkers know the place to get a NYC Italian sandwich is Joe’s Italian Deli.
Heart-Shaped Pizzas
Ivana’s Pizza makes NYC’s famous “heart-shaped” pizzas. This is a seasonal special for Valentine’s Day. The idea is that you can give your loved one “a pizza your heart.” Ivana’s is family-owned and operated. The owners, Antonio and Ivana Ferri, opened this Arthur Avenue icon in 1977. Antonio still makes appearances in the store, and speaks only Italian. This should show you how authentic Ivana’s Pizza is! Antonio and Ivan have been married since 1966, so their pizza certainly shows they know how to bake love to perfection!
Arthur Cantina Wine & Liquor
What is Italian food without a nice glass of wine? Slide into Arthur Cantina to find the perfect vino to pair with your meal. In fact, Arthur Cantina has weekly wine tastings each Saturday to help educate you about the bottles and how to pair with aperitivo, dinner, and dessert. The owner’s true passion, however, is whisky! Arthur Cantina might just be the best place to shop for whisky in NYC.
Morrone Pastry Shop
New Yorkers are always on the hunt for NYC’s best cannoli. The search might be over Morrone Pastry Shop has had customers raving about their cannoli since 2006. The recipes have been passed down through generations and they use only the freshest ingredients. The cannoli are the star, however, a trip to Morrone Pastry Shop should also include their rainbow cookies, sfogliatelle, and pasticciotti. Bring friends to Morrone Pastry shop and do a tasting of several pastries. It will be a delicious NYC highlight!
Ann & Tony’s
Ann & Tony’s is among the best Italian restaurants in NYC. Anna & Tony’s opened in 1927 and was called The Roosevelt Garden. Their menu includes recipes Ann & Tony cooked for each other over hundred years ago, and the recipes have stayed the same. This is a no-frills “when you’re here you’re family” restaurant. They also serve up fun cocktails, with many inspired by the movie “A Bronx Tale.” Ann & Tony’s is famous for their cheesecake. Ann & Tony’s cheesecake is arguably the best cheesecake in NYC. Rumor is they add a dash of rum for some extra magic. A meal at Ann & Tony’s alone is worth the trip to Arthur Avenue.
Arthur Avenue Food Tours
While visiting Arthur Avenue alone is always a worthwhile adventure, many find it even more indulgent with Arthur Avenue Food Tours. This is a tour company that specializes in the neighborhood, and is friendly with the business owners. As such, you may get lucky and witness a mozzarella cheese-making demonstration or meet Antonio at Ivana’s pizza when you’re with them.
If you do meet an icon of Arthur Avenue, make sure to take a photo with them. Share that photo with the world by visiting welcometotimessquare.com to learn how you can put your photo on a giant Times Square billboard!