Little Italy NYC: A Comprehensive Tourist Guide
Are you wishing to enjoy the smell of fresh pasta, delicious pastries, and the excitement of the Feast of San Gennaro in the middle of Manhattan? Little Italy NYC is the perfect place for that!
Italian immigrants who came in the late 1800s made it their home and their traditions are still alive today. Little Italy is a Manhattan neighborhood where you can experience a slice of old-world Italy in the heart of NYC.
Are you curious to know more about this neighborhood and learn the reasons you have to visit Little Italy? Let’s get started!
A Brief History of Little Italy NYC
Little Italy in Manhattan is one of the most famous Italian neighborhoods in the world. It began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when thousands of Italian immigrants arrived in New York, searching for better lives. Many came from Southern Italy, bringing their traditions, food, and strong sense of community.
They settled around Mulberry Street and built a lively neighborhood filled with Italian restaurants, shops, and bakeries. At its biggest, Little Italy covered over 50 blocks.
Over time, many Italian families moved to other areas, and Little Italy became smaller. Today, it’s only a few blocks away, but it’s still famous for its restaurants, souvenir shops, and the yearly Feast of San Gennaro.
You can still find old family-run spots like Ferrara Bakery, which has been open since 1892, serving cannoli and gelato, or Di Palo Fine Foods with its fresh cheeses and salamis.
Little Italy remains a special part of New York, celebrating Italian culture and history. Is it amazing?
Best Restaurants in Little Italy NYC
Little Italy is a food lover’s paradise, where you can experience authentic Italian flavors and a warm, vibrant atmosphere. Here’s a list of must-try restaurants in Little Italy NYC:
1. Lombardi’s Pizza
Did you know the first pizzeria in the United States started in Little Italy? Back in 1905, Gennaro Lombardi brought his pizza-making skills from Naples and created what we now call New York-style pizza.
Lombardi’s, his iconic pizzeria, is still going strong today! Their coal-oven pizza, with its smoky, crispy crust, fresh tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil, is a must-try for anyone visiting the area. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, you’ll find yourself coming back for more. They even have vegetarian and vegan options, so everyone can enjoy a slice of history!
2. Ferrara Bakery & Cafe
If you’ve visited Little Italy NYC, you’ve likely seen Ferrara Bakery with its bright signs and big ice cream cones above the door. Inside, it feels like stepping back in time with its old-style tile floors, large mirrors, and wooden details.
Open since 1892, Ferrara offers a mix of Italian treats, candies, and gifts. While not everything may be perfect, their lobster tail pastry is a must-try—crispy, creamy, and so tasty!
3. Angelo’s of Mulberry Street
According to Angelo’s official website, Casa D’Angelo is family-owned and has been serving delicious Italian food for many years. The chef, originally from Italy, makes fresh pasta and classic dishes using local ingredients. The all-Italian staff adds to the authentic experience.
Whether you visit for lunch, dinner, or drinks, Casa D’Angelo has something for everyone, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. With its friendly service and warm atmosphere, it’s a great restaurant to enjoy real Italian flavors!
4. Di Palo’s
Di Palo’s is a must-visit spot in Little Italy, known for its amazing mozzarella cheese that melts perfectly in your mouth. The shop has been family-owned for over 100 years, currently run by the fourth generation, with the fifth generation operating a wine store next door.
Lou Di Palo travels to Italy every year to bring back the best meats, cheeses, and special foods to share with customers. To truly experience the essence of Italy, Di Palo’s is the place to visit. There’s even a fun story about Lou’s mom helping the makers of The Godfather while they filmed nearby!
Little Italy Festival NYC
The Feast of San Gennaro is a vibrant celebration of Italian-American culture that takes place every September in Little Italy, Manhattan. First held in 1926, this festival honors Saint Gennaro, the patron saint of Naples, and showcases the rich traditions brought to New York by Italian immigrants in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
The festival transforms the streets of Little Italy into a lively hub of food, music, and culture. Mulberry Street becomes the heart of the celebration, stretching from Canal to Houston, with additional festivities on Hester and Grand Streets.
The narrow streets are filled with colorful decorations, mouthwatering aromas of Italian cuisine, and the joyful sounds of live music.
What to Expect at the Festival
- Dates: Typically held over 11 days in September.
- Location: Spans Mulberry Street (Canal to Houston), Hester Street, and parts of Grand Street.
- Events & Activities:
- Parade: A lively procession through the streets.
- Food Stalls: Authentic Italian dishes, from pasta and cannoli to street food specialties.
- Entertainment: Live music, games, and contests.
- Shopping: Vendors offering Italian-themed goods and souvenirs.
- Kids’ Rides: Family-friendly fun with rides and activities for children.
If you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime fan, the Feast of San Gennaro is an unforgettable experience in New York little Italy.
Little Italy NYC Landmarks
What if the festival isn’t happening during your visit? Well, you can enjoy other Little Italy landmarks like:
1. Shrine Church Of The Most Precious Blood
Located at 113 Baxter Street in NYC Little Italy, the Shrine Church of the Most Precious Blood is a remarkable example of sacred architecture. Built in 1904, the church combines various architectural styles, including Celtic, Viennese, and Art Deco, which makes it stand out from other churches in the city.
the church is filled with stunning sacred art. The marble main altar and side altars are beautifully crafted with religious statues, showcasing great skill.
In the early 1900s, an Italian immigrant named Donatus Buongiorno designed the church’s interior in a special Neapolitan Baroque style. The Shrine Church of the Most Precious Blood remains a must-see historical site in Little Italy New York.
2. Italian-American Museum
The Italian-American Museum in Little Italy tells the story of how Italian immigrants and their descendants have helped shape American society. It highlights the contributions of Italians in areas like exploration, science, politics, and daily life.
The museum has a variety of interesting items, such as Sicilian puppets, old Italian comics, and objects related to Giuseppe “Joe” Petrosino, a famous cop who fought the mafia. The building itself was once the Banca Stabile, a bank that helped Italian immigrants manage their money and stay in touch with family back home. One of the most interesting pieces is the old 19th-century safe from the bank.
3. Engine No. 55
Engine 55, also called “Cinquantacinque,” is a historic firehouse in Little Italy that has been serving the community for over 100 years. Located at 363 Broome Street, this beautiful building was designed by architect R.H. Robertson in 1899 and stands out with its unique design.
It was one of the first firehouses built after the creation of Greater New York. While Little Italy has changed over time and now blends with Chinatown, Engine 55 remains a proud symbol of the neighborhood’s history and service.
4. Museum of Chinese in America
The Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) is a special place that shares the history and stories of Chinese immigrants in the United States. Founded in 1980, it’s both a cultural and educational museum that celebrates the contributions of Chinese Americans. The museum is located in a beautifully designed space created by the famous Chinese-American architect Maya Lin.
MOCA’s collection includes over 85K items like artifacts, photos, textiles, and recorded stories. While not everything can be displayed at once, the museum carefully selects pieces to highlight the rich history and experiences of the Chinese community in America. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in learning more about this important part of U.S. history.
Final Words
Little Italy NYC may not be as large as it once was, but its vibrant culture is still alive and well. The neighborhood is full of history, and walking through it feels like stepping back in time. With great restaurants where the owners greet you like a friend, delicious pizza, and the perfect cup of espresso, Little Italy captures the essence of Old New York. It’s the kind of place where you can take your time, enjoy the sights, and stay in the unique atmosphere.
FAQs
There are plenty of great places to eat in Little Italy! Popular spots include Lombardi’s for pizza, Ferrara Bakery for cannolis, and Di Palo’s for Italian cheeses. For something special, try Parm for a great chicken parm sandwich, or head to Umberto’s Clam House for fresh seafood and a bit of history.
While Little Italy once covered many more blocks, much of it has been replaced by new developments. However, Mulberry Street still stands as the heart of Little Italy, where you’ll find its most famous shops, restaurants, and traditions.
Little Italy has changed a lot over the years. It was once known for its mob history, but those days are long behind. Today, it’s a safe and welcoming neighborhood, with friendly shop owners offering delicious Italian food and treats.
