Since we’ve been grounded due to the Coronavirus, I’ve really been missing Italy. I can’t decide what I miss more – eating authentic Italian food or arranging food and wine focused experiences for my clients. I haven’t been able to do much travel planning, so I channeled that energy into creating an Italian food lovers guide to Bronx’s Arthur Avenue.
There are online companies that will deliver Italian food to my door, but you can’t replace the sights, sounds and smells of a true Italian experience. And why would you want to?
This past fall, I masked up, and took a road trip to the closest place I know for an authentic food experience; close to what you’d find in Italy. Namely, Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. It’s what I consider the real Little Italy in New York City (sadly, the other is just a shadow of its former self). I arrived hungry and spent my time shopping, dining and devouring the best the neighborhood had to offer, so I could share it with you.
I was disappointed to find two top spots on my ‘must try list’ shuttered permanently. Long time favorite Cafe al Mercato and newcomer MangiPasta – both casualties of the pandemic. But the plethora of others that survived made up for it and I’m happy to report after 100 years, the area is still going strong.
Even mid-week during a pandemic, Bronx’s Little Italy was busy and buzzing with life and activity. Don your elastic-waist pants, pour a glass of wine and enjoy my Italian food lovers guide to Bronx’s Arthur Avenue.
ITALIAN FOOD LOVERS GUIDE TO BRONX’S ARTHUR AVENUE
Best Shops for Bread in Bronx’s Arthur Avenue
Terranova (691 E 187th St) was founded over 50 years ago by an immigrant from Sicily. The olive bread and focaccia here are stand outs. Super friendly ladies behind the counter were gracious, helpful and took time to explain the daily offerings but also shared some insider tips for the area. Don’t forget a bag of their tasty taralli, a specialty of Puglia.
Addeo & Sons (2372 Hughes Ave) has been family owned for over three generations spanning 80 years. They specialize in simple pane di casa (house bread) and whole wheat semolina. Their crunchy sesame seed covered breadsticks make perfect snacks. Love making your own pizza? Buy a round of their pizza dough.
Madonia Brothers (2348 Arthur Ave) also has a nice selection of olive bread, pane di casa and even biscotti. But come here specifically for the freshly-filled canolli. No soggy shells here. Every cannoli snob will tell you to always always insist on having them filled in front of you. The shells aren’t made in house, but the sweet, creamy filling makes up for it. Trust me when I tell you, these are the best cannoli in the neighborhood. Period.
Bronx’s Arthur Avenue Best Pastry Shops
Gino’s (580 E 187th St) is a well-known second generation no-frills shop with a bit of a laissez-faire approach to business. We turned up three separate times during posted operating hours before finding the shop open. But once you sink your teeth into the pastries – you’ll forgive the inconvenience. Owners Jerome and Joanne are genial, gracious hosts. We sampled cannoli (both pistachio and chocolate chip) and sfogliatelle, and both were amazing. Call ahead to score a sfogliatelle fresh out of the oven – if they sit too long, they become dense and stale. If you see a bomboloni on the counter, snag one. Joanne also makes an excellent cappuccino!
Egidio (622 E 187th St) founded in 1912, claims to be the oldest pastry shop in the neighborhood. The old-fashioned interior (which has seen better days) features lots of pink, an original tin ceiling, well-worn pastry cases and an antique espresso machine. The shop, yet another started by a Southern Italian immigrant, has a mouthwatering selection of classic Italian cookies – rainbow, pignoli, regina and biscotti; beautiful cakes and mini pastries too. Cutting out sugar? No problem -they offer a sugar-free collection. But skip their sfogliatelle. Trust me.
DeLillo (610 E 187th St) is another family-owned pasticceria founded by two Calabrian brothers almost 100 years ago. It’s the place to come for a true Italian cafe experience. The space is a tad more modern and updated than the others. A much larger selection of traditional Italian cookies includes cucidati, amaretti, and treats like baba au rum, napoleons and lobster tails. The tiramisu is outstanding! Order one along with a cappuccino and enjoy it on their welcoming outdoor terrace – perfect for people watching, just like in Italy. Try their homemade gelato too!
Best shops for Cheese + Pork
Calandria Cheese (2314 Arthur Ave) offers 10-12 types of cheese for sampling (with toothpicks) daily. They encourage tastings and are happy to entertain questions. The Calabrese cheese is a housemade specialty. It’s super spicy! If it’s in stock, pick up some fresh ricotta – it’s light and creamy.
Casa della Mozzarella (604 E 187th St) makes fresh mozzarella in every shape and size. Portion sizes are generous. A large ball could feed a family of 20. The tiny postage stamped-sized store is cramped, so try visiting during the week or less crowded times or call ahead for pick up to avoid waiting on long lines. As a buratta snob, I was also pleasantly surprised at the taste and texture of theirs – almost as good as in Puglia.
Calabria Pork Store (2334 Arthur Ave) should be nicknamed hog heaven. If the smell of meat doesn’t overwhelm you, the oppressive meat chandelier might. All manner of dried sausages are made in house and the staff is patient, helpful and generous with tastings while you figure out how much spice you can handle. They stock soppressata (hot, sweet, spicy, and extra hot) prosciutto and even the hard to find culatello. Sadly it was out of stock when I visited (and still not available as of fall 2022). For some extra fire in the belly, don’t miss the ‘nduja – a spreadable sausage specialty of Calabria. Note to vegans and vegetarians – enter at your own risk!
Where to buy fresh seafood
As a seafood lover who relishes the idea of slurping freshly shucked oysters at a raw bar, I was delighted to find not one, but two open-air fish markets. Both have walk up stalls to enjoy ice cold oysters and clams street-side. Prices are extremely reasonable and both offer a varied selection with fresh lemon and cocktail or hot sauce for drizzling.
At Cosenza’s Fish Market (2354 Arthur Ave) in addition to littleneck clams and the ubiquitous bluepoint oysters, I was able to find kumamoto, wellfleet and the delicate and elusive beausoleil (my favorite). If you prefer a raw seafood breakfast, you’re in luck – they open early!
Further down the block Randazzo’s Seafood (2327 Arthur Ave) is a third generation fish market started by a fisherman who immigrated from Sicily. (sensing a theme here?) Still going strong after 80 years, you’ll find clams and oysters sourced daily – but also sea urchin, salt cod and squid to recreate your favorite Mediterranean seafood recipes. Fish can be cleaned, descaled, filleted or prepared however you like, while you wait.
Where to enjoy a meal on Arthur Avenue
Most of what you’ll find in the Arthur Avenue neighborhood is Italian-American fare. Think pasta with red sauce, lasagne and chicken parm. If this is what you’re after, Dominicks (2335 Arthur Ave) will delight you. Enormous portions, often served family style. Perfect for feeding a large group. The stuffed artichokes aren’t to be missed!
Tra Di Noi (622 E 187th St) which translates to ‘between us’ is a trattoria serving up Italian fare with a friendly warm, welcome. The decor is run down and uninspiring, yet homey. The fish-heavy menu features linguine vongole, clams oregenato, shrimp fra diavolo and branzino. The long list of rotating specials changes daily. As a nod to the chef’s heritage you’ll also see Roman classics like rigatoni al ‘amatriciana, carbonara and tripe. Bonus points for keeping it local – they get their fresh pasta from Borgatti’s (seen below), just a few doors down.
Interested in an authentic dining experience with more of a modern hip vibe? Head to Zero Otto Nove (2357 Arthur Ave). The classic wood-fired margherita pizza, topped with San Marzano tomatoes, had the right amount of char and chew. The garlicky broccoli rabe was sautéed to perfection – neither bitter nor swimming in oil. The Italian-focused wine list is a oenophiles dream, but they also make a damn fine Negroni and Aperol Spritz. Lunch transported me right back to Italy; clearly the Salerno born chef/owner, nailed it!
Where to have a snack or small bite in Bronx’s Arthur Avenue
Piattini (2363 Arthur Avenue) is a new welcome addition to the neighborhood. Piattini means “little plates” in Italian and it describes the tiny cafe, bar and osteria perfectly. Pop in for a strong espresso, a glass of wine, a small nosh or a generous charcuterie board. Looking for something more hearty? They also offer a simple selection of salads and pasta. Prices are more than reasonable for the area. We enjoyed chatting with the Calabrian owners about Italy and people watching while sipping a refreshing (and strong) Aperol Sprtiz outside. They just purchased the neighboring building – so watch for an exciting new expansion.
Bronx’s Arthur Avenue – Where to shop for coffee, food and wine gifts
Cerini Coffee & Gifts (2334 Arthur Ave) is a coffee lovers dream. You’ll find an astonishing array of whole bean espresso, coffee cups, plates and a nice selection of food gifts imported from Italy like pasta, cookies, truffles and taralli. If you’re in the market for a new espresso machine, they sell them too. You can even leave your broken machine for service. The female shop owners are extremely friendly, cheerful and happily talked to us in Italian.
Tino’s Delicatessan (2410 Arthur Ave) makes great sandwiches – but also sells gourmet food items like top quality olive oils, truffles, traditional balsamic vinegar (locked in a glass case -they are that valuable!) from Italy. Buy dried pasta here – specifically Rustichella d’Abruzzo – one of the best Italian artisan brands. They have the largest assortment I’ve seen.
Borgatti’s (632 East 187th St) has been churning out fresh egg pasta noodles, cut to order, in whatever thickness you desire, for over 80 years. No less tasty are their fresh and frozen housemade ravioli with fillings ranging from plain cheese, to spinach, mushroom and pumpkin. Prices are an absolute steal.
Teitel Brothers (2372 Arthur Ave) is a family-owned wholesaler supplying restaurants and retail stores for over 100 years. Every nook and cranny from floor to ceiling is crammed with almost every imported Italian food product known to man. Don’t miss the aged Parmeggiano-Reggiano, Sicilian oregano, real pine nuts (not imposters from Russia or China), large tins of authentic olive oil from Tuscany and Sicily and torrone by the slice, cut to order from a giant block. Prepare to stock up! Know what you want and come with a list. Things move fast, it will be loud. Crazy. Overwhelming. You can also order online.
The best wine shop in the area is Arthur Cantina (2380 Arthur Ave). You’ll find a curated selection of Italian wines with knowledgable and super friendly staff. Let Anthony offer up recommendations and advice. They have an impressive Amaro selection, affordable prices and free local delivery (in case you’re staying overnight). Enjoy tastings on the weekends and Wednesday evenings.
If you’re planning a trip to the New York City area, I highly recommend a visit to Arthur Avenue. Use this as your guide or if you’d like something more focused and personalized, I can create a custom foodie adventure for you.
Are you a foodie traveling to Italy? You might be interested in these market tours and wine tastings in these areas:
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- Florence Food and Wine Tours
- Bologna And Modena Food Tours
- Verona Food and Wine Tours
