Little Italy is one of NYC’s most iconic and established neighborhoods. It is also one of the city’s most colorful and traditional. Many of the restaurants and businesses here have been owned by the same families for generations. For that reason, many of the dishes served are from recipes handed down for decades. You won’t find a more authentic meal anywhere in the city!
The narrow but bustling streets still retain the charm they had over 100 years ago and create the perfect setting for a relaxing lunch, dinner and dessert. Buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries line the block and if you’re a fan of great architecture you’ll find much to be delighted about here.
Each year in September, Little Italy becomes the nerve center of the city as they hold the annual Feast of San Gennaro, a Salute to the Patron Saint of Naples. For 11 days over 1 million locals and visitors come to Little Italy to enjoy the festivities as well as the array of excellent and expertly prepared Italian fare.
In 2019, the festival will celebrate its 93rd year opening on September 12 and run through September 22. The festival runs along Mulberry Street between Houston Street and Canal Street, and on Grand Street between Mott and Baxter Streets.
Best Little Italy NYC Restaurants
No trip to NYC is complete without a visit to Little Italy! We’ve highlighted a few of our favorite Little Italy restaurants in this feature. Here you’ll find Lombardi’s, the first pizzeria in the U.S.; authentic old world Sicilian recipes at Paesano of Mulberry Street, Fine Italian dining at Il Cortile; find Little Italy’s best outdoor courtyard & garden at Da Nico; have some fun and “shake your napkin” at Puglia; and don’t forget Caffé Palermo is home to Baby John, the legendary Cannoli King!
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