At the turn of the 20th Century, a wave of Italian immigrants began moving to what is now known as “The Little Italy of the Bronx.” Arthur Avenue is the main thoroughfare, followed by East 187th Street. Most of the Italian restaurants and specialty shops are located within the triangle formed by Arthur Avenue, East 187th Street, and Crescent Ave. Everything is within walking distance. In fact, most of the restaurants buy from the local specialty shops. The majority of businesses in the area are considered local institutions. Although a couple new restaurants have opened along Arthur Avenue in the 21st century, most have been in the same families for generations.

Artuso Pastry Shop

Randazzo's Seafood

Antonio's Trattoria

Blue

Tino's Delicatessen

Zero Otto Nove

Tapas Italiano

Michaelangelo's Little Italy

Antonio’s Trattoria: Borgatti’s Ravioli

One of the things that makes the Bronx’s Little Italy unique is that most of the restaurants source their food locally. Not just from the same city or state, but within walking distance. For example, the ravioli served at Antonio’s is made at Borgatti’s, which is just one block away.

Borgatti's Ravioli at Antonio's Trattoria Bronx Little Italy

Artuso Pastry Shop: red velvet cake

There are different ways to get red velvet cake right and Artuso’s combination of light, airy cake and thick, sweet frosting is worth the trip from Manhattan, Long Island, New Jersey, Connecticut, etc. You get the idea! They’ve been in business since 1946. The corner of East 187th and Cambreleng is named after Vincent F. Artuso Sr. Tip: get a number as soon as you walk in. There’s usually a line!

Artuso's Red Velvet Cake Bronx Little Italy

Blue Mediterranean: octopus

The grilled octopus at Blue Mediterranean is proof that ingredients matter. Anyone who complains that octopus is tasteless and rubbery should come to Blue. Tunisian octopus and Greek olive oil are two of their secrets. The result is the most tender octopus you are likely to taste in North America. While Arthur Avenue appears frozen in time, Blue Mediterranean looks like the only new addition since the turn of the century.

octopus at Blue Mediterranean Arthur Avenue Bronx Little Italy

Michaelangelo’s: arancini (rice balls)

Pietro’s Bakery was once housed where Michaelangelo’s is now located. You can still see the sign in the courtyard-style main dining room. The large risotto balls come three to an order with their delectable marinara sauce. Michelangelo’s is the first Italian restaurant you will see if you are coming from Fordham Road and for once, stopping at the first place you see is a good idea!

Arancini rice balls at Michaelangelo's Arthur Avenue Bronx Little Italy

Randazzo’s: raw shellfish on Arthur Avenue

Randazzo’s has a raw bar set up on Arthur Avenue. Andrew Zimmern stopped there during Bizarre Foods: The Bronx. Oysters come from Long Island. For the more adventurous, there’s sea urchin, which has a light custard-type texture. Shrimp are the only option for those who prefer their shellfish cooked.

raw shellfish at Randazzo's Arthur Avenue Bronx Little Italy

Tapas Italiano: Baccala & Polenta

While tapas are typically thought of as a Spanish thing, Tapas Italiano offers the Italian version. There are a few tables inside as well as wall seating. The inside is replete with entertainment memorabilia, which caters to film buffs. The salted cod in a tomato sauce served over polenta is a local favorite and not something you’ll find at other restaurants in the area.

Baccala & Polenta at Tapas Italiano Arthur Avenue Bronx

Tino’s Delicatessen: fresh mozzarella

Tino’s is open seven days a week from 6:30 AM-7:30 PM. The fresh mozzarella (salted or unsalted) is made on site every day along with most of their other items. There’s a small dining area, where Italian television plays in the background. The wall to the left of the television set is covered with signed pictures of celebrities and politicians including all of the American Presidents since 2000. The shelves are stocked with imported jams, pastas, sauces olive oil brands and more.

fresh mozzarella at Tino's Delicatessen Arthur Avenue Bronx

Zero Otto Nove: Margherita Pizza

Of all the restaurants on Arthur Avenue, Zero Otto Nove (“Zero-Eight-Nine” in Italian) looks and feels the most European. It is named after the telephone code in Salerno. Their Neapolitan-style oven is on display in the main dining room and temperatures can reach upwards of 800 degrees. While there are other pizza options along Arthur Avenue, Zero Otto Nove is the closest you will get to Naples without crossing the Atlantic.

Margherita Pizza at Zero Otto Nove Arthur Avenue Bronx Little Italy

MetroCard was provided by NYC & Company.

Pinterest - WHERE TO EAT AND WHAT TO ORDER IN THE BRONX’S LITTLE ITALY

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