A Walking Guide To Little Italy In New York City

Little Italy in New York is little. No doubt about it. It only reaches across a few streets. But it packs a lot of Italy into those few streets!

Begin on Grand Street at a bakery that has become a landmark in the city, Ferrara’s. This big glitzy bakery has been in movies, been the scene of engagements and weddings, and been in business since 1892 when it was founded by Antonio Ferrara. It now ships its pastries, pasta and house brand coffee all over the world. What better way to start your tour of Little Italy than here for a frothy cappuccino and a cannoli?

If you are by chance here during September, there would be a crush of people here and in the streets celebrating the anniversary of Saint Gennaro’s martyrdom. The Saint Gennaro Festival draws millions of people every year to these small streets which become filled with stalls selling food. They also raise money for charity by asking people to pin money to the ribbons hanging from the statue of Saint Gennaro.

After you have finished your coffee, look across the street at a couple of the oldest stores in Little Italy. First at the Piemonte Ravioli store, which has made homemade pasta here since 1892, and over at Alleva, where they make fresh mozzarella and ricotta. A trip inside each store will have you yearning to take some home.

Outside of Ferrara’s turn left and then left again to stroll along Mulberry Street, “restaurant row”, and the heart of Little Italy. As you approach Canal Street you will be approaching Chinatown, which borders Little Italy. Both Little Italy and Chinatown have always been immigrant enclaves and tightly knit communities.

Turn around and walk back o Mulberry Street, now taking time to look up at the historic tenement buildings you are passing. At 109 Mulberry you will be in front of the Most Precious Blood Church, headquarters for the Saint Gennaro Festival and National Shrine for Saint Gennaro. Keep walking and find time to look a the menus of the restaurants as you go since you may want to come back and try one! Most of them have outdoor seating in the summer, and coming back in the evening you can dine under the stars amidst a very lively street scene. It may be crowded, it may have people outside of the restaurants trying to get you to come in, but smile and enjoy it. This is what Little Italy is about. It is fun, crazy, unusual, and throbbing with life!

Alex is a blogger and travel writer. He writes about everything from exotic destinations to beautiful hotels. He also writes a blog for mega.co.uk . Image by flickr4jazz