11 Places to Eat in the Bronx’s Little Italy

From Bleecker Street in Manhattan to Ditmas Park in Brooklyn, many streets define a borough. In the Bronx, the smell of fresh-out-of-the-oven bread, homemade pasta and sweet cannoli wafts through Arthur Avenue and 187th Street (also known as the Belmont section of the borough). Coined “Little Italy,” the family-friendly area has a ton of delicious dining spots. Here are 11 places to check out on your next visit.

The family-owned bakery is home to traditional Italian bread and biscuits. Step inside the bread shop and you’ll find homemade pane di casa, semolina and sourdough baguettes daily. On weekends they also offer specialty items such as chocolate rolls and raisin nut bread.

2372 Hughes Ave.; 718-367-8316 or addeobakers.com

You can watch fresh bread being prepped and slid into the bakery’s coal-fired brick ovens, where it cooks until golden brown, filling the place with an amazing aroma. Their famous pane di casa was even coined the “Terranova Bread” by loyal customers. If you can’t make it into the store, the bread shop offers delivery through its website to have a loaf (or two) shipped right to your home. 

691 E. 187th St.; 718-367-6985 or terranovabakery.com

3. ARTHUR AVENUE RETAIL MARKET

If you’re looking for a mecca of Italian food, this market has everything in one spot. From fresh bread to pastries, the market holds nine restaurants, five pastry shops, three coffee shops and much more (including butchers, pasta makers and a gourmet wine shop). Don’t forget to hit up a Bronx favorite, Mike’s Deli, for its hearty sandwiches.

2344 Arthur Ave.; 718-295-5033 or arthuravenue.com

You can’t stop by Bronx’s Little Italy without grabbing a slice from this pizzeria. The third-generation business has all the classics like Sicilian, chicken parm and Margherita, but it is the classic cheese slice that customers gravitate toward. (Be sure to order the chicken wings and garlic knots too.)

600 E. 187th St.; 718-584-3451 or fullmoonpizza.com

Inspired by nonna’s cooking, this restaurant strives you make you feel right at home (even if you don’t have a nonna). Perfect for lunch or dinner, this restaurant features traditional staples like chicken parm, penne vodka and fried calamari with big portions perfect for sharing with a group. (Psst: You might even spot a celeb there. Kristin Chenoweth and Neil Patrick Harris have stopped by to check out the food for themselves.)

2370 Belmont Ave.; 718-733-6630 or antoniostrattoria.com

6. Prince Coffee House

If you’re into coffee (yes, outside of grabbing the regular cup of joe on your way to work every morning), this café is ready to broaden your taste buds with 50 (!) different options to choose from. The place alone should draw you in with its Turkish-influenced decor. They also serve breakfast items, sweets and bread.

2306 Arthur Ave.; 646-875-1868 or princecoffeeshop.com

The family business has been serving up traditional desserts for more than 85 years. From their sfogliatelle to cannoli, this pastry shop is no stranger to sweets (and coffee options). They can also create custom, Italian-style cakes for any occasion, which is reason alone to throw a party.

606 E. 187th St.; 718-367-8198 or delillopastryshop.com

There’s always room for dessert, and when it comes to this pastry shop, there’s so much to choose from. Anyone with a sweet tooth will love the chocolate cannoli, rainbow cake or a sfogliatelle. And while we enjoy eating the sugary treat, it’s the traditional packaging that makes it a true, authentic Italian bakery. 

670 E. 187th St.; 718-367-2515 or artusopastry.com

9. Dominick’s Restaurant

This restaurant is keeping things old-school with its no-menu, cash-only policy. You’ll find only family-style meals (big portions to share with a family of four or more) and communal tables so you feel like you’re having dinner at home (you typically invite total strangers over, right?). Dining options may include penne alla vodka, chicken parm and baked ziti.

2335 Arthur Ave.; 718-733-2807 or dominicksrestaurantbronx.mybistro.online

All the meals are made fresh from scratch, even down to Gerbasi’s signature dipping sauce for the bread. Step inside the restaurant (or sit in their outside garden when the weather is warm) to get a taste of fried octopus, gnocchi or eggplant rollatini. It’s small and intimate, making it perfect for date night or grabbing a quick bite. 

2389 Arthur Ave.; 718-220-5735 or gerbasiristorante.org