Little Italy Neighborhood Guide

Once the sprawling home of much of New York City's Italian population, Little Italy has become more of a tourist destination than a residential neighborhood. Previously, Little Italy spread from Canal Street north to Houston, but now its borders are limited to about four city blocks. Still, Little Italy is worth visiting for delicious imported Italian groceries and to see the Old St. Patrick's Cathedral, as well as a chance to glimpse some of the restaurants and bars made famous by gangsters and members of the Rat Pack. It's also great to experience the San Gennaro festival that takes place in Little Italy every September.

Little Italy Map

Little Italy Subways:

• 6
  - Spring Street
• N, R
  - Prince Street
• F, V
  - Broadway Lafayette

Little Italy Neighborhood Boundaries

• Canal on the South
• Broome on the North
• Baxter on the West
• Elizabeth on the East

Little Italy Events

• Feast of San Gennaro - Street Festival in September
  San Gennaro Pictures

Little Italy Architecture

• Cobblestone streets dominate the area and are commonly featured in movies.
• Beautiful six-story walk-up buildings that housed the neighborhood's Italian community are plentiful.
• The Original St. Patrick's Cathedral and the Police Building are worth experiencing.

Little Italy Tours

• The Little Italy / NoLIta & Five Points Walking Tour with Alfred Pommer
• Little Italy and Lower East Side with Savory Soujorns
• Walking Tours with Museum of Chinese in the Americas

Little Italy Restaurants

• Umberto's Clam House
• Luna (112 Mulberry St.)
• Da Nico (164 Mulberry Street, 212-343-1212)
• Il Cortile (125 Mulberry St., 212-226-6060)
• Angelos (146 Mulberry St.)
• Il Palazzo (151 Mulberry St., 212-343-7000)
• Grotto Azura (177 Mulberry Street, 212-925-8775)
• Benito II (163 Mulberry St.)
• Little Charlie's Clam Bar (19 Kenmare Street)
• Italian Food Center (186 Grand Street, 212-925-2954) - sandwiches, etc.
• Caffe Roma (385 Broome St.) - desserts
• Ferrara Bakery & Cafe (195 Grand St.) - desserts

Little Italy Attractions

• The Police Building (240 Centre Street) - Built in 1909, this building was the main police headquarters for over 60 years, but it is now co-op apartments.
• Old Church of St. Patrick (Mott Street between Prince & Houston) - this was the original St. Patrick's Cathedral, but is now a parish church

Little Italy Shopping

• DiPalo's Fine Foods (200 Grand Street (at Mott Street), 212-226-1033) - since first opening its doors in 1910, DiPalo has offered delicious imported goods, including olive oil, pasta and cheeses
• Il Coccio Italian Ceramics (182 Hester St., 212-965-0556) - this small store features imported ceramics from Sicily

More: Italian Neighborhoods in the United States and Canada