Eating and Drinking Your Way Through Little Italy, Bronx

Little Italy in the Bronx is the real deal {credit}

When it comes to areas in New York City known for great Italian food and drinking spots, Manhattan’s Little Italy and Brooklyn’s Bensonhurst have gotten top billing over the years. But any real New Yorker knows that Belmont in the Bronx is worthy of being called New York’s “Real Little Italy.”  Though the region now consists of a diverse mix of races and ethnic groups, it’s still considered the Italian heart and soul of the Bronx. To help streamline your choices, Tracy’s New of York Life has created a list of amazing restaurants in Little Italy, Bronx for a scintillating slice of Italian culture.

Zero Otto Nove, 2357 Arthur Ave. 

Known for its delicious pizza made in a Neapolitan wood-fired oven, Zero Otto Nove is right up there with the best pizza places in NYC. A perfect balance between crispiness and chewiness, the Margherita is simply remarkable. But Zero Otto Nove isn’t just a pizzeria. It’s a spacious trattoria with an old-world Italian feel and menu. From the Zuppa Di Cocozza (Butternut Squash and Capellini Soup) and baby octopus to the Pasta Al Forno, it’s arguably one of the finest Italian restaurants in the Bronx.

Zero Otto Nove’s legendary pizza {via Zero Otto Nove}

Tra Di Noi Trattoria, 622 E 187th St.
Two blocks from Arthur Avenue lies the main strip in Belmont known for its tasty Italian food. Tra Di Noi Trattoria may be the area’s best-kept secret—a hidden Italian gem that you’ll be truly happy to discover.
Known for homey ambiance and first-rate, friendly service, it’s like having a Sunday dinner at Nonna’s. Tra Di Noi Trattoria is renowned for Italian classics such as the fried calamari, spaghetti carbonara, mussels, clams, and lasagna—all amazing.  The Bolognese sauce smothered over a plate of mouthwatering ravioli or tortellini is a surefire crowd pleaser as well.  

Spaghetti vongole at Tra di Noi {credit}

Mike’s Deli – 2344 Arthur Ave. 
What’s an Italian neighborhood without a bona fide Italian deli? Not much, if you ask me. Thank heavens for Mike’s Deli, a.k.a. the original Arthur Avenue Italian Deli, located inside the Arthur Avenue Retail Food Market. Arguably the best spot in the Big Apple for a hearty Italian sandwich, owner and chef David Greco’s Eggplant Parm, made with fresh mozzarella daily, busted the Food Network’s Bobby Flay in his own Throwdown competition. The Meatball Sandwich and the Tough Guy Hero (prosciutto, salami, oily, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, and fried eggplant) are other fantastic options that will have you channeling characters from A Bronx Tale. 

If you’re a connoisseur of fine olive oil, Mike’s also carries a superb line ($14.95) under Greco’s name, which includes varieties infused with garlic, hot pepper and lemon.

A yummy lunch plate from Mike’s –{credit}

Bronx Beer Hall – 2344 Arthur Ave. 
Located in the very same Arthur Avenue Food Market, David Greco and partners opened a fantastic beer hall, where the finest local brews are featured and topnotch fare is served.
Down a pint (or pitcher) of Bronx-made suds such as the Woodlawn Weiss and Pelham Bay IPA, to help wash down Greco’s tasty One & Only Truffle Burger. 

Other great, smooth tap beers include City Island Pale Ale, Coney Island Mermaid Pilsner, Yonkers Lager, Captain Lawrence Liquid Gold, Keegan Ales and Mother’s Milk Stout. 

Bronx Beer Hall is full of tasty brews and corresponding treats {via Bronx Beer Hall}

De Lillo Café & Pastry Shop – 606 E. 187th St.
Any Italian neighborhood wouldn’t be complete without a magnificent pastry shop. Known for its sinful cannolis, rainbow cookies, and decorative, delectable cakes, De Lillo Pasticceria is that bakery that helps authenticate the area’s “Italianissimo.” With impressive display case after display case full of splendid, heavenly pastries, pies, cakes and cookies, you’d be hard pressed not to submit to your inner sugar demons at this Bronx pastry cathedral, which was established in 1925 by brothers Rocco and Joe DeLillo. But if the eye candy fails to tempt you enough to remove your carb ban, the sweet aromatic assault on your olfactory system should do the trick. 

The Red Velvet Cake, Lobster Tail, Chocolate Layer Cake, and Sfogliatelle (all must-haves) complement a nice cappuccino or coffee (iced or hot) if you decide to eat in. 

A fanciful Tiramusi at De Lillo’s {credit}

Posted on 10/16/2013