...More about Little Italy  We Recommend this Venue. Look to the left for date of last visit.

Approximately three dozen restaurants in all can be found in Little Italy and most of them are concentrated on Mulberry Street. The food here is rumored to be as authentic in taste, flavor, and texture as that found in Italy. Enjoy northern or southern Italian favorites at one of the many restaurants here that all seem to have Italian names including Paesano of Mulberry Street, Taormina of Mulberry Street, De Gennaro, Buona Notte, La Bella Ferrara, Costa Azurra Restaurant, and Café Sorrento. Of course, this is only a sampling of the restaurants located in Little Italy.

In addition to fine, mouth-watering pastries including Pasticiotto, Italian cheesecake, and cannolis, the bakeries and cafes often provide steaming espressos and cappuccinos. For a sweet snack of a different consistency, consider stopping for an authentic gelato. Italian grocery stores still feature cheeses and salamis hanging from the ceilings. Plus, you’ll have your choice of a wide variety of Italian pasta, olive oil, and tinned foods. In addition to Italian food, the area features quite a few shops that sell clothing, jewelry, souvenirs, and other items.

Weekend activities increase the pace of the area while the ten-day Feast of San Gennaro, the patron saint of Naples, in September steps up the pace in the early fall. This religious celebration includes an elaborate parade, carnival games, street vendors selling lots of authentic Italian food, souvenirs, and more.

Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral, established in 1809, should be a “must see” on everyone’s list. The elaborate altar is crafted with marble and gold leaf decoration. Beneath the church building, sits an elaborate labyrinth that has become the final resting place for many of New York City’s notable bishops. Additionally, the church houses an Erben organ dating back to 1852. The cathedral is located at Prince and Mott Streets.

No matter what you decide to do while in Little Italy, there are plenty of choices. The area is small and all of the stores are within walking distance of each other.

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Venue Visit on 12/11/2011 by Lainey