There’s only one thing more New York than lamenting the loss of “authentic, old New York.” And that’s finding an actual pocket of authentic, old New York. Arthur Avenue, known to devotees as “the real Little Italy,” is one such place. But where is Arthur Avenue, exactly? It’s just one of many questions answered here, including what to see, do, and eat while visiting.
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Where Is Arthur Avenue?
Arthur Avenue is the one-mile stretch at the center of the Belmont neighborhood in the Bronx. The area is near the Bronx Zoo, the New York Botanical Garden, and Fordham University. (It’s not, however, home to Belmont Park, which hosts the Belmont Stakes. That’s on Long Island.)
Why Is Arthur Avenue Called Little Italy?
According to art historian Danielle Oteri, the Belmont area grew when developers began courting newly arrived Italian immigrants in the early 1900s. One of them, Pietro Cinelli, built apartments and a palazzo for himself on Arthur Avenue. (Fun fact: The Cinelli family coat of arms is still mounted on the wall above Full Moon Pizzeria.)
To further entice his fellow Italian-Americans, Cinelli petitioned the Archdiocese of New York to build a Roman Catholic church in the neighborhood. This became Our Lady of Mount Carmel. When the Third Avenue elevated subway line extended straight through Belmont, people moved in droves. (It was dismantled in 1973.)
How Much Does It Cost to Live in Belmont, Bronx?
Homes in the Belmont neighborhood are mostly six-story Art Deco and Tudor-style apartment buildings. The median asking rent here was $2,200 as of October 2021, according to the StreetEasy Data Dashboard. By comparison, the median asking rent for the Bronx overall was $2,000. The borough’s median asking sale price was $422,450.
Who Is Arthur Avenue Named After?
Contrary to local legend, Arthur Avenue is not named after President Chester Arthur. Historical maps show that the street was called Arthur Avenue as far back as 1840, long before he became president in 1881. Today, Arthur Avenue retains its old-world charm. Its iconic storefront awnings and facades haven’t changed much in 50 years or more. Another thing that hasn’t changed? No matter where in Belmont you are, you’ll never go hungry!
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What Is It Famous For?
Arthur Avenue has a rich artisanal food history. It’s legendary throughout NYC and beyond for all kinds of authentic Italian delicacies. “It has a European vibe,” says Oteri. “You get your fettuccine from one shop, your mozzarella from the cheesemaker, your bread from the bakery. All of it is freshly made.”
It’s only natural to describe the people behind these storied businesses by generation. For example, Teitel Brothers are third-generation owners, and they’re fifth-generation at Mario’s. Many current shopkeepers actually own the land for their stores. The original owners bought the lots from the developers. How’s that for a family business?
Oteri’s family opened a fish market selling baccalà (salt cod) here in 1918. Today, she leads food tours that take people behind the scenes of this iconic street. “People come from all over the tri-state,” she says. “But they also make annual pilgrimages from Florida. They bring a cooler dedicated to their Arthur Avenue haul. There’s a deep, deep loyalty to this place.”
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What To Eat & What To Buy on Arthur Avenue
Everything! Most shopkeepers here continue the traditional ways of hand-making the most delicious Italian foods. Here’s a sampling:
- Borgatti’s Ravioli & Egg Noodles, hands down, is the place for pasta. It supplies many restaurants on the street. Talk about fresh!
- Egidio Pastry, which opened in 1912, feels like a step back in time. Get an aromatic espresso and flaky pastry.
- Calandra Cheese or Casa Della Mozzarella? People argue over which place has better mozzarella. Either way, you win!
- Calabria Pork Store‘s ceiling is hung with soppressata, prosciutto, and more. It’s like a forest of cured meats.
- Madonia Brothers Bakery satisfies cannoli cravings. The century-old establishment also has amazing prosciutto bread.
- Arthur Avenue Retail Market is a can’t-miss for all kinds of food stalls under one roof. Inside, Mike’s Deli offers sizable sandwiches. The owners also run the popular Bronx Beer Hall nearby. Cheers!
- Dominick’s serves family-style at communal tables. Don’t expect a menu: They’ll tell you what’s good, and they’ll never steer you wrong. Just remember to bring cash.
- Zero Otto Nove boasts a fancy Michelin’s Bib Gourmand award. Get the pizza, as well as any daily special. It also has an outpost in Manhattan.
- Piazza di Belmont is the hotspot on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings.
Most shops are open from 8 a.m. to around 4:30 p.m., and some are closed on Sundays. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they may have limited hours or pick-up service only. The Belmont Business Improvement District shares updates.
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Belmont’s Other Claims to Fame
Arthur Avenue has been seen in numerous films and TV shows, including The Sopranos. It even appears in Lady Gaga’s “Eh, Eh (Nothing Else I Can Say)” music video.
Many celebrities hail from the area, including actress Anne Bancroft, writer Don DeLillo, and actor Chazz Palminteri. Palminteri even replicated the facade of Borgatti’s for his play A Bronx Tale. And of course, Dion and the Belmonts had pop hits throughout the 1950s and ‘60s, including the classic “Teenager in Love.”
One popular annual event, the Ferragosto harvest celebration, returned in 2021 after being canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic. However, the New York Pizza Festival has decided to go virtual. Ciccarone Park also holds a Christmas tree lighting every December. Check with The Belmont Business Improvement District for updates and changes. The park is also a great place to take a break and watch people playing bocce.
How To Get There
The nearest subway station to Arthur Avenue is the B and D stop at Fordham Road, a 15-minute walk away. Metro-North’s Fordham station is a 10-minute walk. (It’s a 20-minute ride from Grand Central Terminal.) There are also several bus lines in the area.