Little Italy in New York.

Little Italy in New York is an ethnic neighbourhood centred on Mulberry Street in Lower Manhattan, just a couple of streets from bustling Chinatown. Once home to a large population of Italian Americans, it is still the best place in the city to soak up Italian culture, with Italian-named shops, cafés and restaurants lining the street. Here is what to see, where to eat and how to get there.

What to Expect in Little Italy, New York

You won’t get the sensational landscapes of Italy here, but you will definitely feel the Italian vibe on the street. The first thing you are likely to notice walking along Mulberry Street is that the shops and businesses have typically Italian names.

Little Italy offers a real flavour of Italy along with a charm all of its own. Lined with restaurants, coffee shops and gift shops, it gives an authentic feel of the country.

Start at the Italian American Museum

Visit the Italian American Museum before exploring the neighbourhood. This small museum has permanent and rotating exhibits documenting Italian American history and heritage.

The Best Picks in Little Italy

Caffe Roma

385 Broome St., New York, NY 10013.

Caffe Roma sits at the start of the street and is the best way to find out how authentic an experience Little Italy offers. Biscotti, pignoli cookies, sweet ricotta sfogliatella and other confections are baked right on the premises.

Standing since 1891, the café conveys an unmistakable old New York feel with its green pressed-tin ceiling, long countertops, inch-wide black and white hexagonal floor tiles and wooden cabinets.

Amici 2: 165 Mulberry Street, New York, NY 10013.

Authentic Neapolitan home-made cuisine is the restaurant’s speciality. This small restaurant seats 15–18 tables at once, which keeps it less crowded and the service more attentive.

Moderately priced, with impressive interiors, delicious authentic food and the best wines: that sums up my review of the restaurant.

How to Get to Little Italy by Subway

• Bowery station (J, Z): Mulberry Street is 2 blocks away, heading towards the Museum of Chinese in America.
• Canal Street station (J, Z, N, Q, 6): Mulberry Street is 2 blocks away along Canal Street.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Little Italy in New York?

On Mulberry Street in Lower Manhattan, a couple of streets from Chinatown.

What is the best café in Little Italy?

Caffe Roma at 385 Broome St., open since 1891 and known for pastries baked on the premises.

Which subway stops are nearest to Little Italy?

Bowery (J, Z) and Canal Street (J, Z, N, Q, 6), both about 2 blocks from Mulberry Street.

Conclusion

Little Italy is a small neighbourhood, but it packs in plenty of flavour. Start at the Italian American Museum, grab a pastry at Caffe Roma, enjoy a Neapolitan meal at Amici 2 and then wander over to Chinatown next door.