Food tours of Arthur Avenue in the Bronx

Oct 5, 2024 | 0 comments

Finding the best Italian food outside of Italy can be tough. Arthur Avenue in the Bronx, New York, is known for its rich Italian culture and food. Our blog will guide you through a delicious food tour here.

Get ready to explore!

Why Visit Arthur Avenue?

Close-up of traditional Italian dishes set on an outdoor cafe table.

Arthur Avenue offers authentic Italian cuisine and a rich culinary history, making it an ideal location for food enthusiasts. The neighborhood serves as a gastronomic haven, providing visitors an opportunity to explore the world of Italian-American delicacies through neighborhood exploration and sampling local delights.

Authentic Italian cuisine

Authentic Italian fare flourishes in Arthur Avenue, the Bronx, New York. This vibrant neighborhood attracts food enthusiasts with its century-old family-owned establishments and a variety of restaurants that highlight traditional Italian tastes.

Visitors find themselves enjoying freshly baked breads, handmade cheese, tasty sausages, classic pizzas, and delicate pastries. Each dish stands as a testament to the profound culinary history passed down through generations.

Arthur Avenue is the place where the essence of Italian cooking is felt outside Italy.

This area, identified as the true Little Italy of the Bronx, offers more than merely culinary delights; it’s a cultural history and craftsmanship exploration. Meandering through its streets gives you a feel of traversing multiple Italian regions without leaving New York City.

From sampling olive oil shipped directly from Italian estates to relishing fresh-made mozzarella in local shops daily, visitors enjoy an authentic food experience that connects continents.

Rich culinary history

Arthur Avenue in the Bronx, recognized as the “authentic Little Italy,” possesses a gastronomic history spanning over 100 years. This neighborhood is alive with family-managed food businesses passed down through lineage.

The streets hum with the trade of breads, cheeses, sausages, pizzas, and pastries, satisfying both local and tourist appetites. Sampling the fare at Arthur Avenue uncovers tales of Italian-American lineage and custom.

Visitors to Arthur Avenue swiftly ascertain its reputation as a culinary haven within New York City. From traditional bakeries to highly appraised eateries, this district delivers genuine Italian cuisine with no equal elsewhere in the city.

With every storefront visit or restaurant feast, patrons engage with a lively collective where food serves to satiate and also congregates individuals in celebration of rich cultural provisions deeply entwined in the location’s character.

Highlights of the Food Tour

Embark on the Signature Shopping & Tasting Tour, where you can indulge in the best Italian food shopping opportunities. Immerse yourself in the rich culinary history while savoring authentic Italian delicacies at every turn.

Signature Shopping & Tasting Tour

The Signature Shopping & Tasting Tour lets visitors explore the vibrant food culture of Arthur Avenue. Tour-goers are led through family-owned establishments, some boasting over a century of history, which offer homemade cheeses, fresh pasta, and genuine Italian pastries.

Each destination within this tour presents a taste of delectable treats, from lush mozzarella at Casa della Mozzarella to hearty sausage links displayed in neighborhood butchers’ shops.

Participants are introduced to the shop proprietors who reveal the know-how behind their crafts and heritage recipes.

Arthur Avenue isn’t simply New York City’s authentic Little Italy; it’s a community where food narrates a tale of customs and lineage.

This immersive journey expands beyond mere flavor sampling; it offers a genuine piece of Bronx life through its most renowned culinary pearls. You’ll depart with a satiated palate and an understanding of what constitutes the uniqueness of Italian cuisine in the Bronx.

Best Italian food shopping opportunities

Arthur Avenue in the Bronx, New York offers a variety of outstanding Italian food shopping opportunities. Visitors can explore century-old family-run food shops that offer a wide range of authentic Italian products.

These shops are well-known for their freshly made mozzarella, artisanal pasta, and high-quality olive oil, making them ideal destinations for anyone in search of genuine Italian culinary treasures.

Additionally, Arthur Avenue is home to numerous bakeries and markets where visitors can find a diverse selection of breads, cheeses, sausages, and pastries. The rich history and culture surrounding these establishments make them an integral part of the neighborhood’s gastronomic experience.

Overall, the assortment of top-rated food shops in Arthur Avenue presents an unparalleled opportunity for locals and tourists alike to indulge in the finest Italian culinary offerings right in the heart of New York City.

Must-Visit Food Shops

Arthur Avenue Food Tours feature a selection of must-visit food shops that showcase the finest Italian culinary offerings. Visitors can immerse themselves in the authentic flavors and aromas at these renowned establishments, creating an unforgettable gastronomic experience.

Casa della Mozzarella

Casa della Mozzarella is a renowned Italian cheese shop located on 187th Street. Established in 1980, it specializes in crafting fresh mozzarella on-site daily, showcasing the artistry and tradition of Italian cheesemaking.

The store’s commitment to quality has made it a staple among locals and visitors alike, offering an authentic taste of Italy through its range of cheeses and other deli items.

The shop’s dedication to preserving traditional methods ensures that customers experience genuine Italian flavors. Casa della Mozzarella serves as a destination for those seeking high-quality ingredients for their culinary endeavors or those simply looking to savor the authentic taste of freshly made mozzarella.

With its rich history and commitment to excellence, Casa della Mozzarella remains a must-visit stop on any food tour of Arthur Avenue.

Calandra Cheese

Moving on from Casa della Mozzarella, another essential stop on the Arthur Avenue food tour is Calandra Cheese. This family-owned cheese shop has been a staple in the neighborhood for over 60 years and is renowned for its exceptional selection of Italian cheeses.

Visitors can enjoy an array of artisanal cheeses, including mozzarella, provolone, ricotta, and pecorino romano – all made using traditional methods.

At Calandra Cheese, guests can witness the careful process of crafting fresh mozzarella firsthand and partake in tastings to experience the rich flavors unique to each cheese variety.

The shop’s commitment to quality and authenticity encapsulates the essence of Italian cheesemaking traditions. Whether sampling aged or freshly-made cheeses, Calandra Cheese provides a truly immersive culinary experience that showcases the finest craftsmanship of Italian cheese production right in the heart of New York City’s Bronx borough.

Borgatti’s Ravioli & Egg Noodles

Borgatti’s Ravioli & Egg Noodles is a family-owned shop that has been in business for over 80 years. It is known for its fresh, handmade pasta and ravioli, made using traditional recipes.

Visitors can purchase a variety of pasta products, including egg noodles, spinach fettuccine, and cheese ravioli. The shop takes pride in its high-quality ingredients and dedication to preserving old-world techniques of pasta-making.

After exploring Borgatti’s Ravioli & Egg Noodles, the next stop on the food tour is Casa della Mozzarella.

Featured Restaurants

Experience the savory delights of Dominick’s, where traditional Italian recipes are celebrated. Roberto’s offers a cozy ambiance and delectable dishes that epitomize authentic Italian dining.

Dominick’s

Arthur Avenue’s food tour in the Bronx includes a visit to Dominick’s, an iconic Italian restaurant known for its family-style dining and authentic atmosphere. Since 1966, Dominick’s has served classic Italian dishes like pasta, meatballs, and seafood in a casual setting where guests can enjoy communal seating and bring their own wine.

The restaurant’s policy of not providing a menu offers diners a unique experience as the servers verbally list the day’s offerings. With its inviting ambiance and delicious homestyle cooking, Dominick’s is a destination not to be missed on any food tour of Arthur Avenue.

Next up, let’s explore “Roberto’s”.

Roberto’s

Roberto’s is a renowned restaurant on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx, offering an authentic Italian-American gastronomic experience. Established in 1979, this family-owned eatery is celebrated for its traditional Italian cuisine and warm ambiance.

Roberto’s boasts an extensive menu filled with delectable dishes such as pasta, mozzarella, olive oil, and pizza. This restaurant has been a staple of the neighborhood for decades.

The food at Roberto’s is prepared with fresh ingredients sourced locally from the surrounding Arthur Avenue shops, emphasizing a commitment to quality and authenticity. Visitors to the area can savor genuine Italian flavors and enjoy a true taste of Little Italy right in the heart of the Bronx.

Zero Otto Nove

Zero Otto Nove, a prominent restaurant on Arthur Avenue, stands out as a must-visit for those exploring the rich culinary scene. This eatery offers an authentic Italian dining experience with its mouthwatering dishes.

Named after the area code of Salerno, Italy, Zero Otto Nove takes pride in its traditional Neapolitan cuisine prepared with fresh ingredients and classic recipes that resonate with Italian-American flavors.

The restaurant features a warm ambiance while serving delectable wood-fired pizzas and sumptuous pasta dishes that have garnered widespread acclaim. Whether enjoying their signature pizza or savoring their homemade pasta, visitors are sure to be transported to the heart of Italy through every bite.

Zero Otto Nove’s dedication to providing an exceptional gastronomic journey makes it a standout destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable Italian dining experience in Bronx’s Little Italy.

Planning Your Visit

Plan your visit by considering the best time to go, transportation tips, and payment options at shops. Read more for a seamless Arthur Avenue food tour experience.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Arthur Avenue is during the spring and fall months when the weather is pleasant for strolling through the neighborhood. The area comes alive with outdoor markets, sidewalk cafes, and local events, offering a vibrant atmosphere for visitors to explore and enjoy the culinary offerings of the Bronx.

It’s advisable to plan your visit on weekdays to avoid larger crowds that are common on weekends. These quieter times allow for a more intimate experience as you navigate through the bustling food shops and restaurants.

After exploring these delightful food options in Arthur Avenue at an ideal time of year, let’s move forward by considering transportation tips for your visit to this charming neighborhood.

Transportation tips

Visiting Arthur Avenue is easy to reach by subway; take the B or D train to Fordham Road and walk three blocks east. Alternatively, you can take the Metro-North Harlem local line from Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan to Fordham station.

The neighborhood is also accessible via various bus lines, such as the Bx12, Bx17, and Bx22. Once there, exploring on foot is the best way to soak up all of what this culinary haven has to offer.

Payment at most shops is cash-only, so be sure to have some on hand when indulging in authentic Italian delights. While many locations do not accept cards, some restaurants and larger stores may provide card payment options.

Keep an eye out for parking regulations if driving; street parking can be limited but available depending on the time of day.

Payment options at shops

Many of the shops in Arthur Avenue accept cash and credit/debit cards. Some may have a minimum purchase requirement for card transactions. Visitors should be prepared to pay with both cash and cards, as it varies by shop.

The majority of businesses do not accept personal checks, so it’s best to have alternative payment methods available when shopping at the food shops on Arthur Avenue.

Now, let’s explore “Conclusion” in light of the information provided above.

Conclusion

Explore the vibrant flavors and rich history of Arthur Avenue in the Bronx through a delightful food tour. Indulge in authentic Italian cuisine, from fresh mozzarella to delectable pastries, at family-run shops that have stood the test of time.

Immerse yourself in this culinary gem, where every bite tells a story of tradition and passion. Uncover the hidden treasures of this bustling neighborhood and savor an unforgettable gastronomic experience that will leave you craving more.

Join us for an adventure that tantalizes your taste buds and leaves you with lasting memories.

After indulging in the rich flavors of Arthur Avenue, consider exploring Roosevelt Island next for a scenic urban escape.