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New York is home to some outstanding eateries, but one of its finest is Italian food. If you’ve been to Little Italy in Manhattan and were probably disappointed or the food didn’t meet your expectation, you might want to head down to Arthur Avenue – known to many throughout the areas as the “real Little Italy.” Bronx’s Little Italy flies the multicolor flag from street corners and has as many trattorias, classic bakeries, and mozzarella stores as any neighborhood in the borough.
The area is popular for its red-sauce, Italian-American fare, and more. But all of Italy is represented here too, from rustic Tuscan dishes to doughy Neapolitan pizza to saucy Sicilian specialties. If you’re planning to wander down Arthur Avenue in the Bronx, here are the best Italian restaurants to grab some lunch or dinner.
If you’re in the area, you might be overwhelmed by the amazing variety of Italian restaurants in the Bronx. Regardless, GiftYa understands the struggle, especially when dining out in a big city like the Bronx, which doesn’t come at a cheap price. GiftYa virtual gift card allows you to find the best restaurant near you. They’re completely customizable and can be applied to several Italian restaurants in the Bronx. Orders yours today!
2357 Arthur Ave, The Bronx, NY 10458 zeroottonove.com
At first glance, the industrial-style interior will blow your mind. Wait until you look at their menu and you’ll understand why it’s one of the best Italian bistros in the Bronx. At Zero Otto Nove, the specialty is Salerno-style pizza, but most folks flock to this joint to get a taste of their perfectly crafted wood-fired Neapolitan-style pies, and some hearty and silky pasta dishes. If you want to experience something a little out of the box, try their La Riccardo Pizza served with squash puree, pancetta, smoked mozzarella, and basil.
While you won’t spot any Italian grandmas in the kitchen at this lovely eatery, you’ll probably find anything you would find in an Italian restaurant with some great attention to detail in their admirable presentation, service, and most importantly, the experience they provide for you.
2335 Arthur Ave, The Bronx, NY 10458 dominicks.com
Dominick’s is a popular, classy Italian restaurant located on Arthur Avenue and offers a wide array of hearty and saucy dishes. This unfussy, decades-old gem has been dishing out generous servings of well-prepared pasta for over five decades. Instead of just presenting you with menus, the waiters are courteous enough to let you order what you want depending on the current mood. You can start off with some pasta, salad, or fish then reel off to the main course. They prefer to do things the old-fashioned way by making their Italian dishes from scratch.
As for the entrees, you have a wide selection on the menu including the stuffed artichoke, sirloin steak served with some fries, chicken parm, baked ziti, and penne all vodka. You can also enjoy their Sunday specials that include lasagna, cavatelli, beef braciola, and manicotti to end the week on a high note.
603 Crescent Ave, The Bronx, NY 10458 robertosbronx.com
If what you’re searching for is some traditional Italian cuisines, then there’s no better place to visit than Roberto’s modern Italian fare. Here at Roberto’s, they will get you all the way there with a menu that combines both old-school Italian cuisines and some contemporary twists.
Chef Roberto has done an incredible job of turning his knowledge into a diverse menu that everyone will enjoy. You can’t miss this Italian-American favorite such as pasta, bunny stewed with potatoes, and seasonal vegetable steamed in cartoccio or in a foil pouch. The wine list is even more sophisticated to ensure you enjoy every sip after feasting on their delicious entrees.
They take their customer service a notch higher by ensuring that they make adjustments to their meals to fit their customers' dietary needs. In fact, they help you pick the best if you have no idea what to eat.
2339 Arthur Ave, The Bronx, NY 10458 enzosarthurave.com
In the heart of Arthur Avenue sits Enzo’s, a modest Italian restaurant popular for its red sauce and other Italian creations prepared from local and seasonal ingredients. You can stop by at any time at this Italian bistro and grab as many spicy sausage and broccoli rabe as you can.
You can also get some pasta, or their assorted cured meats served with artisanal cheeses and marinated vegetables, littleneck clam served with seasoned breadcrumbs, and their signature fried meatballs topped with sautéed onions and hot peppers. Their menu is pretty diverse, so if you’re in the mood for some orecchiette, ziti, or Insalata, you are sure to find them in plenty. If you feel a little overwhelmed, you can simply ask for assistance from their polite waiters.
2370 Belmont Ave, The Bronx, NY 10458 antoniostrattoria.com
What’s better than an Italian joint serving the best of Italian favorites in the Bronx. For Italians, a perfect traditional family dinner goes beyond just sitting around the table together and sharing some childhood memories.
To experience the true definition of dining in an Italian home, swing by Antonio’s Trattoria where you’ll find mouthwatering Italian dishes such as baked clams, brick-oven pizzas, and calzones, fried calamari, with fresh pasta including lasagna, penne, and rigatoni. Even the fussiest of eaters will fall in love with this.
On the menu, you’ll also find a variety of fresh pasta such as spaghetti with a choice of sausage, meatballs, or baked ziti Sorrentino, Borgatti's cheese served in a marinara sauce, gnocchi Caprese tossed in a plum tomato sauce with mozzarella, and more.
When you visit the restaurant, expect friendly, attentive service, and don’t forget to order some of their best wine and bottled beer.
1051 Morris Park Ave, The Bronx, NY 10461 emiliosofmorrispark.com
Located in Morris Park borough, Emilio’s Italian kitchen offers a wide selection of authentic Italian dishes. From white classic pizzas, sandwiches, and calzones to linguini with chicken, clams, and eggplant parm, this popular Italian restaurant is the real deal.
Whether you’re in the mood for some fresh entrees and seafood, or even a whole specialty pizza prepared in their traditional way, they’ve got a little bit of everything for everyone here at Emilio’s.
If you’re craving desserts, you can go for the sheet cakes available in all flavors or try the cannoli cakes. For appetizers, get to choose from buffalo wings to chicken fingers to mozzarella sticks. In the meantime, don’t forget to try some of their delicious selection of beverages including pure leaf tea flavors, brisk iced tea, crush orange, and more.
1913 Bronxdale Ave, The Bronx, NY 10462 fjpine.com
Whether you’re craving some classic entrees such as steak and seafood dishes or the delicious pasta, you won’t be disappointed once you make your way to F & J Pine. Their welcoming raw bar and pizza oven are especially loved by the regulars here, offering up both extensive recipes and delicious flavors for you to enjoy.
Frankie & Johnie’s Tavern, as it’s locally referred also serves other mouth-watering dishes such as chicken parm, Frank’s popular ragu, and Nonna’s meatballs. Their portions are big with additional varieties for lunch and dinner including their stuffed artichoke served with parmesan, breadcrumbs, prosciutto, and lemon batter. You might also want to try their pasta that includes a variety of dishes like linguini with clams and chopped littleneck clams, garlic, and olive oil.
When it comes to cocktails and wines, you have a wide selection of options to choose from. You can opt for martini options or their signature cocktails or even try their mojitos, and draft beers. Without a doubt, there’s plenty for you to spread out and enjoy some great time with your loved ones here. Don’t skip out on their gluten-free selections and be sure to wash it down with their tasty wine.
Amidst all the popular dishes you could possibly be craving, Italian dishes will always be on your bucket list. But finding the exact thing you want isn’t always easy. There is no shortage of authentic and hospitable Italian eateries in the Bronx and this list will help you narrow down to the most outstanding joints you’re yet to try. So, which restaurants are your favorites? Let us know in the comments!
