Little Italy truly lives up to its name. The neighborhood may look, feel, and sound like
New York City, but the spirit of that beloved Mediterranean country is alive and well here. The smell of freshly-baked pizza wafts in the air as the exuberance of the Italian-American heritage vibrates through Mott Street and Lafayette Street. Homegrown diners and elegant eateries alike serve the most sumptuous pasta, with each twirl of the fork more flavorful than the next. And beyond this culinary excellence, Little Italy blends the old and the new in a unique way that only the Big Apple can.
Where is Little Italy in New York City?
Little Italy lies at the heart of Lower Manhattan. Its area is so central that several of
New York City's central neighborhoods surround it. NoHo is to its north, The Bowery is to its east, Chinatown is to its south, and SoHo is to its west. With such chic areas nearby, it's no surprise that Little Italy never fails to lure in locals and tourists alike. This also makes it easier to get to and from the neighborhood via public transport. Be it the subway or a yellow cab, you won't have any trouble reaching Little Italy.
Is it Safe in Little Italy, New York City?
Those who plan to stay in Little Italy have nothing to worry about. While it's admittedly not the city's safest neighborhood, it's still safe overall. The place is well-lit, there are often a lot of people walking about, and it has fairly moderate
crime rates for New York City. Little Italy also has a strong police presence, with a couple of stations located nearby. Nevertheless, you still need to take the necessary safety precautions when you go out, especially at night. Its northern and western parts can get particularly sketchy after dark, which means you'd do well to avoid them!
What's The Vibe in Little Italy, New York City?
Loud, vibrant, and flavorful. Little Italy stays true to its name with its eclectic vibe and boisterous energy. The place may not evoke the grandiosity of Italy with its iron-clad warehouses and former factories-turned-apartment complexes, but the people here have truly brought the Mediterranean country's spirit to Lower Manhattan. Little Italy draws people from other neighborhoods and even different boroughs with its freshly baked cannolis and pizza, while the locals fill the air with the everyday shrieks and howls. The neighborhood may seem rough at first, but rest assured that it's a lively area where just about anyone can have a good time.
Is Little Italy, New York City, Expensive?
Little Italy proves that not all of Manhattan costs an arm and a leg. This isn't to say that it's cheap here—far from it!
New York City's living costs are still generally high, after all, and this neighborhood is no exception. But when you compare it to the famously glossy SoHo to its west and the notoriously pricey East Village to its northeast, the area is much more affordable. Take a look at its rent, for instance, which is at an average $3,000.00 per month. Meanwhile, the average price for a meal here is approximately $15.00 to $35.00 per person.
What to See in Little Italy, New York City
Little Italy admittedly lacks notable sights to see. Compared to the rest of Manhattan, this neighborhood virtually has nothing! Instead, the entire place is the worthwhile landmark, a lively and eternal snapshot of New York City's Italian-American community. Mulberry Street, for example, boasts an entire strip of homegrown bakeries and
pizzerias, each serving up cannolis, sfogliatella, and of course, the most scrumptious slices of pizza. There's also the Italian American Museum on the same street, which offers a good look at how the community has thrived and survived in the Big Apple for all these years.
What to Do in Little Italy, New York City
Unless you're an Italian-American New Yorker yourself visiting your ten or so cousins in the area, virtually the only thing to do in Little Italy is to eat. It's the ultimate spot to indulge in authentic Italian cuisine, not to mention the most delicious American twists you'll ever enjoy this side of Manhattan Island. You can take the entire family out to a local diner and drown in red sauce over mouthfuls of pasta, or simply grab a slice of pizza when you're on the go. Either way, there's no chance you'll leave Little Italy without gaining a few pounds.
The Best Restaurants in Little Italy, New York City
Little Italy is an entire treasure trove of the best Italian restaurants in New York City. They range from popular pizzerias and local bakeries to the most charming trattorias in the entire borough. You'll want to get lost in Mulberry Street yourself, the district's main strip of noteworthy eateries. Hotspots like Casa D'angelo, Grotto Azzurra, La Bella Vita, and Buona Notte will undoubtedly tantalize your taste buds with every bite. These may not be
New York City's best Michelin-starred restaurants, but they're just as good!
Discover Little Italy’s crown jewels—the district’s best places to eat:
- Buona Notte on Mulberry Street
- Casa D'Angelo New York on Mulberry Street
- Grotto Azzurra on Mulberry Street
- IL Cortile on Mulberry Street
- La Bella Vita on Mulberry Street
- La Mela on Mulberry Street
- L'Amore Restaurant on Mulberry Street
- Osteria Barocca on Mulberry Street
- Gelso & Grand on Grand Street
- Pep's on Grand on Grand Street
What to Know About Renting in Little Italy, New York City
Renting an apartment in New York City may be an expensive endeavor, but some places make it easier than others. Little Italy, for instance, has some of the most affordable rentals in Manhattan. And that's saying something considering that it's the city's most expensive borough! While the average rent in the other neighborhoods nearby typically ranges from about $6,000.00 to $5,000.00 per month, this place is only about $3,000.00. Unfortunately, that doesn't guarantee a big place; hence, you're better off getting a bigger apartment and sharing it with a roommate.
Get lost in all the flavors, liveliness, and vibrancy in New York City’s Little Italy! True to its name, this Italian-American conclave offers the best of the best of the two cultures, from their culinary identities to their fascinating traditions.
