Considered the real Little Italy of New York by residents, Arthur Avenue in the Belmont section of the Bronx is the best place for bread, pasta, meat, pastries, espresso machines, the only place to buy Italian sausage and more. Very few New Yorkers are not familiar with the area…and some might even consider it a well-kept secret.
Whether you call it Belmont, Little Italy in the Bronx or Arthur Avenue, the neighborhood beats its rivals in the sheer number of establishments for shopping for fine Italian foods, housewares and other goods. The quality and values are tops – a recent ranking confirmed once again by critics like Zagat whose readers repeatedly give “Best Buy” status to more Arthur Avenue shops than any other neighborhood in New York.
Generations of Italian families have given the area a special small-town character unique for an urban setting, at the same time establishing traditions that permeate the neighborhood like the sweet smell of pizza or peppers. Tradition abounds here, whether it is shopping for lamb at Vincent’s Meat Market, pasta at Borgatti’s, cheeses at Teitel Brothers, fish for Good Friday at Cosenza or Easter breads at Addeo Bakery. Among the notables born here are actor Chazz Palminteri, author Don DiLillo and rock star Dion DiMucci, whose group Dion and the Belmonts is named after the local street – Belmont Avenue.
Today, the tradition continues with grandchildren and great-grandchildren remaining on Arthur Avenue or returning to own and manage businesses begun by their ancestors. “Nearly every shop on Arthur Avenue is already an institution,” as one visitor put it. The vast array of markets, butchers, pastry and open markets are supported not only by longtime area residents, but also their relatives and children from far and wide, who regularly return for the tastes and memories, especially at Easter time.
This one-stop shopping area includes Vincent’s Meat Market located at 2374 Arthur Avenue. For your holiday dinner table, no one beats Vincent’s for their fine selection of lamb, baby goat, rabbit or roasts. Since 1954, they have been providing shoppers with the highest quality of meats, along with their favorite recipes and tips to make your meal perfect!
Addeo Bakery is a must stop to order your Easter breads. For over 80 years, they have been at 2372 Hughes Avenue, making sure their products are fresh and to your liking. No matter what is served for your main meal, bread is always a welcomed addition, whether with an oil dip or to sneak an end piece into the gravy.
Since 1935, Borgatti’s Ravioli and Noodles at 632 East 187th Street, has been known for their home style ricotta ravioli, manicotti, cavatelli, fresh egg noodles, whole wheat pastas, spinach pasta and any other flavor. “Well Worth the Trip” is their slogan and rightfully so. Put your order in early to get the freshest pasta for Easter dinner.
For over 100 years, Teitel Brothers has been serving the Arthur Avenue community. They carry a complete line of Italian products, including olive oils from Italy, San Marzano tomatoes, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and any other grocery you would need to compliment your holiday table. Located at 2372 Arthur Avenue, stop in and be amazed!
Good Friday is the holiest day of the year for Catholics. It is the solemn day that Jesus Christ was crucified and died for our sins. As a day of penance, Catholics do not eat any meat on that day. This year, make your Arthur Avenue shopping trip to Cosenza’s Fish Market, 2354 Arthur Avenue and pick out the freshest fish you will find anywhere. Your family will love you when you make their favorite seafood dinner. While there, stock up your freezer with cod, shrimp, lobster, crab meat and much more to savor at a later dinner.
