New York City's Little Italy celebrates the 87th Annual Feast of San Gennaro for 11 days from Thursday, September 12, through Sunday, September 22. This feast takes place in the lower Manhattan neighborhood which served as the first home in America for hundreds of thousands of Italian immigrants who came here seeking to improve their lives beginning in the early part of the 20th century.
The Feast of San Gennaro will continue to bring people together to empower a neighborhood that's bound to make a comeback. If you are in the New York City area, visit Little Italy to support the old neighborhood and enjoy the delicious food and free musical entertainment that reflects Italian-American culture and heritage.
Where to eat:
Little Italy has a plethora of Italian restaurants to choose from. Walk down Mulberry Street and most all the restaurants have someone trying to lure you inside, some more aggressive than others. Take it as what it is, part of Little Italy's charm. See the list of all restaurants in the area by clicking here. See below two of our recommendations for the best pizza joint and the best 100% authentic Italian eatery.
Gennario Lombardi opened his shop in Soho in 1905 and is proud to call it the first pizzeria in the U.S. Still, Lombardi’s continues to bake a hot contender for best pie.
32 Spring St. (between Mott and Mulberry Sts).
This sprawling eatery can be counted on to deliver a gratifying meal. The neoclassical décor is a bit over the top, but the dishes are 100% Italian and service friendly. Request a table in the glass-enclosed atrium and come hungry: the portions are hearty and huge.
125 Mulberry Street (at Hester St).
How to get there:
From Salisbury Hotel take the N or Q subway to Canal St. and walk about two blocks east to Mulberry Street. The Feast runs along Mulberry Street, between Canal Street (on south) and Houston Street (on north).
