Forget about Little Italy in Midtown: Bronx’s Little Italy flies the tricolour flag from street corners and has as many trattorias, mozzarella stores and classic bakeries as any neighbourhood in the Old Country. Looking for the best Italian restaurants in the Bronx? You’ll soon see you’re spoilt for choice here.
Wander down Arthur Avenue and beyond to refuel at our top picks of where to eat amazing Italian food in this great borough.
Best Italian Restaurants In The Bronx
How do these rankings work?
1. Zero Otto Nove
Named for the telephone code in Salerno, Italy, this incredible restaurant sells whole, wood-fired Neapolitan-style pies, hearty mains and silky pasta dishes. It’s a true Bronx icon at this stage and is a foolproof choice for a tasty meal. Can’t decide what pie to order? We love the special pizza with mozzarella, escarole, olives, capers and anchovies.
2. Enzo’s of Arthur Avenue
Enzo’s is the place to go on Arthur Avenue for a hearty meal that always hits the spot. Dig into heaps of spicy sausage, broccoli rabe, and garlic tossed with orecchiette, or swordfish with capers and artichokes.
It’s a neighbourhood institution where you can expect the best meatballs of your life. The secret? They’re fried beef and veal meatballs topped with onions and hot peppers.
3. Roberto’sÂ
Roberto’s is a cosy spot in uptown Bronx. There’s old school Italian dishes, handmade pastas and daily specials, which regulars order straight off a blackboard. Our top picks? Order the bucatini with creamy, cheesy zucchini sauce or penne with peas and cured bacon. But since it’s one of the best Italian restaurants in the Bronx, you can’t go wrong with anything.
4. Antonio’s Trattoria
If you want a classic Italian spot for a serious feast, this is the place to go. Antonio’s on Belmont Ave has all your favourites. Expect Italian grub like baked clams, fried calamari, brick-oven pizzas and calzones, with fresh pastas including rigatoni, lasagna and penne. Even the fussiest of eaters will love this place.
Save some for a dessert of pizza with Nutella and strawberries or fresh cannoli. Simply delicious!
5. Tra di Noi
This charming restaurant is just one block off the Bronx’s famous Arthur Avenue. Red checkered table cloths and a cosy vibe make it popular with locals and visitors alike. Menu highlights include the veal with lemon and white wine and Lasagna Alla Bolognese. It’s easily one of the best Italian restaurants in the Bronx.
It’s perfect for date night too, with candles and a warm atmosphere.
6. F&J Pine
A popular feasting spot after a Yankees game, , Frankie & Johnnie’s Tavern (as it’s locally known) is a firm favourite for traditional Southern Italian food. Portions are big, the flavour is huge and you’ll be a regular after the very first bite. Frankie’s famous pasta ragu packs a real flavour punch, as does the veal parm.
You’ll be rolling out of here, but smiling with satisfaction.
7. Emilio’sÂ
Emilio’s has been in Morris Park’s Little Italy for over 20 years, serving up a wide sweep of Italian-American food. From hero sandwiches, pizzas and calzones to linguini with clams, chicken and eggplant parm, this place is the real deal.
There’s also plenty of other dishes that you’d expect from a family-owned Italian joint. It’s a classic for good reason: it’s absolutely delicious.
