The Italian population in New York City have played a significant influence in shaping the culturally significant city that it is today. Little Italy in Manhattan is a well-known hamlet that was originally home to many Italians and stretches from Mulberry to Mott streets. In the late 19th century, it was founded as a safe haven for Italian refugees who brought their cuisine to the city.

There were several markets, restaurants, and festivals honoring Italian heritage in Little Italy. Its streets reeked of traditional Italian fare, capturing the spirit of Italy through the fragrances of cooking pasta, pizza, and pastries. Little Italy’s borders shrank as the population changed, but the area’s eateries and annual events ensure that its culture will never die.

While Little Italy hasn’t lost any of its allure over the years, other New York City neighborhoods like Bensonhurst in Brooklyn and Arthur Avenue in the Bronx have become popular destinations for Italian food and culture. These neighborhoods are living proof that New York City’s immigrant population has had a lasting impact on the city’s gastronomic diversity.