Little Italy, which formed the backdrop for the celebrated film The Godfather, is still seen as a romantic area of the city by many. Although much smaller now than it was in the 1970s due to a dwindling population, it's intrinsic Latin character is still palpable, particularly in its quaint streets and the delis and cafes where you can gorge on home-made breads, pastas, sausages and cheese.
The heart of Little Italy is a stretch of Mulberry Street between Hester and Kenmare streets. It was at the corner of Mulberry and Hester streets that the original Umberto's Clam House was founded, a favorite haunt of mobster Crazy Joey Gallo, who was murdered here in 1972 while celebrating his birthday.
These days , the beginning of this tourist filled area is marked in a less gruesome way by Di Palo's at 210 Grand Street, a store founded 80 years ago and famous for its delicious mozzarella and salamis.
From here onwards it's clear that Little Italy's best asset is its fabulous restaurants.Cafes with outdoor seating are a wonderful place to sit with a coffee and pastry and watch the world go by. In between the more pricey joints are some excellent eateries selling pizza and pasta for under $10.
The biggest event of the year in this area of town is the Feast of San Gennaro, named after the patron saint of Naples, when for 11 nights in the third week of September, Italians from all around come to visit. Food carts line Mulberry Street and there's eating, drinking and dancing until the early hours.
NYC, New York - Little Italy