There are many Italian bakeries, pizzerias, restaurants and specialty shops, mixed with food and retail from other cultures. Much like Manhattan’s Little Italy, but with far less tourists and cheesiness, Arthur Avenue and its environs (the action stretches across 187th Street) is sprawling with energy and excitement. Honestly, visiting either of those places without a trip to Arthur Avenue is just plain WRONG. Notably, this particular area of the Bronx is just over a mile from two major NYC family friendly attractions - the Bronx Zoo and New York Botanical Garden. The area is still viewed today as the Bronx’s primary Italian American community.Īs hopefully every resident of Westchester and Fairfield Counties knows, the Bronx is the northernmost borough of New York City and therefore, generally speaking, the closest borough to home. The Belmont section of the Bronx has been a haven for Italian immigrants since the 1950s. This is New York’s true Little Italy and a visit is lots of delicious fun. And it’s such an awesome, nearby and special place, that it’s owed a full post. All in all it was an acceptable dinner but I would not rush back.It’s been years since I’ve mentioned Arthur Avenue on this blog. We had seven glasses of wine, one soft drink, two coffees, two capucinos and one double espresso with a shot of Sambuca. While there were no complaints about the dishes there were no raves either. Along with the mains came two smallish family style plates with roasted potatoes and spinach. They offered to replace the fish with the listed special but it was decided to accept what was brought to the table. When the mains came out the special did not as a different fish from the regular menu was delivered. We had eight main courses one of which was a fish special. The consensus was that the artichoke appetizer was the winner. Our group shared starters of two house salads, an order of fried calamari and a special of baby artichokes. Specials are listed on a blackboard but without prices. Choose a different place.Įight of us had reservations for a Wednesday evening and were promptly seated in this small restaurant. If you want delicious food served with creativity, family friendliness and a nice decor - this isn't it. If you want the same meal prepared by the same rude, inflexible people - then this is your place. The world has changed in the last 40 years. It seems what Tra Di Noi has in abundance is authenticity. We never left a restaurant, but we did tonight and found another fantastic place just 2 blocks away San Gennaro. We've been dining out for more than 40 years and have taken our daughter dining all over the world. ![]() When our daughter requested shrimp with pasta in butter sauce, she was told it was "impossible." Rather than offer a child-friendly alternative, our waitress stood with her arms crossed as if a 13 year old should know better. There were "specials" but nothing special about them at all. Once we got to our table, we were served by someone who could not care less to help us choose our order. When we arrived, we were greeted gruffly and our reservation temporarily lost. I hope thet Tra Di Noi has great food, because it did not have the other four. Or hopefully a good combination of all of these. It's either superb food, a creative menu, great ambiance, family friendliness or impeccable service. When there are so many good Italian places in the area, you need something special to help you choose. Some friends recommended Tra Di Noi and we made a reservation. ![]() We spent the day at the botanical gardens and thought it would be good to try something on Arthur Avenue.
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