VIBE

Back in the day, Italian mafiosos (think Gotti) ruled the blocks of Little Italy, but these days, now that gentrifying forces have glammed up the district’s historic tenement buildings, Italian leather handbags and gourmet cheeses are the “godfathers” or these streets. Classic Italian restaurants and delis like Di Palo’s (200 Grand Street) still dish up authentic eats, but–especially in the neighborhood’s northernmost corner Nolita–more of the newly arrived restaurateurs are fashion-forward foodies like the duo behind Torrisi Italian Specialties (250 Mulberry Street). Those hunting for a connection with the fast-evaporating Italian cultural heritage of the neighborhood should head to Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral (at Prince and Mulberry Streets) or check out the Feast of San Gennaro, an 11-day festival in September celebrating the patron saint of Naples.

GO HERE WITH

Friends; shopping companions; gourmets; a date; kids

WHY WE LIKE IT

There are tons of interesting independent boutiques to explore. We’re always up for an afternoon of café hopping and boutique trawling, especially in Nolita, followed by an evening of supping on authentic Italian eats.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

Little Italy is shrinking rapidly as it’s engulfed by Chinatown and spreading gentrification from SoHo and Nolita.

GOOD TO KNOW

The name Nolita means “North of Little Italy.” Just to the east of Little Italy is chichi SoHo, while to the west is the grittier Lower East Side.

CLOSEST COMPS

SoHo (New York); Chinatown (New York)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to New York City.