Mulberry Street, New York

Mulberry Street, Little Italy’s main artery since the early 1900s, still feels like the neighborhood’s most relaxed stretch—a place where Italians from every corner of the city drift in for espresso, conversation, and a little people-watching. By day, it’s all cafés, social clubs, and street vendors slinging quick bites. By night, the lights flicker on, menus appear in the hands of very persuasive hosts, and suddenly the whole street acts like it’s auditioning for a movie set.

Speaking of movies, step onto the edge of the strip, and you’ll find Mulberry Street Bar, a place that’s been pouring drinks (and collecting stories) since 1908. Actors, mob bosses, and actors pretending to be mob bosses have all warmed its barstools. The wood is dark, the ceiling is tin, and the jukebox insists on Sinatra, The Four Tops, and Elvis—as it should. It’s been a backdrop for Donnie Brasco, Godfather III, The Sopranos, and other hit productions. Order a Peroni, settle in, and enjoy the atmosphere. Despite its résumé, you’re perfectly safe here—promise...

And if you prefer your dinner with a dash of mafia lore, Umberto’s Clam House is waiting. Slide into the last table in the back—the very spot where Italian-American mobster “Crazy Joe” Gallo met his fate in 1972. These days, the loudest thing in the room is the conversation, and the baked clams and linguine with white clam sauce are famous for far better reasons.

For something sweet, wander over to Caffé Roma, a cash-only institution dating back to 1891. The décor is charmingly old-school, the pastries are worth every calorie, and no one rushes you out the door. If you spot a free seat by the window, consider it an invitation from the dessert gods.

Then there’s Ferrara Bakery & Café, another Little Italy classic. Whether you’re craving a cappuccino, a cannoli, or something to smuggle home for later, you'll find it all here in abundance.

But when hunger returns, Sapori d’Italia offers cozy pasta and pizza indoors or breezy outdoor tables. And for a quick detour into Chinatown flavor, Tasty Dumpling serves some of the city’s best budget-friendly dumplings and a hot-and-sour soup that could convert anyone. Also note that, if you happen to arrive in mid-September, the 11-day Feast of San Gennaro turns Mulberry Street into a joyful festival of parades, music, rides, and food—lots of food...