Apartments & Houses for Sale and Rent in Little Italy, Manhattan

Quick Profile

It’s fitting that the neighborhood’s name is Little Italy because It’s been getting smaller for decades. The Italian immigrants that flooded New York City and built the vibrant ethnic enclave in the 1860s and 1880s eventually left for greener pastures, assimilating into other parts of the city or suburbs. The disappearance of Little Italy is a sad story as far as neighborhoods go, but it’s one that should be told. 

Little Italy once spanned 50 square blocks and represented the biggest population of Italian immigrants in America. But in recent years, it’s been squeezed by the growth of Chinatown and SoHo and muscled from the rebranding of other neighborhoods like NoHo and NoLIta. In fact, NoLita was the culprit that cut the neighborhood in two. Little Italy’s boundaries may vary depending upon who you ask. Today it’s down to just a few blocks along Mulberry Street. 

One of the best ways to experience Little Italy is through its food. Take your pick from mom-and-pop markets, meat and cheese shops, or authentic sit-down restaurants that offer the very best in Italian cuisine. 

Every September (since 1926), the neighborhood hosts the Feast of San Gennaro, which celebrates the patron Saint of Naples Italy. 11 days of food, colorful parades, music performances, and more food. The aroma of zeppole and grilled sausage can be smelt for blocks. Try planning your visit around this festive time. It’s well worth it. 

Destination Spots

There is so much history and cultural significance in the neighborhood that a walking tour may be one of the best ways to learn about Little Italy. You’d even benefit from taking a simple self-guided tour. Walk at your own pace and you don’t have to worry because there’s nobody to judge you as you consume multiple cannoli's along the way. 

Lombardi’s Pizzeria on Spring Street has been in the neighborhood since 1905. According to the Pizza Hall of Fame and other experts, it holds the official title of the first pizzeria in the United States. If you’re not impressed by the title, you will be by the pizza and other bites. It’s fabulous! 

DiPalo Fine Foods on Grand Street. This 100-year-old Italian specialty market has the best mozzarella, fresh porchetta and other specialties. You may have a long wait, but DiPalo’s is worth it.

The Italian American Museum - Mulberry Street. The name says it all. Housed in the former Banca Stabile, which was a bank that helped immigrants with everyday affairs on this side of the world. The museum explores the Italian-American experience through the works of contemporary artists, historical exhibitions and much more. 

What You Might See

Tourists! Because Little Italy is on every out-of-towners to-do list when they visit The Big Apple. You’ll see a fine representation of all things Italian. You’ll see a lot of people congregating, eating and drinking. Mulberry Street is closed to vehicle traffic in the early evening during warmer months. The street closing and outdoor dining creates a special ambiance while people enjoy a good meal and a glass of wine under the stars. You see a lot of things being sold on the sidewalk. Everything from handmade cigars to gelato, to touristy trinkets.