This is Little Italy, a neighborhood in lower Manhattan once known for its large population of Italians. The neighborhood has become more of a tourist destination than a residential neighborhood. Previously, Little Italy spread from Canal Street north to Houston Street. Today, the section of Mulberry Street between Broome and Canal Streets, lined with Italian restaurants popular with tourists, remains distinctly recognizable as Little Italy. Last Saturday night, we visited Little Italy and had dinner at a fine restaurant called Il Cortile, located at 125 Mulberry Street. Little Italy is worth visiting for delicious imported Italian groceries and to see the Old St. Patrick's Cathedral, as well as a chance to glimpse some of the restaurants and bars made famous by gangsters and members of the Rat Pack.
Il Cortile is by far the best restaurant left in Little Italy.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how much the neighborhoods borders have shifted over the years, but it still fun to soak up the atmosphere and what Little Italy still has to offer. Like the cheese and meat shops at Alleva, Piemonte, and DiPalo's.