MileHacker Logo
Best Restaurants in The Bronx

Best Restaurants in The Bronx

The Bronx New York, USA Travel Guide

Culinary Overview

Cultural and Historical Context

Arthur Avenue, known as "The Real Little Italy," preserves generations of Italian-American culinary traditions, rooted at the beginning of 20th-century immigrant experiences.

Neighborhoods along the Grand Concourse and in the South Bronx pulse with From Puerto rico, Dominican, and Mexican flavors. African American culinary traditions add to the borough’s diverse offerings, notably in soul food and Caribbean fusion restaurants.

Dining Customs and Etiquette

  • Reservations: Often a good idea for popular restaurants, especially on weekends or for larger groups.
  • Tipping: Customary and expected (see section 2.3 for details).
  • Dress Code: Most restaurants are casual. Upscale places might prefer smart casual attire.
  • Meal Times: Lunch typically 12-2 PM. Dinner usually 6-10 PM. Casual places offer continuous service.

Ingredients and Flavors

Italian Cuisine

Features olive oil, garlic, fresh tomatoes, basil, oregano, fresh pasta, cured meats, and various cheeses.

Latin American/Caribbean

Uses plantains, rice and beans, grilled and stewed meats, seafood, cilantro, sofrito, and exotic fruits.

General NYC Influences

Classic New York staples like pizza, bagels, and hot dogs, adapted to local tastes.

Regional Variations

  • Arthur Avenue (Belmont): Dominantly Italian-American, with classic red-sauce restaurants, delis, bakeries.
  • South Bronx (Mott Haven, Grand Concourse, Fordham): Strong presence of Of Puerto rican origin, Dominican, and Mexican restaurants, often with "comida criolla."
  • City Island: Focuses on fresh seafood. Many waterfront restaurants offer lobster, clams, and fried fish.
  • Northwest Bronx (Riverdale): Features a mix of international and American casual dining spots.

Must-Try Dishes

Signature Dishes

Italian-American Classics

Pasta meals like spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, chicken parmigiana. Also, New York-style pizza slices are ubiquitous.

Find them at: Zero Otto Nove, Dominick's, Enzo's on Arthur Avenue.

Fresh Seafood

Lobster, clams, and pan-fried fish platters, prepared in various styles.

Find them at: City Island Lobster House and Johnny's Reef Restaurant on City Island.

Latin American Specialties

Mofongo (fried green plantains with garlic, olive oil, and pork cracklings), Lechón Asado (slow-cooked roasted pork), Empanadas, and Tacos.

Find them at: La Isla Cuchifritos, Cuchifritos El Lechonera, and various Latin American eateries.

Street Food & Desserts

  • Street Food: Hot dogs and pretzels from street carts. Latin American mobile kitchens offer tacos, burritos, and empanadas. Cuchifritos feature fried pork parts.
  • Iconic Snacks: New York-style cheesecake, Black and White cookies, Italian Ice, and Rainbow cookies from Italian bakeries.
  • Beverages: Non-alcoholic tropical juices (passion fruit, guava), horchata. Alcoholic choices include craft beers from local breweries like The Bronx Brewery.
  • Seasonal Foods: Farmers' markets provide seasonal produce.

Sweet Treats

Pastries and Baked Goods

Cannoli (sweet ricotta-filled pastry), Sfogliatelle (shell-shaped pastries), and Zeppole (fried dough balls). Discover these at Egidio Pastry Shop and Artuso Pastry Shop on Arthur Avenue.

Desserts

Taste the rich New York-style cheesecake or classic Black and White cookies, found in many local bakeries.

Dining Options

Fine Dining

The Bronx has fewer high-end fine dining places compared to Manhattan, but some restaurants offer a more upscale experience, notably on Arthur Avenue.

  • Zero Otto Nove (Arthur Avenue): Authentic Neapolitan cuisine and wood-fired pizzas for a refined Italian dining.
  • Mario's Restaurant (Arthur Avenue): A long-standing institution serving classic Italian-American dishes in a traditional setting.
  • Look for hidden gems that are emerging in the revitalized areas.

Mid-Range and Budget Eateries

Plenty of mid-range restaurants span The Bronx. These places offer quality meals at moderate prices. You find options from delis to casual Latin American spots.

  • Mid-Range: Offers a wide array of cuisines including Italian, Latin American, Caribbean, American comfort food, and Asian.
  • Budget Eateries: Delis, bodegas, pizzerias, and casual Latin American/Caribbean spots provide affordable and delicious meals.
  • Street Food: Food trucks appear near parks, major intersections, and event venues.

International Cuisine and Markets

Beyond The italian language and Latin American influences, The Bronx also has a selection of other international cuisines.

  • International Variety: Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, Indian, West African, and American restaurants.
  • Arthur Avenue Retail Market: A historic indoor market with various Italian specialty foods and prepared food options.
  • Farmers' Markets: Seasonal markets in various neighborhoods offering fresh produce and local artisan foods.

Markets and Food Halls

Arthur Avenue Retail Market

A historic indoor market offering various Italian specialty foods, including fresh pasta, cheeses, meats, and prepared dishes from vendors. It gives a true taste of "Little Italy."

Visit for an authentic Italian culinary shopping experience.

Seasonal Farmers' Markets

These markets operate in various Bronx neighborhoods, offering fresh produce and local artisan foods. Check NYC Parks or GrowNYC for departure/arrival times and locations.

A good place to find local and seasonal ingredients.

Visitor Tip

Ask Locals

Local residents can point you to secluded culinary gems and authentic eateries.

Try Varied Cuisines

Explore beyond one type of food to truly experience the Bronx's diverse flavors.

Budget Wisely

Many tasty and affordable options exist, especially street food and casual spots.

Check Hours

Confirm opening times, especially for smaller, independent establishments.

Special Dietary Considerations

Vegetarian, Vegan, and Halal Options

  • Vegetarian: Increasing availability, especially at Italian restaurants (pasta primavera, vegetable calzones) and Latin American eateries (rice and beans, vegetable empanadas, plantain dishes).
  • Vegan: Dedicated vegan/vegetarian restaurants are less common than in Manhattan or Brooklyn although it may be found (e.g., Beatstro in Mott Haven sometimes has vegan options). Inquire directly.
  • Halal: Halal options exist, especially at Middle Eastern and some South Asian restaurants. Many street food carts also offer halal-certified meats.
  • Kosher: Kosher options appear very limited right in The Bronx. Travelers requiring strict kosher meals typically find more choices in other boroughs like Brooklyn.

Allergen-Aware Dining

Gluten-Free Needs

Many restaurants show more awareness of gluten-free needs. Some Italian restaurants may offer gluten-free pasta. Many American restaurants have gluten-free bread or bun alternatives.

Always communicate your dietary restrictions clearly to your server.

Other Common Allergens

Pre-check: Review online menus or call ahead to confirm if a restaurant accommodates specific allergies. Many establishments will work with you.

Clear communication at the restaurant is paramount.

Resources for Specific Dietary Needs

Online Tools
Apps like HappyCow for vegan/vegetarian options.
Websites like Yelp and Tripadvisor for reviews mentioning dietary accommodations.
Restaurant websites for menu details and allergen information.
Call ahead to confirm allergen menus.
Check local Bronx community boards for purpose-built gastronomic happenings.
Don't hesitate to speak with your server for options.
Communicating Your Needs

When dining out with dietary restrictions, state your needs clearly and politely to your server. They can often guide you to suitable dishes or speak with the kitchen.

  • Be specific about ingredients to avoid.
  • Mention the severity of any allergies.
  • Ask about cross-contamination precautions.
Local Food Markets

Consider visiting local markets like Arthur Avenue Retail Market to find specialty ingredients for preparing your own meals if options are limited.

Many markets stock a variety of fresh produce, nuts, and alternative flours.

Helpful Links for Foodies

Local Food Blogs
  • Bronx Eats
  • NYC Foodie Spotlights
Market Schedules
  • GrowNYC Farmers' Markets
  • NYC Parks Greenmarket Locator

Culinary Experiences

Immersive Opportunities

Food Tours and Classes

Food tours on Arthur Avenue offer guided tastings and insights into "The Real Little Italy's" history, food producers, and culinary traditions. Some community centers or specialty shops may offer occasional cooking classes.

Sample local delicacies | Learn cooking secrets
Find food tours
Farm Visits and Producers

Seasonal farmers' markets in various Bronx neighborhoods offer fresh local produce and artisan products. The Bronx has several community gardens and urban farming initiatives.

Fresh, local ingredients
Explore Greenmarkets
Food Festivals and Events

The Bronx Night Market (seasonal) in Fordham Plaza. A smaller, local version of the Feast of San Gennaro on Arthur Avenue. Street fairs and cultural festivals feature varied food stalls.

community gatherings
Bronx Night Market info

Unique Dining Concepts

  • Cuchifritos Establishments: These specialized storefronts present an unique taste of Puerto Rican street food culture, focusing on fried pork dishes and traditional snacks.
  • Waterfront Seafood Eating on City Island: The ambiance of dining at a waterfront seafood restaurant on City Island generates a distinct experience with fresh catches and scenic views.
  • Emerging Food Scene in Mott Haven: Explore new breweries (e.g., The Bronx Brewery, which frequently holds food trucks) and innovative restaurants, reflecting the neighborhood's revitalization.
  • Classic Pizzerias: Enjoy an authentic New York pizza experience at local pizzerias that dot the borough.

Culinary Education

Local Cooking Demonstrations

Some specialty food shops on Arthur Avenue or community centers may host occasional cooking demonstrations demonstrating Italian or Latin American cuisine.

Check local listings for upcoming events.

Engage with Vendors

At markets like Arthur Avenue Retail Market, chat with vendors. They often share valuable insights into their products and culinary traditions.

A personal touch to your food exploration.

Top Culinary Tip

Visit Arthur Avenue

Take an Arthur Avenue food tour to truly immerse yourself in "The Real Little Italy." You taste many specialties and learn about the area's rich history.

Explore Local Specialties

Don't miss the unique flavors of Puerto Rican cuchifritos or the fresh seafood from City Island. These dishes reflect the diverse heritage.

Check Out Mott Haven

For a taste of the evolving Bronx, explore Mott Haven's new breweries and innovative dining spots. It's a lively area with modern culinary trends.

Additional Dining Tips

Always carry some cash, as smaller establishments and food trucks might prefer or only accept cash.

  • Check online reviews for the latest information on restaurant quality and service.
  • Be open to sampling new dishes and flavors from the diverse culinary traditions present.
  • Consider food tours for a guided introduction to the local food scene.
  • If you plan to visit popular spots, consider dining at off-peak hours to avoid long waits.
  • Hydrate well, especially during warmer months, by carrying water.