Historically, Brooklyn had many predominantly Italian neighborhoods. Yet does contemporary Brooklyn still have largely Italian enclaves, with ethnic Italian restaurants, Italian bakeries, and Italian food outlets? Yes, but in recent years these neighborhoods have been transformed and have become home to a wide variety of people from all over the world. However, these areas still pay homage to their Italian immigrant roots, with cafes and restaurants on the main streets, as well as annual festivals.
Enjoy traveling through these four Italian neighborhoods of Brooklyn.
From old-school pizzerias to coffee shops serving Italian pastries, you’ll find plenty of Italian-inspired delicacies in Brooklyn. If you’re a pizza lover, consider taking a DIY tour of the city with this list of the best pizza slices in Brooklyn.
Four historically Italian neighborhoods in Brooklyn, NY
1. Bensonhurst is still the most “Italian” neighborhood in Brooklyn. Bensonhurst is no longer predominantly Italian, as it was in the 1980s and 1990s. Today, a large population of Asian immigrants lives in Bensonhurst, along with other people affiliated with other religious and ethnic groups. You can still find some great Italian markets and restaurants. Highlights include D. Coluccio & Sons, a popular Italian market, and Ortobello’s, an Italian restaurant on the Bay Parkway. Fans of the movie Saturday Night Fever could enjoy a slice of Lenny’s Pizza on 86th Street, which was the setting for some scenes in the movie.
For an authentic Sicilian celebration, for more than forty years, every August Bensonhurst organizes the Feast of Santa Rosalia, the ten-day celebration that includes carnival rides and fantastic food is not to be missed.
2. Dyker Heights , a residential community adjacent to Bensonhurst, also has a strong Italian presence. Dyker Heights is known for wacky Christmas light displays in December. Although it fills with tourists during the Christmas season, and takes photos of the incredible light displays, it is also a year-round destination. If you are planning a visit to Dyker Heights, you should definitely arrive on an empty stomach. Restaurants and markets abound in Dyker Heights. Highlights include L&B Spumoni Garden, where you must order a square slice and spumoni.
Or head to Mama Rao’s to eat at this local favorite restaurant. Take home some home-cook Italian food from La Bella Marketplace, this local Italian market has been a local favorite for decades.
3.Williamsburg has been home for a century to the St Genarius of July festival in Brooklyn, organized by Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. Sections of this sprawling stretch of Brooklyn remain ethnically Italian, and visitors can enjoy some notable old-world southern Italian-style restaurants. However, Williamsburg has become a very diverse area with a mix of 20-year-old college graduates, artists, Hasidim, and others. For an old-school Italian meal in a classic restaurant, head to Bamonte’s on Withers Street.
This remarkable restaurant has served classic Italian comfort food dishes for over a century and is one of the oldest restaurants in New York City.
4. Carroll Gardens and Red Hook , once closely associated with Italian longshoremen and long an Italian enclave, are now quite gentrified. This area was also the setting for the 1980 movie, Moonstruck . The Italian influence in these adjacent neighborhoods can be seen in some old-school Italian red sauce restaurants and local real estate ownership patterns. The area is also home to numerous Italian bakeries, offering everything from fresh bread to pastries. Stop by Caputo’s or Mazzola Bakery for bread.
For a good cappuccino and pastry, head to Monteleone’s. Or buy cookies, cheesecake and cakes at the Court Street Pasty Shop. However, in recent years, Carroll Gardens has become home to young families. Don’t worry, here you can enjoy authentic Italian food. While touring the neighborhood, you will find many Italian and Sicilian social clubs, but they are not open to the public. The only social club you can join is Brooklyn Social, a bar located in the former Society Riposte, a Sicilian social club.
For more information: What to look for when visiting the Italian neighborhoods of Brooklyn
Edited by Alison Lowenstein
