Did you know that you can now experience Little Italy in the United States? Italy is simply the originating point of man’s greatest delights—pasta, pizza, gelato, bread, and wine! While we don’t get to try these out in the soils of the country itself, you don’t need to be worried because “Little Italy” is stationed almost everywhere in the US that you only need to get to those places to experience the life and culture of Italy. Among those many spots, these are five of those great places to discover Italy across the US.
Little Italy Throughout America
The Manhattan neighborhood of Little Italy is one of the most densely populated Italian-American neighborhoods in the United States.
Little Italy is home to some of New York City’s most famous Italian restaurants, including Eataly, John’s Focacceria, and Ferrara Cafe. Locals and tourists alike also flock to the area for its delicious pizza at Lombardi’s Pizza and Otto Enoteca Pizzeria.
Recently, the area has seen an influx of new shops and restaurants that have been drawing tourists on an increasingly regular basis. These include Eataly, a large Italian specialty market and restaurant, as well as the Italian shop Casa del Parmigiano.
Little Italy in Cleveland
Cleveland’s so-called “Little Italy” has been established by Italian immigrants coming from the Abruzzi region in the 19th century. The Italian culture was first introduced to America when an Italian artisan came to open a sculpting business. By the turn of the century, Italian families flocked in the residential area south of Lake View Cemetery.
If you’re living in America, visit Cleveland and hang around the Alta House after grabbing a bite at any Italian dining store, because you’ll definitely discover Italy along the way.
Little Italy in Chicago
When you’re near Chicago, or already living in Chicago, you might notice colorful buildings and elaborate architecture reflective of Italian culture anywhere—that alone is proof that the spirit of Italy is engraved into the buildings and statues found in the state.
The residential areas in Chicago are also concentrated with Italian immigrants, resulting in the strong preservation of Italian-American heritage, especially during festivals. Italy in America isn’t so hard to find.
9th Street Italian Market in Philadelphia
When you get to visit South Philadelphia, don’t miss out shopping in the 9th Street Italian Market, which was established by Southern Italian immigrants in the later 1800s. Not only does it offer vegetables and fruit stands, but it also houses ethnic eateries that will make you feel you’re eating and experiencing Italy firsthand.
However, the expansion of both grocery and department stores has threatened small businesses which made the Italian Market rather a weekend activity. But today, it is still the most popular tourist destination of the neighboring states.
The North End in Boston
Considered as another Little Italy in Boston, the place was previously occupied by Irish immigrants. It was first inhabited by Italians in the 1900s and has since been the center of Italian culture and, quite surprisingly, the American Revolution.
Over the years, the area is being more and more cultivated to reflect Italian culture through cuisine, art, architecture, and language. In the North end, you can find over 80 restaurants that will take you on a trip to Italy for a while.
Federal Hill in Rhode Island
Visiting the Italian neighborhood (Providence) in Rhode Island is like stepping into the streets of Italy. Italians just simply dominate the population of the place, and if that is not enough to convince you, then head on to the DePasquale Plaza and get blinded by its Italian architecture! All Italian flair is present in the plaza that you get to experience Italy in the US in just a few minutes.
Community of passionate writers and content creators who share a love for Italian heritage, culture, travel, food, and the Italian-American community. Our mission is to celebrate Italy’s rich history and traditions and connect with others who share the same passion.
