Just east of Broadway, the tangle of pedestrian-friendly blocks surrounding Mulberry Street between NoLIta and bustling Canal Street are still a cheerful salute to all things Italian, although over the decades Little Italy has been whittled down by the sprawl of nearby Chinatown. There are red, green, and white street decorations on permanent display, and specialty grocers and pasta makers still dish up delights, though it's all a bit touristy these days—if it's a great Italian meal you want, you might be wise to look elsewhere. Still, Little Italy is fun to walk around, and several of the classic food stores on Grand Street are worth a stop if you're after an edible souvenir, like a box of classic cannoli. For a bigger and more bustling Little Italy, head up to Arthur Avenue in the Bronx, where you'll find several good, affordable restaurants and a cornucopia of authentic Italian goods made for New Yorkers and tourists alike.
Every September, Little Italy's Mulberry Street is home to the giant Feast of San Gennaro, a busy 11-day festival that sizzles with old New York flavors—sausages and onions included.
