Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Shoppers in Little Italy
Top Things to Do in New York City for Shoppers in Little Italy
1. Di Palo's Fine Foods
A century-old family alimentari where counters overflow with imported Italian cheeses, salumi, olive oils, vinegars, and pantry gems—everything a serious home cook or gourmet-gift hunter could want.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the neighborhood’s gold standard for Italian provisions, with knowledgeable staff who guide you to regional specialties perfect for picnics, dinner parties, or edible souvenirs.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings right after opening to avoid the ticketed queue; late afternoons are quieter than weekends.
✓ Insider Tip:
Take a numbered ticket and ask for tastes—staff often sample you through cheeses so you buy exactly what you’ll love.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers rave about old-world service and top-tier products, saying the wait is worth it for mozzarella, prosciutto, and curated imports.
2. Enoteca Di Palo
The adjacent wine shop to Di Palo’s focuses on Italian bottles from all 20 regions—ideal for pairing with cheeses and charcuterie you’ve just picked up.
✓ Why Go:
One-stop shopping for dinner-party gifts: staff match wines to specific cheeses, sauces, and even dessert pairings.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon on weekdays for unhurried browsing; evenings get busier before dinner.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for regional pairings (Piemonte with Robiola, Campania with buffalo mozzarella) and look for small-producer amari as unique take-home gifts.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Shoppers appreciate the thoughtful recommendations and reasonably priced finds beyond big-name labels.
3. Piemonte Ravioli Co.
A beloved fresh-pasta specialist selling house-made ravioli, tagliatelle, sauces, and tools—perfect for stocking your kitchen or gifting to food-obsessed friends.
✓ Why Go:
You can bring home restaurant-quality pasta made daily, including filled varieties that are hard to find elsewhere.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Before lunch on weekdays for the best selection; weekends see lines and sellouts of popular shapes.
✓ Insider Tip:
Traveling far? Bring a small insulated tote; they’ll pack items well so your goodies make it back intact.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Regulars praise consistent quality and fair prices, calling it a ‘must’ stop after Di Palo’s.
4. Ferrara Bakery & Cafe
Historic pasticceria famed for cannoli, sfogliatelle, rainbow cookies, and espresso—plus gift boxes and tins that travel beautifully.
✓ Why Go:
Desserts double as souvenirs; pre-packed assortments make easy, crowd-pleasing gifts from Little Italy.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mid-morning or late evening to skip peak dessert rush; expect longer waits during September’s San Gennaro festivities.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for pastry boxes by the pound to customize a mix of classics; gelato pints are a smart takeaway on warm days.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the nostalgic vibe and say the cannoli and espresso live up to the hype.
5. Caffé Palermo
The self-proclaimed home of the Cannoli King turns out oversized filled-to-order cannoli, pastries, and sweets suited for gifting or nibbling as you shop Mulberry Street.
✓ Why Go:
Signature cannoli kits and boxed cookies make fun, easy-to-carry presents with a Little Italy story.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoons on weekdays; evenings are lively but lines grow after dinner.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask about shipping and cannoli kits if you want to recreate the experience at home without the mess.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans call it a Little Italy icon and a sweet stop that delights both first-timers and loyal regulars.
6. Caffe Roma
Old-school corner cafe known for classic Italian pastries, cookies by the pound, and strong espresso—great for refueling and picking up a box to go.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a time-capsule spot where you can shop for desserts and soak up Little Italy street life from the windows.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning or early afternoon; evenings get busier with post-dinner crowds.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order mixed-cookie boxes—easy to share and ideal for gifting hosts during your NYC stay.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests appreciate the vintage charm and straightforward, satisfying sweets.
7. La Bella Ferrara
Family-run pasticceria on Mulberry Street turning out cannoli, tiramisu, and pastries that can be boxed for the road.
✓ Why Go:
Smaller and a bit more low-key than the big names—good for quick grab-and-go treats and souvenir sweets.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early afternoon on weekdays for fastest service; mornings for the widest pastry selection.
✓ Insider Tip:
If you’re sampling around the neighborhood, choose mini portions so you can try multiple bakeries without overdoing it.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Reviewers like the friendly service and classic flavors at fair prices.
8. Mulberry Street Cigars
A petite cigar institution with hand-rolled stogies, accessories, and occasional rolling demos right on Mulberry Street.
✓ Why Go:
A distinctive non-food souvenir—pick up locally rolled cigars and a keepsake cutter or lighter.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon into evening when rolling demonstrations are likeliest and the vibe spills onto the sidewalk.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask staff to recommend a travel-friendly sampler if you’re new to cigars or gifting to a connoisseur.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Patrons highlight personable service, quality rolls, and the classic neighborhood atmosphere.
9. Christmas in New York
A year-round wonderland of ornaments, lights, and holiday decor—unexpected and delightful in the middle of Little Italy.
✓ Why Go:
Personalized ornaments and NYC-themed decor make memorable gifts any season, not just December.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday late mornings; evenings and weekends see heavy browsing traffic.
✓ Insider Tip:
Have ornaments personalized while you continue shopping; they’ll be ready when you swing back.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Shoppers describe it as whimsical and photo-worthy, with endless gift ideas for all ages.
10. Italian American Museum Gift Shop
Within the neighborhood’s cultural hub, the gift shop stocks books, prints, and keepsakes celebrating Italian American history and Little Italy’s legacy.
✓ Why Go:
Beyond edible souvenirs, it’s the place for meaningful mementos—perfect for culture lovers and thoughtful gifts.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Thursday–Saturday afternoons during museum hours; check schedules if visiting in the off-season.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pair a quick browse with a photo stop outside—the facade and exhibits make a great context for your Little Italy haul.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors appreciate the curated selection and the sense of connection to the neighborhood’s story.
