New York City New York City The Bronx Food

Those adventurous enough to explore the Bronx's food offerings really can't miss the borough's Little Italy in Belmont along Arthur Ave. Here is all the taste of Manhattan's Little Italy with little of the annoying aplomb. The neighborhood pastry shops have been around for decades, while the popular pizzerias are still filled with those who don't come with cameras and souvenirs attached. Don't miss the Arthur Avenue Retail Market, founded in 1940 (2344 Arthur Ave.,}718-295-5033 www.arthuravenue.com h Open M-Sa 7am-6pm), a central shopping space where you can find a butcher shop, a deli, fruit stands, a grocer, and a florist.

Giovanni's, 2343 Arthur Ave. (www.giovannisrestaurant.net), From the front, Giovanni's looks like your standard neighborhood pizzeria: small, narrow, and crowded. Head to the back, though, and you'll find ample seating and a bar for kicks. With plentiful meat and pasta specials for (relatively) affordable prices, Giovanni's stands out in a crowded field. Bonus: a dinner special gets you a free glass of wine. Pizza $11-19. Entrees $8-22. Lunch specials from $10. Dinner specials from $13. Open M-Sa 11am-10pm; Su noon-9pm. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access. Serves alcohol.
Gino's Pastry Shop, 580 East 187th St. Gino's has been around since 1960 but seems to have resisted the impulses to change or self-mythologize; the interior is still small, plain, and simple. All the fuss, thankfully, is focused on the bevy of pastries and breads behind the counter—which is stuffed by owners and loyal staff members who have become institutions themselves. This is cheap, delicious, time-tested sustenance for your neighborhood walk. Breads $1-5. Pastries $1-6. Open M 9am-5pm, Tu-Su 9am-7pm. Does not take credit cards. Wheelchair access.
Ann and Tony's Restaurant, 2407 Arthur Ave. (annandtonysonline.com), The same family has been running the same restaurant in the same location since 1927. It's hard to argue with the Napolitano clan's long-standing recipes, even if the prices are on the high side. Your typical pasta (farfalle napoli) and the house-recipe veal are here alongside “Chef Anthony's Italian Classics” (tripe, eggplant parmigiana, and the wallet-busting giambotta). Entrees $17-35. Open Tu-Th noon-1pm, F-Sa noon-11pm, Su 1-9pm. Takes credit cards. Serves alcohol.
Madonia Bakery, 2348 Arthur Ave. No, this isn't the neighborhood's newest addition; with its bare walls and simple interior, Madonna just hides it's age well. The place has actually been serving a generous selection of specialty breads (olive, prosciutto, jalapeno, and more) and pastries since 1918. The bakery's also said to fill its dessert case with the best cannoli on Arthur Ave. Breads $1-5. Pastries $0.50-4. Open M-Sa 6am-7pm, Su 6:30am-6pm. Does not take credit cards. Wheelchair access.