New York City Belmont

Dominick’s, 2335 Arthur Ave. (☎718-733-2807), near E 186th St. This wood-paneled Italian gem has family-style seating and no fixed menu. The ever-changing house specials ($12-25) include linguine with mussels and roast veal. On weekends, arrive before 6pm or after 9pm to avoid a long wait. Open M, W-Th, and Sa noon-10pm; F noon-11pm, Su 1-9pm. Cash only.
Giovanni’s, 2343 Arthur Ave. (☎718-933-4141), between E 186th St. and Crescent Ave. Great brick-oven pizza served by a gregarious staff. Check out the celebrity-filled photo wall; several US Presidents have eaten here. Individual pizzas $10-12. Full-sized pies $15-22. Free local delivery. Open M-Sa 11am-11pm, Su noon-11pm.
Pasquale’s Rigoletto, 2311 Arthur Ave. (☎718-365-6644), near E 186th St. Sumptous arias, classy decor, and free bruschetta. Ask to have your favorite song played, or sing it yourself on Sa amateur night (reserve 1 week ahead; begins at 8:30pm). Star customer Joe Pesci’s photos adorn the front door. Pasta $14. Meat dishes $19. Open M-Th noon-9:30pm, F-Sa noon-10:30pm, Su noon-8:30pm.
Mario’s, 2342 Arthur Ave. (☎718-584-1188; www.mariosrestarthurave.com), near E 186th St. This popular restaurant serves massive portions of spicy southern-Italian cuisine. The starched-linen decor is dated and a little tired, but the excellent food makes up for it. Try the broiled ½ spring chicken ($16.25) or the Alaskan king crab with oregano ($24). Pasta $12-14. Seafood $15-29. Open Tu-Su noon-11pm.

Gypsy Cabs. In the Bronx, unlicensed “gypsy” cabs make up for the lack of official taxis on the streets, but it’s best to avoid these altogether, especially if you’re alone; some drivers have been linked to sexual assaults and other violent crimes. If you’re dining in the Bronx, ask your waiter to call you a cab before you leave your table.

Arthur Avenue Cafe, 2329 Arthur Ave. (☎718-562-0129; www.arthuravenue.com), near E 186th St. A neighborhood coffee shop, with great tiramisu, gelato, and tarts ($1.25-5). Linger here with a cappuccino and enjoy the opera music in the background. Italian sandwiches $6.50-10. House special veggie lasagna $10. Sidewalk seating in nice weather. Open daily 8:30am-9pm.

Shops

Egidio’s Pastry Shop, 622 E 187th St. (☎718-295-6077). This dangerously tempting shop is where Fordham students gain their “freshman 15.” Famous fried cartoccios (hollow, doughnut-like pastries filled with sweet cream; $1.75). Open daily 7am-8pm
Madonia Bakery, 2348 Arthur Ave. (☎718-295-5573), between E 186th St. and Crescent Ave. The Madonia family has been baking acclaimed Italian breads and pastries since 1918. Stop in for fresh biscotti, cookies, and a range of freshly baked breads. Jalapeno-cheddar, proscuitto, fougasse, and olive breads are all favorites. Reputed to have the best cannoli in town. Open M-Sa 6am-7pm, Su 6:30am-6pm.
Arthur Avenue Retail Market, 2334 Arthur Ave., between 186th St. and Crescent Ave. Open since the 1940s, this Little Italy Bronx market is fun for browsing and features a massive selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, cheeses, gelato, and kitchenwares. Open M-Sa 7am-6pm.
Tino’s Delicatessen, 2410 Arthur Ave. (☎718-733-9879), near 187th St. 1-stop Italian grocery store with a good selection of cheeses and meats, many hanging from the ceiling. Try a sandwich (most under $7) or one of many hot Italian entrees like baked ziti ($5) and spaghetti with meatballs ($6.50). A friendly atmosphere for a casual meal. Open M-Sa 6:30am-7:30pm, Su 8:30am-7:30pm.