New York City has more Italian-Americans than any other place in the United States. Over two million Italians immigrated to the U.S. in the years between 1900 and 1910 alone, and many of them ended up spread across the boroughs of New York — in Manhattan’s Little Italy and East Harlem (once called Italian Harlem), along Arthur Avenue in the Bronx, in Howard Beach, Queens, and on Staten Island.
In Brooklyn, neighborhoods like Carroll Gardens and Bay Ridge saw an influx of Italian immigrants, but to many, the true heart of Italian Brooklyn is Bensonhurst. The neighborhood is home to Brooklyn’s own Little Italy, to this day a prime destination for anyone seeking out authentic Italian-American cuisine. From a traditional red sauce joint to out-of-this-world pizza to more experimental newcomers, here are six of our favorite Bensonhurst spots.
Ortobello
For authentic Italian food, head straight to Orobello’s, an old-school, family-style Italian restaurant that serves reliably huge portions. Be ready to share! Top dishes include the chicken parmigiana, baked clams, stuffed artichokes, and their signature pasta dish, the Frank Sinatra.