BY NICOLE MANCINI

In the heart of the Bronx lies a tiny Italian community, better known as Arthur Avenue. Mere blocks away from the hustle and bustle of Fordham Road, mom and pop shops welcome you with fresh mozzarella, espresso, and homemade pasta. I live and work near this area; something that I experience as both a blessing (fresh amazing food at my fingertips) and a burden (a diet that will never happen). I like to think of Arthur Avenue as one of New York City’s best-kept secrets, and  these are my go-to places for visiting this gem of a neighborhood:

Casa Della Mozzarella, 604 East 187th Street

Joe’s Deli, 685 East 187th Street, Joe’s Deli

For mozzarella and bocconcini my family is a house divided. My parents and aunts like Joe’s Deli, while my cousins and I love Casa Della Mozzarella. They are both very good. I would get the bocconcini from Casa (either salted or not, they ask you what you want, I usually get the salted), and a regular whole mozzarella from Joe’s. Both delis have Italian goods as well (pasta, oils, cookies) but the mozzarella is the main attraction.

Addeo Gennaro and Sons, 2372 Hughes Avenue. There is another location on Arthur, just go to the one on Hughes.

Madonia Brothers Bakery, 2348 Arthur Avenue.

DeLillo’s Pastry Shop, 606 East 187^th Street

Bread-wise there are two awesome places- Addeo’s and Madonia. Addeo’s sells an excellent round loaf. I sometimes have a meal of their bread with extra virgin olive oil, it’s that good. They also sell chocolate bread, but only on Saturday mornings, which if you’re lucky enough to get right out of the oven goes perfect with a cappuccino from DeLillo’s (best pastry shop in the area, next door to Casa Della Mozzarella).

Madonia’s is better known for their specialty breads, biscottis, and cannolis. They have a cranberry walnut loaf, a jalapeno cheddar loaf, and one with fennel- all delicious. They have a huge selection of biscotti, with about 12 different flavors. My favorite is the double chocolate-trust me, indulge.

Borgatti’s Ravioli and Egg Noodles, 632 East 187^th Street, Borgatti’s

Borgatti’s is the go to place for everything pasta. They make homemade noodles– the fettucini are my favorite. They are also famous for their ravioli, which they have two kinds of — cheese or meat & spinach. I like the cheese best. Mario Borgatti, whose parents opened the shop 70 years ago, is usually there running the place with his son.

Biancardi’s, 2350 Arthur Avenue

Peter’s Meat Market, 2344 Arthur Avenue, located inside the retail market

For meat, head to Biancardi’s which is one door down from Madonia’s; or Peter’s Meat Market, which is inside the Arthur Avenue Retail Market. Both are top quality and have been around for generations. Biancardi’s has carcasses hanging around and offers a whole slab of prosciutto for you to buy. Peter’s carries calf brains, tongue, and all the stuff that could be featured on an episode of Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern.

Cosenza’s, 2354 Arthur Avenue
Randazzo’s, 2327 Arthur Avenue, Randazzo

Cosenza’s and Randazzo’s are the two main fish stores. They both have raw bars out front, Cosenza’s has a bigger selection of oysters, but Randazzo has a bigger selection of seafood.

Tino’s Delicatessen, 2410 Arthur Avenue, Tino’s

For a quick bite to eat without sitting down in a formal restaurant, Tino’s Delicatessen does the trick. They have eggplant parmigiana, paninis, and pasta- made just like an Italian grandmother would. They also sell imported goods from Italy- this place is one stop shopping.

Arthur Avenue Retail Market, 2344 Arthur Avenue

Cerini Coffee and Gifts, 2334 Arthur Avenue, Cerini
Teitel Brothers, 2372 Arthur Avenue, Teitel Bros.

Lastly Boiano sells fresh produce in the Arthur Avenue retail market, Cerini sells the best espresso machines, and Teitel Brothers has every Italian imported specialty you can imagine. They even sell you the whole parmigiano reggiano wheel!