Nolita

Nolita is a Lower Manhattan neighborhood named as a portmanteau of “North of Little Italy.” This charming neighborhood was once considered part of Little Italy, with The Godfather Part II featuring the Feast of San Gennaro festivities that are still held here annually. An influx of trendy restaurants and fashion boutiques in the 1990s saw Nolita transform into an upscale area with a vibrant shopping and dining scene. Fashionable SoHo borders Nolita to the west, and the neighborhoods share a similarly chic vibe.

 

Nolita is just four blocks wide, and there is little turnover in its real estate, meaning properties are typically in high demand. Much of the housing consists of pre-war walkups, with some newer doorman apartment buildings.

 

• Italian restaurants
• Chic shopping
• Feast of San Gennaro
• Quiet, residential feel
  
  

Intimate and welcoming, Nolita’s quiet streets feel insulated from the bustle of other Manhattan neighborhoods. Local residents include Martin Scorsese and John Mayer, while David Bowie lived here in the years before his passing.

Nolita may have officially broken off from Little Italy, but its Italian-American heritage retains a strong influence. In business since 1909, Lombardi’s Pizza claims to be the oldest pizzeria in the United States. Its Neapolitan thin-crusts played an important role in establishing NYC as the country’s pizza capital. Other dining highlights include Café Gitane, which pairs French-Moroccan cuisine with an extensive wine and beer selection. Mulberry Street is the historic heart of Little Italy and has many authentic Italian restaurants, including Paesano, Da Gennaro, and Il Cortile. Emillio’s Ballato on Houston Street is an old-school Italian restaurant, which has been frequented by celebrities including David Bowie, Rihanna, and Barack Obama. There are also creative contemporary hotspots such as Estela and Chefs Club, the latter of which features rotating residences from world-class chefs. Nolita is also home to hip nightlife spots including the Mother’s Ruin cocktail bar, chic clothing boutiques, and designer jewelers.

The Feast of San Gennaro is one of NYC’s liveliest cultural events. Started by immigrants from Naples in 1929 in honor of the Italian city’s patron saint, this festival features 11 days of live music, street vendors, parades, and other activities. Another unique Nolita attraction is the one-acre sculpture park at Elizabeth Street Garden.