Dreaming of Italy? It may be closer than you think. From 1880 to 1980, 15 million Italians migrated to other countries. Today, across five continents, over 60 neighborhoods claim the moniker Little Italy.

Several U.S. and Canadian cities boast a Little Italy. So do pockets of Australia, Brazil, and Mexico. There’s a Little Milano in Gothenburg, Sweden, a Little Rome in Asmara, Eritrea, a Piccola Italia in Malindi, Kenya.

Italian TAYLOR-ing

In Chicagoland, a dozen Italian enclaves formed after 1850. The best known is West Taylor Street, historically Chicago’s largest community of mostly Southern Italians.

At Scafuri Bakery, employee Aria Davis beams as she serves macchiato and lemon ricotta cake.

“We’ve been here since 1904,” says Aria, 21, whose passion for Italian culture led her to live in Sardinia for a year. She points to a vintage family portrait above the counter.

“See how there’s almost an aura around one woman? That’s Annette Mategrano. She was absolutely amazing, a successful businesswoman back when that was uncommon.”

Annette’s parents emigrated from Calabria, opened the bakery, and sustained it through tough times. During the Depression they gave away bread to families who couldn’t afford the 3-cent cost. In 1955, the torch passed to Annette. She also opened a restaurant, working double shifts until she retired—at 90. Today, great-nieces Michelle and Kelly continue her legacy.

Where Pasta Meets Present

Two miles and many nostalgic decades away, lies “Heart of Italy,” known for its Tuscan families. In the 1900s, many new arrivals traded farming for farm-equipment factory work at McCormick Reaper, “McComio,” as Chicago’s Italians called it.

Today Heart of Italy still beats with pride. It’s a neighborhood where many have been friends since childhood, where locals share anecdotes that go back five generations.

You needn’t be Italian to feel like a local. At Ignotz Ristorante, owner Roger Wroblewski and bartender Candy Minx welcome you like a favorite cousin who’s here for the family reunion.

It’s one of those cozy places you could dine alone without feeling like a loner, a convivial joint where every story at the bar is worth remembering. Ask Roger about the night Frankie Avalon dropped by.

Here, food is for eating, not Instagramming. Pastas are hearty and soul-satisfying. Well, as the Italians say, Esse nufesso qui dice male di macaroni: “Only an idiot speaks badly of macaroni.”

If you must go “keto,” tuck into Ignotz’s lemony, succulent chicken a la tippi. Then ditch the diet and dive into the chocolate spumoni.

Italia alla Francese

In Montréal, lively Petite-Italie combines the Québécois love of festival with a daily dose of dolce vita.

There’s something for everyone—music of the Italian Baroque, frescoes in a Romanesque church, summer cinema in the park, and the most authentic Italian food this side of l’Atlantico, from cinghiale (wild boar) to handmade pasta al nero di seppia infused with cuttlefish ink.

Backyards give way to grape arbors, flowers cascade from balconies, and the street scene hums. Soccer mania lives on at Bar Sportivo as do sociable games of bocce in Dante Park.

San Diego Serenissimo

In Southern California, la passeggiata, or pre-dinner stroll, begins as the sun sets over San Diego Bay. Here, generations of Italians once made their living on the sea.

Today, Little Italy is a vibrant neighborhood with outdoor cafés, wineries, shops, and boutique hotels.

Piazza Della Famiglia is a gathering place for concerts and cultural events. Piazza Basilone and other San Diego piazze commemorate Italian-American history. Amici Park and Waterfront Park reflect the importance of beautiful public spaces to the Italian lifestyle. Little Italy Food Hall offers a variety of food stations, cooking demos, and wine tastings.

E Tu?

Where is your Little Italy? San Francisco’s North Beach or Boston’s North End? Hidden in Clerkenwell, London or in Italian-influenced Malta? Is it molto Manhattan or completamente Bronx?

To share your hidden gems with the OIC community, just leave a Comment and tell us why the Little Italy you like is so special.

Note: The author accepted no freebies and is solely responsible for any pounds gained.

$\"People$

Conversation flows at Caffe’ Cagliostro<\/span><\/a> in Dublin’s Italian Quarter.
Ireland is home to 9,000 Irlandiani<\/em>, Irish of Italian ancestry.
\u00a9 Andrea Romano\/ Caff\u00e8 Cagliostro<\/p><\/div>\n

Italian Culture, Around the Corner<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Dreaming of Italy? It may be closer than you think. From 1880 to 1980, 15 million Italians migrated to other countries. Today, across five continents, over 60 neighborhoods claim the moniker Little Italy.<\/p>\n
Several U.S. and Canadian cities boast a Little Italy. So do pockets of Australia, Brazil, and Mexico. There’s a Little Milano in Gothenburg, Sweden, \u00a0a Little Rome in Asmara, Eritrea, a Piccola Italia in Malindi, Kenya.<\/p>\n
Oh, I see<\/strong>: Celebrating Italian culture is a global experience.<\/p>\n
Italian TAYLOR-ing<\/strong><\/h4>\n
In Chicagoland, a dozen Italian enclaves formed after 1850. The best known is West Taylor Street, historically Chicago’s largest community of mostly Southern Italians.<\/p>\n
At Scafuri<\/a> Bakery, employee Aria Davis beams as she serves macchiato and lemon ricotta cake.<\/p>\n
“We’ve been here since 1904,” says Aria, 21, whose passion for Italian culture led her to live in Sardinia for a year. \u00a0She points to a vintage\u00a0 family portrait above the counter.<\/p>\n
“See how there’s almost an aura around one woman? That’s Annette Mategrano. She was absolutely amazing, a successful businesswoman back when that was uncommon.”<\/p>\n
$\"Staff$
Framed by images of the Scafuri-Mategrano family, co-workers Doriann, Aria, and Ben
share a love of Italian culture.
\u00a9 Joyce McGreevy<\/p><\/div>\n
Annette’s parents emigrated from Calabria, opened the bakery, and sustained it through tough times. During the Depression they gave away bread to families who couldn’t afford the 3-cent cost. In 1955, the torch passed to Annette. She also opened a restaurant, working double shifts until she retired\u2014at 90. Today, great-nieces Michelle and Kelly continue her legacy.<\/p>\n
$\"Ron$
Faces of Little Italy (L to R): Director of Chicago’s Italian festivals, Ron Onesti was born on
Taylor Street. Marie De Marinis and\u00a0 Demond Moore delight diners at Davanti Enotec<\/span>a<\/a>.
\u00a9 Joyce McGreevy<\/p><\/div>\n
When you’re around West Taylor Street, be sure to…<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n
Buy\u00a0 panini<\/em> and\u00a0 vini<\/em> at Conte Di Savoia<\/a>.<\/li>\n
Eat pappardelle<\/em> at the original Rosebud<\/a>.<\/li>\n
Sip lemon ice at Mario’s<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Where Pasta Meets Present<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Two miles and many nostalgic decades away, lies “Heart of Italy,” known for its Tuscan families. In the 1900s, many new arrivals traded farming for farm-equipment factory work at McCormick Reaper, “McComio,” as Chicago’s Italians called it.<\/p>\n
Today Heart of Italy still beats with pride. It’s a neighborhood where many have been friends since childhood, where locals share anecdotes that go back five generations.<\/p>\n
$\"\"$
Heart of Italy, Chicago draws diners to 24th and Oakley.
\u00a9 Joyce McGreevy<\/p><\/div>\n
You needn’t be Italian to feel like a local. At Ignotz Ristorante<\/a>, owner Roger Wroblewski and bartender Candy Minx welcome you like a favorite cousin who’s here for the family reunion.<\/p>\n
It’s one of those cozy places you could dine alone without feeling like a loner, a convivial joint where every story at the bar is worth remembering. Ask Roger about the night Frankie Avalon dropped by.<\/p>\n
$\"Roger$
Like Heart of Italy, Ignotz is rooted in love of family, regard for the past,
and appreciation of everyday pleasures.
\u00a9 Joyce McGreevy<\/p><\/div>\n
Here, food is for eating, not Instagramming. Pastas are hearty and soul-satisfying. Well, as the Italians say, Esse nufesso qui dice male di macaroni: “<\/em>Only an idiot speaks badly of macaroni.”<\/p>\n
If you must go “keto,” tuck into Ignotz’s lemony, succulent chicken a la tippi<\/em>. Then ditch the diet and dive into the chocolate spumoni.<\/p>\n
To fall in love with Chicago’s Heart of Italy, be sure to…<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n
Nibble carcio al forno<\/em> at La Fontanel<\/a>la<\/a>.<\/li>\n
Enjoy fettucine<\/em> and friendly banter at Bacchanalia<\/a>.<\/li>\n
Winterize yourself with a bowl of ribollita <\/em>at Bruna’s<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Italia alla Francese\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n
In Montr\u00e9al,\u00a0 lively Petite-Italie combines the Qu\u00e9b\u00e9cois love of festival with a daily dose of\u00a0 dolce vita<\/em>.<\/p>\n
$\"\"$
Switching between French, Italian, and English is common practice in Petite-Italie.
\u00a9 Joyce McGreevy<\/p><\/div>\n
There’s something for everyone\u2014music of the Italian Baroque, frescoes in a Romanesque church, summer cinema in the park, and the most authentic Italian food this side of l’Atlantico, <\/em>from cinghiale<\/em> (wild boar) to handmade pasta al nero di seppia<\/em> infused with cuttlefish ink.<\/p>\n
Backyards give way to grape arbors, flowers cascade from balconies, and the street scene hums. Soccer mania lives on at Bar Sportivo<\/a> as do sociable games of bocce in Dante Park.<\/p>\n
$\"Food$
Fruterie Milano<\/span><\/a>, a sprawling Italian grocery, is a destination in itself.
\u00a9 Joyce McGreevy<\/p><\/div>\n
When visiting Montr\u00e9al’s Petite-Italie, be sure to…<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n
Get your heart racing at Caff\u00e8 Italia<\/a> or just race in summer’s Vivere<\/a> Grand Prix.<\/li>\n
See a pasta factory in action at Pastificio Sacchetto<\/a>.<\/li>\n
Take cooking classes at Mezza Luna<\/a>.<\/li>\n
Read locally-launched Panoram Italia<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
San Diego Serenissimo<\/strong><\/h4>\n
In Southern California, la passeggiata<\/em>, or pre-dinner stroll, begins\u00a0 as the sun sets over San Diego Bay. Here, generations of Italians\u00a0 once made their living on the sea.<\/p>\n
$\"Sailboats$ Families from Sicily and Italy’s Riviera founded the fishing fleet and canning industry
that made San Diego the tuna capital of the West.
\u00a9 Courtesy SanDiego.org<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n
Today, Little Italy is a vibrant neighborhood with outdoor caf\u00e9s, wineries, shops, and boutique hotels.<\/p>\n
$\"People$
A fixture since 1950, the petite Filippi’s Pizza Grotto<\/span><\/a> draws crowds in San Diego.
\u00a9 Courtesy Joanne DiBona SanDiego.org<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n
Piazza Della Famiglia is a gathering place for concerts and cultural events. Piazza Basilone and other San Diego piazze<\/em> commemorate Italian-American history. Amici Park and Waterfront Park reflect the importance of beautiful public spaces to the Italian lifestyle. Little Italy Food Hall offers a variety of food stations, cooking demos, and wine tastings.<\/p>\n
When you’re in San Diego’s Little Italy, be sure to…<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n
Witness its past, present, and future<\/a>.<\/li>\n
Browse farmers markets, Wednesdays<\/a> and Saturdays<\/a>.<\/li>\n
See the summer Italian Film Festival<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
E Tu?<\/strong><\/h4>\nWhere is your<\/em> Little Italy? San Francisco’s North Beach or Boston’s North End? Hidden in Clerkenwell<\/a>, London or in Italian-influenced Malta<\/a>? Is it molto<\/em> Manhattan<\/a> or completamente <\/em>Bronx<\/a>?<\/p>\n
To share your hidden gems with the OIC community, just leave a \u00a0 Comment<\/a>\u00a0and tell us why the Little Italy you like is so special.<\/p>\n
$\"\"$ <\/strong><\/p>\n
Note:<\/strong>\u00a0 The author accepted no freebies and is solely responsible for any pounds gained.
\n<\/em><\/p>\n
Comment<\/a> on the post below, or inspire insight with your own OIC Moment here<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":null,"protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":34949,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[99,535,227],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-34914","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-heritage-culture","category-history-travel","category-worldwide-mappoints"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.oh-i-see.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34914","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.oh-i-see.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.oh-i-see.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.oh-i-see.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.oh-i-see.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=34914"}],"version-history":[{"count":78,"href":"https:\/\/www.oh-i-see.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34914\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":35019,"href":"https:\/\/www.oh-i-see.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34914\/revisions\/35019"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.oh-i-see.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/34949"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.oh-i-see.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=34914"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.oh-i-see.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=34914"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.oh-i-see.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=34914"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}