Little Italy
Neighborhood vibes
Don't let the neighborhood name fool you — Little Italy is a unique district within the city of Syracuse offering cuisine inspired by Italy, Asia, Europe and more. With a large immigrant population, Little Italy draws influences from its previously settled ancestors while expanding and embracing a multitude of cultures throughout the years. Close to Downtown Syracuse, visitors can enjoy the diverse shops and delicious dining options, bakeries, import markets, shops and salons.
Eat
Best breakfasts + brunch spots
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Start with dessert first and stop by the much-loved Biscotti Cafe for the freshest made-from-scratch cakes and treats you've ever had. Enjoy tasty pastries available at 7 a.m. daily, and grab a cup of hot coffee brewed every hour.
Best afternoon eats
- Make a stop at the iconic old world Columbus Baking Company to pick up a loaf of the best Italian bread this side of the Atlantic (they have 120 years of experience to prove it!), and grab a quick snack at their deli next door while you're there.
- Munch on the Latin American menu at Mi Casita Restaurant, where flavors from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Puerto Rico and the U.S. are combined to deliver some seriously tasty samplings for your taste buds.
Best supper spots
- Save some room for dinner, because Little Italy pulls out all the stops when it comes to finding that savory spot for dinner. Pull up a chair and eat your heart out at Francesca's Cucina, a family-owned favorite in the heart of Little Italy. Most recently voted Syracuse’s Hottest Destination by locals and visitor alike in 2022.
Shop
Best markets
- Not only does Di Lauro's Bakery & Pizza serve up traditional and breakfast pizza, they've also been a locally-loved spot to pick up Italian bread and rolls since 1908.
- Take tradition home with you and stock up on imported pastas, fruits, olives and oils at Lombardi's Imports.
- Grab your share of traditional Italian cookies at Nino's Italian Bakery.
Explore More In Little Italy + Syracuse
Outdoor Dining in Downtown Syracuse
Plan your next patio outing with these Downtown outdoor dining hot spots:
Westcott
Ultra cool vibes, hip restaurants and bars, street art, eclectic coffee shops & storefronts
Downtown Syracuse
The center of the city — festivals, music, murals, food, drinks, art, museums, parks & friends
5 Outdoor Movie Spots
Catch a movie outdoors this summer at one of our top spots!
Lakefront
Breweries & bites, kayak spots, Creekwalk, shopping, dining
Sedgwick & The Northside
Historic residential district, eateries, parks, pubs & more.