I haven’t visited Arturo’s in many years. It’s located in SoHo, and lately, I’ve rarely ventured from the comfort of my predictable Upper West Side neighborhood.
When a friend and colleague suggested we go for their coal oven pizza, I readily agreed. We finally made the pilgrimage downtown by subway, and it was completely worth it. Here’s what you need to know.
Arturo’s opened in 1957, perfectly wedged between Greenwich Village and Alphabet City. Stepping inside felt like a time warp; remarkably little had changed since my days hanging out here in the 1990s.
The moment I walked through the door, I was struck by how perfectly preserved it was. The décor instantly conjured the spirit of Old New York, with every inch of wall space covered in a mosaic of paintings and nostalgic photos by local artists. The welcoming scent of history complemented the lively tradition of an Italian-American family Sunday dinner. This is la dolce vita!
Part of the secret is they are mostly known for their Coal Oven Pizza. However, when I saw several of my favorite dishes from the country shaped like a boot, I asked my friend if it was okay to get entrees instead of sharing a pizza. He agreed.
Their Baked Clams are off-the-charts outstanding. I haven’t had this appetizer in several years, as it’s a dish that is rather hard to make at home and always better when someone in the kitchen knows what they’re doing. My dinner partner and I shared the appetizer, and the Italian breadcrumbs, along with a squeeze of lemon, created a wonderfully mouth-watering combination of flavors.
I selected one of my favorite dishes, especially during the warmer months—Veal Milanese. This dish is very similar to the Austrian dish Wiener Schnitzel that originated in Austria around the 19th century. It makes sense, considering that Milan was part of the Kingdom of Lombardy-Venetia. Veal (or Chicken) Milanese is a succulent combination of breaded veal that is pounded to a very thin cutlet and topped with arugula and tomato salad. Arturo’s elevates this dish to perfection.
Here’s the best-kept secret about Arturo’s—though it’s no secret to those in the know: The restaurant continues its long-standing tradition of hosting live jazz with some of New York City’s top musicians. Unfortunately, my friend and I went a little early to beat the crowds, so we only caught the jazz trio warming up as we were leaving. I suggest that you give them a call and see who is in the line-up for the evening.
My friend and I are already planning our return trip for the famous pizza and, of course, the live music. Learn from our mistake: time your visit for the food, but make sure you stay for the jazz. It’s an essential New York experience.
Here’s one last secret for you: the Little Italy you know from Mulberry and Mott Streets is mostly for tourists and the real deal many years ago. It’s a cinematic backdrop made famous by movies and shows like The Sopranos. For an authentic taste of Italian New York, you need to head north to Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. I highly recommend exploring this vibrant neighborhood, packed with traditional shops, aromatic bakeries, and charming outdoor cafes. Pro-tip: plan your visit for a weekday, as many spots are closed on Sunday.
Arturo’s Restaurant
106 West Houston Street
New York, NY
10012
212-677-3820
@arturoscoalovenpizza
@bronxlittleitaly
Photo Credits: PK Greenfield
