As Fordham students start to make their way back on campus for the spring semester, they might be wondering what restaurants are open for outdoor dining, and more importantly, which ones offer the best heated seating and of course, the best food. Well, look no further! I've rounded up a list of some of the best off-campus dining in Little Italy. With indoor dining currently on hold in NYC, restaurants are relying heavily on a mix of outdoor dining, takeout, and delivery, which is why it's so important for us to continue to support these local businesses, especially right here in the Bronx! Here are some of the best off-campus outdoor dining on Arthur Ave!
Best Off-Campus Outdoor Dining on Arthur Avenue
Trattoria Zero Otto Nove
2357 Arthur Ave, The Bronx, NY 10458
First up on the list is Trattoria Zero Otto Nove. As one of Little Italy's most popular restaurants, Zero Otto Nove's outdoor dining setup is equipped for the cold winter months with plenty of outdoor seating and heaters to keep diners warm. You can never go wrong with their Southern Italian-style pizza and pasta dishes, and the service is always fast and accommodating. Although they don't provide delivery, you are able to order ahead and pick up your food- allowing you to enjoy a gourmet Italian meal in the comfort of your own apartment or dorm room!
Enzo's of Arthur Ave
2339 Arthur Ave, The Bronx, NY 10458
Walk a few yards past Zero Otto Nove and you'll find yourself at Enzo's, another staple of Arthur Avenue serving authentic Italian comfort food. Their outdoor seating is rather extensive and they have many heaters to keep you warm and cozy. Their homemade pasta is always a go-to, their portion sizes are perfect for sharing with with the table, and they always deliver fresh, quality food that leaves you stuffed in the best possible way!
Antonios Trattoria
2370 Belmont Ave, The Bronx, NY 10458
Next on the list is one of my personal favorites- Antonios Trattoria. Antonios is a bit further off campus on Belmont Avenue, but their outdoor dining setup is arguably the best. They've set up 3 large igloos in the front of the restaurant where Crescent Ave, E 186th St., and Belmont Ave meet, along with additional smaller igloos on their sidewalk seating. Each of the igloos are equipped with heaters, so diners are able to enjoy their meal comfortably without having to worry about their hands turning to icicles.
Make sure to call ahead to make a reservation, as they currently do not take online reservations. Antonios also has great delivery or takeout services available through Grubhub, Doordash, and UberEats. I definitely recommend Antonios for a warm, enjoyable outdoor dining experience that will remind you of Nonna's cooking- authentic Italian comfort food with a variety of delicious options.
If you're looking for an escape from campus dining and microwave ramen, grab some friends and head to Arthur Ave to try out these amazing Little Italy restaurants. NYC restaurants are still suffering from the harsh affects of the pandemic, which is why in these next few months it's so important for Fordham students to give back and support our favorite local businesses right here in the Bronx! Nothing beats good food, good company, and heated outdoor seating!