It's no lie when students say Fordham's on-campus dining is bad. There have been some improvements in recent years, but nevertheless, it isn't great. The good news is that we have Arthur Avenue less than 5 minutes away, so no one will ever go hungry, just broke. For students and guests alike, here's a guide of places to eat near Fordham University.
1. Italian restaurants
There is a range of Italian restaurant near Fordham in our own Little Italy on Arthur Ave. When I first arrived, I thought they were all the same. But after some time, I see each restaurants personality and appeal.
Zero Otto Nove, located at 2357 Arthur Ave, is a true Italian restaurant, with more unique dishes.
Michelangelo’s Little Italy, at 2477 Arthur Ave, serves the staples for Italian-American food in a casual setting, making it a great place to go out with friends for a meal.
Finally, Enzo’s, on 2339 Arthur Ave, is more high-end Italian-American with amazing food, al-dente pasta, and great for families. They just expanded their space, making more room available for guests!
2. Other restaurants
Even though Arthur Ave is Little Italy, we still have some other great options! My personal favorite is a Mexican restaurant called Estrellitas Poblano III, located at 2328 Arthur Ave. I recommend the tacos al pastor (pork and pineapple) and make sure you get extra chips and salsa!
Clinton Hall is a taste of New York City in our little section of the Bronx. The first restaurant opened in New York, and the second location is 601 E 189th St.This is a great place for burgers or a boujee brunch!
3. Diners
There are also two great diners nearby. The first is Pete’s Café, which has all the best diner food. Its right off campus, on 570 E. Fordham Rd, and open all day perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. M&G’s, on 2390 Arthur Ave, will fill all your diner breakfast needs. If you’re looking for good eggs, go here!
4. Markets
Arthur Ave Market, 2344 Arthur Ave, is famous, and for a good reason. I love to walk around here with my family and look at all the different fronts and foods. There is something cool to find. Inside is Bronx Beer Hall, another great place for brunch.
If you walk down Arthur on a nice weekend, the streets are filled with storefronts offering a bite to eat or taste. If you have family visiting for the weekend, a great way to show they Little Italy is to just walk down the street and see what you find!
5. Delis
Tino’s Delicatessen is one of the best Italian delis I’ve been to. It has a range of ready to go meals, like pasta, and sandwiches made-to-order. My favorite is the Isabella—breaded chicken, roasted red peppers, mozzarella, and balsamic on a ciabatta roll. It is at 2410 Arthur Ave.
Best Deli on E. Fordham Road can also double as a convenience store. My friends and I love to go here and stock up on snacks if we’re spending a night in.
Rams, also on E. Fordham Road, is the home of the Hashtag sandwich. It’s just one of those things you have to try if you go to Fordham. And you’ll probably end up eating a lot of them.
6. Pizza
Pugsley’s Pizza is the place you want to go after a night out, located 590 E 191st Street, right off campus. And then you’ll be so addicted to it that you’ll start going during the day too. It is typical college late-night food. The place is completely decorated with “Love Is It” and pictures from Fordham.
Full Moon, located 600 E 187th Street, has huge, thin-crust and Sicilian slices of pizza. It is your typical pizzeria with exceptional pizza.
7. Bakeries
This is, without a doubt, the best way to end a meal. Doesn’t matter where you went before! My personal favorite bakery is Morrone Pastry Shop. They are at 2349 Arthur Ave. This has all great pastries and cakes. I love their eclairs and cream puffs.
Madonia Bakery is right across the street, at 2348 Arthur Ave. It also has pastries, but they are really known for their great selection of bread. The best to get is the olive bread.
