New York City is often celebrated as one of the most prominent food capitals in the world, featuring an array of innovative and iconic dining experiences for food lovers and restaurant critics alike. Yet, when most people think of NYC’s culinary scene, their minds tend to gravitate towards the hand-pulled noodles and dim sum of Chinatown or the dollar slice joints that populate Midtown. But what the majority of tourists and locals seem to overlook or even dismiss are the thousands of dining destinations that are centralized in the Bronx. The Bronx restaurant scene is one the city’s most well-kept secrets, home to dozens of mom-and-pop Italian eateries lining Arthur Avenue, as well as Caribbean-style spots that offer rich, smoky jerk chicken and West African restaurants dishing out traditional comfort food.
In an effort to draw more attention to the often underappreciated culinary scene, the Bronx Tourism Council is hosting a six-day Restaurant Week on Feb. 18 to Feb. 23. Restaurants scattered across the borough will be offering pre-fixed menus or discounted prices on some of their best-selling dishes. There are 71 participating restaurants, with six Fordham favorites located within the heart of Belmont, including Emilia’s, Antonio’s Trattoria, Burning Beaks and Majestic Restaurant.
I had the opportunity to chat with Jilleen Barrett, director of marketing and communications at the Bronx Economic Development Corporation and its sister organization, The Bronx Tourism Council. Currently, Barrett has been working closely with various restaurants to bring Bronx Restaurant Week to life. She emphasized that her organization is dedicated to promoting tourism within the Bronx, and dining out plays a major role in that mission. She sees Restaurant Week as a wonderful opportunity for college students, visitors and locals to support neighborhood restaurants and explore new spots at an affordable price.
Barrett also highlighted some of the ongoing challenges locally-owned restaurants continue to face, as many still struggle to regain their footing post-pandemic. The Bronx Tourism Council is committed to supporting these businesses through initiatives like Restaurant Week and especially encourages Fordham students to take part in this effort by exploring the diverse and vibrant restaurant scene in the Belmont area.
After my talk with Barrett, I convinced my roommates to join me on a trip to the southern end of Arthur Avenue to visit one of the participating restaurants, and one of Belmont’s finest, Emilia’s. On a stormy Thursday night, we geared up in rain boots and windbreakers, clutching our umbrellas as we braved the deluge of rain. But the moment we stepped inside, we were pleased to leave the dreary weather behind and be welcomed by Emilia’s warm and inviting atmosphere.
Once seated, we were handed a complimentary basket of warmed bread (always appreciated) with crispy edges and a light, airy center. This paired nicely with their smooth, slightly bitter olive oil, tangy balsamic vinegar and a touch of salt and pepper. For my meal, I went with the cavatelli sposata — cavatelli paired with broccoli rabe, thinly sliced garlic and a sprinkle of Italian red peppers for a subtle kick. What impressed me most about this dish was its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, the flavors balanced effortlessly — the starchy pasta, the slight bitterness of the broccoli rabe, the sharp depth of the garlic and the nutty richness of the olive oil drizzle came together seamlessly.
One of my roommates ordered the gnocchi with truffle mushrooms, generously topped with large slices of parmesan cheese and smothered in a thick, creamy sauce. My other roommate opted for the pappardelle bolognese, which was cavatappi pasta tossed in a hearty ragù sauce, finished with cheese and fresh basil. By the end of the meal, we all had collectively agreed that Emilia’s deserved a permanent spot in our Arthur Ave. restaurant rotation. I myself am excited to revisit Emilia’s to explore new dishes and indulge in more old-school Italian classics.
Emilia’s is the perfect destination for a night out with friends, a cozy first date or even a casual Thursday dinner, as my friends and I discovered. With Bronx Restaurant Week in full swing, I encourage Fordham students to take advantage of these discounted prices, try new restaurants and support local Bronx businesses — all while indulging in a satisfying meal.
