Outdoor Dining in Belmont Bronx: Where to Eat Al Fresco on Arthur Avenue
Belmont Bronx, known for its Italian roots and Arthur Avenue's culinary scene, offers a slice of Italy with its outdoor dining options. The Piazza di Belmont transforms the streets into a European-style dining haven, where Italian-American families and food tourists gather for authentic meals. With over 20 participating restaurants, this area excels in al fresco dining, offering a mix of traditional Italian and modern takes. As cars give way to tables under string lights, the air fills with the aroma of garlic and rosemary, creating a dining experience that’s as much about the atmosphere as the food.
Zero Otto Nove
Located at 2357 Arthur Avenue, Zero Otto Nove is a staple in Belmont's outdoor dining scene. The setting is rustic with exposed brick and string lights, and the smell of wood-fired pizza dough and San Marzano tomatoes fills the air. The crowd is a mix of families and middle-aged couples from Westchester, all sharing plates of tiramisu and engaging in lively Italian conversations. Opened in 2007 by Tommy Verdico, this spot expanded from a pizzeria to a full Italian restaurant, maintaining its Neapolitan roots.
Enzo’s of Arthur Avenue
Located at 2339 Arthur Avenue, Enzo’s offers a more traditional dining experience with linen-draped tables and checkered tablecloths. The air is rich with the scent of veal osso buco and fresh basil, while opera snippets play in the background. The clientele includes multi-generational Italian families and local politicians, adding to its authentic atmosphere. Since 1974, Enzo Fasulo has run this family-owned establishment, focusing on Calabrian recipes.
Mario’s Restaurant
Located at 2342 Arthur Avenue, Mario’s is a cornerstone of Belmont's dining scene. With a history dating back to 1919, it offers old-world dining with white tablecloths and the aroma of lobster fra diavolo and garlic bread. The sounds of corks popping and laughter fill the air as old Italian men in tracksuits and local residents enjoy their meals. Run by the Migliucci family, Mario’s is the Bronx's oldest restaurant, known for its unchanged red sauce.
Antonio’s Trattoria
At 2378 Arthur Avenue, Antonio’s buzzes with energy thanks to its candlelit barrels and vines. The air is heavy with truffle oil and seafood, while soccer TV chatter adds to the lively atmosphere. Young Italian-American groups and date-nighters flock here for a vibrant dining experience. Run by the Antonio family since 1996, it earned a spot on Yelp's Top 100 NYC in 2019.
Emilia’s Restaurant
Situated at 2322 Arthur Avenue, Emilia’s provides a cozy outdoor dining experience with dim lighting under an awning. The scent of eggplant parm and espresso fills the air, while family arguments in dialect add to the authentic atmosphere. Neighborhood nonnas, construction workers, and tourists frequent this spot. Founded in 1953 by Emilia Ragusa, it remains family-run with unchanged recipes.
Arthur Avenue Fiasco
Located at 2367 Arthur Avenue, Arthur Avenue Fiasco offers a casual outdoor dining experience with wood benches and the smell of pizza yeast and herbs. The atmosphere is rowdy with bar laughs and the clinking of glassware. Sports fans, local twenty-somethings, and post-Zoo groups make up the clientele. Launched in 2018 by Belmont BID partners, it provides a laid-back Italian dining experience.
Azgardz
At 2364 Arthur Avenue, Azgardz brings a fusion edge to Belmont’s dining scene with its garden patio and the smell of grilled meats and spices. Hip-hop beats play under lights, creating a lively atmosphere. Albanian expats and a young Belmont mixed crowd frequent this spot. Opened in 2020, Azgardz blends Mediterranean flavors with a modern twist.
The Bronx Beer Hall
Located at 247 E 188th Street, The Bronx Beer Hall provides a unique outdoor dining experience with brewery tables and the smell of hops and sausages. Cheers and trivia noise fill the air, attracting craft beer locals and Zoo families. Started in 2019 by local brewers, it offers a range of Arthur Avenue pours.
To enjoy Belmont's outdoor dining scene, head to Piazza di Belmont at 6pm on Thursdays for no-wait tables. First-timers should try a pizza at Zero Otto Nove and pasta at Emilia’s. While all listed spots accept cards, carry $20 cash for tips or small tabs. Take the 4 train to Kingsbridge Road and walk eight minutes south on Jerome to Arthur Avenue. Avoid Tra Di Noi, an overrated spot with no piazza action and mixed service. Street parking is scarce post-closure, so use garages on 189th Street. Reservations are mandatory on weekends via restaurant sites or OpenTable.
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