My family has been on Arthur Avenue since 1918
Hi, I’m Danielle Oteri, founder of Arthur Avenue Food Tours. My family has been part of this Bronx neighborhood since 1918, and I grew up surrounded by the stories, flavors, and traditions that make it so special.
After a career in art history and lecturing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, I returned to my roots to share the magic of Arthur Avenue with visitors from near and far. You can learn more about my other work and listen to my podcast about Italy at danielleoteri.com
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For me, this isn’t just a food tour—it’s a chance to pass on generations of knowledge about the butchers, bakers, and shopkeepers who keep old-world Italian food culture alive in New York City. I want Arthur Avenue to become part of your NYC experience so that you'll return to shop and help me sustain this amazing neighborhood for generations to come.
1918
Albino and Grazia Oteri opened a baccalà store at 2374 Arthur Avenue. They raised their family of 6 children above the shop. After emigrating from Sarno and Castelfranci, they spent the rest of their lives in the Bronx.
1955
John Oteri takes over his parent's baccalà shop and turns it into a butcher shop. In 1954, Oteri's Meat Market was used as the set for "Marty," starring Ernest Borgnine. The film won the Academy Award for Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Screenplay.
2010
Danielle Oteri, great-granddaughter of Albino and Grazia, was asked to give a tour of Arthur Avenue and the butcher shop (now called Vincent's) to a group of food buyers from London. The idea to start offering neighborhood food tours was born. Danielle designed the first tours to feel like an episode of Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations.
2018
The Shopping & Tasting Tour goes viral after being featured on CNN Travel. More media coverage follows, including the cover of The New Yorker, after illustrator Jenny Kroik joins a Shopping & Tasting Tour on a quiet day in March.
Today
We've introduced thousands of guests to Little Italy in the Bronx! Our mission to introduce people to the small, truly artisanal food makers in Little Italy continues. We hope you'll return again and again and help keep these businesses and food traditions alive. ​