Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
What this foodstroll is
Our favorite Italian food in “Brooklyn’s Little Italy”, near the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights.
Why this foodstroll works
You can look for that old New York feeling in Manhattan or fancified Brooklyn, but the only thing old you’ll find is the architecture. As beautiful as that may be, that old New York feeling can only be found in neighborhoods like Bensonhurst, Brooklyn’s own “Little Italy”. Words like “family owned and operated” don’t apply, because that assumes an alternative, and there isn’t one in Bensonhurst.
Next door is Dyker Heights, a tree lined neighborhood full of mansions that has become increasingly well known for its annual Christmas light displays. Visit the area during the holidays and you can enjoy some of Brooklyn’s finest Italian food, while really getting into the Christmas spirit.
Strolling
Dyker Heights and Bensonhurst are neighbors, and it’s a one mile walk from Il Colosseo to the Christmas lights, which is either a lovely stroll, or an Uber ride, depending on your mood.
Bensonhurst and Dyker Heights lie within the borders of the former Dutch colonial town of New Utrecht (1652), one of the first 6 towns that would eventually become the City of Brooklyn. The New Utrecht Dutch Reformed Church was established in 1677 by the area’s 26 families, who were tired of traveling to the towns of Flatbush or Flatlands for services. The current Georgian-Gothic structure dates back to 1828, and is the 9th oldest church building in NYC.
Two blocks from the Church is its cemetery, which is actually older than the church, interring people since 1652. Most of the 18th century gravestones were ruined, having been used as target practice by the British during occupation (1776-1783). Nevertheless, the gravestones of New Utrecht’s oldest and most prominent families are still visible, like those of the Van Brunts, the Cortelyous, the Lotts, the Cowenhovens, the Cropseys, and the Bennetts.
Today Dyker Heights rests on a hill dividing Bay Ridge and Bensonhurst. It’s steep grade made it unfarmable, and the area was an undeveloped until the 1890s, only becoming part of the City of Brooklyn in 1894.
The advent of the Nassau Electric Railroad in 1890 created huge improvements in accessibility to the previously isolated neighborhood, and developers soon began touting it as a “healthy living” alternative for the financiers of Wall Street. Unlike other neighborhoods in Brooklyn developed at the same time, almost none of the original structures still exist in Dyker Heights. You therefore find no Victorian or period architecture, and instead see many huge Mediterranean Villa style mansions.
You’ll find decorations throughout the neighborhood in December, but the best area is the six square blocks from 81st to 85th Streets between 11th and 13th Avenues. In recent years, the blocks between 10th and 11th Aves have gotten really fun too. Generally speaking, the homes, and the Christmas Lights, get more elaborate as you climb the hill.
What’s remarkable is that the entire neighborhood participates, and many hire professionals to help design and hang their lights. It’ll definitely get you in the Holiday spirit!
Food Spots
1. Il Colosseo
Il Colosseo is the best Italian restaurant in Bensonhurst, and that’s no small feat considering the competition. The brick oven pizzas are our go to, and a classic Margherita is a great way to start.
If you want a few more bells and whistles, the Pizza di Rucola Parmigiano e Prosciutto Crudo, which in English means arugula, shaved Parmesan and imported prosciutto di Parma, is our favorite.
In addition to pizza, our kids unanimously agree that the Calamari Fritti is delicious. They disagree only about the importance of marinara sauce.
If you want pasta but need something other than red sauce, the Spaghetti alle Vongole is a great option, made with baby clams and a traditional light white sauce.
If you haven’t made your mind up after the Margherita Pizza, Veal Marsala is the next best indicator of quality Italian food. We’re pretty sure you’ll agree if you try it.
Only a baby can truly appreciate a baby clam.
Lioni Italian Heroes makes over 150 different sandwiches, and we don't know a single person who can finish one by themselves. We’re not complaining though. This #8 Bensonhurst Special has Hot Capicola, Jalapeno Cheese, and a Hot Stuffed Pepper. It’s pretty spicy.
#139, The Doo Wopper Hero comes with Prosciutto di Parma, Capicola, Sopressata, Lioni’s Fresh Mozzarella, Provolone, Bruschetta, and Balsamic Vinegar. Our kids love this one.
We haven’t tried all 150 heroes, so claiming to have a “favorite” wouldn’t be fair. But we can’t imagine any sandwich actually tasting better than this Giovanni Da Verrazano, or Eggplant Parm.
Our kids eat 25% of a sandwich each day for four days. On day 5 they ask if there's any more sandwich.
La Bella is the best Italian supermarket in NYC that we know of, and expats come from near and far to fulfill their Italian grocery needs. Everything is first rate, and they even carry cleaning products like soap, shampoo, and laundry detergent typically found in Italy. Perfect for times when European travel is restricted!
The prepared foods section is an Italian paradise. There’s Octopus Salad, Veal Pizzaiola, and Eggplant Parmigiana. No matter what, don’t visit without buying at least one giant Sicilian Arancini al Ragù.
The seafood department has all your Italian staples, like sardines and tons of shellfish. If you’re lucky, they might even carry affordable sea urchin when you stop by.
The bakery is huge. You can get anything from individual Cannoli and Panna Cotta to entire cakes. They also make excellent Pizza, Calzones, and Stromboli using their house made fresh Mozzarella and Caciocavallo. It’s a great way to take food home with you after an evening of Christmas lights.
Transportation
The D train stops at 79th Street in Bensonhurst, just a block from both Il Colosseo and Lioni Italian Heroes. The only other train that puts you in striking distance of either Bensonhurst or Dyker Heights is the N at New Utrecht Ave. From there you’d need to walk about a mile to the food spots or Christmas lights.
Streetside parking is possible in both neighborhoods, but slightly more difficult during the holidays.
