Arthur Avenue is not real convienient to public transportation, although I believe that the Fordham station on Metro-North is nearby. Parking could be tough on weekends.

When I was younger, Mario’s was a fantastic red sauce restaurant…also the best linguini in white sauce I have ever had.

I’d drive. You can usually find a spot on one of the side streets and there is a small public parking lot right on Arthur Ave.

I second the Full Moon Pizzeria…great pizza, but make sure you order whole pies (they’ll take a little time, but are freshly made, unlike the slices that can sit for a while before being warmed).

I agree with the comment about Egidio’s…it has gone way downhill. DeLillo’s, down the block on 187th street, is much better.

I think Emilia’s is probably the best of the Italian-American "red sauce" places on Arthur Avenue.

Around the corner on Crescent Avenue sits Roberto’s, that most claim is the best in the area, but it can get crowded at prime dining time.

Right up the block from Roberto’s is a relative newcomer, Il Fiume, which I was pleased with. A very nice, spacious setting, very reasonable prices, and good food.

Full Moon Pizza (187th and Arthur). Excellent.

The last time I was there, I got pasty from Egidio’s on 187th, which had been one of the best Italian bakeries in NYC. It was terrible.

There are several bread bakeries. I like the one on Arthur Avenue, a block or two north of 187th, on the west side of the street.

Charlie