Alleva Dairy

4.5 (259)

Discover America's oldest cheese shop: 130+ years of handmade mozzarella, ricotta, cured meats, and Italian heroes in a family legacy born in Little Italy.

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Alleva Dairy

America's oldest cheese shop, established in 1892 by Italian immigrant Pina Alleva in New York City's Little Italy. Renowned for handmade mozzarella, ricotta, imported Italian cheeses, cured meats, hot sandwiches, and classic Italian dishes. A family-run legacy offering authentic flavors from over 130 years of tradition, now operating from Lyndhurst, NJ after its historic Manhattan closure.

A brief summary to Alleva Dairy

188 Grand St #332, New York, Manhattan, New York, 10013, US
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Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
Budget
Indoor
Mobile reception: 5 out of 5

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Alleva Dairy.

Sample the fresh mozzarella and ricotta straight from the wheel for the most authentic taste—pulled daily by hand.
Try the Godfather Italian hero sandwich or SchiaChaCha flatbread for a hearty, classic Little Italy meal.
Visit during San Gennaro Festival season for family-run energy and festival specials.
Pair cheeses with imported prosciutto or pick up sauces for easy home Italian cooking.

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Getting There

Driving

From NYC: 20-30 min via Holland Tunnel to NJ Turnpike, $15-25 parking nearby. Easy lot access.
Public Transit

NJ Transit Meadowlands Express bus from Port Authority (30-45 min, $5-10) to Lyndhurst; then 10-min walk.
Rideshare

Uber/Lyft from Manhattan: 20-40 min, $25-45 depending on traffic. Street parking available.

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History and Legacy

Alleva Dairy traces its roots to 1892 when Pina Alleva immigrated from Benevento, Italy, to open the nation's first cheese shop on Grand Street in Manhattan's Little Italy. For over 130 years, it served as a cornerstone of Italian-American culture, handcrafting fresh mozzarella and ricotta daily using time-honored recipes. The shop became a beloved institution, attracting celebrities like Danny DeVito, Martin Scorsese, and Ina Garten, while embodying the spirit of family and community under owners like Robert Alleva, John 'Cha Cha' Ciarcia, and his widow Karen King.

Closure and Rebirth

The original location faced closure in March 2023 due to financial challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, unpaid rent disputes, and bankruptcy proceedings. After 131 years, Alleva Dairy vacated its iconic Mulberry Street corner, prompting widespread mourning from New Yorkers. Owner Karen King relocated the business to 9 Polito Avenue in Lyndhurst, New Jersey, preserving its recipes and heritage. Plans for a Chelsea Market revival were announced, signaling a new chapter in the city's food scene.

Signature Offerings

Alleva Dairy excels in artisanal Italian products: creamy fresh mozzarella pulled by hand, velvety ricotta, aged pecorino, parmigiano-reggiano, and prosciutto. Beyond cheeses, enjoy hot and cold hero sandwiches like the Godfather Italian, SchiaChaCha flatbread, eggplant parmigiana, stuffed artichokes, and Cha Cha's tiramisu or cannolis. Italian groceries, sauces, soups, and entrees make it a one-stop destination for authentic home cooking.

Family and Community Focus

Run by Karen King with family members including her sister Denise, nephew Sean, and niece Nikki, Alleva emphasizes hospitality. During events like the San Gennaro Festival, extended relatives join to serve the community. The shop's motto, 'Sei parte della famiglia!!!' (You are part of the family!!!), captures its welcoming ethos, blending Benevento traditions with New York grit.

Visiting Today

Open daily from 10:00am to 6:00pm (closed Tuesdays temporarily), the Lyndhurst location continues the legacy with the same passion for quality. It's more than a store—it's a living piece of Italian-American history, inviting visitors to savor flavors unchanged for generations.