Little Italy’s hidden gems

Alleva Dairy

Though the prosciutto-stuffed mozzarellas are appealing, we opt for the smoked mozzarella. It's loosely wrapped in plastic and still warm to the touch. "We smoked it in the back," the counterman explains, handing over a beige-skinned hunk. "You're going to want to eat it alone or with several slices of tomatoes. It's too strong on its own."