Ever tasted clams infused with New York City history? Welcome to Umberto’s Clam House. Right here on Mulberry Street in Little Italy this unassuming restaurant holds a dark secret. A secret etched in the very floorboards.
Umberto’s Clam House opened in 1972. It was founded by Umberto Ianniello. It quickly became a popular spot. Its tasty calamari scungilli and mussels drew crowds. But it wasn’t the food that first made Umberto’s famous.
Weeks after opening a notorious gangster met his end within these walls. Joe Gallo a prominent figure in New York’s underworld was shot and killed here. This made it one of the most sensational Mafia murders in the city’s history. Gallo was celebrating his birthday at the Copacabana. He stopped at Umberto’s for a late-night snack. Rival gangsters ambushed him. The attack happened at a butcher block table in the back.
Matthew Ianniello Umberto’s son and a reputed Mafia leader was working that night. He claimed to be unaware of the attack. He escaped to the kitchen unharmed. He wasn’t charged. The incident cemented Umberto’s place in Mafia lore. The restaurant later faced financial troubles. The federal government oversaw its operations for years. They suspected money skimming. In 1994 control passed to Robert Ianniello Umberto’s younger brother. He’s the current owner. Umberto’s closed briefly but reopened in a new location nearby.
Today Umberto’s Clam House thrives. It serves delicious seafood. It’s a popular spot for locals tourists and celebrities. But the whispers of its past linger. The memory of “Crazy Joe” Gallo’s last meal still draws curious diners to this Little Italy landmark. The restaurant’s legacy is a blend of delicious food and a shocking chapter of New York City’s criminal history. It’s a unique blend that makes Umberto’s Clam House a truly unforgettable dining experience. So enjoy your meal. But remember the story behind the clams.