Top Five Italian Cafes and Pastry Shops in New York City
Craving a cannoli? Here is a list of our top five Italian cafes and pastry shops in New York City for all those who have a bit of sweet tooth. We feature one of these great locations on our food and walking tours of Little Italy and Chinatown.
Ferrara Bakery and Cafe – 195 Grand St
Ferrara’s located in the heart of Little Italy is a historical, family owned bakery, operating since 1892. There are so many tempting treats here such as their lobster tails and torrone but they are perhaps best known for their cannoli. The cannoli has a crunchy shell and the cream is rich and sweet but it is not overpoweringly so.
Venieros – 342 E 11th St
Vernieros is a much beloved bakery in the community. After just one visit to this East Village spot, it’s easy to see with each bite that Venieros has perfected their recipes over their one hundred years in business. If you absolutely have room for just one thing, they make a rich and creamy cheesecake that comes in a number of flavors and varieties. In order to try all their varieties of cheesecake it just may mean that you have to bring back your friends!
Caffe Roma Pastry – 385 Broome St
An off- the- beaten-path spot in Little Italy, Caffe Roma is known for its old world look and carries traditional Italian pastries. We suggest their Italian cookies—which are also perfect to take on the go and great for travelers. Also, when the temperature heats up again, Caffe Roma Pastry also serves an assortment of delicious gelato.
Pasticceria Rocco – 243 Bleecker St
Pasticceria Rocco located in Greenwich Village has been a haven for New Yorkers for sweet desserts. Their chocolate covered cannolis (which are only filled upon one’s order) are out of this world.
Caffe Dante – 79 MacDougal St
All the cafes and pastry shops above make a great cannoli but only Caffe Dante in Greenwich Village has a cannoli that Chef Alex Guarnaschelli (of the Food Network) proclaims as The Best Thing I Ever Ate.
