Cannoli Crawl: 10 Old-School Italian Bakeries Still Doing It Nonna's Way

4.5 (5,457)

Mon – Thu, Sun, 08:00 – 22:00; Fri – Sat, 08:00 – 23:00

340 East 11th Street

Veniero's keeps a hundred-year-old café on East 11th Street, with pistachio cannoli, cookies and whole cakes in the cases. I'd sit down with a cappuccino rather than take it to go. Reviewers praise the variety, the vintage room and the sit-down service; it also ships nationwide.

4.4 (7,655)

Mon – Thu, Sun, 09:00 – 22:00; Fri – Sat, 09:00 – 23:00

195 Grand Street

Ferrara opened on Grand Street in 1892 as America's first pasticceria and espresso bar, and five generations of the family still run it from the same storefront. I'd stop for an espresso and a classic pastry before walking Little Italy. Sweets ship nationwide.

4.5 (2,637)

Tue – Sat, 06:00 – 22:00; Sun, 06:00 – 21:00

1350 Hylan Blvd

Royal Crown on Hylan Boulevard pairs a bakery with a cucina: prosciutto bread, chocolate bread and heroes with very thinly sliced cold cuts. I'd buy a loaf of prosciutto bread for the table. Reviewers call it a local staple for bakery goods, big heroes and hot plates.

4.5 (2,740)

Mon – Thu, Sun, 07:30 – 21:00; Fri – Sat, 07:30 – 22:30

575 8th Ave

A few blocks from Port Authority, Angelina's bakeshop offers sweet and savory pastries, including a pistachio croissant and pistachio latte, with a second-floor seating area. I'd head upstairs to escape the counter rush. Expect tourist crowds and premium prices.

4.5 (1,846)

Mon – Thu, Sun, 08:00 – 22:00; Fri – Sat, 08:00 – 00:00 (+1)

289 Manhattan Avenue

Fortunato Brothers on Manhattan Avenue is a family-run pastry shop and café that adds American sweets to its traditional Italian menu. I'd take a seat in the café with a pastry and gelato. It is a Brooklyn neighborhood classic.

4.4 (1,593)

Mon – Wed, Sun, 07:00 – 22:00; Thu, 07:00 – 23:00; Fri – Sat, 07:00 – 00:00 (+1)

243 Bleecker St #4438

Bleecker Street's Pasticceria Rocco is best known for flaky, multi-layered sfogliatella, plus plate-sized M&M cookies. I'd sit in the dining area with a sfogliatella and espresso. Reviewers rate the pastries highly while noting that service can be reserved.

4.5 (1,254)

Mon – Sun, 07:00 – 19:00

6822 Bay Parkway

John Zito opened Rimini at Bay Parkway in 1973, baking from original recipes on premise, from Italian cheesecake to French brick-oven baguettes. I'd order a custom tiramisu cake days ahead. Reviewers recommend the birthday cakes, cheesecakes and fresh sourdough.

4.7 (754)

Mon – Sun, 07:30 – 21:30

1633 Broadway

Rosetta on Broadway has a window onto the bakers at work, plus sfogliatelle, Roman-style pizza slices and breakfast sandwiches. I'd settle in with a book and an espresso — it suits a slow morning. Patrons praise the pastries, coffee and the view into the kitchen.

4.5 (985)

Mon – Sun, 10:00 – 20:00

108 Mulberry Street

On Mulberry Street, La Bella Ferrara fills cannoli fresh and makes lobster tails and house-made ice cream. I'd use the two free ice cream samples before choosing. Visitors consistently praise the pastries, the ice cream and the welcoming service.

4.7 (712)

Mon – Sun, 06:00 – 22:00

44-17 30th Ave

Family-owned since 1995, Gian Piero in Astoria bakes croissants, Danishes and custom cakes from all-natural ingredients. I'd eat in with an espresso and a cold Italian soda. Reviewers call it an old-fashioned Italian bakery with warm service from owner Mike.