New York City, a culinary melting pot, boasts an impressive array of Italian-American bakeries and pastry shops. And within this delicious landscape, the cannoli reigns supreme. This iconic Sicilian pastry, with its crisp fried shell and creamy ricotta filling, is a New York City staple. This guide explores 21 amazing cannoli destinations across the five boroughs, ensuring your next cannoli craving is met with unparalleled delight. We'll cover everything from classic spots to hidden gems, promising a cannoli adventure you won't soon forget.
The Cannoli Classics: Tried and True Favorites
These establishments have stood the test of time, consistently delivering exceptional cannoli experiences. Their reputation precedes them, guaranteeing a taste of tradition.
1. Ferrara Bakery & Cafe (Little Italy)
Ferrara Bakery, a Little Italy institution since 1892, is synonymous with authentic Italian pastries. Their cannoli are legendary, featuring a perfectly crisp shell and a sweet, creamy ricotta filling. Don't miss the opportunity to savor this classic while strolling through the historic streets of Little Italy.
2. Lombardi's Pizza (Lower Manhattan)
While primarily known for its pizza, Lombardi's also offers surprisingly delicious cannoli. Their cannoli complement their famous pies perfectly, offering a delightful sweet ending to a savory meal.
3. Veniero's Pastry Shop (East Village)
Veniero's, another long-standing bakery in the East Village, offers a taste of old-world charm with each bite of their cannoli. Their cannoli are known for their generous filling and a delicate, slightly sweet shell.
4. Caffe Reggio (Greenwich Village)
Caffe Reggio, a historical landmark known for introducing cappuccino to America, also serves up some incredibly delicious cannoli. Their pastries are a wonderful complement to their strong coffee, creating a truly satisfying Italian-American experience.
Hidden Gems: Discovering NYC's Cannoli Secrets
Venture beyond the well-trodden paths and uncover these hidden gems, each offering a unique twist on the cannoli classic.
5. Morelli's Gourmet (Various Locations)
Morelli's offers several locations throughout the city, making it easy to find a delectable cannoli wherever you are. Their cannoli are known for a perfect balance between sweetness and creaminess.
6. Mike's Pastry (Various Locations)
Mike's Pastry offers both classic and unique flavors such as chocolate and pistachio. Their pastry is consistently good and a great option for a quick and delicious cannoli.
7. Villabate Alba (Astoria)
Villabate Alba in Astoria, Queens, serves up Sicilian-style cannoli that are a bit different from what you might find elsewhere. Their cannoli are known for their larger size and a richer, more intense flavor profile.
8. Pasticceria Rocco (Bensonhurst)
Pasticceria Rocco is a favorite among locals in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. Their cannoli are known for their fresh ingredients and a light, airy shell.
Modern Takes: Cannoli Reimagined
These innovative bakeries put a modern spin on the classic cannoli, offering exciting flavor combinations and unique presentations.
9. Lady Mendl's (Various Locations)
Lady Mendl's, famous for its exquisite cakes, also offers a sophisticated take on the cannoli. Their cannoli often feature unique fillings and elegant presentations.
10. Dominique Ansel Bakery (SoHo)
Dominique Ansel Bakery, known for the Cronut, also offers creative cannoli. They often feature seasonal ingredients and unexpected flavor pairings.
11. Magnolia Bakery (Various Locations)
Magnolia Bakery, a New York City institution, adds its own unique twist to the classic cannoli. Their version often incorporates seasonal flavors.
Beyond the Boroughs: Cannoli Adventures Across NYC
Explore all five boroughs to discover even more cannoli delights hidden in various neighborhoods.
12. Carlo's Bakery (Hoboken, NJ - But Close Enough!)
While technically across the Hudson in Hoboken, Carlo's Bakery (Cake Boss fame) is close enough to warrant a trip. Their cannoli are a must-try for any fan of the show.
13. L&B Spumoni Gardens (Brooklyn)
L&B Spumoni Gardens, known for its Sicilian pizza, also offers excellent cannoli. Their cannoli are a great complement to their signature pizza.
Specialty Cannoli: Unique Flavors and Fillings
Venture beyond the classic ricotta filling and discover cannoli with exciting new flavors and textures.
14. Aiello's (Various Locations)
Aiello's offers a range of cannoli fillings, including chocolate, pistachio and other unique options, to suit every palate.
15. Buon Giorno (Various Locations)
Buon Giorno often has unique seasonal fillings. This is a great place to try a cannoli with an unexpected flavor combination.
16. Pastries by Ron Ben-Israel (Various Locations)
Pastries by Ron Ben-Israel provides beautifully decorated cannoli with unique fillings. This is a great place for an elegant or high-end cannoli experience.
Cannoli for the Adventurous Eater: Pushing Boundaries
These bakeries are perfect for those who want to explore the more daring side of the cannoli experience.
17. Rubirosa (Lower Manhattan)
Rubirosa, a renowned pizzeria, also offers cannoli with a unique twist. Their cannoli often feature unexpected flavor combinations.
18. Artichoke Basille's Pizza (Various Locations)
While primarily known for pizza, Artichoke Basille's offers a surprising and delightful cannoli, complementing their bold and creamy artichoke pizza.
Cannoli for the Budget-Conscious: Great Cannoli without the Premium Price Tag
19. Your Local Italian Bakery
Many smaller, local Italian bakeries in your neighborhood may offer a hidden gem. Don't hesitate to explore local options.
Cannoli for Quick Bites: Grab-and-Go Goodness
20. Your Nearest Deli or Grocery Store
Many delis and grocery stores stock pre-made cannoli which are a convenient option for a quick treat. Quality can vary, but these cannoli provide an affordable option when you're in a pinch.
Cannoli to Impress: Taking it to the Next Level
21. Order a Custom Cannoli Cake
For a truly special occasion, consider ordering a custom cannoli cake from a high-end bakery. This decadent treat will surely impress your guests.
Conclusion: Your NYC Cannoli Journey Awaits!
This list serves as a starting point for your NYC cannoli adventure. With so many incredible options available, exploring the city's cannoli scene is a delightful culinary pursuit. So, grab a friend, embark on a cannoli crawl, and savor the sweet taste of New York City's finest. Happy cannoli hunting!
