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Cannoli and gelato in Little Italy

Made for those who believe a proper dessert crawl requires both a ricotta-filled pastry and a scoop of chilled, dense cream.

Based on 616 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
La Bella Ferrara image 1
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Small bakery with industrial decor and no indoor seating offers a grab-and-go setup featuring Italian pastries and gelato. Atmosphere feels nostalgic and charming, with a long line and friendly, helpful people. Outdoor seating provides a cute spot to enjoy fresh pastries and coffee.

Rich, creamy filling and crispy shells define the cannoli here. Pistachio and chocolate options stand out, with flavors that many find exceptionally satisfying.

Gelato here is super creamy and smooth with just the right sweetness. Flavors like Baci chocolate and strawberry stand out for their authentic taste.

People are saying

"I found the cannoli here to be incredibly delicious and fresh."

"These pastries are the best and freshest I've ever eaten."

"I thought the gelato here was the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

It is recommended to go to La Bella Ferrara early to avoid long lines.

2

Everything is reasonably priced with each item being about $6 on average.

3

There is not a lot of seating available, so don't go with large groups unless you're willing to stand outside.

02
Zia Maria Little Italy image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers homey atmosphere with live accordion music and table-side fresh pasta preparation. Outdoor seating provides a view of the illuminated Empire State Building with heaters for comfort. Staff engage guests with personalized entertainment and complimentary drinks.

Fresh, crispy cannolis come with rich, creamy filling. The texture and flavor make them stand out.

Strawberry gelato offers a fresh, sweet flavor that pairs well with the scampi. The chocolate mousse and gelato combination delivers a rich, creamy taste.

People are saying

"The pasta here is fresh and prepared right in front of you."

"You have to try the cannoli; it's amazing and epic."

"The cannoli and pistachio gelato were delicious."

Good to know

1

Birthday celebrations include a fun serenade by the wait staff.

2

The restaurant dims the lights around 4:40 PM for dinner ambiance.

3

An automatic 18% service charge is included for parties of two.

03
Ferrara Bakery & Cafe image 1

Elegant bakery with classic Italian style and richly decorated interiors offers both indoor and sheltered outdoor seating. Atmosphere feels traditional and cozy, filled with the aroma of freshly baked pastries and lively energy. Known for exceptional cannoli and gelato, it blends old-school charm with a vibrant street presence.

Authentic Italian style shines in the cannoli here, with a rich, creamy filling and crisp shell. The cannoli cake also stands out as a unique, flavorful twist on the classic dessert.

Pistachio gelato stands out with a rich, authentic flavor close to European styles. The cherry vanilla gelato offers a refreshing, sweet taste that pairs well with coffee and pastries.

People are saying

"I thought the New York cheesecake here was the best I ever tasted."

"I thought the cannoli here were the best I've ever had."

"I found the pistachio gelato to be amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times during busy hours.

2

Expect long lines, especially during holidays and special events.

3

National Cannoli Day offers a free plain Cannoli with any purchase.

04
Little Italy image 1

Cobblestone streets and picturesque facades create an authentic Italian town feel with a vibrant atmosphere full of lively energy. Outdoor seating offers a cozy and romantic vibe while Italian music and themed food enhance the experience. The area hosts many Italian cultural attractions and features a variety of restaurants serving classic dishes like pizza, pasta, and cannoli.

Cannolis come in huge sizes and often use dried fruit instead of chocolate chips. They appear alongside other Italian treats like tiramisu and biscotti, offering a delicious sweet option.

Gelato Gelato stands out with really good gelato. Multiple gelato stores offer a variety of Italian flavors making gelato a must over frappe here.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and top-notch."

"The gelato here is amazing, just like the food and negronis."

"I really enjoyed the cannolis here."

Good to know

1

The Feast of San Gennaro lasts 11 days from September 14-24.

2

Expect large crowds during the San Gennaro Festival, especially on weekends.

3

Most restaurants close their kitchens by 10 PM, so plan dinner early.

05
Caffé Palermo image 1

Crowded space with elbow-to-elbow seating and grey marble tables creates a lively, bustling atmosphere. Walls adorned with mirrors and a large cannoli sculpture add character and a whimsical touch. Live entertainment and street music contribute to a vibrant, classic Italo-American café vibe.

Cannoli stand out for their rich, creamy filling and crisp shells. This spot is known as a king of Cannoli with a cozy vibe and a solid selection.

Rich and creamy chocolate gelato stands out with its smooth texture. The coffee gelato and oreo cannoli offer a balanced sweetness that feels just right.

People are saying

"These cannolis are delicious and truly unforgettable."

"Their pistachio cake was divine and melted in my mouth."

"I thought the gelato here was ridiculously good."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $20 for two cokes and one scoop of ice cream.

2

The restaurant only serves desserts and does not have any food available for lunch.

3

It is not possible to pay with contactless payment methods.

06
Sofia's of Little Italy image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers a cozy, beautiful atmosphere with an inviting outdoor terrace and views of the Empire State Building. Live jazz music fills the space, creating an energetic vibe that can be loud at times. Known for exceptional cocktails and desserts, it features standout espresso martinis and tiramisu.

Dessert includes cannoli with a good balance of filling and shell. Cannoli pairs well with tiramisu for a classic Italian sweet finish.

Offers a wide variety of vegan and plant-based gelato options. The Pistachio gelato stands out as amazing. Staff provide good gelato suggestions and sometimes offer gelato for special occasions.

People are saying

"The handmade pasta here is exceptional and delicious."

"I found the cannoli to be delicious."

"The gelato here is amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers buy one get one cocktails, making it a great deal.

2

During happy hour, customers may need to ask multiple times for drinks.

3

An automatic 22% tip is included in the bill.

07
Caffe Roma image 1
Coffee shop

Old-school coffee shop with vintage decor and large seating area offers a cozy, quiet atmosphere with bright window-side seating. Patrons enjoy traditional Italian coffee and classic baked goods in a space that feels connected to the past.

Authentic Sicilian cannolis come filled with rich ricotta and sometimes coated in dark chocolate. They offer a perfect quick treat with a balance of creamy filling and crisp shell.

Great tasting gelato stands out here, including flavors like mint chip. It pairs well with espresso and Italian desserts, making it a solid choice for a sweet treat.

People are saying

"I found the cappuccino here to be smooth and foamy."

"I've had cannoli on three continents, and this was just perfect."

"I had some of the best gelato I've ever tasted."

Good to know

1

A small cannoli at Cafe Roma costs $6.

2

The coffee shop opens just after noon.

3

Each item is made in-house.

08
Delillo Pastry Shop image 1

Spacious interior with indoor and outdoor seating creates a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere reminiscent of a classic Italian café. The environment feels intimate but refined, welcoming a diverse crowd including families with strollers. Aromas of fresh pastries and espresso fill the air, enhancing the traditional vibe.

Mini cannoli come with a sticky filling that stands out from typical pastries. They pair well with hot chocolate and sit alongside other sweets like rainbow cookies and cakes.

Gelato here lacks the traditional creaminess and authentic flavor. Hazelnut is a notable flavor, but overall the gelato quality is low compared to the pastries and other baked goods.

People are saying

"The birthday cake was excellent and delicious."

"The cannoli filling was unusually sticky and lacked flavor."

"I thought the gelato was good, but there are better options."

Good to know

1

A slice of cake costs $7-8, while a birthday cake for 8 is $40-45.

2

There is a $10 minimum for credit/debit card payments.

3

The shop only allows orders to go after 7:30 PM.

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Little Italy, New York

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