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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Little Italy

Gelato and desserts

Authentic gelato that prioritizes texture and temperature, rather than just being a frozen scoop.

Based on 641 Opinions
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Updated June 2026
01
La Bella Ferrara image 1
La Bella Ferrara image 2
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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.

Desserts here are consistently delicious and often described as fantastic. The place earns strong recommendations for its sweet offerings.

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."

"I thought the desserts here were delicious and wonderful."

"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
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 desserts shine here with cannoli cake, Belgian chocolate mousse cake, and nougat standing out. Options include sit-down or to-go, all delivering rich, delicious flavors.

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."

"The Italian desserts here are amazing, especially the tiramisu."

"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.

03
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.

Desserts here come as a pleasant surprise and match the quality of the excellent pasta. The entire meal, from appetizers to dessert, stays absolutely fantastic.

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."

"The tiramisu dessert is creamy and flavorful."

"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.

04
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.

Offers a huge selection of homemade desserts with pages of options. Pistachio cannoli and cheesecake stand out as popular choices. Desserts pair well with coffee for a classic Italian cafe experience.

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."

"The cannolis here are legendary and perfectly sweet."

"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.

05
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.

Desserts come in a mind-boggling array of options with many mini sizes to keep calories in check. Hosts create a welcoming vibe, making it feel like dessert at a friend's home, and many grab-and-go choices are available.

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 desserts here are works of art and extremely delicious."

"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.

06
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.

Many spots offer Italian desserts, including gelato and pastries. Some desserts look less appealing, but variety is wide.

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."

"I loved the cheesecake and cannolis here."

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

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.

07
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.

Tiramisu comes with a shot of lemoncello and sometimes dessert is offered on the house. Portions are generous enough that dessert feels like a nice finish rather than a must-have.

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."

"The desserts here are amazing, especially the gelato."

"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.

08
Cannoli King image 1
Dessert shop

Dessert shop offers live entertainment with singing and a vibrant Italian charm. Seating includes outdoor options and inside space feels a bit cramped. Atmosphere blends authentic NYC Italian bakery vibes with a lively, tourist-friendly energy.

Offers a great variety of desserts with a focus on classic Italian flavors. The desserts stand out for their amazing taste and experience compared to similar spots.

Black cherry gelato stands out for its flavor. The pistachio truffle combines pistachio creme, gelato, and nuts for a rich taste. Strawberry gelato offers a good-sized scoop with chunks and balanced sweetness.

People are saying

"You have to try the cannoli; they're fresh and delicious."

"The desserts here taste so fresh and authentic, full of love."

"The cannoli here are pretty good and really original."

Good to know

1

Karaoke sessions are available, adding a fun element to your visit.

2

The price for five cannolis and two cappuccinos is over $50.

3

The restaurant requires customers to fold strollers and hold their babies.

09
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.

Offers wonderful pastries, Italian desserts, and gelato with generous portions. Desserts like strawberry cheesecake pair well with espresso or coffee.

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."

"The desserts here are charming and feel like a little piece of old-world Italy."

"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.

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Little Italy, New York

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