Best of 10 desserts in Little Italy NYC
Little Italy in New York City is a must-visit destination for food lovers, especially when it comes to desserts. This vibrant neighborhood offers a wide variety of Italian-inspired sweets, from creamy gelato and cannoli to rich torta and tiramisu. Whether you're looking for a classic treat or something more unique, you'll find it among the many dessert options in Little Italy NYC. Indulge in these delicious delights and satisfy your sweet tooth in this beloved NYC district.
1. Ferrara Bakery & Cafe in Little Italy
Family-owned business since 1892, Famous for authentic Italian pastry

Lobster tails are a delicious and indulgent choice, known for their generous size which allows for sharing. The coffee shop associated with this establishment is highly regarded, with customers particularly praising the cappuccinos and cafe mocha. In addition to coffee, the shop offers a range of products such as desserts, candies, gelato, and alcoholic beverages.
This esteemed bakery and cafe is a beloved institution in New York, renowned for its authentic Italian desserts. Standout offerings include tiramisu, tarts, and the ever-popular cannolis. The bakery's exceptional reputation is built on its high-quality, delicious treats.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Gluten-Free
2. La Bella Ferrara in Little Italy
A family-owned Italian bakery in business for over 100 years, known for their traditional desserts.

La Bella Ferrara is a well-known Italian bakery that offers a variety of authentic pastries, cookies, and cakes. Two of their most popular items are the classic cannoli and Italian cheesecake, which are highly recommended for their delightful taste. For those who are too busy to bake, this bakery is an excellent place to purchase delicious baked goods.
Their cannolis and rainbow cookies are particularly beloved, and their ricotta cheesecake is a favorite for many. La Bella Ferrara has built a reputation for providing high-quality Italian baked goods that are sure to satisfy anyone's sweet tooth. Whether you're in the mood for a quick treat or need a dessert for a special occasion, La Bella Ferrara is the place to go for authentic Italian pastries and cakes.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
3. Caffé Palermo
Family-owned business since 1973, Open until late at night

Caffé Palermo, situated in the heart of Little Italy, provides a satisfying dining experience with its authentic Italian cuisine. The restaurant is particularly renowned for its flavorful chicken parm and meatball heroes, along with its famous cannoli's that come in a variety of options like pistachio, original, and caramel.
The food served at Caffé Palermo is not only delicious but also authentic and prepared with great care, as if made with love. For those with dietary restrictions, the restaurant offers three gluten-free cake choices, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their dining experience.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Celebrations
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
Relate link
4. Taiyaki NYC Japanese Ice Cream
Famous for its fish-shaped cake with ice cream filling

Soufflé pancakes are a popular menu item for brunch or dessert, known for their delicate and airy texture, indulgent melt-in-your-mouth flavor, and intriguing filling qualities. These pancakes have a unique quality that sets them apart from traditional pancakes, making them a must-try for any pancake lover.
For those with a sweet tooth, the dessert options are highly recommended. The dessert menu includes vegan choices and Japanese-style snacks, offering something for everyone. The presentation of the desserts is cute and adds to the overall dining experience. Each dish is carefully crafted to be not only delicious but also visually appealing. The combination of taste and presentation makes the desserts a standout feature of the menu.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Breakfast
- Downtown Spots
5. Caffe Roma
Family-owned business with a cozy atmosphere

The speaker recently visited a dining establishment and enjoyed dessert and coffee there. They tasted the cheesecake, which they found to be delicious, and paired it with a cappuccino. The hubby, or their spouse, opted for a cannoli and accompanied it with jasmine tea. Overall, the location is highly recommended for anyone seeking a great spot for dessert and coffee.
If you're looking for a place to indulge in some sweet treats and enjoy a hot beverage, this establishment is a must-visit. They offer a variety of desserts, but the cheesecake and cannoli particularly stood out. The drinks menu also features a range of options, from classic cappuccinos to fragrant jasmine tea. Whether you're catching up with a friend or just need a break, this is an excellent spot to relax and enjoy some delicious desserts and coffee.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Breakfast
- Social Gatherings
6. 3 DESSERT Café CHINATOWN

TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Happy Hours
7. FIGO il Gelato Italiano
Handmade daily in small batches, Traditional Italian recipe, Natural ingredients

This dessert shop is highly rated, ranking #27 out of 371 dessert places in New York City with 144 reviews. The mango dessert they offer stands out as exceptional, providing a burst of tropical flavor. Another favorite is their bacio dessert, a smooth and satisfying combination of nut and chocolate flavors. The hazelnut dessert is also a popular choice, with its rich and delicious taste.
If you have a sweet tooth, this dessert shop is definitely worth checking out. With an exceptional mango dessert, a delicious bacio option, and a highly-rated hazelnut choice, there's something for everyone. Whether you're in the mood for something fruity, nutty, or chocolatey, this shop has got you covered. With so many positive reviews, it's clear that this is a must-visit destination for anyone with a love of desserts in New York City.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
8. Bambina Blue Gelato Wonder Room
Cozy atmosphere, artisanal gelato, supports local artists

Bambina Blue is a popular dessert destination in New York City, known for its exceptional gelato. The gelato served at Bambina Blue is renowned for its creamy texture, and the variety of flavors available is truly impressive. Dessert enthusiasts will be pleased to discover a diverse range of unique and delicious gelato flavors at this establishment.
Visiting Bambina Blue is a must for anyone who loves desserts. The gelato here is a standout, with its velvety smoothness and exquisite flavor options. From classic flavors to more adventurous ones, Bambina Blue has something to satisfy every palate. This establishment is a true gem in the NYC dessert scene, offering an unforgettable experience for anyone who stops by.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Celebrations
- Downtown Spots
Relate link
9. Spongies Cafe
Handmade desserts, cozy atmosphere, great for special occasions

Spongies Cafe is a hidden gem located in Chinatown, specializing in delicious sponge cakes with various flavors and excellent customer service. After enjoying a Chinese meal nearby, I stopped in for dessert and tried the Apple Cinnamon and Holiday sponge cakes, which were both soft, chewy, and flavorful.
At Spongies Cafe, customers can enjoy a variety of unique flavor options such as black sesame and red velvet spongies, as well as refreshing drinks like blue moon lemonade. The bakery is known for its light, fluffy, and delicious sponge pastries, which are widely regarded as some of the best in Chinatown. Spongies Cafe offers good portion sizes at reasonable prices, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Hidden Gems
10. Napoli Pastry Co.

TOPICS
- Personal Celebrations
- Italian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots