There are a handful of foods synonymous with New York City, like pizza, bagels, and cheesecakes. Finding great cannoli in NYC can be tricky, but after years of eating my way through the city, I’ve found the spots worth your time. And with the broad influence Italian-Americans have had on the city it should come as no surprise that one of their pastries is among those iconic foods. cannolis.
There’s a reason Clemenza famously said to leave the gun, but take the cannoli (if you’re unfamiliar with that Godfather reference that’s on you).
These deep-fried pastries with creamy ricotta filling offer endless variations like chocolate or fruit toppings. From mini to family-sized options, deciding where to indulge can be tough. As a local cannoli enthusiast, I’ve compiled recommendations across the boroughs to help you find the best in the Big Apple.
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (10 Best Neighborhoods +3 to Avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s my favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
Quick Summary. Looking for cannolis in New York City? Here are my top picks. Veniero’s Pasticceria & Caffe, Caffè Palermo , Fortunato Brothers, and more.
Best Cannoli New York City
Table of Contents. Best NYC Cannoli
Table of Contents. Best Cannoli NYC
Veniero’s Pasticceria & Caffe
Website. Veniero’s Pasticceria & Caffe
Neighborhood.East Village
Address. 342 E 11th St, New York, NY 10003
Veniero’s Pasticceria has been around since 1894, (yes you read that correctly) they truly don’t make East Village bakeries like they used to! This old-school Italian bakery is family-owned and operated, over 120 years later. What originally started as a pool hall serving espresso and candy, eventually shifted from billiards to baked good (lucky us!).
Using fresh ingredients, this East Village bakery serves every treat under the moon you can think of including one of the best cannoli in NYC. You want a cookie? Veniero’s has you covered. You want a cheesecake? Veniero’s has you covered. You want a full sized cake for the party you’re having next week? Guess what, Veniero’s has you covered.
This one of those bakeries where you get the full New York experience from the moment you walk in. You’ll be forced to choose from what feels like hundreds of tempting options all while feeling like you’re apart of the family.
Caffè Palermo
Website. Caffè Palermo
Neighborhood.Little Italy
Address. 148 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10013
A visit to Caffe Palermo is a non-negotiable when visiting Manhattan’s Little Italy. The New York institution has been serving a can’t miss cannoli in NYC for more than 50 years! The cafe is run by pastry chef “Baby” John DeLutro whose been dubbed the NYC Cannoli King. The place isn’t hard to miss either, there’s a giant glowing sign that reads Cannoli King at its entrance drawing folks in like a magnet.
The sweet-treats are made fresh and in house daily and the flavor translates with each bite. I will mention two draw-backs to. The first is that there is often a line, but luckily it moves quickly.
The second is that these puppies cost a pretty penny ($5+) but you’re also paying for the location, name and reputation. Caffe Palermo makes an iconic NYC cannoli and you won’t want to miss it, remember you’re paying for the experience not just the treat!
Fortunato Brothers
Website. Fortunato Brothers
Neighborhood.Williamsburg
Address. 289 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Williamsburg Brooklyn has gone through radical change in the last few decades, but a staple of the old neighborhood has lived on. The Fortunato Brothers Bakery was founded in 1976 by three brothers from Italy. The bakery has stood the test of time thanks to mouthwatering treats. They make some of the best cannolis in New York City that have an audible crunch and silky smooth filling. Plus the chocolate cannoli is a non-negotioable!
And not only do the Fortunato Brothers make a can’t miss cannoli in NYC, they also make a cannoli shot. Before my fellow boozy buds get excited, there’s no alcohol in it. A cup is made using the shell of a cannoli and has a base of chocolate, then a layer of nutella and it’s topped with cannoli cream. It’s one of the most unique ways to enjoy a cannoli in NYC!
Villabate Alba
Website. Villabate Alba
Neighborhood.Bensonhurst
Address. 7001 18th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11204
Looking for the best cannoli in NYC? It’s waiting for you at Villabate Alba in Bensonhurst, one of the best bakeries in Brooklyn. The bakery was opened in 1979 by Angelo Alaimo and his son who are from Sicily, the birthplace of cannolis.
It’s not hard to tell the bake shop is Italian, with green white and red decorating the walls and the pastries. The only thing missing is flag-themed cannoli, but they’re so tasty at Villabate Alba I don’t care what they look like. The cream filling is rich thanks to the fresh ricotta cheese imported from Sicily. Add in the sweetness from the powdered sugar and the crunch from the fried dough for the best cannoli NYC has to offer!
Ferrara Bakery & Cafe
Website. Ferrara Bakery & Cafe
Neighborhood.Lower East Side
Address. 195 Grand St, New York, NY 10013
Opened in 1892 Ferrara’s has been a neighborhood favorite for generations and a spot folks know to visit when searching for the best cannoli in NYC. The secret to their success lies in part thanks to the Great Depression. Hear me out – in order to reduce waste, the cafe started baking small batches of pastries multiple times a day, and since the treats were always fresh Ferrara’s popularity grew.
The family owned business is now being ran by its fifth generation. By staying true to the principles that grew the business they’ve been one of the best Lower East Side bakeries for more than 100 years.
I’m going to let you in on a local secret. Although Ferrara Bakery & Cafe is widely known for being one of the best spots for a cannoli in NYC, their sfogliatelle (also called lobster. Tail) is what other professional bakers rave about. Each bite sends flakes flying and I’d put the silky cream-filling on everything if they sold it in bulk.
Unpopular opinion. Hot take. this one of those NYC food experiences that tourists overlook but locals swear by.
Carlo’s Bakery
Website. Carlo’s Bakery
Neighborhood.Midtown
Address. 625 8th Ave, New York, NY 10018
I used to tease my mom’s cooking show obsession, but when Cake Boss aired, I found myself just as hooked. The show featured Carlo’s Bakery in Hoboken, New Jersey, a century-old establishment. Luckily we no longer need to travel across state lines for sweet-treats from Carlo’s Bakery. After the success of the show they opened a shop in Times Square where they sell one of the most iconic cannolis in New York City.
Truthfully it isn’t be the best cannoli NYC has to offer but it scratches an itch for the Italian delicacy. The cannolis are delicious, I just think that since Carlo’s is world-famous they can’t afford to take their time like small bakeries. Whenever friends visit the city I make an effort to end the night at Times Square, and since Carlo’s is open until midnight swinging by is a no-brainer.
Pasticceria Monteleone BK
Website. Pasticceria Monteleone BK
Neighborhood.Caroll Gardens
Address. 355 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Pasticceria Monteleone is a family-owned local institution in the heart of Caroll Gardens in Brooklyn. The reason I feel so confident. Because after one bite you’ll find yourself running back to the counter ordering five more to-go!
The crispy, bubbly, fried shell crumbles in your mouth and the ricotta-cream filling oozes out with each bite. If you don’t have a sweet-tooth, steer clear of this place because cavities are all but guaranteed (kidding!).
Circo’s Pastry Shop
Website. Circo’s Pastry Shop
Neighborhood.Bushwick
Address. 312 Knickerbocker Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237
Bushwick Brooklyn is lucky to have Circo’s (pronounced chirkos), I’m so lucky I live far away. While writing this post I’m starting to realize I lack self-control when it comes to these flakey, golden tubes of fried goodness. They make me weak in the knees and if I was close by, I’d be in there multiple times a day for the best cannoli in NYC!
Owned and operated by a family from Sicily tradition lives on at Circo’s. Not only do they have the best cannolis in NYC but there are a tons of other italian delicacies like sfogliatelle (also known as lobster tails), zeppoles, and cookies.
Circo’s Pastry Shop also makes the only “family sized” cannoli in NYC. And before you have to worry about sharing bites with your weird aunt Linda, all you do is crack the outer shell of the giant cannoli and you’ll find about 30 mini cannoli inside.
Court Pastry Shop
Instagram. Court Pastry Shop
Neighborhood.Cobble Hill
Address. 298 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
In the charming Cobble Hill neighborhood of Brooklyn is Court Pastry Shop, a family owned business that feels like a blast from the past. The faded. Sign at the entrance tells you they’ve been in business for decades, kept afloat by a loyal base of locals who can’t live life without their pastries.
Of course you’re in search of the best cannoli in NYC and Court Pastry Shop will not disappoint. The filling is creamy and smooth, and the friendly folks behind the counter don’t shy away from the powdered sugar. It’s the quintessential NYC cannoli loaded with flavor served in a no-frills setting. My suggestion is to get two, because you’ll practically inhale the first one on your way to the subway and the second you can have at home.
Pasticceria Rocco
Website. Pasticceria Rocco
Neighborhood.West Village
Address. 243 Bleecker St #4438, New York, NY 10014
Rocco Generoso Sr.’s left Italy and immigrated to New York City back in 1956. He got a job as a dishwasher at a special little place called Zema’s Bakery (the same special little place Rocco’s now. Stands). Learning everything he could from the original owner, Rocco eventually ended up buying the shop in 1974 and taking over the business.
Today, over 60 years later, Rocco’s is among the best bakeries in the West Village and known to sell one of the best cannolis in NYC. You can expect to find everything from cookies to full sized cakes.
Locals and visitors alike can’t help themselves when they step foot into Rocco’s, it’s like letting a kid loose in a candy store. the options are endless! Being known as one of the best spots to buy a cannoli in NYC can be a heavy crown to carry, but Rocco’s does it with ease. The staff is friendly so don’t be scared to ask for recommendations.
Best Cannoli NYC (Post Summary)
- Veniero’s Pasticceria & Caffe
- Pasticceria Rocco
- Circo’s Pastry Shop
- Pasticceria Monteleone BK
- Ferrara Bakery & Cafe
- Villabate Alba
- Fortunato Brothers
- Caffè Palermo
- Court Pastry Shop
- Carlo’s Bakery
Further Reading for Desserts in New York City
Best Dessert NYC. 12 Iconic New York City Desserts (Worth the Wait)
Top Cookies in NYC. 10 Tantalizing New York City Cookies (Worth the Wait)
Tasty Cheesecakes in NYC. 10+ Tantalizing Cheesecakes in New York City (& One Spot to Avoid)
Ice Cream Shops in NYC. 15 New York City Ice Cream Shops to Enjoy by Summer’s End
The decor strikes that sweet spot between cozy and modern, and there’s always good music playing at just the right volume. Pro tip. ask about their daily specials.
Exploring New York City
Unique Things to Do. 25 Unique (Non-Touristy) Things to Do in New York City
Free Things to Do. 20 Unique Free Things to Do in New York City to Keep Your Wallet Happy!
Best Things to Do in NYC. 30 Best Things to Do in New York City
It’s got that perfect balance of lively without being loud, which is harder to find in this city than you’d think. If it’s your first time, I’d.
Best NYC Cannoli’s (Map)
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“},{“id”:”f20c47cd-505b-4723-bab4-15f3900c14db”,”jsonQuestion”:”How were these Cannolis spots chosen?”,”question”:”How were these Cannolis spots chosen?”,”jsonAnswer”:”Every spot on this list was personally visited and reviewed by our team of NYC locals. “,”answer”:””}]} –>Based on our experience as NYC locals, Table of Contents. Best Cannoli NYC tops our list for Cannolis in New York City. See our full ranked list above for all 10 recommendations.
Every spot on this list was personally visited and reviewed by our team of NYC locals. We evaluate based on quality, atmosphere, and value.
And there you have it, these are the spots to get the best cannoli in NYC according to yours truly.
If you liked this, you’ll love my 12 Best Bagels in Brooklyn (The Local Foodie). it’s a fan favorite.
I want to hear from you. What would you add to this list? I want to hear your personal favorites.
Final Thoughts
I could talk about cannolis in New York City all day, but Veniero’s Pasticceria & Caffe and Caffè Palermo deserve special mention. Bookmark this page. I update.
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