If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into an old-school Italian bakery where everything smells like sugar, butter, and espresso, you’re gonna want to keep reading.
Tucked away in one of New York’s most underrated foodie neighborhoods is a pastry shop that’s been serving up sweet treats for over 110 years.
This place still uses the same recipes that were brought over from Italy in the early 1900s, and honestly, you can taste the history in every bite.
Locals swear by it, regulars go back weekly, and if you’re visiting for the first time, prepare to fall in love at first cannoli.
So where is it? What makes it so special? And what should you try first?
Let’s get into it.
Where Is It?
Egidio Pastry Shop is in the heart of the Bronx’s Little Italy, at 622 East 187th Street.
It’s just a few blocks from the Belmont section and right near Arthur Avenue, a Bronx neighborhood that many locals call the real Little Italy of New York.
The closest major subway stop is the Fordham Road station on the B and D lines.
From there, it’s about a 15-minute walk to the shop.
Driving? There’s usually metered street parking nearby, but it fills up fast on weekends.
About
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, Egidio Pastry Shop is the kind of place that’ll make you want to skip dinner and head straight to dessert.
This old-school Italian bakery is known for its classic pastries, strong espresso, and glass display cases stacked with treats that look almost too pretty to eat.
The star of the show? Their cannoli.
They fill them fresh to order with sweet, creamy ricotta, and you can get yours with chocolate chips, chopped pistachios, or just plain if you’re a purist.
The sfogliatelle is another fan favorite.
It’s a flaky, shell-shaped pastry with a ricotta-based filling often flavored with citrus and just the right crunch.
If you’re into cookies, you’ll find trays of rainbow cookies, pignoli cookies, biscotti, and other Italian classics.
There’s also a lineup of cakes, from rum-soaked babas to a variety of celebratory cakes.
And yes, they’ve got espresso and cappuccino to go with everything, so you can get your fix of caffeine too.
The vibe inside is friendly and cozy, with counter staff that know their regulars by name.
It’s the kind of spot where time slows down, and nobody’s rushing you to finish your cannoli.
Whether you’re grabbing a pastry to go or sticking around to chat with the owner, Egidio’s is the real deal.
History
Egidio Pastry Shop has been around since 1912, making it one of the oldest Italian bakeries in the Bronx.
It was started by Don Pasquale Egidio, who came to New York from Italy and brought his baking skills with him.
Back then, the shop operated in a traditional, old-world style, using classic techniques like a small-town Italian bakery.
Over the years, the shop changed hands but never lost its old-school charm.
Today, it’s run by Maria Carmela Lucciola, who took over in the early 1980s and has kept the original recipes alive while adding a few modern twists.
More than a hundred years since opening, Egidio’s is still going strong, serving up pastries just like Nonna used to make.
Know Before You Go
If you want first pick of the pastries, aim to get there earlier in the day.
Weekends can get busy, especially in the afternoon, so try to visit on a weekday if you’re hoping for a quieter vibe.
Egidio Pastry Shop is open daily from 7 AM to 7:30 PM, with extended hours until 8 PM on Saturdays, but it’s always smart to double-check their hours on Instagram or give them a call before you go.
There’s limited seating inside, and it’s really more of a grab-and-go kind of place.
Planning to take a bunch of treats home?
They box everything up beautifully, and they’ve even got custom cakes if you order ahead.
Parking in the area can be tricky, especially on weekends, so public transit is your best bet.
And one last tip: don’t leave without trying the cannoli. Trust me.
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