12 Italian Bakeries in New Jersey That Everyone Must Try

by Liana Imparato
best italian bakeries in new jersey

From unfailing crowd favorites like cannolis to the unpronounceable sfogliatelle, Italian cuisine includes some of the most infamous sweet treats. New Jersey is home to millions of Italians, including my family, and we take our food seriously. Dessert is no exception, especially around the holidays. But not all treats are created equal. While there are dozens of Italian bakeries across the tri-state area, we’re shining a light on just a few community favorites. In no particular order, here are the 12 Italian bakeries in New Jersey that everyone should try.

1. Rispoli Pastry Shop and Cafe

Ridgefield/Emerson, NJ

new jersey bakeries

Selection of Italian desserts from Rispoli Pastry Shop | Photo via @rispolipastryshop1937

“One Name, One Family, One Tradition,” Rispoli Pastry Shop and Cafe dates back to 1937. The shop, first established by Gabriele and Josephine Rispoli, has been in the family for three generations and counting. Rispoli Pastry Shop and Cafe serves authentic Italian staples like sfogliatelle, cannolis, napoleons, and more, and their cookies can be shipped nationwide. Their second location in Emerson also serves all the classics, though only the Ridgefield location offers seating around a fireplace.

2. Calandra’s Bakery

Newark/Fairfield/Caldwell, NJ

new jersey bakeries

Bread from Calandra’s | Photo via @calandrasbakery

Known for their Italian and French bread, Calandra’s Bakery is a family-owned and operated business established in 1962. The Italian bakery produces fresh, handmade bread and baked goods that have reached across the tri-state area for almost 60 years now, with its products available in dozens of supermarkets and delis. Calandra’s also makes a wide assortment of cookies, pies, cakes, and custom cakes.

3. Palazzone 1960

Wayne, NJ

palazzone 1960

Cannoli and lobster tails from Palazzone 1960 | Photo via @palazzone_1960

Palazzone 1960 opened in 2012, but its name comes from the small pastry shop opened by the Palazzone parents in Clifton in 1960. The family returned to Italy in the ‘70s, but Giancarlo Palazzone followed in his parents’ footsteps and moved back to New Jersey to open an Italian bakery. Now, Palazzone 1960 continues the family legacy with authentic treats of “old world quality in an ultra-modern setting.” With specialty coffees, pastries, and lunch options like paninis and pastas, Palazzone 1960 brings true Italian sweet and savory cuisine to the community.

4. Italian Peoples Bakery and Deli

Trenton/Mercerville, NJ

Italian Peoples Bakery made its mark on the Trenton area back in 1936 and has since grown to operate out of three separate facilities. The bakery serves fresh sandwiches, bread, pastries, and cakes every day of the year, though they’re most known for their breads and doughnuts. You can find their products at their two New Jersey locations, the shop in Levittown, PA, and many supermarkets and delis in the area.

5. Aversa’s Italian Bakery

Turnersville/Washington Township/Brigantine/Margate, NJ

italian bakeries in nj

Holiday pies from Aversa’s | Photo via @AversasBakery

Calabria-born Ralph Aversa moved to the United States at age 14 and immediately began working in the iconic Cacia’s Bakery in Philadelphia. When he took the leap to open his own Italian bakery in New Jersey, it was a modest one-room operation. Now, Aversa’s Italian Bakery has four locations throughout New Jersey and serves hundreds of homemade products reminiscent of his Italian roots. They’re well-known for their top-notch sandwich bread, but they also serve cakes and pastries, along with prepared foods.

6. Sorrento Bakery and Deli

East Hanover, NJ

Sorrento, first run by Pasquale and Anna Sorrento and now taken over by their sons, has been creating a variety of authentic Italian treats since 1975. The East Hanover location opened in the ‘90s and has been serving the community ever since. Customers come for the outstanding cakes and pies—including the chocolate cream pie—but they’re also known for their sandwiches served on fresh-baked bread.

7. L’Arte della Pasticceria

Ramsey, NJ

new jersey bakery

Cream puffs from L’Arte | Photo via @lartepastry

I will confess that, pre-COVID, I all but lived in L’Arte. A Ramsey institution for seven years and still going strong, L’Arte entices customers (and by customers, I mean me) with its easy atmosphere, friendly staff, strong coffee, and wide range of authentic Italian treats. I could consume any of their desserts by the tray, though the limoncello cheesecake and tiramisu have my heart. L’Arte also serves plenty of savory options, including arancini (rice balls) that are available only on weekends and prepared by one of their chefs, who brought this recipe with him from Sicily.

8. Prato Bakery

Jersey City/Hoboken, NJ

Italian bakeries in nj

Coffee and cantucci | Photo via @pratobakery

After four years in New York City, Prato Bakery relocated in 2015 to bring Tuscan cuisine to the Jersey City community. Owner and baker Simone shares the traditional treats of the town in Tuscany that named the bakery, including the beloved cantucci (biscuits with almonds, chocolate, figs, apricot, and prunes), and schiacciata or focaccia bread. Prato Bakery also opened a second location in Hoboken and offers the same Tuscan-inspired foods.

9. Second Street Bakery

Jersey City, NJ

best italian bakeries in new jersey

Of all the Italian bakeries in New Jersey, this spot has been called the best in the state, and Yelp ranks it in the top 30 in the country. It’s pretty clear why—this old-school bakery serves the kinds of hefty Italian sandwiches your mom might make you on a Sunday afternoon. Meatball parm sandwiches, calzones, and brick-oven bread make this bakery the place to go for classic, home-style Italian sandwiches. Though there’s not much to choose from for those with a sweet tooth, the lines that frequently reach out the door can attest to Second Street Bakery earning a spot in the 12 Italian bakeries in New Jersey you must try.

10. Palermo’s Bakery and Cafe

Ridgefield Park/Little Ferry, NJ

The Bruno family started Palermo’s Bakery in 1989 at their Ridgefield Park location. The bakery is well-known for their exquisite specialty cakes and gourmet desserts. More than 20 years later, Palermo’s Bakery expanded and opened a cafe in Little Ferry. Now, both locations produce the beloved Italian treats for which their original location is known, including breakfast, desserts, and cakes. The cafe in Little Ferry also serves brick-oven pizzas, paninis, sandwiches, wine, and beer in addition to the regular selection. You can also find their cake products in supermarkets around the country.

11. Monteleone Bakery

Jersey City, NJ

This Jersey City-based Italian bakery has been around since 1946. You won’t be able to find them on social media, and they don’t have a website, but that’s part of their old-school charm. Call to place an order for Monteleone’s traditional Italian treats like lobster tails and cannolis, or pies for your holiday events. They’re also especially loved for their specialty cakes. When you visit, be sure to bring cash, as they’re a cash-only business.

12. Deluxe Italian Bakery

Runnemede, NJ

new jersey bakeries

Cream donuts at Deluxe Italian Bakery | Photo via @DeluxeItalianBakery

Deluxe Italian Bakery has been in the Racobaldo family since 1949, with products made according to familial recipes that have passed down through generations. The bakery produces over 100,000 rolls and breads daily, shipping them to locations all over the tri-state area and serving them fresh in the bakery. Customers laud Deluxe Italian Bakery for their breads, cakes, and especially the cream donuts.

Did any of your favorite Italian bakeries in New Jersey not make the list? Let us know in the comments below.

About the Author/s

All posts

Liana is an editorial assistant intern at The Digest. Her hobbies include reading, writing, and drinking too much coffee.

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32 comments

Sean Henry December 11, 2020 - 7:47 pm

Missed Conca D’Oro Italian Pastry Shop in Union

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tom la vecchia May 11, 2021 - 10:14 am

love that place

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Frank December 18, 2020 - 10:54 pm

You missed a good one

https://formicasbakery.com/

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Sal seege December 19, 2020 - 11:37 am

Nino’s pastry shoppe, Hamilton,nj
Everything made fresh that day. Order a cake for pickup, they make it the same day you pick it up, everything is from scratch with their on hands a definitely must try1

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Ralph December 19, 2020 - 11:39 am

Italian people’s bakery, is all frozen imported baked goods their product is not fresh, the only good thing they make that’s fresh is the bread

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Donato 1944 December 19, 2020 - 1:43 pm

Bovella’s in Westfield should not be overlooked.

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tom la vecchia May 11, 2021 - 10:14 am

i like their cafe in mountainside

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Karen Temple March 7, 2022 - 9:54 pm

Bovella’s (Westfield and Mountainside) locations are among the best. Natales in Summit is great, too!

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Dave December 27, 2020 - 2:49 pm

Dolce & Clemente’s in Robbinsville, catty-cornered from DeLorenzo’s Pizza has some great pastries. Nino’s on Quakerbridge Road is great, too

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Maryann December 27, 2020 - 6:47 pm

Maria’s Italian Bakery in Saddle Brook, NJ. Everything is fresh and delicious, especially the lobster tails. Also, excellent service.

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Anthony January 5, 2021 - 6:51 pm

That place is awesome. Yes

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Darlene Burris December 27, 2020 - 7:55 pm

Pinhole in roselle nj
GREAT!!!

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Sandra December 27, 2020 - 10:44 pm

You obviously forget about Natale’s of Summit
People come from several states for their famous Philly Fluff. Everything they make is delicious and fresh. They have been around for years and there’s always a line.

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Sandra December 27, 2020 - 10:52 pm

My comment was here before, hmmmm. You missed Natale’s of Summit. They’ve been in business since 1938. They are famous for their Philly Fluff. Everything they make is just absolutely delicious. There is always a line

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Susan Brunetti December 29, 2020 - 12:42 pm

Gencarellis in Bloomfield and wayne. Great bread and desserts

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Susan B Hazen February 17, 2022 - 2:28 pm

Gencarelli’s has a great assortment!

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Regina Winters December 31, 2020 - 7:27 pm

Would someone please open an Italian bakery in East Brunswick? Please 🙏

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Kenneth Wichoski January 2, 2021 - 8:12 pm

Have to say, BOVELLAS of Westfield and mountainside, one great family bakery, 2 nice locations. Often voted top bakery in the state. I’ve walked through both kitchens and have always seen hand made products being done. BOVELLAS was one of the only bakeries to stay running through the covid which helped keep some traditions going and growing. If you saw the line on Christmas eve which was a block long, people waited, and when they got to the door, SANTA would welcome them. You have to go and try them, there’s just too many products to mention. Ask for Ralph, tell him you heard about BOVELLAS here or just go on and GOOGLE them. Good prices for quality treats !!!!

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Rick Maisto January 12, 2021 - 6:44 pm

Thanks for the article. I’m live in the Poconos but I’m from Mercer County and miss the bread from Peoples and the sfogliatelle from a now closed bakery. The closest bakery to me on your is 1 hr 30 minutes away but I’m going this week. Are there any really good Italian Bakeries in PA making sfogliatelle?

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Pat Yenkosky January 13, 2021 - 8:58 pm

In Manahawkin, the Big Apple Bakery is phenomenal. And on LBI, Ferrara’s Island Bakery is incredible. Ferrara’s is strictly a summer season business, unfortunately, but Big Apple is year round and wonderful!.

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Lisa August 25, 2021 - 6:42 pm

Big apple isnt up to par w these NJ pastry shops. It’s an ok local spot but no expertise in italian baking.

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Steven January 15, 2021 - 10:23 pm

Aromi di Napoli in Nutley and Gencarelli’s in Bloomfield belong on your list as well …

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Tommaso March 9, 2021 - 10:06 pm

Tommaso you have missed a great bakery in Pitman New Jersey it is called Broadway Bakery the owner and bread baker is Michael Mastrocola the pastry chefs are formerly from Potitos bakery and Terminis the Italian specialties are amazing just try the Zeppolis the Cannolis the Italian crepes and the specialty decorated Cassata Cakes filled with Ricotta filling and while your at it check the Easter Breads Ricotta Pies believe me this bakery is a sleeper check it out you won’t be sorry 🇮🇹🇺🇸👍👌

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Chris C. May 11, 2021 - 9:27 am

Clemente in South Hackensack .. great bread – Fresh Mozzarella I would place as the best in NJ and yes I know Fiore’s in Hoboken Mozzarella is excellent so save your breath!

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Anita May 11, 2021 - 10:57 am

McMilan’s Bakery in Westmont has amazing doughnuts and cakes.

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Kent Meneghin May 15, 2021 - 9:47 am

The list could go on forever!
Don’t miss Lyndhurst Pastry on Ridge Rd or Il Dolce on Lafayette in Hawthorne

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Lisa January 4, 2022 - 6:57 pm

Great suggestions, Kent!

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Bill November 16, 2021 - 3:00 pm

Pastry Chef in Tinton Falls. Best lobster tails anywhere. Not up for debate.

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Bill March 6, 2022 - 8:23 pm

You missed J&M in middletown, their lobster tails bring raves at parties

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Rosemarie BALOGA March 9, 2022 - 10:41 am

Lyndhurst Pastry in Lyndhurst .. but everyone has their favorite, of course…

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Josephine Nobile March 16, 2022 - 3:15 pm

Lyndhurst Pastry Shop -Excellent St. Joseph Zeppole (Custard or Cannoli filling) Plus Sfingi (lobster tail) Plus all traditional Italian Easter Pies/Cakes and Cookies! The Family Owners & their Staff ( from his Daughter Rosemary as well as the rest of their well-trained staff, will enjoy assisting you in making the best choice! Oh! and don’t forget to buy their Bread! The staff is efficient knowledgeable & friendly and greet you by name! Oh! You must try their FAMOUS LEMON ICE this Summer! Ask for Julianna!!

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Jenn August 25, 2022 - 8:52 am

I lived in Bloomfield for year and now in Wayne for the past 7 years and hands down the Bloomfield bakery is so much better than Wayne’s. I don’t know why it’s so strange but true.

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