Ferrara Bakery & Cafe

If you’ve walked through Little Italy even once, you’ve noticed Ferrara. With neon signs and enormous ice cream cones mounted above the awning, the bakery is not exactly an understated presence in a neighborhood that’s hardly understated to begin with. Despite appearances though (and though the baked goods are uneven), Ferrara’s is no mere tourist trap.

For old-fashioned charm alone, this 1892 institution is worth a visit. Inside, Ferrara makes a grand impression with tile floors, massive mirrors, and elegant dark wood molding, as well as a selection of Italian candies, liqueurs, and other prettily packaged gifts to browse. The enormous pastry cases have a hypnotic power—you could lose all sense of time marveling at a fruit tart glistening with syrup. Our advice: Take your time enjoying the atmosphere before you reach the register, but then get your pastries to go, particularly if the weather’s nice—there’s a surcharge if you order to stay in their dining room.

Ferrara’s baked goods can be hit-or-miss—sometimes the cannoli are pretty good, but sometimes they taste like something that’s been left lingering uncovered in the refrigerator too long. There is, however, an important exception. The lobster tail is phenomenal. The pastry is sublimely flaky, and nearly bursting with custardy yet light Bavarian cream. Best of all, it’s approximately the length of your forearm.