TLDR
Iconic Little Italy bakery since 1892, famed for its classic lobster tail pastry & gelato. A must-try for traditional Italian treats.
Instagram Posts References
Ferrara Bakery & Cafe, established in 1892, is presented as a historic and beloved institution in Little Italy, contributing to the festive spirit of San Gennaro. The video captures the bakery's vibrant presence with a live performer, an Italian flag, and large decorative ice cream cones, signifying its role as a hub for Italian pastries, desserts, and espresso during the festival.
The two friends concluded their extensive walking tour of New York City in Little Italy at Ferrara's Bakery, where they decided to treat themselves to affogatos. They rationalize this as a reward for their walking, joking that the walking 'cancels out' the dessert.
Details
A historic Little Italy institution since 1892, Ferrara Bakery & Cafe is celebrated for its classic Italian pastries and gelato [1]. Patrons frequently rave about the signature lobster tail, with other popular items including pistachio gelato and traditional granita. The cafe is also a vibrant hub during the San Gennaro festival, offering a festive atmosphere and a wide array of desserts.
Food Overview
Ferrara Bakery & Cafe is renowned for its traditional Italian pastries, with the lobster tail being a highly recommended and frequently praised item for its crispiness and size [1]. Other popular offerings include cannoli [2], sfogliatelle, and various cookies [3]. While generally well-regarded, one review noted a rainbow cookie as artificial and dry [4].
Highlights / Recommended
"The lobster tail is a standout recommendation, consistently praised for its crispiness and generous size. Cannoli and sfogliatelle are also highly regarded traditional Italian pastry choices."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •lobster tail(2)
Customer Sentiment
Customers generally have a very positive sentiment towards Ferrara Bakery & Cafe, frequently recommending its classic Italian pastries like the lobster tail and cannoli. While some acknowledge it as a tourist spot, many feel it's an exception that lives up to its reputation for quality.
Caveats
While widely praised, some consider Ferrara Bakery a tourist trap, though many argue it's a rare exception that maintains high quality. One opinion strongly criticized the rainbow cookies for being artificial and dry.
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About FERRARA'S
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Rainbow Cookie Crawl 14 Bakeries Queens Manhattan
"Ferrara's rainbow cookie was described as incredibly artificial and dry, tasting fake compared to others. The chocolate consistency was good, providing a snap, but the jam added little flavor."
NegativeFrom post: Help Me Identify A Little Italy Coffeeshop I Went
"This commenter agrees Ferrara Bakery & Cafe is a possibility, noting its long history and late hours. They also mention it can be a tourist trap but enjoyable at times."
NeutralFrom post: Help Me Identify A Little Italy Coffeeshop I Went
"This commenter suggests Ferrara Bakery & Cafe as the potential coffeeshop based on its opening year (1892) and continued operation."
NeutralFrom post: 60 Hours In Nyc V 012026
"This commenter was glad the lobster tail at Ferrara didn't disappoint and remained crispy."
PositiveFrom post: 60 Hours In Nyc V 012026
"The author received a recommendation for the lobster tail at Ferrara and found it to be a great recommendation. Despite not eating it immediately, it remained crispy and was impressively large."
PositiveFrom post: Iso Single Slice Of Cannoli Cake
"This commenter suggested Ferrara Bakery & Cafe as a place that might have cannoli cake."
NeutralFrom post: Ideas For Little Item From Ny To Add To My Xmas
"Suggested Ferrara Bakery for rainbow cookies that might fit in a small box due to their size."
PositiveFrom post: Unpopular Opinions Fall 2025 Edition
"Ferrara Cafe is listed as a recommended restaurant in the Little Italy area."
PositiveFrom post: The Feast Of San Gennaro Starts Today In Little
"The commenter found Ferraras to be a good choice during the San Gennaro Feast, noting it was 'right on' despite the event's crowds and high prices."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For Cannoli Recommendations Had An
"Responds to criticism by stating that while Ferrara is a tourist trap, it's still excellent and falls into a rare category of good tourist spots."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For Cannoli Recommendations Had An
"Agrees with the sentiment that Ferrara has been a tourist trap for 40+ years."
NeutralFrom post: Looking For Cannoli Recommendations Had An
"Recommends Ferrara in Little Italy for a good cannolo, advising to visit earlier in the day for freshness."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For Cannoli Recommendations Had An
"Believes that generally tourist traps are bad, but Ferrara is an exception for cannoli."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For Cannoli Recommendations Had An
"Disparages Ferrara as not Italian and total trash, preferring Rocco's."
NegativeFrom post: Looking For Cannoli Recommendations Had An
"States that La Mela and Ferrara are pretty good."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For Cannoli Recommendations Had An
"Responds that Ferrara has been a tourist trap for over 40 years but is still excellent."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For Cannoli Recommendations Had An
"Generally advises avoiding Little Italy due to it being a tourist trap, but makes an exception for Ferrara's cannoli."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For Cannoli Recommendations Had An
"Consistently recommends Ferrara as a top choice for cannoli in NYC."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For Cannoli Recommendations Had An
"Recommends Ferrara in Little Italy and Veniero's in the East Village."
PositiveFrom post: Best Classic Little Italy Restaurant
"For dessert in Little Italy, this commenter suggested trying Ferrara or La Belle Ferrara."
Positive