Egidio Pastry Shop

- 622 E 187th St, Bronx, NY 10458

For New Yorkers who appreciate history and genuine Italian baking, few places hold the charm and pedigree of the Egidio Pastry Shop. Located in the vibrant, authentic neighborhood of Bronx Little Italy, Egidio claims the distinguished title of the oldest pastry shop in the area, proudly serving the community since its founding in 1912.

Established by Don Pasquale Egidio, a Southern Italian immigrant, this pastry shop, or pasticceria, is a living testament to the area's rich heritage. Stepping inside is a nostalgic experience; the old-fashioned interior is reminiscent of an earlier era, featuring an original tin ceiling, classic well-worn pastry cases, and the unmistakable aroma of freshly baked goods and espresso. This is not just a commercial bakery; it is a beloved neighborhood institution where generations of Bronx families have come to celebrate life's milestones with an authentic Italian sweet treat.

Egidio Pastry Shop continues to uphold its tradition, now operated by Maria Lucciola since 1983, who preserves the core Italian customs while catering to the modern New York palate. The cases are constantly filled with a mouthwatering, vast selection of classic Italian desserts, from the rich textures of their famous cookies and biscotti to their decadent cakes and individual pastries. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick dose of energy via a Double Espresso or picking up a box of colorful cookies, Egidio offers a Great Dessert experience that is professional, friendly, and deeply rooted in the history of New York City.

Location and Accessibility

Egidio Pastry Shop is a prominent fixture in the heart of the Belmont neighborhood, the section widely recognized as the Bronx's authentic Little Italy. It stands on a key thoroughfare that is always bustling with activity, making it a natural stop for anyone exploring the area.

• Address: 622 E 187th St, Bronx, NY 10458, USA

The shop is situated on the corner of East 187th Street and Hughes Avenue, placing it right in the center of the culinary action, close to other famous Arthur Avenue-area businesses. While the neighborhood is often busy, visitors appreciate the chance to grab a treat before heading to nearby Fordham University or exploring the rest of the market area.

The shop is optimized for a Quick Visit with easy takeout service. For patrons who wish to enjoy their coffee and pastry on-site, there is an adequate, though sometimes tight, amount of table seating available inside the shop, allowing for a moment of relaxation amidst the vibrant neighborhood atmosphere. The location is easily accessible, allowing various forms of payment including Credit cards and Debit cards.

Services Offered

As a classic pasticceria, Egidio focuses on traditional Italian baked goods and high-quality coffee service. Their offerings cater primarily to dessert lovers looking for an authentic and high-quality experience, whether enjoyed quickly or slowly.

• Retail Pastry Sales: Offering a wide selection of individual-sized pastries including cream puffs, eclairs (Custard, Whipped, and Banana varieties), and French/Italian Napoleons, ready for immediate enjoyment.
• Traditional Italian Classics: Specializing in larger pastries such as the Reg. Cannoli, Choc. Cannoli, and the highly traditional Sicilian Cannoli, as well as the multi-layered Spogliatella (also listed as Cogliatella).
• Bulk Cookie Sales: Selling various classic Italian cookies, including Butter Cookies, Plain Biscotti, and a popular selection of special-occasion cookies by weight.
• Sugar-Free Options: Offering a collection of Sugar-Free Cookies, catering to customers with dietary restrictions without compromising on the Italian tradition of having a sweet treat.
• Full Espresso Bar Service: Preparing a range of classic Italian coffee beverages, including Double Expresso and Americano, along with Regular American Coffee and Tea.
• Takeout Service: The primary service option, ensuring efficiency for local customers and tourists alike who want to take their delicious items to go.
• Indoor Seating: Providing a few tables for guests who wish to sit and enjoy their dessert and Coffee at the shop.

Features and Highlights

Egidio Pastry Shop is distinguished by its unique heritage and commitment to maintaining its original, old-world charm, setting it apart even within a neighborhood famous for Italian food.

• Bronx's Oldest Pastry Shop: Established in 1912, Egidio holds a celebrated place in the neighborhood's history, predating most other culinary institutions in the Belmont area. This longevity underscores its reputation for enduring quality.
• Authentic Old-World Charm: The interior maintains an old-fashioned aesthetic, complete with a tin ceiling and vintage fixtures, offering a comforting and nostalgic consistency that longtime New York customers cherish.
• Highly-Regarded Cheesecake: The shop offers both classic New York-style cheesecake and a traditional Italian ricotta version, both of which are highly praised by food critics and customers as solid contenders for the best in the city, noted for their creamy texture and balanced flavors.
• Rich Chocolate Mousse: A particularly popular dessert, described as having a smooth, creamy taste with added crunch from cookie crumbles and made with chocolate cream and chocolate hazelnut bread.
• High-Quality Coffee and Cappuccino: Customers rave about the excellent flavor of their cappuccino and other espresso drinks, perfectly complementing their selection of desserts.
• Friendly and Welcoming Staff: Despite the bustling, sometimes chaotic nature of a classic New York counter service, customers consistently describe the staff as welcoming, patient, and providing great service with a touch of New York attitude.

Contact Information

For New York locals planning a visit to the historic Bronx Little Italy or needing to place an order, Egidio Pastry Shop can be reached directly:

• Address: 622 E 187th St, Bronx, NY 10458, USA
• Phone Number: (718) 295-6077

The shop is open daily, ready to welcome visitors for dessert and coffee.

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Egidio Pastry Shop means choosing a piece of New York culinary history. For residents of the five boroughs, this is a chance to experience the authentic, traditional Italian bakery that has served the community for over 110 years. It’s an essential stop in the Bronx Little Italy food tour.

When deciding what to purchase, New Yorkers should prioritize the items that showcase the shop's deep-rooted expertise:

• The Cannoli: Available in Regular, Chocolate, and Sicilian Cannoli varieties, this is the classic Italian pastry done right, reflecting generations of refinement.
• The Cheesecake: Trying a slice of both the tangy, lemony Italian ricotta version and the creamy, lighter New York-style cheesecake is highly recommended, as the shop excels at both traditional styles.
• Italian Cookies and Biscotti: Buying an assortment, including the Plain Biscotti for dipping in your Double Expresso, is a must. The cookies are fresh, delicious, and a perfect gift or party platter centerpiece.
• Cream Horns or Eclairs: These individual pastries are praised for their amazing filling and wonderful taste, making them an excellent choice for a quick personal treat.

Egidio is particularly recommended for those who appreciate the genuine, old-school atmosphere of a historic New York neighborhood shop. The friendly service, combined with the timeless quality of the desserts, makes a visit to Egidio Pastry Shop a truly valuable and authentic experience in the city.

Egidio Pastry Shop

622 E 187th St, Bronx, NY 10458, USA