Ferrara Bakery and Cafe

Ferrara opened in 1892 on Grand Street in Little Italy, founded by Antonio Ferrara as a café for opera lovers, and it describes itself as the oldest espresso bar in the United States. The business has stayed in the family ever since and is now run by the fifth generation, which makes it one of the longest-running Italian bakeries in New York. It has outlasted most of old Little Italy, and its glowing signs and long pastry counters remain one of the neighbourhood's landmarks.

The display cases are the reason to come. Cannoli are the most popular order, alongside cream puffs, tiramisu, biscotti, Italian cookies and the traditional zuppa inglese, a layered dessert of rum-soaked sponge, custard and cream. Gelato is served from the counter, and coffee comes in the familiar Italian forms, from espresso to cappuccino. Cakes for celebrations, including wedding cakes, are made to order, and the house cookies and mini pastries are baked fresh every day.

You can take pastries away from the front counter or sit down in the café area to eat with a coffee. There is also a private event space on the second floor, overlooking Grand Street, for parties and gatherings. Prices are moderate for a sit-down pastry and coffee in Manhattan. Ferrara is known for its queues at busy times, especially on weekend afternoons and around holidays, so weekday mornings are the easiest time to visit. Opening hours are not published on the website, so call before making a special trip.

The bakery suits families, couples and anyone wanting to round off a walk through Little Italy and Chinatown with something sweet. If you want to send a taste home, Ferrara ships its products, including gelato and pastries, within the United States, and delivers within much of New York City. Around the Feast of San Gennaro, the street festival held on Mulberry Street each September, the surrounding streets become especially crowded.

Ferrara is at 195 Grand Street, between Mulberry and Mott Streets. Canal Street station, served by several subway lines, is about five minutes' walk south, and Grand Street on the B and D lines is a short walk east. Mulberry Street's restaurants, the shops of Nolita and the food stalls of Chinatown are all close by.