Walking into Villabate in the afternoon on St. Joseph's day felt like walking back into time into what the neighborhood used to be. Of course the line was out the door on the popular holiday. But coming here would only make my trip to Bensonhurst worth it. The line moved fast. But it was easy to be overlooked by the staff through the abundance of easter baskets and glass windows. The overwhelming options brought out the inner fat kid in me. Because it all looked sooooo good. My go to pastry at a place like this is cannoli. My wife love rainbow cookies. Overall this is the best cannoli I've had in a very long time. The cream was to perfection. The crust was baked to the right crisp with the exact amount of firmness and not no burning. The rainbow cookie was not overly sweet. The cake was moisute with a perfect balance to sweetness. It held well with every bite. My wife also said this was the best shes had in awhile. My daughter loved the lobster tail. It had a light exterior texture to every bite. The cream was nice with a hint of nutmeg. The chocolate mousse was decadent. There was a liquer to the chocolate that gave a lot of depth to the chocolate smoothie texture. Will certainly come back. And spread the word. This is not only an institution but a landmark. read more

Villabate Alba - Bakeries Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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This is Disney World for the best pasteries, cookies, bread. I have been inside before but continue to be in awe. Always stop by if in old neighborhood Counter service was fantastic. Hate to be here during holidays though read more

Villabate Alba - Bakeries Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

We love buying pastries and desserts from here. We stopped by last Sunday and bought cannolis ($4 each). They were delicious. We also bought some fruit tarts which were delicious as well. I have yet to try their gelato but I'm sure it will be good... maybe this summer. The staff are always helpful and courteous. The service was good. The ambiance was heavenly since it was a place filled with dessert items. read more

Villabate Alba - Cannolis - Bakeries Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

There were only two bakeries that I go to every time I visit New York because I live in Vegas now and this is one of them. This is one of my favorite bakeries. The workers always talk to me when I tell them I'm visiting from Vegas, the pastries and bread are so very good. I highly recommend this bakery. They have really good cannolis. I mean, you can't go wrong with anything you buy the cookies, gelato everything is so good on holidays like if you go on Christmas Eve be prepared to wait in line but it goes pretty fast and there's always a line and because it's worth it read more

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I was visiting Brooklyn for an event and heard so many nice things about this family bakery the owners were delightful and very helpful. Everything tasted amazing the coffee was so delicious I had a little of everything. It just reminds me Cuban bakery growing up only it's Italian. I had to have the cannoli with my cappuccino. I had some cookies and some sort of mozzarella rice ball that came out of the oven. I tried to sample as much as my tummy would allow since my trip was for the day .. I had a gelato cone on the way out even on a rainy day ! It was truly delightful experience holiday vibes beautiful cakes great assortment of gift baskets . read more

Villabate Alba - Bakery exterior - Bakeries Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Came here based on a friend's recommendation. I visited on a Monday afternoon which turned out to be a good time since the lines were minimal. Even so, the number of options was a bit overwhelming. I ended up getting some cookies for my friend and bought pignoli cookies and a lobster tail pastry for myself. They weren't really my usual taste, and both were a bit too sweet for me. It was definitely an experience, and I really appreciated the staff for being so patient while I decided on my selection of cookies. Would probably opt for their prepacked cookies next time. read more

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One of the best Italian bakeries in NYC. I was referred here by a renowned cannoli bakery propietor in Sicily and it did not disappoint. The whole shop is filled with specialty desserts, cakes, and savory breads. The cannoli was delicious, thin, crispy shell and light filling, not as sweet as others in Little Italy. The other desserts I tried were great as well read more

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My go-to at Italian bakeries is always the rainbow cookies, so that's what I use to judge how solid of a bakery they are. Villabate is a Brooklyn institution, so of course, everything they sell is of great quality. I got half a pound of rainbow cookies ($12.50), and was pleased with them. However, they taste less decadent than Rimini's, which is my all-time favorite spot for rainbow cookies. But compared to Rimini's, the staff at Villabate is a lot more friendly and knows how to efficiently get customers what they want and out the door. Tip: Pay with cash! They charge an extra fee for card read more

Villabate Alba - Bakeries Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Amazing Italian bakery.. May the finest ingredients with old world recipes. Everything from cafe, cookies, breads, etc.. a must if in Brooklyn read more

Honestly, I'm not sure where the bad reviews are coming from. But my experience at Villabate Alba was mostly positive--aside from one very rude customer. I came here for the first time after a friend highly recommended it. She told me they had some of the best desserts in the area, so I had to check it out. Before going, I looked them up and saw that their cannoli is what they're known for--so that was a must. I ended up also getting the chocolate cake, tiramisu, rainbow cake, and Napoleon. Here's the breakdown: Chocolate Cake - Moist with the right amount of frosting. Classic and satisfying. Tiramisu - A bit strong for me. It had a creamy, like texture, and a lot of cocoa powder on top. Napoleon Cake - Light, fluffy, creamy--really enjoyable. Rainbow Cake - Tasted like a regular rainbow cookie. Not bad, but I'd probably just get the cookie next time. Cannoli - The star. This was my second time ever having cannoli (the first one was from somewhere else and wasn't great). Villabate Alba's cannoli changed my mind. The shell is crunchy but not overly hard, and the cream is so smooth with a hint of cinnamon that ties it all together. I'd absolutely come back just for this. How to order: you line up and wait for a staff member to assist you. The woman who helped me was very kind and patient. Unfortunately, there was one customer who tried to cut the line and kept interrupting while I was ordering. He even made a rude comment to the staff about putting her phone down (when she was clearly just doing her job). Honestly, sometimes it's not the staff that's rude--it's the customers. Props to the staff for staying calm and professional the entire time. Would I return? Definitely--for the cannoli, chocolate cake, and Napoleon. And maybe to try even more desserts next time. read more

Villabate Alba - Bakeries Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

DO NOT GO ON SUNDAY. Crazy line of people. Every person buys at least 2 of everything. Don't forget the gelato. read more

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This bakery is a Brooklyn staple and is another one that you have to try once. It is an old school spot but is expensive. The cookie tray I got was $50. Insane but the cookies were good. The sfiogtalle is always a favorite of mine and they do a good job here. It has a crunch and flakiness that you can hear all the way from NJ. They have all sorts of stuff in here too. The freshly baked breads were something I would get next time. Not dying to go back but always like checking out these institutions. read more

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My friend treated me to dessert from this place, and I liked it. Remembering it, I decided to visit recently. This place is cute inside, and they have a huge selection of desserts and bread that look amazing. I bought three desserts, but the one with strawberry had a spoiled taste and wasn't fresh at all--I couldn't even finish it and had to throw it away. The chocolate cake also tasted old, which was really disappointing. On the plus side, the staff was friendly and quick. However, there are definitely better places out there. read more

Villabate Alba - Two out three weren't fresh at all - Bakeries Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

My grandmother used to live across the street upstairs from the bus stop and would get bread, pastries, and cookies from here. My husband and I got our engagement cake from here. Nothing but good memories! I went back to Brooklyn this weekend for the feast and stopped by Alba. I bought a bunch of treats and everything seems to still be as amazing as ever. I guess I'll just have to increase my time on my Peloton. I'm going to feel bad for that bike! LOL! The service was AMAZING especially considering how packed it was. Friendly people. The store doesn't have that 1960s/'70s vibe anymore. It has a warmer feel like someone's home. I can't give you a price breakdown because I just didn't care. When the total came up though I thought it was INSANELY reasonable for what we ordered. read more

A very nice Italian bakery in the Bensonhurst neighborhood. I came here from a recommendation from my colleague and close friend. She recommended their fried cannoli donuts. She was kind enough to get one for me to share because it was THAT good. Fried sugared donut with a cannoli cream and chocolate chips. It was dangerously delicious with a hot cup of coffee. It was so delicious, I had to go see for myself. The bakery is kind of chaotic if you aren't paying attention so self-awareness and general awareness is KEY. Pay attention to signs, the main line, and you will be in and out in no time. Personally it can get annoying and claustrophobic because of other customers being loud and boisterous and just in the way of the glass displays, but staff is nice and try to get you in and out efficiently. Overall, we love their fried cannoli donuts, and fresh fruit tarts. Really great bakery to stop by and enjoy their goods. Highly recommend trying them out for their donuts. Have not tried their gelato but would like to. Their gelato does not look very authentic because it's whipped up and piled high. Authentic gelato is denser and does not have added emulsifiers, they should be in metal tins, with a cover. Their "gelato" looks more for show, to appear enticing which it does, but questionable authenticity. As ice cream I'm sure it tastes great and will try it next time I stop by. read more

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This review is extremely overdue-I first experienced the fantastic cannolis from here a while back when at a work party someone had brought them. It was incredible and then a few years ago I finally went there myself after having lunch at L&B (got treats to take home because I had to have spumoni ices after lunch lol). The bakery is cute inside, and they also offer gelato. The only thing is that because they are super busy usually they don't fill them fresh but, most of the time you will get very fresh cannolis. If you want the candied fruit on the minis, you have to pay extra. The best part about these cannolis are the imported sheep's milk ricotta filling. Absolutely addictive and worth the calories and trip there (don't even ask how long it takes). read more

Recently had a Tiramisu birthday cake from here and was actually surprised it was delicious. I have been disappointed lately when trying to find a bakery that makes great tiramisu and I think I found the place. Sorry, I didn't take a pic as the cake was devoured before the end of the birthday dinner. Service here is mostly friendly and quick but they will assist when you need help. It's a local Italian bakery that has been in the neighborhood for generations and I think they will be here for a while. read more

Walked in, wasn't too busy, this bakery is very organized and clean, so many delicious pastry options. Was greeted within 2 minutes by a very pleasant young lady. Stopped in for a birthday cake, I chose the hazelnut cake. They wrote happy birthday very nicely, they asked if I needed anything else. They showed me all the candle selection and rang me up. Very pleasant all the way through. There are 2 different lines for the pastries vs breads, coffee and gelato. Went to the other side and grabbed a scoop a pistachio gelato. YUUUMMM! So delicious and tasted fresh. The cake was very moist, but I thought the cream to cake ratio on the inside was off. Way too much hazelnut cream in the center. Overall light and not overly sweet flavor, which I enjoyed. Will be back to try more of their pastries and cakes :) read more

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Always fresh, always delicious. Too many products to make a choice, I want it all! This place is always busy and slammed for every holiday. If you don't want to wait on line go during the day. Just point and ask if you want to know what's inside the cake or pastry, staff is glad to let you know. Don't forget to check out the stuff on the shelves behind the showcases. Breads, cookies, pizza, coffee, ices, cakes and more. read more

Villabate Alba - Ham and cheese rice ball. November 2024 - Bakeries Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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We're backkkkkk. Hubby said he wanted to go to Villabate and I couldn't for the life of me remember if we been here before. Thankfully I decided to join him on the ride to Bklyn. I can't believe I previously related this place 2 stars with a stellar review, clearly that was a mistake. I wish Villabate had more savory items. However we racked up on Pistachio Cookies, Pignoli Cookies, Rainbow Cookies, Biscotti Cookie, Raspberry Rainbow Sprinkle Cookies, Cannoli and Cartocci. read more

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I ordered 2 pounds of Regina cookies 1 pound Savairdi and 1 pound of margherite cookies. I was very disappointed that a 14 x 14 x 14" box was used to mail me 4 pounds of cookies. There was so much airspace between the boxes of cookies and the shipping box that the cookies were damaged. I contacted both the bakery and UPS and received no response. I also sent them photographs. It appeared that the cookies were repackaged because three pieces of makeup were included in the boxes. Needless to say I will never order from them again. read more

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I came here for dessert after dinner since I was in the area. My friend said this was the best Italian bakery in NYC. I haven't had a rainbow cookie in years so I thought I would try their rainbow cookie. The staff were super nice, you can order rainbow cookies individually or by the pound. I ordered 4 cookies and it was like $5 which wasn't bad. The rainbow cookies use apricot jam instead of raspberry jam which I prefer. The rainbow cookies were good but I wouldn't say it's the best, I've had better rainbow cookies at Italian bakeries in Staten Island. Maybe I have to try their lobster tails and cannolis, they seem more popular here. read more

Villabate Alba - rainbow cookie - Bakeries Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Excellent Italian bakery . From their cakes to their cookies to their pastries and bread everything is delicious! Their strawberry shortcake may be one of the best and their gelato tastes like it came straight from Italy. Neighborhood staple for years and worth the hype read more

I'm so disappointed with Villabate bakery. Literally spent over $100 on pastries just to come home and find out all of the pastries taste and smell very old. It's like they have been sitting in their fridge for months. They're absolutely inedible. All cakes are very stale, the back of a strawberry is covered in mold. I called the bakery to let them know about stale pastries and ask for a refund. They refused to give me a refund and offered a credit instead. I will never step my foot into Villabate Alba again and don't recommend them to my worst enemy. After taking a bite of a carrot cake I almost puked. I just lost over $100 because everything went straight in the garbage. It's a shame they're selling old stale cakes to their customers. AVOID THIS PLACE! They're scammers! The food inspector should visit this establishment and do a thorough inspection. read more

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One Word: HEAVEN You walk into Villabate Alba and become intoxicated by the sweet aroma of sugary baked goods. Everything is good. Must haves: lemon drop, ricotta cookies, cannolis, rainbow cookies Summer time must have: gelato Everything I have ever had from Villabate Alba has been good. It's been a major pregnancy craving for me! read more

Hands down the best Sicilian Pastisserie in NYC! I love their iris. Don't get me started on the espresso coffee, it's top notch. The staff are great! read more

We went to dyker heights to see the christmas lights but had to make sure to visit our favorite bakery in Bensonhurst Enjoying the Best Freshly Cannolis and taking some of there many cookies and rainbow to go back home to new jersey we have not been here for many years and missed it being when we lived in bensonhurst we would go here once or twice a week, look forward to returning. read more

Is there a 6 star option ? Well there should be especially when you're talking about this bakery gem ! Went today on my way to Jersey and it's an amazing experience the displays are a work of art . I ordered a nice mixed box consisting of lobster tail and a fried cannoli filled pastry forget the name and a Sfogliatelle as well as a raspberry cream tart . Everything is here is a home run and I received excellent service and recommendations from a nice woman named Anna . Next time I'm getting some breads ! read more

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Truly the #1 bakery for cannolis. If you've ever craved a crunchy cannoli only to bite into a soggy one, this is the place to erase all bad cannoli memories (L'angolo di Palermo in Bay Ridge is a close second). They also have great Amaretti cookies, gelato, and tons of other pastries. But the cannolis are the standout star of this bakery. Even refrigerated, they maintain their crunch. The people are friendly, the service is quick, and it's just fun to walk around and see what I want to try. read more

Food is good but expensive, also a little strange that prices are not listed and seem to be a mystery until you go up to pay. Service is pretty quick. I have a tree nut allergy and do not feel completely safe eating here as staff are rather uneducated on allergies I once asked if a specific pastry had nuts and was given a strange look then "i don't think so" Good tasting pastries but be careful with allergies read more

What a complete disappointment this was. A pure "Pretty Woman moment " the way we spend money on food! LOL Having seen this bakery recommended by several people on social media and then by a Brooklyn native who is also the owner of a restaurant that my family has been patronizing for over 50 years, we decided to try it. Unfortunately, we left empty-handed. Anyone who knows me can attest to the fact that I am a lover of good food, I recommend any place that I find where not only is the service good but the food as well, but in this case not so much. And, let me be clear, we initially drove to BK to go to a pizzeria that we also saw on social media and they didn't disappoint ! Now this I don't usually do, but today I am. After browsing the entire bakery, we ordered a loaf of Italian bread and then proceeded to check out the pastry selection. Some of what was in their display seemed to be proprietary to their bakery and was unfamiliar to me so when asking for a description you could clearly see the person behind the counter getting annoyed. It would have been different if I would ask and then not order anything but two out of three times after the description I said I'll take one, I then asked if they had a specific pastry and the girl behind the counter with quite a tone said "they're right over there!" Well, if you know me personally, you know I'm barely 5 foot and their display counter was kind of high, so I couldn't see anything on the top shelf that was being displayed away from the front of the bakery case. But even so, it's a Saturday afternoon in a bakery that's been in business for close to 50 years, so why would you be annoyed by a customer asking you about your products? You should be grateful to have survived Covid and blessed that people are still shopping despite what's going on in the world right now. So let's get down to the nitty-gritty, I thought I was making it easy by ordering my pastry and having them all put in one box as my intent was to split half of my order with my mother, so after I had ordered everything, I asked if I could have an extra box on the side so I could once at home, break down the order. I was quickly told "we don't do that" to which I replied "you don't do what?" "We don't give out extra boxes" so I said "OK I'll buy the box"to which they replied "we don't sell boxes and we don't give them out" to which I then replied. "OK then you need to make two separate orders in two separate boxes, so take one of each item I ordered 2 of, split it into two orders and then I'll need to tell you where the others will go." A minute later there were three employees behind the counter discussing how I was asking for an extra box. Now again, while I think it's ridiculous, I would have just paid for a box, but as I stood there and realized what a scene was being made in front of other customers I calmly said "you know what, I'm actually not going to take anything so you can put all of your pastry back in the case" and my mom and I turned and walked out. Why am I writing this? Because in the climate we are living in, not only is eating out a luxury but so is food for so many. Shoot, I could have been home saving my money baking my own desserts. So I type this to say, they could have the best pastries around, but based on their customer service, we won't be back. What a disappointment!!! Villabate Alba Pastry Shop your employees need to be retrained. I've eaten from some of the finest places and really wanted to be able to taste and enjoy your products but was completely turned off this evening. My one little review may mean nothing to you but to me it had to be said. read more

Alba's has a lot to offer! Came in just for a cannoli and left with a few more treats. Solid choices all around. I tried: Slice of carrot cake, original cannoli, baba cake, a couple rainbow and pignoli cookies. They were busy and lots of replenished goodies were coming out. Overall busy atmosphere that they manage with a line management flow (that I butchered). Weak point of my order was the Baba, which is a small yeast cake saturated in syrup made with hard liquor, usually rum, and glazed thin with apricot. It was over soaked, and kind of sloppy. read more

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Pastries are amazing, cookies , gelato . Cakes are incredible & service is fantastic . Owner is very nice . I've going here for over 10 yrs . read more

Ok so they have the best cannoli in New York! But you know what I've been going there for one 30 yrs , and I live an hour away , but enough is enough ! Sorry but the owners are super rude especially the mother that's always at check out , she never says hello nothing!! She only cares about getting the money , and the other day I got a pastiera and it's as old as I am !! Shame on them to keep old stuff on the shelves ,,, they should be better than that , sorry read more

Villabate Alba - You can see it's old !!! - Bakeries Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

The neighborhood has changed although this Italian bakery has remained consistent. They opened in 1978 and It's rare to see a business last and make the necessary changes to stay current too stay open for over 40 years! Most prices are very fair for the quality, freshness, and consistency they deliver. There are several great Italian bakeries within 10 blocks so there is fierce competition. Most of the time I'm picking up cakes or pastries for a visit to a friend or family and I can count on the quality. Customer service was very good, they're quick and efficient. There is always a line although they are very efficient and move the lines well. Seems like they're is always a line for gelato in warm weather. Why not? LOL My personal preferences that set them apart were the napoleons, lobster claws and tiramisu. They advertise that they use ricotta imported from Palermo Italy. I highly recommend them and will definitely come back to sample so many more desserts as there are tons of choices. read more

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This bakery has been on my list for quite some time. I am glad I had the opportunity to order via Uber Eats. I ordered Rice balls (both options - Ham & Cheese , Meat) I also ordered a fruit tart and Nutella Graham cracker dessert. Everything was fresh & phenomenal. The Nutella dessert had a few different textures with the graham cracker, gele topping and creaminess of the ganache . All I can say is dessert heaven. The savory rice balls were amazing too. Will definitely be ordering again. read more

Villabate Alba - Rice balls were so good , I ate them right away - Bakeries Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Sensory overload alert! Located in Bensonhurst, Villabate Alba is famous for its classic Sicilian style pastries, cannoli, gelato, signature "strawberry shortcake burger" and more. Enter and be immersed and overwhelmed by the rows and rows of desserts; the selection is so extensive, it's tough to remain focused. Dessert addicts beware - the force is strong - but you will find what you seek because there's everything you could imagine - and more. I only wanted a cannoli (famous last words) but instead I left with cheesecakes, chocolate mouse, chocolate cake, a pistachio creation,marzipan in assorted fruit shapes, rainbow cookies, and the cannoli. Everything was delicious! The cannoli was one of the best I've ever had. The rainbow cookie was also incredible; the ingredients are listed on their website - they use apricot jam - and they were sold out last time - no surprise. I've heard that the expresso and gelato are great too - will try next time. Five stars! read more

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While Villabate is known for their pastries. My personal favorites are their pizzette and rice balls. They are delicious . When you walk in you're drawn in by the cases of all the delicious food and pastries and the intoxicating aromas of coffee, sugar and fresh bread. The pictures of Italy are beautiful. Everyone makes you welcomed and it's a very nice establishment overall. When you go make sure you get there early as it gets crowded quickly especially on the weekends or holidays. read more

One of the best bakery's I've ever been to! Family vibe with fresh pastries that are absolutely amazing. From the fresh strawberry cheesecake we had to the fresh filled Cartocci it is a must stop if you are in the Brooklyn area. MUST TRY THE CARTOCCI 10/10 read more

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Great Italian bakery in Bensonhurst! I've only tried their fried cannoli donuts and the gelato and let me tell you the cannoli donuts are delicious!! Sugar twisted donut filled with cannoli cream and chocolate chips, perfect with a cup of tea or coffee. I do not recommend coming here if you are hungry because everything looked sooooo good. It was really hard to choose one item. As for the service, the staff is very friendly and the service is speedy even though there was a line when I went. read more

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