Many words have been spilled about Ferrara’s cannoli and delicate, sweet-savory sfogliatella since they first opened in 1892, to say nothing of the pounds of flour and sugar that have hit the floor in the past 133 years. Grab your treats to go from the glass cases filled with colorful cookies, or sit and sip a limoncello or sambuca while you savor a slice of torta da ricotta or Italian rum cake in the shop.
Whether you’re staying or not, make sure to try the cannoli that Ferrara is known for. (One is a cannolo, two are cannoli and three, as they say, is a delicious crowd.) They’re a classic for a reason: creamy, sweet ricotta, studded with chips and served in a crisp, sugar-dusted shell or dunked in melted chocolate. Grab a box of jammy, nutty rainbow cookies to take with you—you can say they’re to share when you get home, but they’ll make the perfect pick-me-up while you walk around the city.
The vibe: Adorably old-fashioned, with the classic decor and menu that attracts tourists from all over the world.
The food: Fresh-made pastries from recipes that have stood the test of time.
The drink: Strong cappuccinos and stiff sambucas to take the edge off a day spent sightseeing.
Time Out tip: Grab a gift box and consider your souvenir shopping complete—or eat ‘em all on the subway. Your secret’s safe with us.