For Manhattanville College undergraduate and foodie, Alexis Garcia, a typical Friday night consists of heading to the city with some friends, catching a movie, and grabbing a bite to eat afterwards. Finding a place to get dessert is often her favorite activity. “There are some really great places to eat in the city. Some that may be well known for most but not as much for newer generations. You just have to know where to look. If you’re out on a date or picking up some pastries for a family gathering I highly recommend stopping by some of these places,” said Alexis.

1.)Caffe Roma– 385 Brooke Street
“I’m sure if you ask others around Little Italy they’ll say the same thing. But definitely go for their cannoli, which are much bigger than a hotdog bun. They serve all sorts of delicious treats such as gelato, pignoli cookies, and Italian cheesecake. When you enter you can really feel an old school type of business in the atmosphere. It’s very welcoming. “

2.)Ferrara Bakery and Café-195 Grand Street
“Now this is one of the many bakeries that are famous and well known for their cannoli. Which is the best one? I can’t say. But delicious without a doubt.”

3.)Parisi Bakery-198 Mott Street
“I always enjoyed coming here with my mother.Unlike most bakeries here in Little Italy, this one mainly serves fresh baked bread. It’s always fresh because they’re made on a daily basis in brick ovens. I honestly didn’t know those still existed here. It makes for a delicious breakfast with a cup of coffee.”

4.)Veniero Paticceria and Café-342 East 11th Street
“It hasn’t changed much over the years still preserving some of its original designs. They serve and offer many unique Italian pastries such as their cannoli, biscotti and Italian butter cookies.”

 5.)Poseidon Greek Bakery-629 Ninth Avenue

“It’s funny actually because I discovered this place by accident with some friends. I could be wrong but I believe they might be the only Greek bakery in Manhattan. One of their famous treats is Baklava. It’s the most well-known pastry but they are especially known for is the Phyllo dough. “

6.)La Delice Pastry Shop-372 Third Avenue
“Now this one is a few blocks away from your campus, Baruch. Now the current owner from what I’ve heard studied Culinary in Greece. I always enjoy going to bakeries such as this that use the old fashioned techniques for baking. It just makes it a more delightful experience.”

7.)Café Palermo-148 Mulberry Street
“ Now they claim to serve the “Best Cannoli on Planet Earth”. I’m not sure if that’s true. I know every year they host the San Gennaro Feast Cannoli eating contest. So that must be a great way for them to attract new customers. I’m not sue if my stomach is built for that.”

8.)La Bella Ferrara Pastries Café Bakery-108 Mulberry Street

“ This is a really special bakery to go to on weekends. During the weekend in the evening, the owner usually performs old style Italian Songs. Which make for an interesting night out with friends. They have a wide assortment of cookie and biscuit flavors such as cinnamon stick, regina seasame, petifoure rainbow and so much more. “

9.)Glaser’s Bake Shop– 1670 First Avenue
“I’ve been coming here for quite some time because it’s not too far from where I live. Plus unlike some establishments that have changed or altered their appearance, this one has preserved its original design for the most part over the years. I always get a sweet tooth when I walk inside and get some of their black and white cookies.”