Mediterra Cafe — Restaurant in New York

Fantastic bakery. I sometimes read reviews before visiting a place, but this place actually compelled me to write a review of my own. As everyone knows, in NYC there are no shortage of bakeries, and it isn’t hard to find any number that are “good enough”, but most don’t stand out from the rest. Cerasella stands out for all the right reasons, because the actual food is amazing. I was buying dessert for several family members, and after seeing the display cases, I couldn’t decide, so I bought several single-serve items which we divided so everyone could taste. Not one item was bad, and each tasted significantly different from the rest. Sometimes there’s a sameness to pastries from a given cafe, but that’s not the case here. Both the pistachio filled and “classic” cannoli were great. The small cassata cake I tasted was an absolute home run, probably the best I’ve ever had. Both the fillings in the ricotta and custard zeppole impressed everyone, as did the clean-tasting and light ricotta cheesecake. They have a lemon sponge cake, and its flavor is perfectly balanced. Growing up, we always had a fig tree in our backyard, and the owner (I think) suggested the dried figs they have. Her mom actually makes them, with spices and fennel. My father loved, loved, loved them. They didn’t last more than a few minutes before they were gone. So a big “thank you” to Cerasella for making my family happy. They’re hard to impress when it comes to authentic-tasting pastry. One day I have to actually try the coffee, which I’m sure...

I recently discovered this lovely Italian café serving coffee, paninis, and baked goods near the Ditmars stop of the N train. Cerasiello is owned by the same people that own Cerasella, which is a few stops away on the train.

The café is tiny but there is a small outdoor space in front with a couple of tables. And the food here looks and tastes authentic Italian. The two times that I’ve visited, I’ve tried their Apollina Nutella, Spinach Sfogliatella, Arancini and their regular coffee. The desserts are wonderful albeit on the expensive side.

The Sfogliatella was stuffed with spinach. I loved the crispy, delicate texture of the pastry and the light salty flavor of the spinach. The Apollina was decorated with Nutella and chopped nuts. It used the safe flaky shell as the Sfogliatella but was stuffed with Nutella. Absolutely delicious! I’ll definitely be back for this. The Arancino are fried rice balls with a ragu center. It was very cheesy with a crisp outer layer and gooey center. Surprisingly filling but light at the same time.

So far, I’ve loved all the items I’ve tried here. My only gripe are their hours of business which has changed a few times. When they first opened, they were open from 9am-6pm but now I believe they are open 11am-8pm. Be sure to call ahead to make sure they are open.

Tip: They have $12.95 lunch specials Mon-Fri from...

An enchanting culinary escape. This charming gem specializes in authentic Italian pastries and sandwiches, and it truly delivers an unforgettable experience.

From the moment you step inside, the homelike ambiance wraps around you like a warm embrace. The inviting decor and cozy seating create the perfect backdrop for a delightful meal. Valentina, our host, epitomizes stellar service. She is genuinely attentive and radiates warmth, making you feel right at home from the very first moment.

My personal favorite is the Maritozzo Fritto, a perfectly fried to golden perfection and filled with luscious cream that dances on your palate. Each bite is a little piece of heaven! The savory sandwiches, try the #10, are crafted with the freshest ingredients, bursting with flavor that leaves you craving more.

Don’t forget to indulge in the rich, aromatic espresso. Also try the luxuriously creamy hot chocolate. Both are expertly prepared and provide a perfect complement to the pastries.

My experience at Mediterra was delightful. I wholeheartedly recommend this café to anyone with a love for...