Zeppola Bakery — Restaurant in New York

I don't know frankly how to even start but here goes an experience I had... A few nights ago I was walking around the area after doing some shopping and got hungry. My mom and I started walking around and came across this place because I noticed that aside from baked goods, they also sold regular food like Pizza among other items. I walked in and the cashier, [a white gentleman] was already ringing up a customer [also white] and no one else was inside besides a few folks sitting outside on the tables. Noticing that it was past 9pm, I asked "are you guys closed for the evening?" To which the cashier simply answered " yes". I kept it moving and walked back out to look for another place to eat and ended up at Andrew's Diner about 2 blocks away. After I finished at the diner I had to pass by the same establishment and when I did, I noticed that: 1) not only was the place NOT closed but 2) there were even MORE customers in addition to some still inside as well purchasing food! Coincidentally? Everyone was white.

Again, keep in my mind I passed Zeppola's Bakery about little over an hour after having finished eating from a diner nearby and there were customers still at this establishment, so why tell me they were closing???

Confused and curious by this, I went inside and flat out asked the same male cashier "hey do you remember me? I walked in earlier trying to purchase food and you said you were closed!" But he looked at me once and I suppose realizing that it was me (and to avoid a scene which was never my intention), just kept ringing up a customer (again, white) and simply didnt acknowledge me. He kept ignoring me the whole time! I asked him once more why did he say they were closed if clearly more people have continued to go inside to buy food- but he just kept ignoring me. To make matters worse, when I asked him a second time why he refused to sell us food, he started to chuckle right in my face! I never got disrespectful so I was just very confused (and he didn't even try to answer me by the way).

I was just shocked overall because we live in such a diverse city like NYC and to experience that type of discriminatory treatment in this day and age was just out of hand. Terrible...just terrible. This establishment doesn't deserve customers. I bet their food is sh!tty too because the only customers that night were...

As an Italian in New York, I am always on the hunt for authentic flavors from back home. Zeppola Bakery, nestled in the bustling heart of the city, has not just met, but exceeded my expectations, offering a slice of Italy with a unique New York twist.

Let's start with breakfast, arguably the most important meal of the day. Zeppola's variety is impressive, catering to both sweet and savory preferences. The star of the show for me was the focaccia with speck and truffle – a harmonious blend of rich flavors that is both filling and irresistibly tasty. This dish alone makes Zeppola a must-visit for anyone seeking an exceptional breakfast experience in New York.

For those with a sweet tooth, the bakery presents a delightful dilemma. The pan chocolate is exquisite, with just the right balance of pastry and chocolate. However, it's the bomboloni that truly steals the spotlight. These Italian doughnuts are generously filled, striking the perfect balance between sweetness and texture, a testament to the bakery's commitment to quality.

The ambiance of Zeppola adds to its charm. The place is immaculately clean, exuding a welcoming warmth. The staff, cheerful and knowledgeable, contributes to the overall delightful experience. It's clear that they take pride in their work, and it shows in every interaction and every bite of their delectable offerings.

A notable mention must go to the owner, whose Italian roots are evident not just in the authenticity of the flavors, but also in the high quality of the ingredients used. As a fellow Italian, I appreciate the effort taken to replicate the true essence of Italian pastries and dishes, making Zeppola a slice of home away from home.

In conclusion, Zeppola is more than just a bakery. It's a culinary experience that resonates with the soul, especially for those who cherish Italian cuisine. Whether you're craving a hearty, savory breakfast or a sweet treat, Zeppola promises and delivers excellence. Highly...

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ From the moment I stepped into Zeppola Bakery I felt like I was not going to be disappointed. I kept passing by this place and everytime I kept telling myself next time.

*If you have not made the stop to this place and reading reviews .... YES, STOP IN!

Italian pastry shop with warm, inviting, and brimming with beautifully crafted treats. Their reputation for high-quality baked goods and friendly service absolutely holds true.

I treated myself to a Biscoff cheesecake and a croissant with fresh strawberries, both were sensational. The cheesecake was rich yet light, with that cozy caramel-spiced Biscoff flavour melding perfectly into a creamy base. The strawberry round croissant was a true standout: buttery, flaky dough with juicy strawberries inside and a subtle sweetness that didn’t overpower. On top of that, I also got a spinach croissant with cheese (though I’m not certain of the exact name) [SEE PICTURE]. And wow, it was savory perfection. The layers of pastry were beautifully done, the spinach was fresh, and the cheese added a lovely, melty contrast.

The staff were polite and helpful, the atmosphere felt calm despite the bustle, and every bite felt like luxury without being overly pretentious. Based on my experience and the overwhelmingly positive words I’ve seen from others, this place is absolutely deserving of five stars.

If you’re in NYC and looking for a bakery that delivers both sweet indulgence and savory finesse, do yourself a favour and stop by Zeppola Bakery ..... you won’t regret it. I know...