Caffe Palermo

New York, United States

3.7

Closed now

22 reviews

Accepts Credit Cards

Contacts

QR code, vCard

Telephone:
+1 212-431-4205
Website:
www.caffepalermo.com
Address:
148 Mulberry St, New York, NY, 10013
b/t Hester St & Grand St
Little Italy
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
840 ftCanal Street (J,Z)
930 ftCanal Street (6)
0.2 miSpring Street (6)
Categories:
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Bussiness info

Takes Reservations
No
Delivery
Yes
Take-out
Yes
Accepts Credit Cards
Yes
Accepts Apple Pay
No
Good For
Dessert
Parking
Street
Bike Parking
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible
Yes
Good for Kids
Yes
Good for Groups
Yes
Attire
Casual
Ambience
Divey
Noise Level
Average
Alcohol
Full Bar
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Wi-Fi
No
Has TV
No
Waiter Service
Yes
Good for Working
No

Today

Today 10:30 am – 12:00 am
Closed now
Local time (New York) 02:40 Tuesday, 24 June 2025

Business hours

Monday 10:30 am – 12:00 am
Tuesday 10:30 am – 12:00 am
Wednesday 10:30 am – 12:00 am
Thursday 10:30 am – 12:00 am
Friday 10:30 am – 2:00 am
Saturday 10:30 am – 2:00 am
Sunday 10:30 am – 12:00 am

Description

Specialties

Caffe Palermo is world famous for its cannolies, but also for its other italian cake and pastry specialties.

Caffe Palermo Original Classic Homemade Cannolies

There’s a reason why we’re known as the «Cannoli King» of Little Italy. This is the classic and the best. You have to try them to believe the incredible fresh taste. They can’t be missed.

Frutti di Bosco Cake

Fragrant short pastry filled with Chantilly cream, decorated with a rich assortment of the finest blueberries, blackberries, red currants, raspberries, and strawberries. A Spring favorite.

Cappuccino Cake

Three layers of espresso drenched chocolate sponge cake, coffee cream filling, decorated with cocoa powder stripes.

Caffe Palermo Original Homemade Tiramisu

Famous original recipe! Three layers of sponge cake soaked with coffee and liqueur, filled with zabaglione cream, dusted with cocoa powder.

Italian Cookie Assortment

Our case is loaded — loaded with the freshest Italian cookie favorites.

And many more…

History

Established in 1973.

Known as the Cannoli King of Little Italy, Caffe Palermo opened its doors in the Spring of 1973. A must-​stop location with any Little Italy visit, Caffe Palermo is world famous for its cannolies, but also for its other italian cake and pastry specialties.

During the Annual Feast of San Gennaro, which occurs each September, Caffe Palermo sponsors its extremely popular Cannoli Eating Contest.

Here’s an example from one year’s contest: Ed «Cookie» Jarvis, a 267-​pound competitive eater from Nesconsit, Long Island, NY, consumed 21 full-​sized cannoli at the Annual Feast of San Gennaro Cannoli Eating Contest, sponsored by Caffe Palermo, in the heart of Little Italy, New York. Through his feat, Jarvis became The World Champion Cannoli Eater, and received the Championship Belt in recognition of his herculean efforts.

Meet the Business Owner

Jon D.

Business Owner

Been in this business for forty years and I am very proud of our cannolies.

Related places

Explore similar places:
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Ferrara Bakery & Cafe
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Chiu Hong Bakery
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Kwong Wah Company
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Rudy’s Pizza & Restaurant
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Nearby

Near this location:
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ft
Ferrara Bakery & Cafe
195 Grand St
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ft
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191 Grand St
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Angelo’s
146 Mulberry St
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GENUINE Liquorette
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Aunt Jake’s
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H&R Block
201 Grand St

22 reviews of Caffe Palermo

No registration required
Place rating: 5
Museum District, Houston, TX
Great stuff. Not like the best ive ever had but definitely nothing to scoff at. Nice outside sitting area.
Place rating: 1
New York, NY
Very cheap owner. He does not want to honor the coupon and says that it only works for take out orders when the coupon does not mention anything.
Place rating: 5
Woodstock, GA
HOLY CANNOLI! Coming from this Sicilian, this IS as good as it gets!
Had the pleasure of stoping by Caffe Palermo while visiting Little Italy with the fam. The little one noticed the Cannoli station situated in front of this super cute café.
We ordered a Cannoli and OMG was it the best I have EVER had! For real! Do NOT miss this place when visiting NYC! The service was also top notch!
Place rating: 5
Kealakekua, HI
Enjoyed this place! Great canoli’s, gelato, cappuccino, and espresso. We will definitely go back if we ever go back to NYC.
Place rating: 4
Inner Richmond, San Francisco, CA
Ordered the famous cannoli and a glass of Port, great way to end the day! Sat by the window opening and had a great view of the passersby and a nice little breeze
Place rating: 4
Manhattan, NY
The cheese cone is amazing. I have tried their other desserts and they were just okay. My go-​to dessert spot.
Place rating: 4
Santiago, Chile
Really good place, good service, nice ladies, nice food, good coffee, and the best Cannoli ever!
Place rating: 4
Edison, NJ
My go to dessert place in Little Italy. Yeah ok, maybe Ferrara’s around the corner has some better pastry items but not appreciably so. And, who wants to wait on line for an hour just to say they have been to Ferrara’s? Stand outside and take your photo then walk around the corner to Caffe Palermo to enjoy yourself in a very friendly and less hectic atmosphere.
Make sure to say hello to Baby John, the Cannoli King!
Place rating: 2
Cornelius, NC
When I visited Caffe Palermo on a recent trip, I truly enjoyed the cannoli. In fact, I called and spoke with the owner about shipping an order for my 50th birthday. He assured me that this was a common practice and they could fulfill the order and ship it overnight. A couple weeks later I called on a Thursday to place the order so that it would arrive by Saturday. Someone took my information, credit card number, and phone number and told me that I would receive a call with the shipping information. Late Friday afternoon, I had yet to receive a call so I called to check on the order. The person on the phone told me that they only ship on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. When I asked why did the owner tell me otherwise and why didn’t the person who took my order tell me this policy, he didn’t have an answer. Also, why didn’t someone call me to tell me the order would not make it?
Very unfortunate and disappointing.
Place rating: 2
Manhattan, NY
Tourist Trap. I should have known better.
Eh. No. Not the best cannoli I have ever had. Not even close. I can think of two other places in New York City that have better cannoli. A cannoli, another dessert and a cappuccino set me back 25 $ with tip. The cannoli was nothing special. Not the shell nor the filling. The cannoli was not stuffed all the way through. The middle was empty, not acceptable.
The cappuccino was not very good and the other dessert was some kind of peanut butter tartufo thing that was pedestrian. I do not think the majority of the desserts are made onsite. Service was okay but not the type of place where you can relax with a coffee. Good for tourists, New Yorkers pass and go somewhere else.
Place rating: 5
Washington, DC
After tonight, no cannoli will ever compare to what I experienced at Caffe Palermo. My friend and I wanted coffee and sweets after dinner and we decided to come here. Seriously delicious! The exterior was firm and had a crunch with every bite. The filling was so on point! We ordered two — one chocolate, and one classic. I was expecting it to be good, but it surpassed my expectations. As much as I love to indulge when it comes to sweets, this time around I could only consume one. Perhaps I should come on an empty stomach next time around, just to sample a few more flavors.
Great atmosphere and a good selection of desserts — there are cheesecakes and there’s also the option of gelato. Good coffee as well. Be prepared to satisfy your cravings!
Place rating: 2
Manhattan, NY
I have had a huge craving for a good cannoli for what feels like forever now (aka since I moved to Manhattan), so when I saw all of the signs surrounding the storefront, I decided to go in and check it out. Let me preface that this review/​rating is wholly based on the original cannoli — nothing else. Not the service (since I got it to-​go), the coffee, the other desserts, or even the chocolate cannoli.
My reaction: BLAH. I thought the shell was good, but the icing was really lacking. Maybe it’s because I’m using the superior Mike’s Pastry in Boston (near where I went to school) as a reference point; but I really did not enjoy Caffe Palermo’s version much at all.
The journey and craving for a decent cannoli in the NYC area continues…
Place rating: 4
Downtown, San Diego, CA
The cannolis here are simply to die for. I’m talking like a last meal sort of quality. They also have a drink called the Peppermint Patty, it’s hot chocolate with a shot of peppermint schnapps in it. Talk about going perfectly with the cannoli. If you’re in NYC and want hands down the best cannoli you will have without going to Italy, this is the answer it’s just that simple.
Place rating: 5
Morganville, NJ
I’ve only tried their cannolis and rainbow cookies, but both are amazzzzzing. I must say, they really earned their title with their cannolis. They are pretty expensive, but I’ve never seen cheap cannolis and rainbow cookies so I won’t complain. The two guys behind the counter– possibly the owners?- were funny and playful also. I would recommend coming here for a nice dessert!
Place rating: 5
Chandler, AZ
Awesome Italian pastry café in Little Italy! I had a cannoli, an éclair, shfooyadell, and a seven layer cookie. This place states that they have the best cannoli and I totally believe it! The shell was nice and crispy and not too oily and the cannoli cream was light but rich with amazing flavor. I will say, however, it has been about 10 years since I have had a cannoli so this really hit the spot!
The gentleman who helped me was really nice and was able to converse with me. I told him that I’m originally from CT but live in Phoenix now and that I missed all of the Italian pastries… so I was excited to try these. I’m so glad they didn’t disappoint!
I took my pastries to go and scarfed them down in my hotel room. Had I stayed, I would have been able to order cappuccino, espresso, and various other drinks. Next time I’m in NYC I’ll make sure I visit this place.
Place rating: 4
Flushing, Queens, NY
— Quiet little shop in Little Italy. Mostly a bakery but they also make paninis, heros & pizza. I ordered an Italian sandwich with ham, prosciutto, provolone cheese & roasted red peppers. That was very delicious. The cannolis aren’t the best I’ve ever had but they were okay. I don’t recommend to run over there but if you’re in the area, & hungry, this is a filling lunch spot.
Place rating: 4
Houston, TX
Cute little café, perfect for dessert. We ate dinner down the street, and after checking Unilocal for a good dessert spot, I found Caffe Palermo. It didn’t disappoint.
The cannoli king was here (the owner), he was very friendly and the assortment of sweets was amazing. A friend and I shared toasted tiramisu, sea salted caramel cheesecake, and of course a traditional cannoli. We also both had a latte, and they were great.
I will be back for some sweetness!
Place rating: 3
San Francisco, CA
I kinda feel sorry for Caffe Palermo. There’s a sense of desperation in their advertising…“Still the Best Cannoli on the Planet Earth” «Voted #1 Best Cannoli in New York» «Eat our Cannolis or Sleep with Da Fishes». OK, I made up the last one but you get the drift. Ferrara, the true godfather of cannoli bakeries is just around the corner on Grand, and they display their cannollis with pride on the sidewalk in a glass case. As for me, when I thought of having a cannoli for the past forty years that I’ve visited this city.
Without exception, I went to La Bella Ferrara, a smaller operation which I thought was related to Ferrara but I just realized it’s not. Don’t tell Don Corleone I didn’t know that or I’ll have to go to the mattresses. So you can see why I never tried Caffe Palermo until I noticed it during a leisurely morning stroll in Little Italy. I actually had just a few minutes before heading to the airport, and frankly no one was in the place which by Little Italy standards, was pretty spacious. That may not have been a good sign.
Anyway, I sat down for a Chocolate Cannoli on a plate with a fork (photo:
) and a cup of coffee, and it was decent but pricey for close to ten bucks. The shell was harder than I like, and the vanilla filling was a bit too sweet for my taste despite the welcome presence of chocolate chips. But a cannoli is a cannoli, right? After all, I can’t begrudge an owner named «Baby John» who would feature three photos of Ryan Seacrest in the celebrity gallery of his website as well as a signed autograph from the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.
CANNOLI — 3 stars… middling when it comes to the ‘hood…maybe leave the gun AND the cannoli this time, Clemenza
AMBIANCE — 3.5 stars… more spacious than other bakeries with a big cannoli standing next to me (photo:
)
SERVICE — 2.5 stars… nothing special, no «Say hi to your mutha for me»
TOTAL — 3 stars… someday my photo will be right next to Danny DeVito’s
Place rating: 2
Seattle, WA
You can imagine I was skeptical alright. Signs that read #1 Cannoli King? Seriously? This place was just screaming for it. Usually when you’re labeled like that it’s to hide your insecurities because you aren’t #1.
Boy were those signs correct. I wish I had listened to my gut instinct. The chocolate and vanilla cannoli was kinda meh. Probably my least favorite cannoli in all of NYC. The shell was stale and the cream was way too sweet.
Little Italy is always full of tourist traps.
Place rating: 3
Detroit, MI
Was hoping for a life-​changing cannoli, but was underwhelmed when I tried a $ 4 tiny dessert. The cream was tasty, and the pastry was flaky, but overall, I had higher expectations for a place that claims they have the best cannoli of all time.
Smaller than I expected, but still good. Would be open to trying other desserts. With so many other options in the Little Italy area, I might not return.
Place rating: 3
Mars, Ardèche
Premier cannoli de notre vie, difficile de comparer donc… Le produit était frais, assez copieux et le cannoli croquant.
Le service était par contre un peu désagréable, on nous a refusé une offre Unilocal sous prétexte que ce n’était pas valable pour les plats sur place…
Le cannoli en lui même m’a paru un met relativement fade finalement, la crème de ricotta est juste fade et vaguement sucrée au milieu de ce rouleau croquant.
Place rating: 5
Offenbach am Main, Hessen
Wie ihr euch schon in meinem Beitrag zu Ferrara (
) informieren konntet, ist in Little Italy die The New York Times (
) Interactive Coffee Map (
) nicht von Nöten.
so auch im
Photo link:
Palermo Caffe.
Photo link:
Palermo Caffe Top Espresso Best Cannoli on Planet Earth (in the New World), Cannoli King.
Photo link:
Palermo Caffe Pinienkern-​Maggrönsche
Falls ihr noch Lust auf einen Sambuca bekommt und über 17, aber unter 21 seid, könnt ihr euch vorher bei John Jovino (
) überzeugende Argumente besorgen.