Rhode Island has a way of turning a quick pastry stop into a full blown ritual. Once you find your spot, you order the same thing every time because it never disappoints. This list celebrates those tried and true Italian bakery favorites locals swear by. Bring an appetite, and you just might discover your new must order.
LaSalle Bakery – Providence, Rhode Island
Locals swear by the same order at LaSalle: a classic zeppole and a strong cappuccino. The zeppole here has a crisp shell, delicate vanilla pastry cream, and a dusting of powdered sugar that hits just right. You bite in and immediately understand why people never switch it up.
Grab a loaf of sesame Italian bread if you are planning Sunday gravy. The crust shatters while the interior stays airy and flavorful. Staff remember faces, so expect a quick smile and a nod when you walk in.
Timing matters. Early mornings mean warm trays rolling out nonstop. Swing by before the rush, and you will snag the best selection without waiting long.
Scialo Brothers Bakery – Providence, Rhode Island
At Scialo Brothers, the always order is a cannoli filled to order with ricotta that tastes clean and slightly citrusy. The shell crunch echoes in the shop, and it is impossible not to grin. Federal Hill regulars pair it with a hot coffee and a paper bag of assorted cookies.
The butter cookies, especially the rainbow and sprinkle ones, vanish fast. Add a slice of rum cake if you are celebrating anything at all. The old school charm feels baked into every corner.
Go early on weekends, because trays turn over quickly. You will leave smelling like sugar and toasted almond. That scent lingers in the car and makes the ride home feel shorter.
Pastiche Fine Desserts – Providence, Rhode Island
Pastiche is where you choose the same slice every time, and for many that slice is the fruit tart. The pastry crust stays crisp under silky pastry cream, crowned with glossy berries and kiwi. One forkful with a sip of espresso, and you understand loyalty.
If not the tart, tiramisu holds the throne. It leans balanced, not overly sweet, with a cocoa finish that lingers. The room feels intimate, perfect for lingering over conversation and crumbs.
Seating fills quickly after dinner hours. Arrive a bit early, claim a small table, and breathe in the vanilla and coffee drifting from the counter. You will leave plotting your next visit before the plate is cleared.
Pastiche Fine Desserts – Providence, Rhode Island
Yes, Pastiche gets a second shout because many of us double back for the same order on different nights. The go to pick here is the chocolate mousse cake. It is light yet decadent, with layers that melt fast and finish clean.
Pair it with a macchiato or a pot of tea. The staff plate everything beautifully, making a simple treat feel celebratory. You watch other tables glance over, and suddenly everyone wants a fork.
Weeknights are calmer, which means better chances to savor quietly. Bring a friend, split two slices, and argue over which wins. Somehow the answer is always both.
DeLuise Bakery – Cranston, Rhode Island
At DeLuise, regulars repeat a comforting ritual: a warm sfogliatella and a ricotta pie slice. The sfogliatella shatters into buttery shards while orange scented filling peeks out. It is messy and perfect, the kind of pastry you eat leaning slightly forward.
Ricotta pie here tastes like Sunday at nonna’s table. Not too sweet, lightly spiced, and sturdy enough to travel. Pick up a seeded loaf, and dinner is basically handled.
The team moves fast, but the line moves faster. You will be greeted like a neighbor, even on your first visit. Park nearby, run in, and come out hugging a warm box like treasure.
Seven Stars Bakery – Hope Street – Providence, Rhode Island
Seven Stars on Hope Street delivers an Italian leaning favorite that locals never swap: the almond croissant and a latte. It is not strictly Italian, but the almond paste and crisp lamination nod to European traditions. One bite releases a shower of flakes you will proudly wear.
The bread program is stellar. Grab a country sourdough or olive loaf for dinner, and thank yourself later. Seating spills onto the sidewalk, perfect for people watching and lingering.
Mornings are lively, with neighbors greeting each other by name. Order ahead if you are chasing a specific pastry. You will leave energized, caffeinated, and already planning tomorrow’s repeat.
Borrelli’s Pastry Shop – Coventry, Rhode Island
At Borrelli’s, the forever order is a lobster tail pastry filled with sweet cream and a box of assorted Italian cookies. The shell is impossibly crisp, with layers that crunch like thin glass. Powdered sugar marks your fingers as proof of happiness.
Cookie boxes make easy gifts and better road snacks. Expect rainbow, pignoli, and butter spritz varieties. Add a cannoli if you are feeling extra, because the filling tastes bright and not heavy.
Service feels family level friendly. Prices are fair, portions generous, and everything travels well. You will vow to share, then secretly hide one pastry for later and feel zero regret.
Wright’s Dairy Farm and Bakery – North Smithfield, Rhode Island
Wright’s is a dairy dream, so the standard order leans creamy: an eclair and a slice of fresh cream pie. The custard tastes farm fresh, with a silky texture that makes you slow down. Chocolate glaze sets with a gentle snap.
Do not leave without a bottle of milk or whipped cream. The freshness levels reset your expectations forever. Pies sell out on weekends, so plan thoughtfully and arrive early.
The vibe is cheerful and family friendly. Lines look long but move quickly thanks to an efficient crew. You will head out smiling, balancing a box that somehow feels lighter than your excitement.
Buono’s Italian Bakery – Providence, Rhode Island
At Buono’s, the lifelong order is a hot loaf of Italian bread and a classic pizza strip. That sauce tastes bright and nostalgic, the kind you crave on random Tuesdays. The bread crackles when squeezed, which you will definitely do in the car.
Grab arancini if you spot them. They are golden, cheesy, and deeply satisfying with a side of marinara. Everything here feels like weeknight magic waiting to happen.
Expect a steady stream of locals picking up dinner helpers. Go earlier for the warmest loaves and best selection. You will head home tearing off ends, promising to save some, and absolutely failing.