Cannolis on the Westside

[jenh]

Organzing and offcie birthday for our receptionist, who isin charage of EVERYONE else's birthdays and does an amazing job. She really like cannolis and I thought it would be something nice to get for hers. Problem is I have never gotten canolis in Los Angeles before! I'd like something on the Westside so our runnner can pick them up shortly before the party, so we don't have to deal with filling them our selves but they would still be fresh. HELP!?

[foodhappy]

Believe it or not, the Costco in Marina Del Rey sells a Cannoli kit by the "Cannoli Factory" in NY. For $9.95, you get 24 small cannoli shells and 2 large bags of cannoli filling with chocolate chips mixed in, that you pipe into the shells. Then you can dust them with your own powdered sugar. I tried it today, and I was quite impressed!

[paprkutr]

One of the best cannoli in town is at Palermo's in Hollywood. They make them fresh, and they are not that expensive

[maudies5]

Although, not a fan of Peppone in Brentwood, they do make a fine Cannoli

[The Chewy Kid]

IMHO:

Bravo's in sm is okay. the shells are spot on OG East Coast eyetaliano. the filling however, is a bit too sugary sweet for my liking. I like it as a more subtle dessert as in Roma.

Bay Cities Canollis are crap crap crap I say.

Sorrentos are nicely made and not too sweet. Plus you can pick up great gourmet foodstuffs while you're there. The family that runs the place is nice and I like to support them.

[glutton]

I had the cannoli and a sandwich at Sorrento's two weeks ago and I have to say that I was not overly impressed. The grocery and deli area seemed like a weak alternative to Bay Cities. I didn't have to wait in line and deal with a bunch of surly, slow-as-molasses sandwich makers like I do at Bay Cities, but I thought the sandwich wasn't as good either. The baked goods were good and looked more appetizing than some of the stuff at Bay Cities, which doesn't have that homemade feel that you like. That said, I have not tried anything beyond the cannolis at Sorrento's. They were not refrigerated, which is a positive. But I did not find them to be better than Bay Cities. The shell wasn't crunchy, which is a big no-no in my book. Perhaps I'm spoiled by those years in Philly when they filled the cannoli on the spot and the ricotta was perfectly fluffy, sweet, tangy, etc. I suppose there's only one Sistine Chapel, too.

[glutton]

You can also get cannolis at Sorrento's, which is on Sepulveda in Culver City. I saw a few different types when I was there a couple weeks ago. Probably not quite as good as Bay Cities, but they are another option.

[wykkedwilly]

The cannolis at Sorrento's are better than Bay Cities. I like the ones with the chocolate covered shells best.

[benken]

Di Vita's pizza has good ones, though I haven't conducted my own personal taste test. There are on the south side of Wlshire near Brockton. It's actually a great little pizza joint for a lot of food (chopped antipasto salad, pizza, etc.)

I have ordered the cannolis to go after eating dinner there, and have them delivered with our order. I have never been disappointed...and they are easy to get to.

[mungus]

Intrigued, I ordered a Di Vita's cannoli. I would never in a million years have thought to order a dessert there. I had just thought that all their desserts were frozen or pre-made from some Sysco-like supplier.

Wrong! They make them there, the only dessert on the menu made there. The filling was creamy, lightly sweet, smooth and generous. The shell was perfectly crisp, and the sprinkling of chocolate chips on top was perfect.

I was a little annoyed at the price - $4 ($4.50 maybe?) because for some reason, in my cranky oldster brain, it should cost less, but frankly, it was well spent.

So far, the best cannoli in town. Better than Vito's, Bay Cities, Sorrento's, Bravo's. Thanks for the tip, benken!

[mungus]

Vito's on La Cienega does a good cannoli. I think they fill them when you order, but not cheap (are they ever in LA?) - like $4 or something each.

[Ogawak]

Vito's are indeed great, IMHO much better than what you would get at Bay Cities. Based on what others have said about Bravo, they might be similar.

[Emme]

My favorite come from the Beverly Glen Market at the top of the hill just south of Mulholland off of Beverly Glen... small and large, and very simple... lace shell, creamy ricotta filling, rolled and drizzled lightly with dark and white choc drizzle with the ends dipped in dark choc as well.

I also would second glutton's rec for Bay Cities.

Gelson's (Viktor Benes') also sells cannolis, but I believe you need to special order these.

[handlertaper]

How about Al Geloto on Robertson? They make a good cannoli.

[santora]

I also suggest Bravo Pizzeria on Main St in SM. They buy the cannoli shells from Ferarra's in NYC. A touch on the pricey side but well worth it.

Also, I suggest their pizza. I'm a big fan of the White Bravissimo.

[jenh]

Thanks so much for all the suggestions, may just have to go try them myself to make sure they are adequate :)

[Burger Boy]

That is a good idea, you would not want anyone saying you got inferior cannoli. If you need someone to drive you on your quest for quality control, I can be had at a very reasonable price, a few slices, a campari & soda and of course some cannoli!

[Burger Boy]

If anyone lives near Eagle Rock, have them pick them up at The Eagle Rock Italian Bakery on Colorado.

[jacinthe]

Bravo Pizzeria, on Main Street in Santa Monica, has cannolis they import from New York. They keep the shells and filling separate, and only when you order do they fill the shells. They're my favorite in LA.

[glutton]

They don't fill them while you're standing there (that's apparently a Philly thing), but you can get little cannolis at Bay Cities Deli on Lincoln Blvd in Santa Monica. They've got containers to-go with about six of them in there, but I'm guessing you're looking for larger quantities. Therefore, you can probably order in advance and they'll have them ready. They're not the best cannolis I've ever had, but they're nothing to scoff at either.

[vewyfunny]

I've always asked them to hand stuff them for me on the spot and have never gotten a no...