Best Italian bakery in Chicago or suburbs

[Illuminatus]

Anyone? Particularly bakeries with the best cannolis and Tiramisu.

[ChicagoHokie]

Best I've had is at Pastecceria Natalina, but they are pricey at ~$6 a pop.
Best value cannoli I've had is at D'Amato's, at only $1.80 a pop.

(While the PN sfogliatelli look tasty, I have a hard time spending ~$10-11 for a fancy croissant)

[kittenwithawhip]

Any of these places have decent sfogliatelli?

[rjka]

Pastecceria Natalina has excellent sfogliatelli, but I'm not sure if it's an everday item. You might want to call ahead.

[kittenwithawhip]

They didn't have any on Sunday but said they are happy to make them to order. I didn't call ahead as I didn't know for certain we would make it down there. But I still managed to spend a decent amount on some other lovely things!

[Querencia]

The Turano Bakery's small shop on Roosevelt Road in Oak Park has the Italian version of croissants---I forget what they are called but they are so good I go out of my way to get to this place.

[ms. chow]

Cornetto? I might have to check it out pronto. Thanks!

[choppcs]

My favorite for cannoli is Allegretti's in Norridge. They fill them while you wait.

http://www.allegrettisbakery.com

Allegretti's Bakery
7717 W. Lawrence Avenue
Norridge, IL 60706
ph: 708.453.4412

[Illuminatus]

That is the cardinal rule for cannolis. They must be filled when ordered and not have the shells sitting there all day with the cheese inside already. Thanks for that rec Choppcs!

GoMexico, does Naples Bakery also do this with their cannolis?

[gomexico]

I think Naples, like Pastecceria Natalina, fills the cannoli ahead of time - how far ahead I don't know. I haven't asked to have them filled on the spot, though - and can't say whether they'd offer to do that. I agree that a long time in a shell, sitting in a case, can cause deterioration - but how long that deterioration takes is another question. Pastecceria Natalina is probably my favorite Italian pastry shop in the city - and much of what's produced there is made with ingredients requiring that you eat what you purchase on the day of purchase.

[rjka]

Pastecceria Natalina does not, at least not normally, fill their cannolis ahead of time. In fact, when I've ordered cannolis there, they warn me that they're supposed to be eaten with an hour and a half of filling them.

[BRB]

Pasticceria Natalina, easily the best Sicilian bakery in Chicago (probably the best bakery in Chicago period), absolutely does not fill their cannoli ahead of time.

[Illuminatus]

I went here and had the cannoli. It was very good and they did fill it after I ordered it. This place is very nice but it was a bit pricey I must say.

[rjka]

I think the best cannolis are at Pastecceria Natalina in Andersonville.

[gomexico]

I've been eating and enjoying the cannoli from Naples Bakery since I was a young boy, for more than 50-years now - and there are good reasons the bakery has flourished through the decades - quality being the prime one.

Naples Bakery
3705 W 95th St
Evergreen Park, IL 60805-2138
[phone]
http://www.naplesbakery.com/