0 Followers
Zeppola Bakery
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Zeppola Bakery
7.8
This authentic Italian pasticceria brings bomboloni culture to Midtown with giant cream-filled donuts, flaky croissants, and fresh focaccia sandwiches baked throughout the day. The pistachio cream creations and signature Zeppola with Nutella have built a loyal following among locals and commuters.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pistachio Bomboloni, Zeppola with Nutella, Prosciutto Focaccia
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Authentic Italian bomboloni and pastries baked fresh all day
Who should go: Sweet lovers seeking Italian pastry beyond cannoli
When to visit: Morning for freshest pastries or after 5:30pm for 50% off deals
What to order: Pistachio bomboloni, powdered donut with Bavarian cream, pistachio latte
Insider tip: After 5:30pm most baked goods are half price for evening commuters
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated parking—Midtown Manhattan means street parking is near impossible. Subway (B/D/F/M at 34th St-Herald Sq or 1/2/3 at Times Sq-42nd St) is your best bet
Dress code: Come as you are—casual bakery counter with no dress expectations
Noise level: Moderate buzz—lively bakery atmosphere but conversation flows easily at the back seating area
Weekend wait: 5-10 min at counter during peak hours; back seating usually available
Weekday lunch: Quick service—typically under 5 min even with a line
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—spinach ricotta quiche, avocado toast, cheese focaccia, plus full pastry selection
Vegan options: Very limited—some options reported but not a specialty; ask staff for current availability
Gluten-free options: Limited—about 2 GF dessert options available, but not a dedicated facility so cross-contamination possible
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Great for a casual coffee-and-pastry date—cozy booth seating in the back with outlets creates a comfortable spot to linger over pistachio lattes. Perfect for a low-pressure meet-up, though not a full dinner destination.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed—it's counter service. The back seating area with booths is first-come, first-served and usually has availability outside peak morning hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely—the colorful pastry display is basically a kid magnet. Plenty of chocolate options, giant cream-filled donuts, and quick service means no one loses patience. Casual enough that sticky fingers aren't a crisis.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Italian bomboloni and cream-filled pastries that blow away standard bakery chains—plus the 50% off after 5:30pm deal makes it unbeatable for commuter desserts and late-night theater treats (open until midnight Fri-Sat)
Skip if: You need dedicated gluten-free preparation, substantial vegan options, or a quiet sit-down meal—this is grab-and-go pastry heaven, not a full-service cafe
Zeppola Bakery
8.3
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Sweet Treats Escapes
Business Lunch Power Players
Trendy Table Hotspots
A high-output Italian bakery-café that pairs strong pastry fundamentals with a surprising amount of savory grab-and-go—think focaccia, sandwiches, and espresso that keeps Midtown moving. The sweet spot is a mixed order: one cream-forward pastry, one classic cake slice, and something savory if you’re making it a meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Italian tiramisu, Focaccia (savory slices), Spinach-and-cheese pastry
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Italian pastry + focaccia counter that functions like a Midtown fuel station.
Who should go: Commuters and teams needing fast sweets
When to visit: Late afternoon for fuller pastry case
What to order: Tiramisu, focaccia slice, spinach-cheese pastry
Insider tip: Add one savory item—otherwise the order can skew too sweet.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very limited around Penn Station; nearby paid garages are the most realistic option.
Dress code: Casual Midtown attire—work clothes, jeans, and sneakers all fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak commuter hours; quieter and more manageable mid-afternoon.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—no dinner service; expect a short line during busy weekend afternoons.
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minutes during peak lunch rush; often no wait off-peak.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple vegetarian pastries, cakes, and cheese-forward savory items like focaccia and filled pastries.
Vegan options: Limited—some breads and select pastries may be vegan, but options rotate and are not always labeled.
Gluten-free options: Very limited—no dedicated gluten-free pastry program; cross-contamination likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better as a casual coffee or pastry stop than a sit-down date—the energy is fast and functional, not intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—seating is first-come, first-served, but space is limited and many guests eat on the go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick treats—cakes and pastries work well for kids, but there’s no dedicated kid menu or play space.
Best For
Better for: Fast, reliable Italian pastries plus savory options when you need something substantial near Penn Station.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet café to linger, strong vegan/gluten-free choices, or a destination dessert experience.
Zeppola Bakery
8.2
An Italian bakery counter where the ‘donut’ lane is all about bomboloni and sugar-dusted filled pastries, backed by a broad pastry case that rewards focused ordering. It’s strongest as a grab-and-go sweet stop near Penn when you want real pastry craft more than novelty toppings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bomboloni (filled donuts), Zeppole, Cannoli
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Italian bakery execution with bomboloni/zeppole that taste like pastry, not gimmick.
Who should go: Pastry people who want donuts with real craft
When to visit: Late morning before the lunch rush
What to order: Bomboloni, zeppole, cannoli
Insider tip: Buy two: one for now, one for later—fills sell out unevenly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very limited; garages nearby but pricey. Best reached on foot or via Penn Station transit.
Dress code: Casual—anything from work clothes to jeans is fine.
Noise level: Low to moderate—counter service with light foot traffic, easy to think and eat.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—this is a daytime bakery counter, not a dinner destination.
Weekday lunch: Short line or no wait; brief spikes late morning.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—most pastries are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Very limited—occasionally plain bread or select items, but not a reliable vegan stop.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free program; cross-contamination likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better as a low-pressure coffee-and-pastry meet than a sit-down date—quick, casual, and easy to keep short.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There’s minimal seating and no reservations—plan on grab-and-go or a quick stand-in visit.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like pastries; no kids menu or seating extras, so best for short stops.
Best For
Better for: Italian-style bomboloni and classic pastry craft without Midtown hype or over-the-top toppings.
Skip if: You want novelty donuts, a long sit-down café experience, or strong vegan/gluten-free options.
Zeppola Bakery
7.7
A dessert-forward Italian bakery that’s perfect as the “second stop” on a date: pastries, bomboloni, and cannoli with enough savory options to make it feel like a plan, not an impulse. Best for a sweet finish you can take back to the hotel—or a casual coffee-and-pastry first date.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cannoli (filled to order), Pistachio-cream bomboloni, Focaccia sandwich
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Italian pastries and cannoli that turn dessert into the date.
Who should go: Couples ending the night sweet.
When to visit: Late afternoon or after dinner nearby.
What to order: Cannoli, bomboloni, a focaccia sandwich.
Insider tip: Go for freshly filled cannoli—texture is night-and-day.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Metered street parking is limited and competitive; garages are available nearby but expect Midtown pricing.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual. Date-night appropriate without dressing up—jeans and a nice top work fine.
Noise level: Low to moderate. Easy to talk, but it’s more of a lively bakery hum than a hushed dining room.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes during peak dessert hours; faster if you’re just grabbing to-go.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or just a short line.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes. Most pastries and several savory items are vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited. A few baked goods may qualify depending on the day, but it’s not a vegan-focused bakery.
Gluten-free options: Very limited. Some naturally gluten-free sweets may appear, but cross-contamination is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially for a low-pressure first date. Coffee, pastries, and a short stop make it easy to keep things casual without committing to a full meal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes. Seating is informal and first-come, first-served, and many couples opt for takeout instead of waiting.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy pastries and sweets. There’s no kids’ menu, but baked goods make it an easy stop with children.
Best For
Better for: Dessert dates, casual pastry stops, and sweet finishes after dinner—especially when you want something charming but unfussy.
Skip if: You want a full-service sit-down dinner or a long, leisurely date—this works best as a short, intentional stop.