ZipPicks Awards
Best Bakery in Goose Island & River West
Master Critic Review
D'Amato's Bakery
8.6
Old-school Italian bakery where the real move is to treat it like a bread-and-sandwich counter with a pastry case attached. The house hits hardest on classic cannoli and cookies, plus hot, hearty lunch staples that reward ordering and eating immediately.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cannoli, Italian sub, Assorted cookies (1 lb)
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: A high-volume Italian bakery-counter where classics (bread, subs, cannoli) drive repeat loyalty.
Who should go: Sandwich-and-pastry hunters who want Italian staples fast.
When to visit: Late morning weekdays for the shortest counter lines.
What to order: Cannoli; Italian sub; assorted cookies.
Insider tip: Eat hot items immediately—texture drops fast once they cool.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking nearby (metered/permit mix) and can be tight at peak hours—plan a few extra minutes or treat it as a quick in-and-out stop.
Dress code: Very casual—come as you are (jeans, sneakers, work clothes all normal).
Noise level: Low to moderate—more bustling counter noise than loud music; easy to talk while you browse and order.
Weekend wait: Not really a dinner wait spot—expect a quick counter line instead (10–20 min at peak weekend rush).
Weekday lunch: Usually short and efficient (0–10 min), with a small bump during the noon lunch surge.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bread, pastries, cookies, and some meatless sandwich builds can work, but the menu leans classic Italian deli-bakery.
Vegan options: Limited—expect a few naturally vegan-friendly items (some breads and select cookies), but most pastries include dairy/eggs.
Gluten-free options: Very limited—this is a bread-and-pastry-driven bakery, so gluten-free choices are not a strength.
Best For
Better for: Old-school Italian bakery staples done at high volume: fresh bread, hearty subs, classic cookies, and a dependable cannoli—plus the kind of fast, satisfying lunch that feels like a local secret.
Consider Alternatives If: You want a sit-down café vibe, lots of dietary-friendly choices (vegan/GF), or a slow, cozy place to hang out—this is a counter-first bakery that rewards quick ordering and eating things while they’re at peak texture.