If you’re looking for a sweet way to celebrate St. Joseph’s Day on March 19, there’s no better place than Arthur Avenue in Bronx Little Italy.
Known as La Festa di San Giuseppe, the holiday honors St. Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. In Italy, it’s also celebrated as Father’s Day, and many people named Joseph or Josephine celebrate their Onomastico, or Name Day, on this special date.
And of course, like many Italian traditions, the celebration comes with incredible desserts.
The stars of the holiday are Zeppole di San Giuseppe and Sfingi di San Giuseppe — airy pastries filled with custard or ricotta cream, topped with powdered sugar and often finished with cherries or candied fruit.
Every year, the legendary pastry shops of Bronx Little Italy roll out their own delicious versions of these classic treats.
Here are some of the best spots to try them.
Artuso Pastry Shop
Artuso Pastry Shop
A staple of Arthur Avenue, Artuso is offering both zeppole and sfingi for the season.
Their zeppole is filled and topped with vanilla custard cream and Amarena cherries, while the sfingi features rich cannoli cream with candied citrus fruit, glazed cherry, and sprinkles.
Pastries are $5.95 each and available in store through Easter (while supplies last). You can also order via UberEats, DoorDash, or GrubHub, and they offer national shipping on their website.
DeLillo Pastry Shop
DeLillo Pastry Shop
Celebrating over 100 years in business, DeLillo Pastry Shop is another Arthur Avenue institution.
Their sfingi features cannoli cream topped with glazed cherry and candied orange, while their zeppole are filled with custard and topped with glazed cherries.
Each pastry is $5 in store and also available through GrubHub or UberEats.
Egidio Pastry Shop
Egidio Pastry Shop
One of the oldest bakeries on Arthur Avenue, Egidio has been making St. Joseph pastries using the same recipes since 1912.
Their sfingi are filled with ricotta cream and topped with bergamot orange and a glazed cherry, while their zeppole feature custard cream with an Amarena cherry.
Pastries cost $7.50 to eat in store and $6.95 to go.
Gino’s Pastry Shop
Gino’s Pastry Shop
For more than 60 years, Gino’s has been celebrating St. Joseph’s Day with their freshly fried pastries.
Their zeppole are deep-fried and filled with vanilla custard and Amarena cherries, while their sfingi are stuffed with cannoli cream and topped with diced orange citron.
Both pastries are $5 each, fried fresh daily, and shipping is available. Call (718) 584-3558 for more information.
Madonia Bakery
Madonia Bakery
Madonia Bakery prepares its Sfingi di San Giuseppe using small-batch choux pastry dough baked in the oven, a technique rooted in Sicilian tradition.
Customers can choose between homemade egg custard or sweet ricotta filling.
Pastries are available in store through St. Joseph’s Day weekend (March 22).
Morrone Pastry Shop & Café
Morrone Pastry Shop & Café
Morrone keeps things classic with traditional St. Joseph pastries.
Their zeppole are filled with custard and topped with Amarena cherries, while their sfingi feature cannoli cream topped with a candied orange slice and glazed cherry.
Each pastry is $6.50 in store.
A Sweet Italian Tradition
St. Joseph’s Day is more than just an excuse to indulge in incredible pastries — it’s a celebration of family, faith, and Italian heritage.
And nowhere brings that tradition to life quite like Bronx Little Italy.
If you’ve never taken a trip to Arthur Avenue, this might be the perfect excuse. Grab a few zeppole, order a cappuccino, and celebrate like they do in Italy.
Trust me — your sweet tooth will thank you.
✨ StacyKnows Tip: Go early. These pastries are famously known to sell out quickly on March 19.
