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    Arethusa A Mano

    3.9 (130 reviews)
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    Pretzel with a definite brioche flair
    Vijay N.

    While Arethusa is most well known for their dairy products, their baked goods are an unexpected treat. Two standouts are the coconut donuts, which have a perfectly crisp outer layer and a soft brioche-like inside, and the pretzel, which is perfectly salted and better than many pretzels I've had, even in Germany. The service has always been prompt and friendly. Although the lot fills quickly, we've not had trouble getting some really nice items at this time of year on Sundays around midday. On a nice morning, you can sit out on the patio or across the street on the benches by the farm dairy, and there are lots of seats inside.

    Vahlrona chocolate
    Lisa F.

    Excellent cafe with high quality coffee and pastries! We stopped in for breakfast and picked up a few doughnuts and cruffins, along with cold brew coffee. Love that they use vahlrona chocolate. A little pricey but great flavors.

    Apple butter filled donut, cranberry filled cronut topped with eggnog cream column, and gingerbread latte
    Susan K.

    ORIGIN: The cafe is one of several Bantam-based offshoots associated with Arethusa Dairy Farm in Litchfield. LOCATION: Arethusa A Mano is located on the main thoroughfare that crosses Bantam. At times the parking lot is crowded, but parking behind Arethusa Dairy across the street is a good alternative. FOOD and BEVERAGES: The cafe serves sandwiches and baked goods that are not commonly found in this area. For example, cronuts -- a flaky cross between a donut and croissant can be found in the pastry case. Likewise, beverages with unique flavors, such as gingerbread latte are prepared and served. AMBIANCE: Beside the order counter and display case are many cafe tables. The white panel walls are fitted with photos from the farm associated with the cafe. Large windows wrap across two sides, allowing a sun-filled dining area.

    Tricia B.

    The "worst" part of Arethusa a Mano is parking - the lot is kind of small, and even though Arethusa is slowly taking over Bantam (for the better, IMHO), parking can be a struggle. The inside is very modern and streamlined in design, accented with a lot of cow paintings. They have a display case for baked goods, a sign announcing the quiche of the day, and rolls/bagels on display behind the registers. I had the Vanderpoel panini, which tasted very fresh (turkey) and crispy from the press. It came with grapes as a side, which was a refreshing surprise. The restrooms were very clean, and the employees were very busy but friendly and answered questions about their product availability.

    Gluten free financier
    Sandra F.

    The pastries at Arethusa A Mano are visually and texturally superb. The flavors are perfection. The inside is clean and sleek. There is plenty of seating and the large windows let in the sunlight which adds to the cheerful atmosphere. The parking lot is small which makes it a bit challenging to park and to leave. All in all I give this spot a ten out of ten or 5 s. P.S. if you are GF a must try is their financier. It's like biting into a pillowy almond puff. Enjoy!

    Egg and cheese on a bagel
    Lizzy L.

    I'm a huge fan of Arethusa's ice cream shop in New Haven so of course I had to make the trip to A Mano! The cafe was busy on a Saturday early afternoon - the attached parking lot was full and we parked in the lot behind the ice cream shop across the street. When our group of four arrived, all the tables were occupied, and we ended up huddling around the corner of a standing table for our first few bites. I ordered the egg and cheese on an everything bagel. The cashier asked how I would like the eggs (over easy, medium, or well) - I asked for medium but the eggs turned out runnier than I would've liked. I also had a matcha rose latte - the matcha was delicious and the rose flavor was not overbearing. Overall a solid cafe for brunch - the dairy products (cheese, creams, butters) are definitely the highlights. I'd love to make the trek again to try a grilled cheese and some of the baked goods. The space is also lovely but I think it would be great if there were few more tables especially at peak hours!

    Francesca D.

    Vacationing up this way and stopped in for a coffee and bagel! I ordered the cheese bagel with scallion cream cheese and an iced coffee. Hit the spot! Bagel was fresh, and coffee was good! Nice little place, quick and friendly service.

    Brioche muffin shaped pastry with cheese Danish filling
    Jason P.

    I've been to Arethusa a Mano (the coffee shop Arethusa) in Bantam a few times, most recently last weekend. I ordered a small black Cold Brew made with a Stumptown blend. It was above average, but not on par with the best CT coffee shops in terms of iced coffee quality. It also seemed like they had fewer specialty coffee beverages than some of the best CT spots. The food is good to great in my experience. My brioche muffin shaped pastry with a cheese Danish type filling from this visit was delicious. It was fresh and had great texture. In terms of atmosphere, you won't find a much more attractive building inside and out. Outside, you'll see new red bricks, white accents and cool signs. Inside, the high wood paneled ceiling crescendos to a point, and decorative stainless steel pipes and counters, white wood shelves, white walls and panels and other decorations are also featured. It's a cool place to hang out. The surrounding area gets top grades for cuteness as well. Since I'm weighting the coffee most heavily, I'm rating Arethusa a Mano 4 Stars, but it would be a bit higher if I could rate in .25 Star increments. Arethusa Ice cream across the street is 5 Stars all the way though.

    Andrew I.

    My wife and I stopped here on our way home. It's located on route 202 in Bantam. Parking lot on the side. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and positive attitude of the employees. Lots of delicious selections of sandwiches, bakery items, and drinks. You can taste the difference in the items that come from there farm. We got an almond croissant which was a nice starter while waiting for our sandwiches. I got a bacon, egg, and cheese on a brioche roll. Very delicious. The eggs were from their farm and the cheese was made across the street at their dairy. It was very filling. I had a bite of my wife's which was ham instead of bacon. It was just as tasty as mine. Just be prepared to spend a little more than at a regular deli. I know you get what you pay for with the high quality of ingredients. However, in the end it's still an egg sandwich.

    caramel latte and drip coffee
    Jenn T.

    It was very clean inside. The employees were sanitizing and wiping down each table as it became vacant. The Vanderpoel panini was crispy, tart and savory. The creamy cheese in it was melting out. It made for a great IG picture if I didn't devour it right away. The croissant was so buttery! At one point I thought I bit into a piece of butter. It was really fluffy and I loved it! The caramel latte was surprisingly not too sweet and was creamy because of their amazing milk! Also, I usually don't add milk to my coffee. I did here because I heard their diary products are made from award winning cows. So I ask for milk with my coffee and it created such a nice depth of flavor.

    Kale Caesar Salad
    Leah S.

    Took lunch to go from Arethusa a Mano to enjoy a crisp fall afternoon. All of their menu offerings tastefully highlighted their award winning cheeses and fresh breads. Kale Caesar salad was loaded with cheese and topped with fresh radishes and tomatoes. Loved loved loved the hot white chocolate latte. We split the Cuban and vanderpoel sandwiches... the pretzel bun served with the Cuban was delicious. We loved the Camembert cheese in the vanderpoel. A little pricey, but not much compared to going out to lunch anywhere else. Can't beat being able to walk across the street for ice cream after.

    Vanderpoel panini and bistro salad.

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    6 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Quick service, quality food, clean and sophisticated atmosphere! It's a must try if you are in the neighborhood.

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    3 years ago

    My go to coffee spot for over a year now. Baked goods are delicious, coffee is always consistent & the syrups are house made

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    4 years ago

    Specially nice excellent food but pricey but worth every penny nice outside seasonal seating - small bar with seating

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    4 years ago

    we got egg salad sandwich, arethusa grilled cheese, and quiche with salad combo along with a macchiato and hibiscus tea. overall, very good.

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    Page 2 of 4

    Ask the Community - Arethusa A Mano

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    People searched for Bakeries 622 times last month within 10 miles of this business.

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    Dutch Epicure Shop

    Dutch Epicure Shop

    4.7
    (26 reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$

    "'Til I have the possession of everything she touches 'Til I…read morestep on the brake to get out of her clutches 'Til I speak Double Dutch to a real double duchess" (Elvis Costello) We were chatting about Litchfield County with the attendant at the White Memorial Conservation Center and she mentioned the many "World Class" bakeries in the area. So, when we visited the Dutch Epicure Shop, we had some high expectations. Epicure Shop is a righteous title, because they sell quite a bit of high-end epicure foods -groceries, soups, a huge deli, and a bakery with breads and pastries. They've developed a big reputation for their European pastries, breads, cookies and cakes. Yup, they make everything on the premises. As you walk around their store, you'll see German meats and sausages, Dutch and European cheeses, teas, jams, chocolates from all across Europe, and a selection of Dutch food and Dutch groceries. I was perplexed by the large selection of Indonesian foods here, but when I fired up the old Google Machine for an explanation, I learned that the Dutch ruled Indonesia from 1815 to 1920! Anyway, back to the food. We zeroed in on the bakery choices and picked up three items for $15. Our Blueberry Lemon Scone was pretty large and was topped with a delicate layer of vanilla icing. It tasted more of blueberry than lemon but was super fresh and delicious. The Almond Triangles were sold as a pair for $6. They were fantastic. Hidden between the sliced almond topping and a graham cracker-like crust was a sweet fruit layer that reminded me of apricot jam. These are addictive. The Raspberry Almond Fruit Tart was another layered treat with an almond glazed topping and a thin raspberry jam layer inside the tart. Our bakery treats were excellent and pretty reasonably priced for their home-baked quality.

    The best cheese cake I've ever had. Hard to describe the flavor and texture without mentioning…read moreheaven. After cooking a big Christmas meal, having this dessert made my life so easy. Their Christmas cookies are excellent with a wide variety of flavors. Thank you!

    Photos
    Raspberry Almond Tart cross section
    Raspberry Almond Tart cross section
    Mocha Mice
    Mocha Mice
    Dutch Epicure Shop

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    Bantam Market

    Bantam Market

    3.6
    (59 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$$

    We're briefly updating our commentary about the Bantam Market, but our thoughts about it haven't…read morechanged all that much. It remains a small, independently owned store with a surprisingly full stock, lots of fresh meats, deli items, produce, a large beer cooler with all the local and foreign brands you night desire, and a very friendly and helpful staff. We're especially fond of the nice folks behind the deli counter. Our complaints are about the same: the prices hover on the high side. The prices are generally quite a bit higher than the nearby Stop and Shop, but honestly, the quality of their locally produced items is far higher. Still, if you're buying some basics like soup or milk, you'll pay more here, and some prices can be really way up there. Sometimes we're frustrated by that, other times we're grateful to find some delicious fresh fish or prepared salads. Bantam is not our first market of choice, but we're here regularly for some things we like and want.

    A small neighborhood market with a kickin' deli. Not really the place to do "normal grocery…read moreshopping", as others have previously stated, it's on the expensive side (in some cases, outrageously so). But if you're looking for unique food items, this is your place. For me, I stop in often just to pick up some fried chicken from the deli, it's the best around -- juicy & meaty, but not greasy, and the coating is very tasty. $6.99 a pound. That fried chicken is 5 Stars every time. Friendly crew, but the checkout can be a bit of a process though, the place does a brisk business, and the parking lot is always full.

    Photos
    Bantam Market
    Great deli!!
    Great deli!!
    Bantam Market

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    Berkshire Mountain Bakery

    Berkshire Mountain Bakery

    4.5
    (167 reviews)
    37.0 mi
    $$

    Heard good things about this spot and added it to our vacation plan. Our rental has a full kitchen…read moreso we grabbed three frozen pizzas and six frozen herb & chess chibatta. The bread will go home with us. The pizza is for dinner. Each pizza would probably serve one adult man and are absolutely delicious. Cooking instructions are on the wrap - put them right on the rack. Crispy crust has plenty of air pockets to keep it light with a good chew. The BBQ onion is sweet. The roasted garlic had a bunch of garlic scattered all over. Lots of cheese on both. The last pizza, roasted red pepper, will be for another day. They had about five pre-made frozen pizza options when we visited. If you prefer, call ahead and they will build one fresh to your liking for you to pick up and bake at home. The interior shopping area is small. By the register is a pastry display case with the most enormous stuffed croissants, scones, cookies and other sweet treats. Behind that is a display of fresh breads. On a rack by the door are bagged bread goods. Freezer and refrigerator cases are along the wall. If I lived around here I would without a doubt be a regular customer and try all their offerings. The staff were very friendly and helpful. Cozy seating area by the front door to enjoy your purchases on site. Big parking lot.

    We visited 2 different locations and they were a world apart, that's too bad because we really like…read moretheir baked goods. At the Pittsfield location we ordered. Peach and Ginger also a Double Chocolate muffin. Delicious. The down side was the very unprofessional attitude of the server behind the counter. We wanted fresh coffee and she actually lied to us about that, instead the coffee urn was mostly empty and not fresh. As for the Housatonic location we ordered some fabulous Almond Croissants and Baguette and San Francisco Bread loaf. Whoa delicious. The woman serving us was outstanding and her very professional attitude was a relief compared to their Pittsfield experience we had. Thank you!

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    Berkshire Mountain Bakery
    Chocolate Loaf French Toast.
    Chocolate Loaf French Toast.
    Cozy little seating area outside

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    Cozy little seating area outside
    Lombardi's Bakery

    Lombardi's Bakery

    4.3
    (50 reviews)
    8.3 mi
    $

    A Torrington institution. Probably the best most fresh and moistest almond cookies on earth! a…read morecrusty outside and super almondy and soft insid. an intense almond flavor and use of high quality almond paste. A triumph! Delicious cookies and Italian pastries just like Nona's because they are made by people who bake with love.

    Lombardi's is an utterly charming, old-fashioned Italian bakery located in downtown Torrington…read more It's family run, cash-only, and incredibly well priced. The pretty loaves of Italian bread are only $3 -- and they taste exactly like my mother's homemade Italian bread, which I would gobble straight out of the oven as a child. (My siblings and I would fight over the heel, excavate the innards, and fill it with butter!) Also on offer: -- Lattice pies / tarts, half lemon, half apple for.... drumroll........ $14! -- Eclairs -- Italian cream puffs -- Chocolate chip cookies -- 2 for $1! -- Lots and lots of colorful Italian cookies Not all of the baked goods were fresh out of the oven, but that's not surprising given that it was (1) Sunday and (2) there are so many items available that they cannot possibly keep everything in rotation day-of fresh. We have access to world class bakeries and are spoiled rotten. By our hyper-picky standards, the baked goods were just fair. But given the pleasant owners, bargain pricing, and lovely bread, I have no trouble seeing why this place is a local favorite.

    Photos
    Try our fresh chocolate cream puffs
    Try our fresh chocolate cream puffs
    Try our variety of Italian cookies!
    Try our variety of Italian cookies!
    Pizza dough is available

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    Pizza dough is available

    Arethusa A Mano - bakeries - Updated June 2026

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