The pastries and gelato are amazing. However, I am disappointed with the attitude of a staff member that was helping me. I believe her name is Sharmila. She was very rude and short with me. Even though I've been there multiple times, this experience was unpleasant due to her poor customer service. read more

The sfogliatelle and lobster tail were big hits with my fiancé. He said the sfogliatelle is top 1 or 2 (tough call with the one he loves from The Mediterranean bakery near where we live). I also grabbed a chocolate filled croissant for the ride back to NJ and it was delicious. So fresh, flaky, and not too much chocolate...the best I've had. I wish there were more offerings as far as cookies (more so for our 3yr old) but their selections all looked delicious and fresh. The staff was friendly and no problem with parking at 9:30 in the morning on a Sunday. I don't know why it's taken me so long to stop in before heading back to NJ after visiting family every month. I will for sure be back next month to pick something up for the road. read more

Legitimate Italian pastries. Nothing else even close in Capital District and better than most that I've been to in the US. Sfoiglatella are legit, torrone is awesome, and gelato is excellent. Atmosphere is also top notch. read more

Villa Italia is a real gem in downtown Schenectady. Atmosphere is a huge part of this place. The place is well lit, clean and comfortable. Who knew you could feel so much like you were in Italy somewhere in Sch'dy? I've read in a book that almost everything inside came from Italy. (You can even buy Italian candy!) Pastries are great here! They aren't cheap if you start getting up to a pound or more, but you are paying for the high quality. Their gelato is delicious. Sandwiches are very good as well, premade and they offer to toast it for you. Very large portions. The meal comes with a small bottled water. They also serve soups, salads and pizzas. It's a nice place to stop for lunch. I'm not into the warm drinks, but I've gone with a friend who said her's was delicious, so I'm taking her word on it. You can try for yourself. :) Check out Villa Italia when you're in the area! I'm sure you'll enjoy it! read more

Is there anything cooler than coffee and dessert at Villa Italia? Not by a long shot. Since there has already been a lot of praise heaped onto the establishment itself, I have decided to base my own praise on my favorite dessert pastry of theirs. Everyone recommends and loves the various cannoli's, and their rum cake is divine, but my favorites are definitely the chocolate mice. These critters are about the size of a cannolli, but start with some sort of cookie with a hazelnut on top, which serves as the base for the mouse to stand on. It then consists of a 3-inch tubular formation of chocolate mousse(kind of like a truffle mixture,) that is then rounded into a coniferous shape towards the top. It is then covered with milk chocolate and features little sculpted ears and whiskers at the top. The effect is that of a standard chocolate version of a large catnip mouse you'd buy in a store, though this version wont last nearly as long. I also recommend getting one of their lattes with a shot of Bailey's in it. Paired with two chocolate mice on a plate, it is pure bliss. read more

The best bakery in Albany! Great gelato and a huge variety of pastries, cookies and cannolis. Super friendly staff and amazing treats in downtown Schenectady. read more

This is a must if you are in Schenectady. No matter what kind of dessert you like; cake, pastries, gelato etc, they will not disappoint! Get a mouse, it's absolutely decadent! Their special ordered cakes are beautiful and delicious too! read more

I ordered a cake for a gender reveal party just before Christmas. Let me start by mentioning how they only offer a couple of flavors and designs for this kind of cake. Having ordered our wedding cake here( which turned out excellent), I expected a pleasant surprise with this cake as well, despite the limited choices. I have to mention that the cake was average, kinda the same quality as a grocery store ordered kind. Pretty much none of my guests ate the filling, which was heavy and too sweet. I ended up throwing the rest away lol so for a tasty cake for this kind of occasion you're better off ordering somewhere else. read more

The desserts are professional, well thought out and well executed. I'm not a fan of sugared toppings, so I'm a problem child at times. The coffee is good, the espresso is better. Gelato is varied in flavors and delicious. It is a convenient, clean and enjoyable venue to have a light business meeting. read more

Went in to order a cake, they had us go into there Instagram to see what the options are. We found one we loved and they said they can do it exactly like that. We were very specific in how we wanted it and the font. We placed the order a week in advanced and paid $90 for an 8 person cake, then we got it the decorations were very sloppy, looked nothing like the picture, the font was a mess, the H for happy looked like an A so it spelled Aappy, the y all look like S so it literally looks like it says Aapps birthdas with sloppy decorating. Very aggravated that I payed $90 for a small cake cause I wanted it to look nice and got a Walmart cake, if not less then. Will not be buying anything from them again. Literally made a whole account cause I am that frustrated about how poorly it is! read more

5 stars earned for their rum cake which I tasted at a Bridal Show. Light genoise, moist on the bottom with rum flavor, yummy custard layers. Bellisimo. The schvuyatelles continue to be stellar. read more

Excellent selection. Had the chocolate mousse mouse, chocolate cannoli, cannoli, and espresso and stratecilli gelato. All were good except the chocolate cannoli. Service was amazing. Will go back if I am in Albany, NY again!! Great little shop. read more

I have been eating their food since I was 5 and they were in Rotterdam off Curry Rd. (Almost 30 years) Hands down , nobody else has topped these cannoli desserts. I've had Bella Napoli, Cafe Vic's (Boston) and even another place that specializes in cannoli treats (can't remember off hand the name but, never going back) and these from Villa Italia is just perfect. Their rum cakes with pudding are the best and I could never imagine living too far away from this place. Always come here whenever I am in town, worth the hour drive. read more

Villa Italia - This strawberry cupcake is just bursting with berry goodness! - Bakeries Near Me - Schenectady, New York

Villa is the premier Italian bakery in the Capital Region! Amazing pastry, cookies, gelato, and lunch! The staff is always so friendly and efficient, it's always a pleasure to visit. read more

Truly outstanding cake! Came out beautiful and everyone loved it! Thank you! Cake was delicious I recommend anyone coming here for a cake of all occasions. read more

Villa Italia - Bakeries Near Me - Schenectady, New York

Villa Italia is a little slice of heaven right in the middle of Schenectady. It's a little pricey, but absolutely without question - totally worth it. Honestly? It's absolutely delicious - the gelato is out of this world, the pastries are on point and the service is fast and friendly. Really, you couldn't ask for more. They made my daughter a birthday cake, like a giant 7 layer cookie (her favorite). It was so incredibly awesome. The place can get busy, so be weary of that - but again, totally worth the wait in gold. I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY so I pride myself on knowing a bit about Italian pastries and this place is definitely high quality. GO THERE NOW! read more

You cannot go wrong with any item you select from this amazing bakery across the street from Proctor's Theatre. Their cakes and cupcakes are divine. Their cookies are as tasty as can be and their macaroons - yes a cookie - are out of this world. And for staff meetings, you cannot beat one or two of their coffee cakes! Whenever I stop in I always pick up some of their cannoli for my mother, they usually have multiple varieties. I do not know how all of their staff stay so fit and trim! read more

Best bakery around. You can not beat their cookies and pastries. Time after time our family is thoroughly satisfied. Yes, the cookies are pricey, but certainly worth it. Fresh. Tasty. Delicious. read more

As you walk in, the place smells SO sweet. We love their sweets (aka treats). Their gelato is amazing, and if your lucky enough if you see their créeme brûlée be sure to snatch one! The staff is always friendly and fast. Their American strawberry cake NEVER disappoints. Anytime we have visitors we always make it a point to either bring them here OR buy some sweets to share! read more

Great Italian bakery! Villa Italia has the best baked goods in the Capital Region and a nice espresso after a dinner or before a show. The Chocolate Amaretto/Kahlua cake, Cannoli and Sfogliatella are amazing. read more

What can be said about this place that hasn't already been said. Got 3 cakes for my wedding. Not "wedding cakes," just regular cakes. Nothing but raves, especially from my out-of-town, foodie guests. Truly beautiful and delicious. So special and gorgeously decorated and I just ordered regular cakes. read more

OMG!!! Their Gelato is sooo good. I was in Italy this summer and did not think I would find good gelato at home, and then someone suggested Villa Italia and it was sooo good. I also bought cookies! read more

If you want great service with a smile, come to villa Italia! I came in today wanting a drink but could not make up my mind! I was helped by a young girl named Skyler I believe, and she definitely steered me in the right direction! The espresso was great and I might have to add it into my daily diet! Skyler had great customer service and even under the mask you can see her smile! read more

As the owner of a small local bakery, I am always excited to explore other bakeries in the area. Not out of competition. I believe that there is room for everyone. I simply enjoy finding GREAT FOOD. Sometimes I am disappointed in my adventures. Not this time. Visiting Villa Italia has been on my radar for quite some time. Being so busy, I have had to keep putting it off. However, this past Saturday I was with a friend who had a craving for one of those flakey cream filled lobster tail looking pastries. Very similar to a sfogliatelle, but filled with cream. Ok, so we drove out to Schenectady. The young lady who waited on me was top notch. Very upbeat and pleasant/professional. She was very eager to help and offered up information easily. She understood the product well, and politely made attempts to up-sell (I don't frown upon up selling, unless it is in your face and rude. This was not). I grabbed 7 of these pastries for a family dessert. I also grabbed a cannoli for myself to snack on. I must warn you - I am very very picky about my cannoli. I dislike a soft shell very much. So much that I will toss the whole cannoli if the shell does not crunch and shatter. When I got home, I grabbed my cannoli and as I bit into it . . . pieces of the shell shattered all over my freshly cleaned kitchen floor. I got exactly what I had hoped for. A+ for the cannoli A+ for customer service As for the lobster tail pastry: I enjoyed it. But not as much as the cannoli. I look forward to going back and trying the tiramisu read more

very much love villa italia! i was going through the reviews and i came across people constantly complaining about waiting in line.. the thing is you don't get a special expressway pass just because you ordered a cake. just how life goes you go in order and when its your turn, it's your turn. there is lots of pressure put on these girls and they try there best. there customer service is amazing and they try to go as quick as they can. read more

We ordered a very large tray of Christmas cookies last year. Sadly when I went to pick them up, the madness ensued. Their pickup system is seriously flawed. I waited for about an hour to pick up a pre-order of cookies. There was so much standing and waiting for no reason while teenage worker stood by holding the main door open. A little order, or a logical system would have made a huge difference... The cookies them self were sub par and were 100% frozen. Not what you expect for relatively expensive cookies. read more

So I went to a wedding and had the best cookies On this planet I'm not a pastry person but Loard knows I am now . The cookie melted in my mouth like no other flavor I have ever had I want to spend my pay check on the one cookie coconut dream so to day I will be traveling 45 min to get them yes thank you for a new out look on dessert!!!! With this cookie I know I tasted sweet tears and sweat of and old Italian women s love and labor yummmm !!!!!! I'm coming ......! read more

For Schenectady, this place is above average. But overall, it's a hit or miss really. I first came here to get an assortment of pastries and desserts for my friends birthday. We ate them together and as I said, some of the items were fresh and delicious but some others tasted stale and old. The gelato is not bad but not great! I would have definitely loved to have ordered a cake from here since they look so freaking good and they make it fresh!! For special occasions, definitely get a cake from here. As a bakery, it's a hit or miss. read more

My daughter goes to Union College, so when I went to pick her up for the Winter Break, we had lunch here before we went home. We hadn't been here before, so it was a little confusing to figure out at first. This is an 'order from the counter, eat at the tables to the right' place, but after salivating over all of the goodies in the cases, we managed to figure it out, and ordered our sandwiches, which were made fresh, and drinks. My only complaint is that there isn't any freshly brewed iced tea - all they had was Lipton in bottles, but we made do. I had the meatball sub, and my girl had the Italian cold cut sub. Both were delicious, with generous sized portions that we ended up taking with us to finish later on down the road. We also brought home some of their delicious Italian pastries to share with family for breakfast the next morning, and they were absolutely scrummy. We will be back here many times over the next four years - no doubts! Can't wait to try the gelato :-). read more

I think this does deserve five stars, in Schenectady. Even by San Francisco standards it would get a high rating! Great gelato, lots of cookie selections. The brewed coffee I had was only fair but I did not sample the espresso drinks... next time. read more

Sarah M was very rude and had very poor customer service. Very unhelpful, should not have a job that involves human interaction. Also my fresh fruit smoothie was very processed and not fresh at all. Sarah did not inform me of this lie. I will not be coming back if she is still here. read more

Been there many times and never had any issues with anything, I used to think that Napoli bakery in Rotterdam was the best until I came here and had there cannoli and was amazed, since then I've tried several of there cookies and there gelato, which is the best in town read more

Just enjoyed their Turkey BLT and chicken Pastina Soup. A young lady named Kristen waited on me. She was so pleasant and expeditious. Great smile and real positive attitude and energy. The food was great. Real turkey on the Turkey BLT. The lines moved quickly. Make sure you grab a number when you arrive. Love this place. It's a blessing to have it in upstate NY. read more

New to the area and I think I found some replacement bakery from where moved from. Might be a bit pricey by the time everything is weight but good quality sweats. Everything was balanced and shells where crisp. Will definitely be making more visits to this place. Even their cappuccino was nice and creamy. read more

Five stars for the nostalgia factor. I was born in this area and have family here, Villa Italia was always a sought out destination. My most recent visit was a business trip, with a quick walk down memory lane. I'm old enough to enjoy the coffee, that is a perk. And damn those almond crescents....I'm drooling just thinking about them. The place looks better than ever and the aroma brings back floods of great memories. Thank you Villa Italia. read more

i bought my french friend a cake here. the staff was very helpful and the cake turned out beautiful. i think they have sorbet here that is vegan so maybe there is something here for me. i just haven't tried them all. this place isn't my favorite because it's just not geared toward vegans. the owner has an obsession with ray ramano or something and i guess he likes to visit here. i haven't seen him yet. keepin' my eyes peeled. read more

Stop in to Villa Italia Broadway Schenectady down from Proctor's went in and had some fine pastries took some home places very clean the staff was polite restrooms are clean prices are reasonable enjoy bon appetit read more

Villa Italia - Bakeries Near Me - Schenectady, New York

I would recommend the American Strawberry cake with whipped cream frosting, we had it for our wedding cake and it was orgasmic. I order the same cake every year for my anniversary, just the 8 inch of course but I still have the same feeling every time I eat it, and that is, I am not sharing with my wife!! Good place to order your wedding cake from!! The cake tasting was fun!! read more

I love this place. Good food, great coffee, beautifully designed everything, and SUPER clean. All of that said, there is one elderly woman in the morning behind the counter that makes me feel like I am interrupting her day. After more than a dozen times of her poor customer service behavior I can't go anymore. Owners, if you are checking this, she needs to go. I am in the customer service business, she clearly did not get the memo, read more

First time here. Very friendly staff, but in a hurry. Told the lady first time here she walked away and said will give you time. Sadly I had questions, which I had to wait and ask the next lady. Great selections, Great laid back feeling in this place. A must check out if in area, hell drive here just for this place. read more