As the days grow longer and the weather begins to warm up, one of the sure signs that spring has arrived in Rhode Island is the return of zeppole to bakery shelves. These delectable Italian pastries, often associated with the celebration of St. Joseph’s Day, are eagerly awaited by locals who crave their fluffy texture and sweet flavor. From traditional plain zeppole dusted with powdered sugar to versions filled with creamy custard or ricotta cheese, there is a zeppole to suit every taste. As the aroma of freshly baked pastries fills the air, Rhode Islanders know that spring has officially arrived.
Zeppole, the cream-filled pastries, are traditionally enjoyed on St. Joseph’s Day, celebrated on March 19th. However, in Italian bakeries, these delightful treats start making their appearance as early as the end of February. While zeppole have their origins in Italy, they have also become a beloved tradition in Rhode Island, where their popularity surged in the 60s and 70s and continues to this day.
According to Michael Manni, the owner of Providence’s LaSalle Bakery since 1975, St. Joseph’s Day is a highly important holiday for Italian bakeries in the area. In 2019, he mentioned in an interview with The Journal that he used to travel across the country and share the astonishing sales figures of zeppole at his bakery. He found that even Italian bakers in different cities were surprised by the popularity of this traditional pastry, which is particularly cherished in Providence.
The Providence Journal recently conducted an informal poll among its readers to discover the top-rated zeppole in Rhode Island.
To kick things off, we reached out to our readers on our Instagram page @ProJoEats and requested nominations for the places they thought should be included in our poll. We gathered all the suggestions and transformed them into a comprehensive poll for people to cast their votes and choose their ultimate favorite.
After receiving hundreds of votes, we now have the top picks as chosen by our readers.
Felicia’s Coffee, located at 5757 Post Road in East Greenwich, is renowned for its mouth-watering zeppole. These delectable treats are made from scratch and are highly sought after during their limited availability. Indulge in their baked zeppole, which come in four irresistible flavors: classic, deluxe Italian, cream puff, and Bailey’s. These delightful pastries are generously sized, perfect for sharing between two people, that is, if you can resist keeping them all to yourself.
The zeppole at DeLuise Bakery, located at 1251 Chalkstone Ave. in Providence, are absolutely incredible. With 85 years of experience, the talented family behind these delectable treats certainly knows a thing or two about creating outstanding pastries. Whether you prefer them baked or fried, you won’t be disappointed. You can choose from the traditional zeppole, chocolate zeppole, or zeppole filled with whipped cream. If you’re looking for a recommendation, the chocolate zeppole come highly praised.
If you’re looking to indulge in a wide variety of flavors, look no further than The Original Italian Bakery, located at 915 Atwood Ave. in Johnston. They offer a delightful selection of delicious treats, including whipped cream and raspberry, pistachio, chocolate, Irish cream, ricotta, and traditional pastry cream. Each flavor is crafted with care, ensuring a memorable and mouthwatering experience for all.
At LaSalle Bakery in Providence, you have the option to choose between baked or fried zeppole. With decades of experience, they specialize in crafting these delectable pastries. Whether you prefer the traditional, Bailey’s, or chocolate flavor, LaSalle Bakery ensures that each zeppole is freshly made to perfection. Indulge in these delightful treats and you won’t be disappointed.
Scalio Brothers Bakery, located at 257 Atwells Ave., Providence, is a cherished Italian bakery on Federal Hill known for its exceptional zeppole. Despite a change in ownership during the pandemic, the recipes remain unchanged. In addition to their delightful assortment of baked goods, the bakery also offers fried zeppole as a special treat on St. Joseph’s Day.
Ivy & Lace Bake Shop in Greenville, located at 592 Putnam Pike, has an enticing lineup of flavors this year. In addition to their original and cannoli flavors, they are introducing a delightful new addition: salted caramel. If you’re up for a short road trip, it’s definitely worth visiting them to indulge in these delectable treats.
At Antonio’s Bakery, located at 2448 West Shore Road in Warwick, you will discover a wide array of delectable zeppole flavors to satisfy your taste buds. Indulge in the classic traditional zeppole or explore unique options like Irish cream, strawberry creme, chocolate creme, and a decadent triple chocolate variant. With such variety, there’s bound to be a zeppole that suits your preferences at Antonio’s Bakery.
