Corbo's Bakery Cleveland

One of many family-owned spots amidst Cleveland’s compact and oft-overlooked Little Italy, Corbo’s Bakery and nearby rival Presti’s have long competed for the title of Northeast Ohio’s best place for Cookies, Cassata Cake and Cannoli, an endorsement from Mario Batali still not enough to sway locals lured in by the latter’s polish and café style seating, but undoubtedly a point of view that carries serious weight amongst travelers – and one that proved to be truthful  on an October Saturday morning.

Long and shotgun straight, from entryway to the kitchen in back, Corbo’s Bakery stuffs the space at 12210 Mayfield Road with the sort of scene recognizable from the streets of New York or Boston while eschewing the high prices and recognizable Bronx accents, the same family still in charge after 50+ years, though the staff on this particular day was mostly comprised of CWRU students that were perfectly pleasant despite audibly being heard throughout the visit describing late-night shenanigans from the previous evening.

Taking time to peruse the options, bakers from the back filing out with cookies, cakes and more to replenish store shelves, it was after some deliberation that a total of thirteen items were selected and taken to one of two small high-tops for indulgence, a few repeats and leftovers saved for later and eventually shared with visiting family.

Priced slightly higher than Presti’s when compared item-for-item, but making up for the hike by focusing on small details like filling Cannoli to order, it was with a loud crack that the lengthy cylinder gave way to smooth Mascarpone filling, the Sfogliatelle an equally shattering experience with springy coils launching Confectioner’s Sugar skyward as teeth plunged into the Citrus-scented Ricotta center.

Famed for its Cassata Cake, essentially a Strawberry Shortcake upgraded by a rich layer of Custard, it can only be assumed that the Crocs-clad Celebrity Chef visited during the height of Summer when he deemed the item “best I have ever tried in the USA,” several not-yet-ripe fruit slices marring an otherwise decent cake-slice while an Italian Cookie collection proved far more compelling, the Buckeyes and Butterballs a throwback to Childhood while the freshly made Rainbow Cookies were perhaps the best *I* have ever tasted.

Italian Ice. Smooth and lemony! Love it, but can not get it in California!