In just about every New Jersey town, Italian and Italian-American cuisine can be found. From delis to pizzerias and ristorantes to pastry shops, the streets are flooded with cannolis and homemade sauce (or gravy). Those passing by the storefront of 265 Ridge Road in Lyndhurst might wonder who the cartoonish rendering of a man surrounded by dessert is. The answer is Gerardo “Jerry” Lanzerotti Sr. In 1948, he opened the Lyndhurst Pastry Shop, and after 75 years, this family-owned business continues to serve pastries, cookies, bread, and baked goods using family recipes from Sicily. Read on to learn about Lyndhurst Pastry Shop in Lyndhurst, New Jersey.
Store Origins + the Lanzerotti Family
Lyndhurst Pastry Shop’s story began in 1915 when Anthony Lanzerotti arrived at Ellis Island from Catania, Sicily. He worked in numerous Brooklyn bakeries and eventually purchased DeFeo’s Pastry Shop in Jersey City. In 1948, his sons Jerry, Anthony Jr., and Joseph opened a store of their own in Bergen County called the Lyndhurst Pastry Shop.
About a decade later, in 1957, Jerry Sr. and Joseph decided to split up because one shop could not support both their families. Jerry Sr. stayed in Northern New Jersey, moving across the street to a larger spot, while Joseph settled in Brooklyn, New York.
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Jerry Sr. and his wife Vincenza also moved above the shop and raised their three sons — Butch, Chuck, and Jerry Jr. — who grew up working alongside their father. After 75 years, this Lyndhurst food landmark is still in the Lanzerotti family. Jerry Sr. and Vincenza’s children and grandchildren keep the store in the family by handling marketing, community outreach, counter service, cake decoration, and more.
What’s on the Menu
The Lyndhurst Pastry Shop makes cupcakes, cookies, pastries, Italian ice, various baked goods, and seasonal favorites. Classic cookies include pignoli, chocolate chip, sesame seed, butter, Savoiardi, and Anisette Toast. When it comes to pastries, a cannoli is always necessary, and at Lyndhurst Pastry Shop, they also come chocolate-covered. Other pastries served here include sfogliatelle, eclairs, pasticiotti, and cream puffs. There are also over ten types of pie, like mince meat, blueberry crumb, and apple.
Fresh bread includes semolina, seedless rye, hard rolls, and long and round Italian bread. We suggest pairing these with olive oil, pasta, or using them to make deli meat sandwiches. Other items include specialty cakes for events, fudge brownies, a California fruit tart, cheesecake, turnovers, muffins, croissants, doughnuts, and taralles. Taralles are a wheat-based cracker popular in Southern Italy that can be sweet or savory. Lyndhurst Pastry Shop features four flavors: original, hot, garlic, and pizza.
Italian Ice from Lyndhurst Pastry Shop is a must-have for any time of year. This spot serves both cream-based Italian Ice and ice-based. Ice flavors are fruity and citrus and come in grape, cherry, lemon, lime, orange, pineapple, and watermelon. Cream-based flavors are made with milk powder and feature fruity and chocolate flavors like cannoli cream, coconut, chocolate chip mint, mango, mint cookie crumble, pina colada, and strawberry cheesecake.
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Like any good dessert spot, The Lyndhurst Pastry Shop bakes seasonal and holiday treats. For Easter, this spot makes White Pie, Easter Bread, Pizzagaina, and butter cookies. For Saint Patrick’s Day, it serves up Irish Soda Bread, and just two days later, for Saint Joseph’s Day, it makes Sfinge and Zeppole. In the autumn months, expect delicious pumpkin pie and pumpkin muffins, and for the Christmas season, make sure to order the Struffoli.
The Best Bergen County, NJ Spas for a Self-Care Day
Sometimes, a reset is just what’s needed, but when a getaway isn’t an option, a visit to a local Bergen County spa and a little self-care can work wonders. Spas provide an escape to soothe muscles, rejuvenate skin with luxurious treatments, recover from a girls’ night out, or simply unwind and melt away stress and anxieties (because, well, life can be a lot). From steamy saunas to indulgent head spa treatments and full days of relaxation, this roundup features luxurious spas and spa treatments in Bergen County that provide the ultimate spa experience.
490 LAB | 38 River Edge Road, River Edge
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This wellness spot focuses on health and longevity and is backed by the latest clinical research and medical evidence. The cold plunges here are a BG favorite, available for 15-, 30-, or 60-minute sessions.
Beyond Day Spa | 20 Prospect Avenue #902, Hackensack
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Beyond Day Spa has a variety of services to choose from, including facials, hair removal, hair + nail services, massages, body + eyelash treatments, and non-surgical cosmetic treatments. There are also monthly specials to take advantage of.
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BRC Day Spa | 24-20 Broadway, Fair Lawn
BRC Day Spa prides itself on its website, saying, “Welcome to Luxury.” This co-ed spa has a range of relaxing experiences, including a swimming pool, hydro massage, cryotherapy, cold plunge, infrared sauna, Himalayan salt room, float spa, and traditional sauna.
CGI Holistic Fitness + Spa | 111 Homans Avenue, Closter
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For over 26 years, CGI has been serving the Bergen County community. In addition to its spa services, the facility also features a holistic healing center, a body + brain center, corporate wellness programs, an ionized pool, locker rooms with saunas, a taorobics studio, and a gym—all under one roof.
Fountain Spa | 1150 NJ-17, Ramsey + 10 Riverside Square Mall, Hackensack
The Fountain Spa has two locations in Bergen County, one in Hackensack and the other in Ramsey. It has everything needed to unwind, relax, and feel pampered. From steam rooms and cozy robes with slippers (BG’s favorite part) to whirlpools, facial + body spa packages, waxing, nail services, and multiple lounges, it’s a one-stop destination for all things pampering.
Massage Luxe | 327 Franklin Avenue, Wyckoff
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Massage Luxe presents customers with nine different massage options, ranging from Swedish and prenatal to relaxing couples massages. In addition to massages, the spa has a variety of facial + waxing services. A top pick is the hydrating facial, an ideal choice for getting the skin ready for summer.
Mindful Waters | 240 Pegasus Avenue Unit 102, Northvale
Mindful Waters provides a luxurious, relaxing, and rejuvenating wellness experience using a science-backed, eco-friendly approach. It features a one-of-a-kind water bar and a variety of wellness services like cold therapy, vibration therapy, float therapy, and infrared therapy.
New Place Organic Day Spa | 649 Anderson Avenue, Cliffside Park
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This spot is a hidden gem in Cliffside Park. From the outside, it may not stand out, but stepping inside reveals a full spa experience. With body scrubs and wraps, couples massages, facial peels, waxing, and the trending scalp massage that’s been making waves online, this spot has a ton of options for everyone.
Padel United | 160 Broadway, Cresskill
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Padel United Sports Club is a new addition to Cresskill, providing a blend of fitness and entertainment in a sophisticated setting. Featuring state-of-the-art padel courts and a fully equipped wellness center, the club provides a range of refreshing amenities, including a sauna, steam room, cold plunge pool, hot tub, 40-foot saltwater lap pool, massage therapy technology, and more.
Paradise Spa + Sauna | 100 Linwood Plaza, Fort Lee
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This Korean bathhouse in Fort Lee is nestled within the busy Linwood Shopping Center. From skincare to spa treatments and body scrubs to the soothing warmth of saunas, this spot provides so many ways for one to have some R+R. BG pro tip: After a relaxing day, visit Hachi Sushi across the street for some rolls or sashimi, and always drizzle spicy mayo.
Ridgewood European Day Spa | 44 Franklin Avenue, Ridgewood
Ridgewood European Day Spa, also known as RDS, provides a range of services, including facials, professional exfoliators, massage therapy, clinical treatments, waxing, and spa packages. A standout choice is the Sea C Spa treatment, an age-defying skincare service created to diminish visible signs of aging and rejuvenate the skin for a more youthful + bright appearance.
Soha Spa | 480 Boulevard, Garfield
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Soha Organic Day Spa presents a variety of services, including body treatments, foot spas, and various facial options. Couples can enjoy relaxation and quality time together with specially curated experiences. BG loves the Swedish couples’ massage, especially with hot stones for additional cozy warmth.
SoJo Spa Club | 660 River Road, Edgewater
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SoJo Spa creates the feeling of being far from Jersey. This expansive, multi-level spa in Edgewater provides services like heated outdoor baths, cozy saunas, mouthwatering bites at the food court, and world-class massages. BG pro tip: Sojo also has a hotel for anyone looking to get away for the night.
The Spa at Glenpointe | 200 Frank West Burr Boulevard, Teaneck
The Spa at Glenpointe is a hidden gem in Teaneck, providing an indoor pool, a state-of-the-art gym, and post-workout wellness services. It’s an optimal spot for parents to unwind, with kids’ activities as well, making it a one-stop destination for both adults and children.
Spavia | 379 NJ-17, Ridgewood
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Spavia Ridgewood gives customers a variety of treatments tailored to their needs and preferences. Treatments include massages, body + facial treatments, eyelash extensions, tanning, mineral makeup application, and waxing. There are specialized treatments for men, making it a suitable spot for a relaxing day out with your significant other.
See More: A Guide to the Best Facials in Jersey City
King Spa | 321 Commercial Avenue, Palisades Park
At King Spa, guests can immerse themselves in Korean spa culture, enjoying a blend of holistic health and absolute relaxation. The spa has a dry sauna, wet sauna, healing room, aroma lounge, restaurant, and juice bar, providing a complete wellness experience.
