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.
Read More: Would You Try a Mozzarella Martini? We Did, and Here’s How It Went
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.
See More: From Hoboken Hot Dog Cart to Passaic Restaurant: The Story of Cruz-Missile Hot Dogs + Pinchos
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.
12 Alcohol-Free Things to Do in Bergen County, New Jersey
With its lively nightlife and easy access to the “city that never sleeps,” Bergen County has it all — yet sometimes, there are moments when a break from the party life is necessary for a reset. For those living a sober lifestyle, taking a break from alcohol, or just looking for something different, Bergen County has a variety of alcohol-free activities that guarantee fun without the need for a drink in hand. From outdoor adventures to relaxing spa days, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Read on for a list of 12 alcohol-free activities in Bergen County, New Jersey.
Channel Your Inner Rory Gilmore in a Vibey Bookstore
Bookends | 211 East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood
Brier Rose Books | 450 Cedar Lane, Teaneck
Solato Books + Records | 15 Sylvan Street, Rutherford
Certain bookstores have a way of tapping into that inner Rory Gilmore, providing the proper atmosphere for book lovers. Some of these Bergen County bookstore gems include Bookends in Ridgewood, Brier Rose Books in Teaneck, and Solato Books + Records in Rutherford. Each spot transports one into a world of literary magic and Stars Hollow vibes.
Read More: 10 Must-Try Movie Theater Experiences in Northern New Jersey
Head to the Bergen PAC | 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood
The Bergen PAC provides exciting and diverse entertainment, from live music and comedy shows to captivating psychic mediums. See the lineup of events here.
Get Crafty at Board + Brush | 119 East Main Street, Ramsey
Board and Brush Studios is a DIY shop that sits on Ramsey’s main street and is a place where customers can create personalized wooden signs. The team at Board + Brush provides all the materials and designs needed to craft beautiful, custom signs that reflect each individual’s taste. Board + Brush has in-person/virtual workshops or private events that cater to various preferences + occasions.
Go on a Burger Tour
Marty's | 2024 Center Avenue, Fort Lee + 137 1/2 Main Street, Hackensack
Jackson Hole | 362 Grand Avenue, Englewood
Mashed | 652 Anderson Avenue, Cliffside Park
Steves | 506 US-46, Garfield
Bun N Done | 1030 River Road, Edgewater
There’s something undeniably satisfying about sinking your teeth into a juicy burger. Whether you're craving a smash-style patty or a thick juicy burger, Bergen County has them all. BG’s favorites include Marty’s in Fort Lee or Hackensack, Jackson Hole in Englewood, Mashed in Cliffside Park, Steves in Garfield, and Bun N Done in Edgewater.
Explore the Shops in Downtown Englewood
Portage | 17 North Dean Street, Englewood
Jessica Bara | 22 North Dean Street, Englewood
Thrift of Hope | 79 West Palisade Avenue, Englewood
We suggest a stroll through Englewood's charming downtown boutique shops, where one can find everything from stylish apparel to trendy jewelry. Pop into Portage for everyday earrings, visit Jessica Bara for on-trend women's dresses, or hunt for hidden treasures at Thrift of Hope, a must-visit for budget-friendly finds — especially in the shoe section.
Browse The Hermitage in Ho-Ho-Kus | 335 Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus
This Ho-Ho-Kus spot connects visitors to local history. The Hermitage is a preserved two-story stone farmhouse from the mid-1700s, which provides visitors with the opportunity to learn about 250+ years of American History. The grounds are open daily from 9AM to 5PM, guided tours are available on weekends at 1:15PM, 2:15PM, and 3:15PM, and private tours are available on request.
Get a Revitalizing Treatment at Kaie Head Salon | 1550 Lemoine Avenue Suite # 202, Fort Lee
Kaie Salon boldly states: “Life is too short to have boring hair,” and we couldn’t agree more. Kaie Salon presents many premium hair services, such as cuts, treatments, coloring, and perms. The scalp treatment is a particularly noteworthy service. This rejuvenating treatment promotes scalp health + relaxation for both men and women.
- Men’s Scalp Treatment: 20 minutes + haircut for $50
- Women’s Scalp Treatment: 30 minutes + blowout for $80
Visit Padel United Sports Club | 160 Broadway, Cresskill
Padel United Sports Club is a recent addition to Cresskill. Padel United Sports Club combines fitness + fun in an upscale environment with state-of-the-art padel courts and a fully equipped wellness center. This club provides various engaging activities, including classes, tournaments, and community events, making it a suitable spot for both newcomers and seasoned players alike.
Join Palisades Running Club | Demarest-Based
To jumpstart a new running routine with group motivation, consider joining the Palisades Running Club. Open to all ages and skill levels, the PRC organizes scenic group runs each Sunday at 8AM, and also hosts special runs and social gatherings to build connections.
Explore the Outdoors at Ramapo Reservation | 608 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah
Spend a sunny day at Ramapo Reservation, Bergen County's largest park. With a variety of hiking trails suitable for all ages + skill levels, these breathtaking grounds invite outdoor enthusiasts to explore its stunning landscapes and enjoy the great outdoors. BG insider tip: The reservation is dog-friendly.
See a Movie at Westwood Cinemas | 182 Center Avenue, Westwood
Catch a film at Westwood Cinemas for a laid-back outing. Nestled in a charming small-town setting, this theater is surrounded by some great eats — grab a bite at The Rolling Pin Cafe or 1950 Originals, then satisfy a sweet tooth at Milk N Cookies just up the block.
Have a Relaxing Day at SoJo Spa | 660 River Road, Edgewater
View this post on Instagram
SoJo Day Spa is where tranquility meets dazzling views of the NYC skyline. With an overload of treatments and amenities — from rejuvenating massages to relaxing saunas — it’s the ideal destination where one can locate that inner zen while experiencing a sense of luxury. Whether spending a few hours or the whole day, be sure to bring the following:
- photo ID
- bathing suit
- sandals (you can go barefoot too)
- charged phone (for the Instagram pics)
Unleash Your Inner Child at a Candy Store
World of Goodies | 198 West Englewood Avenue, Teaneck
Sugar Bear Candy Store | 1 Garden State Plaza Boulevard Space #1103, Paramus
Sometimes, reconnecting with our inner child is just the thing to boost our energy, and a sweet treat from a fun candy shop can do miracles. World of Goodies and Sugar Bear Candy Store have an impressive selection of candies — everything from soft to hard, Halal to Kosher, gluten-free to sugar-free, plus rare options like freeze-dried and spicy treats.
See More: Alcohol-Free Activities in Hoboken + Jersey City
Check Out Tenafly Nature Center | 313 Hudson Avenue, Tenafly
The Tenafly Nature Center (TNC) is a year-round nature exploration. Open daily, TNC features exhibits like the Bellflower Trail and Pollinator Garden, plus various events posted regularly on the Center’s Instagram. The Maple Sugaring event stands out, where visitors can collect sap and make maple syrup. BG insider tip: The reservation is not dog-friendly.
