Scafuri Bakery - Chicago

I was walking down Taylor Street and was a little surprised that they were open on New Year's Eve (yesterday , but I'm glad I went in. The first thing I want to shout out is the fact that the two people behind the counter were SO patient and excited as they were explaining the different baked goods they have. There's a lot of stuff and could easily seem overwhelming, but they were both so happy to explain what some of them are and to offer suggestions. And really, really, REALLY wonderfully, there was a really gender affirming moment from one of the people behind the counter. They referred to me with he/him pronouns to their coworker, and then they caught it immediately. They then acknowledged it and asked me what my pronouns are. This moment was really touching because this is a small but really affirming moment (and a demonstration of solidarity and allyship , which doesn't happen enough. This show of care makes me feel comfortable about suggesting this place to others since this seems to be a business that sees and honors the individual people who make up its clientele. As for the baked goods themselves, many of them feature almonds and pistachios since it's an Italian bakery. Most of the goods erred on the sweet side for me, but the taste of each one was nuanced often both delicate and punchy at the same time. It's hard to describe the texture of the goods, but I think the most accurate thing would be to say that they're dense (you're going to see this word a lot because this is virtually the only word to describe a lot of their goods and have some give without being so thick that it sticks to the roof of your mouth. Basically, the cookies and loaf that I got were dense and didn't have that kind of soft, al dente texture that you get from a freshly baked cookie taken out at just the right time. Instead, each thing (except for the biscotti had a chewy texture. (Imagine soft baked cookies at around the two day mark when they start to get a little less pliable but still bend slowly instead of breaking, about two days before they become dried and snap in half instead. As for the specific goods I recommend, THE ABSOLUTE HIGHLIGHT was the lemon ricotta loaf. It had an amazing crust and was dense but not cloying. Some of the icing on the other things were too sweet for me, but the icing on this loaf was perfect. I have nothing bad to say about it except that I wish I had bought more, and I intend to try the chocolate orange ricotta loaf next time. I also really, really enjoyed the pistachio amaretti cookie (though it was just two degrees too sweet for me , the chocolate spice cookie, and the pignoli (pine nut cookie . Their chocolate covered butter cookie is good and is like a dense madeleine, so it's cross between shortbread and a madeleine. A lot of the other ones were just a bit sweet for me, so I can't say that I'd suggest them; BUT this may actually be a good thing for most customers because I have a low tolerance for sweet things, which means they're probably adjusted for more typical tastebuds. All in all, it was a GREAT experience, and I will definitely be coming back for some of the ones I got as well as to try their chocolate orange ricotta loaf, their cannoli, and king cake!

I especially enjoyed the chocolate croissant, caramel apple monkey bread, and the must-try salted caramel cannoli drink — I even brought some home! Their lemon bars were to die for. The prices are reasonable, and everything tasted so fresh. I couldn’t resist buying cookies and other pastries to take home, along with a loaf of bread, all of which my family loved. I felt compelled to write this review because we have found our new bakery! My cappuccino was delicious, and that new salted caramel cannoli cappuccino was something I have never seen anywhere else. I can’t wait to return. If you don’t believe me, stop by and check it out for yourself — just remember to bring some money because you won’t want to miss out!

This place is truly amazing, and the staff are incredibly friendly and accommodating. If I could, I would give it a perfect 10 out of 10—it’s that wonderful! The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and being from the south side, I can confidently say it’s my favorite bakery, which speaks volumes. All their ingredients are fresh, and I must mention their turkey, egg, and cheese croissants, as well as the prosciutto and cheese ones. They also have doughnuts, Bomboloni, various muffins, and Italian cookies. You can thank me later! And don’t forget to grab a coffee or cappuccino while you’re there. Oh, and they have Sfogliatelle!

We love the lemon ricotta pound loaves! We have been buying them for years way before Covid. The service is great and the atmosphere is pleasant.

Thank You so much for your quick response. All is well on my end!! Merry Christmas