As you may have noticed, I have a certain appreciation for old establishments, particularly restaurants and businesses that have been passed down through generations. That is, especially if they stay true to the founder's authenticity and quality and at the same time, embrace the technology of today.
The year was 1912, the baker, Nicolo Alessi came to Tampa from Italy in search for a better life and opportunity. He started with fresh baked Cuban and Italian bread from his horse wagon. He passed down his trade to his son. John continued with the tradition of baking and cake decorating. Today, this 100 year old bakery is run by the third generation, Phil Alessi.
Located at a nondescript part of Tampa, you don't see tourists flocking to the bakery. Frequented only by locals and even a transplant like me has never heard of it until this year. The store is divided into two sections. The bakery on the right side and the deli on the left side. You can get an authentic Cuban sandwich, pizza, chicken barbecue sandwich and the list continues. The serving is huge. A twelve inch Cuban sandwich is $8.95, which can feed at least two adults.
Look at the freshness…
There are the cupcakes, cakes, variety of pastries, smiley face cookies that sure delight kids and adults. They were a feast to the eyes….I had to take pictures of them all but it was not possible.
Lastly, the scachatta! Scachatta are square cold pizza of soft textured bread. And topped with herbs, spices and tomato sauce.
The bakery offers samples for almost all the baked goods including scachatta. Not sure which to choose? Try their samples. They gave us these samples while we were having lunch…
If you are in the Tampa Bay area and looking for a great bakery, try out Alessi Bakery at 2909 West Cypress Street, Tampa, FL 33609. Phone 813-879-4544. Opens 7 days a week.
Alessi Bakery has extended their services into catering for parties and company events. I think they have one of the best selections in the Tampa Bay area for pastries and cakes. The Alessi Towers selections are perfect for company events and parties. tHE Dessert Tower serves 40 which includes mini cannolis, gourmet brownies, cheesecakes, strawberry cheesecakes and gourmet cookies. All for $62. Or a cupcake tower of 36 cupcakes for $49.
What do you think of the desserts seen here? Got a favorite bakery in your town? Please share. Would love to hear from you.
View Claudia Looi's profile
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
This brings me back to my childhood; we had a bakery at home. It was hard work for our whole family, but we loved it. We also were so proud when we had some new “products” to show to our customers….those were some great memories. Thanks Claudia!
Oh my goodness, it all looks delicious… I can almost smell it through the screen
haha Unfortunately, with our gluten issue around here, we won’t be visiting a bakery anytime soon ~ talk about cruel! However, I will certainly pass this little treasure on to my Tampa area friends.
I’m like you, I am a sucker for any old, vintage, still rolling establishment.
The food looks so good, and I love the image of the sign!
Oh my goodness! This place looks fantastic! A little gem in Tampa. I must get there! I love these stories about people seeking a better life in America & building up such wonderful businesses from scratch. Inspiring!
Claudia, you always have such mouth-watering photos in your articles! I love old restaurants, too… this one reminds me of “Lev’s” in Tecumseh, Michigan. I’ve never tasted pastries as rich and generous as Lev’s – ever, anywhere!
Some of these old restaurants passed down through the generations are a real treasure – far superior to many of the franchises available across the world!
What a lovely place your bakery looks like!
These photos are taken with an iPhone Susan.
I’m hungry now! Beautiful pictures and a great story, as usual Claudia. I’ve come to expect nothing less when I visit your blog.
I know just where this is!! Thanks for sharing some of our local treasures Claudia!! Great pictures!:)
All looks so yummy! Not in my diet though…..so sad…..
Love reading your posts!