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Alessi Bakery & Deli & Catering
Categories: Food Bakeries Restaurants Delis Event Planning & Services Caterers Bakeries, Delis, Caterers
2909 W Cypress StTampa, FL 33609
(813) 879-4544
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 8 am - 6 pm
Sun 9 am - 4 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
22 reviews for Alessi Bakery & Deli & Catering
Review Highlights
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"...salads, deli items and hot items like chicken & yellow rice." In 3 reviews -
"Cutest cookies in the world." In 7 reviews -
"Cuban sandwiches pretty good, but I am totally hooked on..." In 6 reviews
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22 reviews in English
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Review from Ej P.
Tampa, FL
5/20/2012
As a Cuban from Miami myself, it is simply not fair or accurate to call Alessi a Cuban bakery. It is not a Cuban bakery. It is more an Italian bakery of the style you would find in Philly or Brooklyn or Queens or Jersey City. Back in the 70s. But now, most of those places have closed because they are not profitable anymore due to food costs. Yet Alessi remains open.
But really, Alessi is the Tampa version of a bakery. It has Cuban, Italian, Greek, influences. If you read about the history of Tampa you will realize that Tampa is not Miami. Tampa was settled by Italians, Cubans, Greeks, etc. And the food is heavily influenced by that. There are only a few Miami-style Cuban bakeries in the Tampa area, and Alessi is not one of them. If you e-mail me I can tell you where to find a Miami-style pastelito. Alessi is not that place.
Alessi is a treasure because decent bakeries are hard to come by these days in ANY CITY, much less one the size of Tampa. It's very hard to make money with a bakery and run a bakery for 100 years, like Alessi has.
Of course the stuff Alessi sells is not of the quality you would find in Europe, LA, NYC, San Fran, etc. but the food is damn good for Tampa.
I am very proud that Tampa has an Alessi, plus many other bakeries. I moved here from DC, where I would have DIED to have an Alessi-style bakery. There were no historic, neighborhood bakeries in DC, and that metro area is like 5 times the size of Tampa.
In DC, a "good" bakery is Panera!!!!! -
Review from Jenny L.
Miami Beach, FL
5/20/2012
Yelpers of Tampa please yelp more, but please don't abuse your privileges. If you have never been to a Cuban bakery in Miami then disregard this review. I was born and raised in Miami, so I was really looking for that home away from home place. This wasn't it.
First of all I walked in and asked for a pastelito - a basic staple in any Cuban bakery. The girl had no idea what I was talking about. She looked at me like I was crazy, and had a bit of an attitude. There were no pastelitios, empandads, papa rellenas. This was more of an international bakery with a little Cuban flare, and some Italian hints. If you are expecting the real deal Cuban bakery this is not it.
My cafe con leche was made with some type of gourmet espresso. It was a glorified bitter latte. It was not Pilon, La Llave, or Bustelo. No Bueno! My breakfast sandwich however was good. "Cuban" bread, eggs, and cheese. The bread was not typical Cuban bread. None the less it was good. This is the only reason I gave this places 2 stars. The bread they were selling was hard. It wasn't your typical soft hot out of the oven Cuban bread.
The bakery did offer an assortment of pastries, however they were not Cuban pastries. They have pastries of all shapes, colors and sizes. As well as a full food menu. It is the assortment part that really bothered me. Again it was that international feel. If this place only classified themselves as a bakery that would be fine. But please don't present yourself as a Cuban place.
I thought everything in general was mediocre at best. Nothing special or out of the ordinary. I highly doubt I will ever go back. It was worth the try. -
Review from Sam Q.
The hunt for the best Cuban sandwich in Tampa Bay continues at Alessi's Bakery. Alessi's is a full blown bakery. It's huge! They have a specialty cakes section. If their cakes taste anything like their pastries, they must be yummy.
This place is a nightmare for carbaholics. Or heaven. Depends on your point of view.
The rows of baked goodies are amazing. They gave us a sample of something. Don't know what it was, only that is was sweet, seemed like bread, and it was delicious.
Focus! Order the Cuban and step away from the register...
We ordered the "special" Cuban. I didn't know you would be able to feed three people with one sandwich. Thankfully I had already decided to split one with a friend, otherwise I'd be hurting.
The bread was amazing. I love it. You'd expect that from a bakery, but I am happy to confirm these guys know how to make great Cuban bread. The pork was thinly sliced but authentic. The problem was the sandwich was too thick and was cold inside. I don't like cold Cubans. Next time I need to have them press it longer.
For $6 this was the best deal I've seen. Aside from being cold inside, this was a really good Cuban sandwich. Problem is there were sooooo many other goodies that I have to come back. The sign outside said 49 cent brownies, limit 6 per customer. I'm sad to say I can't comment on them as I didn't get any. But I did have a bite of their carrot cake, and it was outstanding. I'm a fan!Listed in: Best Cuban Sandwich in Tampa…
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Review from Donald H.
St Petersburg, FL
4/25/2012
Quality goods....great tastes....wonderful staff...! A legend in tampa and rightly so..!
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Review from Michelle M.
Tampa, FL
As a lover of baking and sweets I just wasn't impressed. I had a $30 gift certificate so my sister and I stopped in this Saturday and bought a huge selection of miscellaneous sweets. The main focus of the dessert counter seemed to be cupcakes, wedding and birthday cakes, and iced cookies. I am not a fan of cake or icing with the exception of carrotcake and creamcheese icing so I bipassed most of this section. Overall, I was impressed with the prices. Most treats were 50 cents to $2. I wish I had asked if they offered fresh baked bread. I didn't notice any, but maybe it was in the area where they were making sandwiches?
So here is my opinion of the desserts we tried: The eclaires were awesome... Wish we only bought these. The tiramisu was just so-so (too cakey, not light and airy like most italian restaurants serve), the cheesecake bites were poorly flavored and the mini brownie bites with fudge icing were too sweet. I did not realize the brownie bites had icing on them and I should have seen if they had regular brownies without icing.
The girl at the counter that helped us was not very helpful. We were having a hard time selecting desserts and she made no suggestions. She could have pointed out the desserts that the bakery is known for. Maybe they have a chocolate chip cookie that is to die for??? I guess I'll never know. She forgot to put our two carrot cake cupcakes with our order so I paid over $4 for two treats that I never received.
In the future I think I'll stick to baking my own desserts. -
Review from Mike S.
11/7/2011
I regard this the best, all-around bakery in town. Others may do well on a few items, like Cuban bread at La Segunda or Mauritzio Faedo, or a broader selection of pastries as at Florida Bakery or La Teresita, but the gold standard remains Alessi's Bakery. It retains its legacy as a primarily Italian bakery, but also does well on French, German, Latin and Anglo item....breads/rolls, sweet pasteries, sandwiches, prepared salads, deli items and hot items like chicken & yellow rice.
Notable specialties are their warm-from-the-oven breads, italian wedding & other cookies (in nicely wrapped gift packs, chilled cannoli, sciacatta pizza in large sheets, and fine prepared salads. They also have regular 2-4-1 & other specials on items like zucchini bread & brownies. They are so good they get the elite from South Tampa to cross Kennedy Blvd to resupply.
Conveniently located on Cypress, mostly providing to-go, but some tables available to squat & gobble. -
Review from Jim B.
2/7/2011 4 Check-ins Here
I've been eating Alessi Bakery goods since I was a little kid, and in my opinion, this place is as much a part of Tampa as UT, the Columbia and Bern's. It is these indigenous successes that help define Tampa as a unique and wonderful place to live (and eat!)
You might just need a flan, or want a few pounds of those amazing Italian wedding cookies... they do catering and sandwiches and way more. The staff moves fast and the selection is always huge. I can't really point to any single item that I love most - I think I'm just glad that they continue to be all that they have been for decades, and hope that they are around at least as long as I am. -
Review from Cheryl M.
Cambridge, MA
9/2/2011
I brought tri-color cookies in for my colleagues, and the verdict was they are better than Modern Pastry in Boston's North End! I heart Alessi!
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Review from Maria C.
Tampa, FL
7/18/2011
Best scachata ever...EVER!!!!!
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Review from Shellie H.
Tampa, FL
10/18/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Cutest cookies in the world! I love them!! :)
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Review from Michelle L.
Tampa, FL
2/11/2010
My childhood bakery that I've been going to til this day, witnessing many renovations, Alessi still remains a favorite bakery & deli to go to.
Sure, the prices has increased, parking is a pain, lines are long, but the sweets and deli food are what makes one forget everything else. Renovation took place a few years back changing the brick-old vintage style bakery to modern day interior design. That being said, spaces were open to more sweets and food to join Alessi. Their eclairs and banana bread has always been a popular choice. Lunch hours are packed with long lines; deli food of yellow rice, chicken, pasta, sandwiches, etc. You really can't leave Alessi empty handed, you'd be a fool if you do ... not really but it is tempting. They have amazing birthday cakes but remember to place order weeks ahead because they do get busy! Cupcakes are ... simply LOVE. Prices has gone up through the years but the great quality remains the same as well as service. -
Review from Wayne M.
6/6/2010
Not sure if we went at a bad time but the shelves were empty. We went looking for sweets and there was not much variety. We did try a cannoli, tri-color cookie, and one of those long cookies with raspberry filling.
The cookies were good but the cannoli was lacking real cannoli cream and it had another flavor in it that is not authentic cannoli, maybe cinnamon or something. I also found that their cannoli's are ready made and sitting in the fridge. Real cannoli's are made to order so the shell doesn't soften or get soggy.
Considering, the visit was okay and the customer service was good. We would try them again if in the area, we just hope they have more variety next time. -
Review from S W.
Cambridge, MA
6/19/2011
I always stop by Alessi's to grab a cuban, cafe con letche, and a yummy sweet with guava or mango in it every time I am in Tampa!
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Review from ana l.
Brookline, MA
1/18/2009
Great customer service at the bakery counter.
My friend is a fan of the strawberry bread and after having a slice I could understand why. It's more like a cake, but it's moist, sweet, and light. I don't recall the name of it but its a fried dough covered with chocolate and sprinkles. REALLY sweet, but also very delicious. Several of the customers encouraged me to get it I was checking out. The only thing I wasn't a fan of were the mint cannolis. -
Review from T. C.
Broward, FL
3/7/2010 4 photos
I went only once, and I enjoyed myself--I would go again. There is a huge variety of sweets, and sandwiches. I hope you enjoy the photos I posted.
I tried a guava/cheese pastry, which was outstanding. I'm from Miami, where that pastry is abundant, and the pastry at Alessi's was among the best I've had. An italian sandwich I had was also fantastic.
I wasn't impressed with the Cuban Bread -- it didn't taste like they use lard, like Cuban bread should. It lacked flavor. However, it had a crisp crust, and soft inside, and made an outstanding garlic bread when I brought it home.
The Cafe-con-leche (aka, cafe-late) was not very good. -
Review from Lacey S.
Lutz, FL
3/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
Really a pretty good bakery. I have been coming here for years and it is so consistent. I still prefer a few other places instead, but they are really convenient for catering and such as they will deliver to your office..... Keep that in mind if you want a good working lunch during your next meeting!
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Review from Chris W.
Brighton, CO
12/25/2007
My friend originally introduced me to Alessi's. Walking in was a bit intimidating as it has the atmosphere similar to Seinfelds 'Soup Kitchen'.
Although, yes, it does kind of have the 'Soup Kitchen' mentality, it is so delicious! Whether you're stopping in for a quick lunch (everything you could dream up from yellow rice to lasagna) or going in for one of their wonderfully beautiful pastries, your experience is guaranteed GOOD! -
Review from Caitlin W.
Tampa, FL
6/21/2011
I love this place. Consistent, delicious food. Try their italian version of a pizza, or pick up a cuban (pressed, to go) with a deviled crab and thank me later.
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Review from Steve K.
Alexandria, VA
6/6/2009
Alessi is a Tampa institution. Every dessert item I have had there has been great....with the banana walnut bread being a particular favorite. Cuban sandwiches pretty good, but I am totally hooked on their Sicilian Focaccia sandwich. The roast pork is ok, but I've had better in Tampa. My experience has been that the guys working behind the deli counter are a bit edgy, but the check-out staff are always super friendly.
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Review from Deke K.
Lakeland, FL
10/3/2009
I accidentally stumbled across this bakery that is the size of a small strip mall while traversing across Tampa. Remembering its YELP reviews, I stopped in hoping to find a bakery treasury. It was about noon and I was surprised NOT to find much in the "Bread Family" for which I was looking, just some $5 zucchini bread that appeared very moist. The bakery was full of tantalizing cookies and desserts, but not being a sweets person, I passed. Many were in line waiting for deli lunches. I chose not to wait, though the food looked great and there were cafe tables outside with room to enjoy a meal. The windows were filled with cakes and cupcakes decorated to the hilt. A sign suggested "private appointments" for cake orders. I can't give it more than 3 stars without a taste test, and will save that taste test for when there are more non-sugary options. Wish I lived in the neighborhood!
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Review from Christy L.
Ramsey, NJ
4/18/2011
Try the italian rum cakes!!! If you have never eaten one of these, you don't know what you are missing!! They have three different filling layers, 1 layer of cherry, 1 layer of chocolate custard, and the third is vanilla custard. The cake itself is a sponge cake soaked with Meyer Rum, with a delicious whipped topping frosting. We make an excuse to have one over any occasion, birthdays, Easter, Mother's Day, Christmas, anniversary! These cakes are delicious and hard to find. This is the best occasion cake ever! If you want one larger than 7 inches, you have to special order it about a week ahead. Not every bakery knows how to make these, only some of the italian bakeries up north in New York area but Alessi is the best anywhere!!!
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Review from Annie H.
Tampa, FL
9/13/2009
The thing that sells Alessi is that it has been around for a long time and the sheer amount of variety. You will find something good. Although there is plenty there that is just ok. We had cupcakes there and out of the four flavors we tried only one was good. The rest were dry and the icing was too fakey sweet. The assorted mini cakes were decent with two really standing out among the 8 packaged: the one with a macadamia nut on top and the with a coffee bean on top. The sugar cookies, of which there are copious amounts lining the back wall, are really good. They have a hard icing and a crumbly buttery cookie. Their focaccia sandwiches are pretty good and the cuban bread is a nice treat.
