La Guli Pastry Shop

Introduction / Overview

In the ever-evolving neighborhood of Astoria, Queens, few establishments carry the weight of history quite like La Guli Pastry Shop. Founded in 1937 by Paolo Notaro and his brothers, who emigrated from Palermo, Italy, this iconic pastry shop has remained a steadfast pillar of the community for nearly nine decades. Operating from its original location on Ditmars Boulevard, La Guli is currently helmed by the third generation of the Notaro family, with Paolo’s son Rosario and granddaughter Maria carrying on the legacy of traditional Italian baking. For New Yorkers, La Guli is more than just a place to satisfy a sweet tooth; it is a living museum of old-world charm, featuring original interior woodwork, shelves, and terrazzo tile floors that transport visitors back to the mid-20th century.

The shop’s enduring popularity stems from its commitment to "from-scratch" preparation. Every pastry, cookie, and cake is made on the premises using recipes brought over from Italy more than 80 years ago. While the surrounding streets have transformed into a trendy hub of modern cafes and boutiques, La Guli retains an unpretentious, nostalgic atmosphere that appeals to lifelong residents and newcomers alike. Whether you are stopping in for a quick espresso and a biscotti or ordering a multi-tiered custom cake for a major milestone, the shop provides a touch of authentic Italian-American heritage that is increasingly rare in the modern city. Its reputation has even reached the world of television, with the shop frequently providing cakes and pastries for hit shows like "Blue Bloods," further cementing its status as a New York institution.

Location and Accessibility

La Guli Pastry Shop is conveniently located at 29-15 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105, USA. Situated just off 31st Street, it is exceptionally easy to reach via public transportation, which is the preferred method for many local users. The shop is a mere block away from the Astoria-Ditmars Blvd station, the final stop on the N and W subway lines. This makes it an ideal destination for commuters heading home or visitors traveling from Manhattan who want to explore one of the city's most vibrant food corridors.

For those navigating by bus, the Q69 and Q101 routes provide frequent service to the area. While Astoria is a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood, drivers should be aware that street parking on Ditmars Boulevard is highly competitive, especially during peak afternoon and weekend hours. However, the shop’s presence on a busy commercial strip means that it is well-lit and surrounded by other active businesses, contributing to a safe and lively environment. The storefront itself is street-level and accessible, featuring a classic facade with curving display windows that showcase the colorful array of treats waiting inside. The shop typically maintains generous hours, often opening early at 7:00 AM or 8:00 AM and remaining open until 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM, catering to both the morning coffee crowd and those seeking a late-night dessert.

Services Offered

• Custom Cake Design: Master bakers create personalized cakes for weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries, with options for various fillings like vanilla custard, fresh berries, and chocolate mousse.
• Traditional Italian Pastry Sales: A wide daily selection of handmade items including large and mini cannoli, sfogliatella, eclairs, and lobster tails.
• Gelato and Italian Ices: Homemade gelato available year-round in classic flavors like pistachio, hazelnut, and chocolate, along with seasonal Italian ices during the summer months.
• Cookie and Biscotti Trays: Hand-packed assortments of butter cookies, pignoli (pine nut) cookies, tri-color cookies, and almond horns, available by the pound.
• Holiday Specialties: Seasonal offerings such as St. Joseph Sfingi and Zeppole, Pizza Rustica (savory meat and cheese pie), and traditional Easter breads.
• Wholesale and Shipping: Providing baked goods to restaurants across the tri-state area and offering shipping services for non-perishable items like cookies and cannoli kits.
• Indoor Seating: A charming, albeit small, seating area in the back of the shop where customers can enjoy their treats with a fresh cup of coffee.

Features / Highlights

• Historic Landmark: Operating at the same location with original 1937 décor, providing a rare "time-capsule" experience in Queens.
• Family-Owned Legacy: Currently managed by the son and granddaughter of the original founder, ensuring consistency in recipes and quality.
• Cannoli Kits: Offers unique "Fill Your Own" cannoli kits, allowing customers to enjoy fresh, crispy shells and authentic ricotta cream at home.
• Wedding Specialists: Recognized by major bridal platforms for high-quality, affordable wedding cakes tailored to individual preferences.
• Cultural Authenticity: Specializes in regional Italian delicacies from Palermo, such as marzipan fruit and honey balls (strufoli).
• TooGoodToGo Partner: Participates in food waste reduction apps, occasionally offering "surprise bags" of croissants and cinnamon rolls at discounted rates.

Contact Information

Address: 29-15 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105, USA

Phone: (718) 728-5612

Mobile Phone: +1 718-728-5612

What is worth choosing

When visiting La Guli, the most iconic choice is undoubtedly the cannoli. Available in both large and mini sizes, these are filled to order to ensure the shell remains crisp, a hallmark of a high-quality Italian pastry shop. The ricotta cream is noted for being perfectly balanced—rich and creamy without being overly sweet. For those who prefer a different texture, the Sfogliatella (a multi-layered, shell-shaped pastry with a citrusy ricotta filling) and the Lobster Tail (filled with French custard) are standout examples of the bakery’s mastery of puff pastry.

If you are looking for something to share or take home, the Butter Cookie Assortment and Pignoli Cookies are local favorites. The Pignoli cookies, made with imported Italian pine nuts, are soft, chewy, and aromatic. For breakfast enthusiasts, the shop’s cinnamon rolls and croissants have received high praise for their freshness and flavor. While recent feedback suggests that interactions regarding small to-go boxes for cake slices can sometimes be tense due to strict shop policies, the quality of the sweets themselves remains highly recommended. If you are a fan of frozen treats, don’t leave without a scoop of their pistachio gelato; it is one of the few places in the neighborhood that offers authentic, homemade gelato throughout the entire year. Whether you are a regular or a first-timer, focusing on these traditional Italian staples ensures an experience that honors the shop's long-standing heritage on Ditmars Boulevard.

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La Guli Pastry Shop

29-15 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105, USA