Vesuvio Bakery

In a neighborhood that has transformed from an industrial hub to an artist’s colony and finally into a global center for luxury fashion, Vesuvio Bakery stands as a rare, living testament to the "Old New York" that once defined SoHo. Established in 1920 by Nunzio and Jennie Dapolito, this iconic establishment at 160 Prince Street is perhaps most famous for its vibrant lime-green storefront—a facade so quintessential to the aesthetic of Manhattan that it has earned the title of one of the most-filmed locations in the city. For over a century, the bakery has served as a cornerstone of the community, anchored for decades by the legendary Anthony Dapolito, a man often referred to as the "Mayor of Greenwich Village" and a tireless advocate for local parks and preservation.

Today, while the ownership has evolved to keep pace with the modern culinary world, the spirit of Vesuvio remains unchanged. Under the stewardship of restaurateur Adam Block, the bakery underwent a meticulous restoration that stripped away forty coats of paint to reveal the original luster of that famous green trim. Inside, the space manages to feel both like a time capsule and a contemporary artisan shop. The smell of fresh yeast and rich espresso fills the air, drawing in a diverse crowd of long-time residents who remember the original coal-fired ovens and new visitors who have discovered the shop through its storied reputation. It is a place where professional craft meets neighborly warmth, offering a respite from the high-gloss boutiques that now populate the surrounding blocks.

Location and Accessibility

Vesuvio Bakery is situated at 160 Prince St, New York, NY 10012, USA, right at the intersection of Prince and Thompson Streets. This prime location in the heart of SoHo makes it an effortless stop for anyone exploring the Lower Manhattan area. Whether you are browsing the galleries on West Broadway or heading toward the serene greenery of Washington Square Park, the bakery’s unmistakable green facade serves as a welcoming landmark. The surrounding streets are heavily pedestrian-friendly, and the bakery offers limited outdoor seating, allowing patrons to enjoy their treats while soaking in the quintessential SoHo street life.

For those traveling by public transportation, Vesuvio is exceptionally well-connected. It is within a five-to-ten minute walk of several major subway stations, including the Prince Street station (N, R, and W trains), the Spring Street station (C and E trains), and the Broadway-Lafayette Street station (B, D, F, and M lines). Additionally, the Houston Street station (1 train) provides a quick link for those coming from the West Side. While street parking in SoHo is famously difficult and usually reserved for commercial loading or high-priced garages, the bakery’s nature as a "grab-and-go" or "quick bite" destination makes it perfectly suited for the foot traffic and commuter culture that defines the neighborhood.

Services Offered

• Daily Artisan Bread Service: Traditional Italian loaves, including ciabatta, stirato (Italian baguettes), and focaccia, baked daily in limited quantities to ensure maximum freshness.
• Gourmet Pastry Program: A wide selection of handmade Italian and French-inspired pastries, ranging from pignoli cookies to buttery croissants.
• Full-Service Barista Bar: Offering a complete range of espresso-based drinks, cold brews, and premium hot and iced teas.
• Breakfast and Lunch Grab-and-Go: A variety of pre-made and made-to-order items including quiches, yogurt parfaits, and signature sandwiches on house-baked bread.
• Specialty Italian Sweets: Authentic treats such as rainbow cookies, biscotti, and ricotta cheesecake with unique red velvet crusts.
• Seasonal Holiday Items: Traditional pies (apple, pecan, pumpkin) and festive dessert logs available during the holiday seasons.
• Outdoor Dining: Small bistro-style sidewalk seating for customers to enjoy their coffee and baked goods in an open-air environment.

Features / Highlights

• Historic Landmark Facade: The iconic lime-green storefront is a protected piece of New York City history, offering a perfect backdrop for photography and cultural sightseeing.
• Community-Centric Atmosphere: Known for its "casually friendly" vibe, the staff often goes above and beyond, providing courtesies like warming up pastries to enhance the customer experience.
• Restored Interior Design: Featuring original-style pressed tin ceilings, exposed brick walls, and a Carrara stone display counter that honors the shop's 1920s origins.
• Commitment to Authenticity: Using high-quality European-style butter and traditional fermentation processes for their breads and viennoiserie.
• The "Dapolito Shrine": A window display featuring the old dough sheeter from the basement, serving as a tribute to the family that operated the bakery for over 80 years.
• High-Quality Coffee Pairing: Unlike some traditional bakeries, Vesuvio places a strong emphasis on its coffee program, ensuring their lattes and cappuccinos are as impressive as their cakes.

Contact Information

Address: 160 Prince St, New York, NY 10012, USA

Phone: (646) 869-0090

Mobile Phone: +1 646-869-0090

What is worth choosing

When you walk through the doors of Vesuvio, the first thing "worth choosing" is arguably their bread—specifically the Stirato. This 48-hour fermented Italian baguette is a direct link to the bakery’s heritage; it is 22 inches of crunchy, golden-brown perfection with a soft, airy interior that embodies the skill of their bakers. For those looking for a savory lunch, the Caprese Sandwich on rosemary and olive bread is a local favorite, perfectly balancing the herbaceous notes of the dough with fresh mozzarella and tomato.

For those with a sweet tooth, the Pistachio Cruffin (a hybrid of a croissant and a muffin) is a standout modern addition, filled with a rich pistachio pastry cream that feels indulgent but not overwhelming. If you prefer something more traditional, the Pignoli cookies are a non-negotiable choice. These gluten-free almond paste cookies, studded with pine nuts, are a staple of Italian-American baking and are executed here with a chewiness and flavor depth that is hard to find elsewhere. Many customers also rave about the Cinnamon Bun, especially when the staff offers the courtesy of warming it up, transforming the buttery dough into a melt-in-your-mouth experience. While some might find the banana bread a bit more standard, the ricotta cheesecake with its distinctive red velvet crust is a conversation starter and a unique twist on a New York classic. Whatever you choose, pairing it with a smooth, aromatic cappuccino or a crisp iced tea makes for the perfect SoHo afternoon. Whether you're a "true New Yorker" or just passing through, a visit to Vesuvio is as much about the taste of the pastries as it is about savoring a piece of the city's soul.

Vesuvio Bakery

160 Prince St, New York, NY 10012, USA