Founder Nicolo Alessi came to America in 1905 from Italy and is said to have started Tampa’s first Italian bakery and deli in 1912, delivering fresh breads by horse and buggy. The current location on Cypress has been going strong since the early 1960s, acquiring Cuban and American influences as it was passed down through generations. Pastries and desserts are the little shop's main draw as well as an extensive deli menu with oversized sandwiches, soups and salads. Specialty cakes include an almost excessively chocolate (if that were possible) Princess Cake or a rum syrup-soaked sponge cake filled with Italian rum cream and cherries with whipped cream on top. Select from a wide selection of cookies or try the Black Forest, chocolate mousse and tiramisu tortes. From the deli, options include specialty breads, ready-to-go salads, and sandwiches including their classic Cuban. Hot dishes such as lasagna or chicken and yellow rice are available as well. Voted Best Bakery in 2007 Creative Loafing readers poll. No alcohol available. Serving from 7 am–7 pm Mon–Sat, 7 am–4 pm Sun.