Civitello’s

Loved the tomato pie. Thin buttery crisp crust with just the right amount of tangy sauce, garlic and grated cheese. This will be on my regular stop from now on when I’m home visiting.

Run, don’t walk to Civitello’s on N. Jay Street in Schenectady for their outstanding cookies, pastries, lemon ice, pizza (true Italian tomato pie), eggplant, etc., etc.!! Everything they make is so delicious; fresh and truly amazing, authentic Italian delicacies at their finest. I truly believe they make the best lemon ice (& other assorted fruit ice flavors) in the world! I highly recommend them for a delicious lunch, topped off by a phenomenal dessert or lemon ice, or gelato, or spumoni, the list goes on & on! Thank you, Civitello’s, for your terrific, loyal and dedicated customer service and simply awesome food and baked goods!

I’m a fan of this Jay Street institution, but the truth is that it’s hit and miss. Some things are delicious. Others, not so much. If I lived closer, I would surely eat here more often and probably be so familiar with the menu that I would be able to offer better guidance on how to make it a five star experience.
Hands down, Civitello’s makes my favorite tomato pie on the block. It’s an entirely different style that the one available across the street. Instead of being soft and doughy, it’s thin and crisp. I do love things crispy. If you do too, then this is a big winner.
The special eggplant sandwich? Not so much.
Their cookies have never done it for me either.
But Civitello is famous for its lemon ice, which is great. And spumoni is in the shop’s name. My trusted friends are fans of this, but it’s never been that appealing to me. Especially when their stracciatella gelato is so good. Not all the gelato flavors are created equal, but this one that’s simply ribbons of chocolate in a milk base is one of the best versions I’ve had of the flavor in the area.
Surely, there is other great stuff on the menu, and I’m looking forward to working my way through the bakery’s offerings. Perhaps by the time I’m done, it will rise to the level of five stars. It’s tempting to give it that last bonus star on just character alone.
Civatello’s is a great place. We’re lucky to have it. If you haven’t been, you should definitely go. And don’t leave without trying a piece of the tomato pie.

Came up for a meeting. Didn’t know where to eat. I hit the lottery. Couldn’t finish my sandwich fast enough so I could choose desert. I should say deserts. I couldn’t choose just one. Thanks.

Met a friend here recently for lunch. We walked and I must say, I LOVE the location. It is off the beaten path, right in the cutest area of Schenectady’s Little Italy. I called ahead to reserve two of their famous eggplant sandwiches (available only Weds & Fri, they only have a limited amount). Luckily, they had 1.5 left (who only eats half a sandwich?!). Anyway, the eggplant and sauce were AMAZING. These taste buds have never been to Italy, but my friend (who has) said these flavors were legit! I wish they would have used a different bread (it was just sliced white bread). But hey, I’m sure that’s the American «put everything on an enormous roll» kinda girl I am.
Oh, I browsed their dessert case… and W-O-W…I will definitely be back to indulge!

The Italian ice is pretty good, but it could have a stronger lemon flavor. It’s good by Schenectady standards. They have little Italian pastries and sandwiches too.

We stopped in for treats and got some gelato and an éclair.
The fig gelato was amazing, so smooth and creamy with a lovely caramelized sugar taste. I think of you often my sweet.
The éclair looked delicious, but I didn’t get a taste before my 5-​year-​old licked the chocolate off the top. We share food, but I draw the line there. Anyway, it looked fresh — not at all soggy — and he seemed to like it.
The building definitely had an old-​time feel, not at all flashy, and the customer service was great.

Civitello’s is Schenectady’s true gem. I would travel hours for their chicken salad sandwich. Their bread is always so fresh and their portions are huge! I’ve had most of the sandwiches on their menu and I love all of them. I highly suggest the Italian mix, eggplant parm, or chicken salad. And though you will be extremely full, definitely get their amazing gelato or pastries for dessert!

I will have to say hands down they have the best pizza in the world. Cookies are phenomenal and pastries are out this world. This is a great local spot to get a sandwich and Italian ice. I would advise you try civatellos pizza before pereccas. They only bake enough for the day. So when they run out you have to wait until tomorrow. Pizza goes out at 11 and is sold out by 12. Get there asap if you haven’t tried

The pastries never disappoint. But you have to get there early before they sell out. The custard filled tarts are not too sweet, with a nice semi cake, semi pie texture for the crust. I like the vanilla better than the chocolate (a mild chocolate, not sweet enough for my taste). The pink custard filled cakes with the cherry on top are super sweet & addicting. Key lime cheese cakes are a nice palate cleaner. Cappuccinos are large sized only. The best surprise were these pyramid shaped mousse cakes she has. Inside there is a base of chocolate cake with a little molten chocolate, unexpected coffee? Crunch, and topped with light as air chocolate mousse. Everything is covered with dusted cocoa on the outside & little dots of condensed milk. My new birthday request please!

I’m giving this review because one day they gave me free gelato. Nothing is better on a blistering hot day in schenectady then a cup of Civitello’s Iemon ice. It’s sweet, citrusy and refreshing, and you get a lot of it even the small is very generous. Sadly the strawberry ice isn’t as nice. However the gelato is five star and so are all their pastries, don’t be put off by the old-​fashioned look of pastry case. They make the best tiramisu in Schenectady, rich. delectable and creamy. Far superior to the offering at Villa Italia. The other pastries, well I can attest to the small berry tarts as being amazing tart, not overly sweet and satisfying. The staff is friendly too.

I had Civitello’s for the first time many years ago, but today I went back for the first time in a long time.
One thing to must try — the Italian ice (granita). This tastes a little different than I remember, and by different I mean better. It has this zesty, delicious lemon flavor and it hits the spot on a warm day.
I also tried a gelato with a bit of chocolate and straccitella. Both flavors were very creamy, rich and all around delicious. Not the greatest gelato I have ever had, but it sure was good.

Civitello’s is an old school type of lunch place in the unassuming Little Italy section of Schenectady, and certainly worth the visit. I’ve come here mostly for their tomato pie, which is both delicious and inexpensive (at $ 1.50 a slice), but I’ve also been known to fancy their gelato. They also have sandwiches (haven’t ordered a sandwich from here yet) and pastries (I’ve heard raving reviews about their cannolis, for instance).
During the summer, they also have an outdoor seating area in the side of the building (behind a fence) with some grilled favorites, such as Italian sausage.
This place has been around a long time, just like Perreca’s across the street, and is certainly worth the visit.

Truly a throwback in the very best way. My old boss brought me down here on a scorching July day for my first Italian ice over 20 years ago. I don’t work in Schenectady any more, but I try to make the pilgrimage for an eggplant sandwich once a month. Great pizza slices and the best eggplant sandwiches in the world, served on Perecca’s bread, only available on Wed & Fri. Call ahead to reserve! Nothing phony or contrived here; this is the real deal. Can’t imagine going to a chain restaurant when we have institutions like this in our community.

Fresh made everything– Sandwiches, Italian coffees, pastries — smiles and sincere conversation.

Whenever I am even remotely close to this area I have to stop by! As fortune would have it, I was lucky enough to stop by yesterday!
I’ve always gone to Perecca’s (across the street) for tomato pie (think pizza only WAY fresher and better!) and then to Civitello’s for gelato. Not anymore!!!
I happened upon the pies here and OH MY GOD! The crust is delightfully thin and crunchy, the «sauce» is a thin flavorful layer of just barely cooked tomatoes, lightly drizzled with extra virgin olive oil, scattered with cloves of roasted garlic and sprinkled with the perfect amount of parmesean — freshly grated right there in the store! If you are like me, take a bite and immediately order several more slices to go, be aware that it is a little greasy and will leave the brown sack soggy — but it’s perfect fruity olive oil, not like the left over fries from McD’s in the backseat of your car! Five hours later I was happily munching the still crispy delightful slices!
The only downside is that once you taste it, you’ll feel an overwhelming need to drive all the way back the very next day! I’ll own up to it — I’m going again. I simply don’t have the willpower to deny the urge. I do however have exceptional rationalization skills, so I’ve managed to «remember» several things I have to do in that area.

N. Jay Street in Schenectady has street signs promoting the area as «little Italy». This part of town was a Little Italy back during the depression and even on into the 60’s and 70’s. Now, the area is struggling economically, and many of the old time businesses are gone. But Civitellos is still there — it’s been there for nearly 80 years, and they’re still making gelato, pastries and other sweets just the way they used to. They also have a tomato pie (that looks a lot like the one sold at Perecca’s across the street) and sandwiches, although I haven’ tried them. (Yet.)
Their custard tarts are delicious. The biscotti are traditional and handmade and they’re just perfect — delicious, the right consistency and texture. I would go there just for the biscotti.
I haven’t tried their ice cream yet — I’ve only been there in the winter and haven’t been in the mood. But I’m looking forward to a warm day to go there and finally try some.
They only downside to Civitello’s is their hours. They’re open from 8:30 am (I think) to about 3 pm, Tuesday — Saturday. So you can’t drop in for dessert after dinner. That’s a shame. But Saturday is still a perfect day to pay a visit. And if you go, walk across the street to Perecca’s and grab some bread and salumi, as long as you’re in the neigborhood.

Ah, Civitello’s. Let me paint you a little picture of a perfect summer day in downtown Schenectady.
1.Go to Perecca’s (across the street from Civitello’s) for lunch. Get some tomato pie.
2. Die of pleasure.
3. After you’ve recovered from said pleasure head to Civitello’s and get some Italian ice.
4. Die of pleasure for the 2^nd time of the day. (I guess it could be for the 3^rd or 4^th or 20^th time of the day… I have no idea what you did before this)
5. Head on a walk to Jay Street or the library or The Stockade for some quality outdoor time and excitement.
Seriously. This street is Little Italy. There may only be a few places on it but they are all spectacular. Get some Italian cookies at Civitello’s too… get everything. But especially get Italian ice. Yum.