We just finished enjoying Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana and needed a dessert that would complement our epic pizza experience. Libby’s is just down the street from Pepe’s, but proximity isn’t reason enough to endure underwhelming Italian pastries. We opted for Lucibello’s Italian Pastry Shop, a lesser-known option across town in New Haven. Lucibello’s is 80 years old and the Faggio family has operated the pastry shop for the past 50 years. Peter Faggio currently leads the pastry charge.

Everything at Lucibello’s is made from scratch, including the crisp cannoli shells. The ricotta isn’t piped to order, but the cream is fresh and studded with pistachios and citron.

Supple almond tarts are loaded with marzipan and apricot jam, then dusted with powdered sugar.

French Squares are airy puff pastry sandwiches filled with vanilla cream.

We filled a box with multiple pastries, including a French Square, almond tart and clam-shaped sfogliatelle. For the final choice, the shell was too chewy, but the middle was moist and studded with diced citron.

Overall, Lucibello’s really delivered, and could easily become a post-pizza tradition in New Haven.