Fantastic Desserts With a Bit of Lunch at Potito’s Bakery

Today, Luncher John is trying out the bakery that replaced the failed chocolate shops on Walnut Street

Is it possible to somehow eat lunch at one of the city’s best pastry shops while just happening to taste some of its sweets? I’m pleased to report that the answer is yes. Potito’s Bakery, located on Ritner Street in South Philly, has received much acclaim for its cannolis, cakes, and other baked goods. Earlier this spring, Potito’s opened up a downtown shop at the corner of Juniper and Walnut. In addition to finding most of the same sweets and other treats as the original bakery, you may even be able to satiate your lunch appetite.


Stepping foot inside Potito’s, you immediately know that the focus is on the baked goods. Word of warning to parents of little children: don’t take your kids there if you are trying to cut down on their sugar intake. There are just so many fantastic goodies, from cookies to cannolis to cupcakes to cheesecakes.

But first thing’s first: lunch. There are not a lot of substantial selections, but you can absolutely eat lunch at Potito’s. I started off with a pepperoni stromboli ($8). It’s a lengthy stromboli that can be sliced and heated up. While the flavor was alright, the stromboli was a little dry and could use some marinara dipping sauce.

There’s also tomato pie available ($1.50 per slice). The tomato pie is served at room temperature and is relatively thin compared to some other tomato pies from South Philly. Still, each chewy slice was tasty, and two slices were a good portion serving while still allowing room for dessert.


Where do you start with desserts? You can’t go wrong with a chocolate cannoli ($3.95). Potito’s cannolis have won many “Best of Philly” accolades, and it’s easy to see why. The filling is just so rich and creamy, and the shell holds the form well without falling apart. It’s just a fantastic dessert.

Looking for something a little lighter and perhaps less expensive than a cannoli? Try a donut ($0.85 each). The chocolate glazed donut is sizable and thick and features similarly-rich and tasty chocolate. There are few treats in the city available for 85 cents that are as good as a Potito’s donut. Pay a visit to the South Philly branch for an even greater selection of donuts.
Eating lunch would not be the primary reason to visit Potito’s, but it’s as good an excuse as any to check out dessert.

THE + (What somebody who likes this place would say)

  • Amazing dessert options.
  • A couple of slices of tomato pie make a cheap lunch
  • Free bite size samples of cupcakes or cannolis

THE – (What somebody who doesn’t like this place would say)

  • Very limited lunch options
  • The stromboli was a little dry and could use some dipping sauce

Potito’s Bakery, 1315 Walnut Street, 215-545-CAKE

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