Driving down Kennedy Road going north you’ll come across a 30-year-old establishment called Delizia Italian Bakery and Deli. It’s a staple in the Italian community for its pastries, bread, deli meats, imported pasta and other groceries. Owners for the past twelve years, the Mazzaferro family has roots in Reggio Calabria, a coastal city on the toe of the boot of Italy.

By trade Mr. Mazzaferro is a bread baker and has been since the age of 15. His bread is some of the best you’ll find in Brampton and the neighbourhood knows it. The store has a constant stream of customers snagging his rolls by the dozen.

The Mazzaferro son, Michael, is the bakery’s pastry chef. He’s qualified twice to work with Buddy Valastro of TLC’s Cake Boss. The dessert spread is packed with cannoli, cakes, cookies, biscotti, and so much more.

Delizia’s top seller is the traditional sfogliatella. Imagine layers and layers of firm, crispy, paper-thin pastry resembling a stack of leaves. (In fact, “foglia” means “leaves” in Italian). When you bite into it, the shell explodes and crumbles everywhere, revealing a creamy almond paste filling with small pieces of orange zest.

My personal favourite is the ricotta cannoli. The shell is beautiful – a hard shell, few bubbles, light whiff of cinnamon and the perfect thickness to hold the cold, creamy ricotta filling. It’s sweet but not overpowering, and with absolutely no graininess. On weekends they are finished with crushed pistachio or candied orange peel.

Changing texture, the sporcamuss is two thick layers of puff pastry filled with an infused custard, drizzled with chocolate and dusted with icing sugar. This pastry is softer and more delicate, and ideal for a small treat with afternoon tea.

Delizia also serves Italian coffee, cappuccino, and espresso, as well as hot meals during lunch. For a quick way to immerse yourself in Italian food and sweets, this establishment is one of the best in the city.

Delizia Italian Bakery and Deli is located at 27 Ruth Ave. by Kennedy Rd. and Sandalwood Pkwy.

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