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Chocolate cannoli on a black board
Bisnonna Bakeshop’s scratch cannoli starts with cinnamon-scented dough, stretched and fried into golden tubes. 
Bisnonna Bakeshop/Facebook

Where to Find Sweet, Creamy Cannoli in D.C.

Fulfill a ricotta fix with 16 stops for these Sicilian treats

by Tierney Plumb Updated
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Bisnonna Bakeshop’s scratch cannoli starts with cinnamon-scented dough, stretched and fried into golden tubes. 
| Bisnonna Bakeshop/Facebook
by Tierney Plumb Updated

Cannoli snobs may insist that the best versions of the tube-shaped sweets can only be found in iconic Italian neighborhoods in Boston, New York, or Philadelphia. But a strong showing of D.C. restaurants and bakeries make cannoli that swing from trendy to traditional.

In its most basic form, the Sicilian pastry and close friend of the cappuccino typically sports a crisp, flaky shell shaped into a cylinder and filled with ricotta cream, maybe some chocolate chips, or a sprinkling of pistachio dust and powdered sugar. The portable dessert weathered the pandemic quite nicely, thanks to its takeout-friendly and affordable features.

Tried-and-true cannoli can be found at the Italian Store, Filippo’s, and Menomale, for starters. For a creative twist, consider foie gras-filled cannoli at Michelin-rated Masseria or limoncello-spiked versions for spring at suburbia’s cannoli-obsessed newcomer Bisnonna Bakeshop.

Eater DC chats about the local cannoli game on this week’s Historical Drama with the Boston Sisters podcast, commemorating the 50th anniversary of cult crime drama The Godfather and its contribution to the rise of cannoli in pop culture.

Health experts consider dining out to be a high-risk activity for the unvaccinated; it may pose a risk for the vaccinated, especially in areas with substantial COVID transmission.

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Filippo's Italian Specialties

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There’s a small Italian deli tucked into the Wheaton Triangle Shopping Center, and it serves one of the best cannoli options in the D.C. area. Owner Filippo Leo stuffs each fresh upon order. Each large tube runs $3.49.

11224 Triangle Ln, Wheaton, MD 20902
(301) 949-4150
(301) 949-4150
Colorful eggs surrounding a cannoli
Cannoli at Filippo’s
Filippo’s/official

Manoli Canoli

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Manoli Canoli is a small Italian restaurant with a takeout option in Chevy Chase. Cannoli come in two sizes: mini ($2.99) and regular ($4.50).

8540 Connecticut Ave, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
(301) 951-1818
(301) 951-1818

2 Amys

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Save room for dessert. Cannoli — comprised of homemade shells and candied grapefruit zest added to its ricotta — run $9.50 for two at this Neapolitan pizza lover’s paradise.

3715 Macomb St NW, Washington, D.C. 20016
(202) 885-5700
(202) 885-5700
Black and white tiles surrounding cannoli
A tin of to-go cannoli at 2 Amys.
2 Amys

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Brookland's Finest Bar & Kitchen

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Cannoli are a staple on the dessert menu at this Northeast neighborhood bar. Chef and co-owner Shannan Troncoso uses her grandmother’s recipe to make crispy shells that are stuffed with ricotta, chocolate, and pistachio ($9).

3126 12th St NE, Washington, D.C. 20017
(202) 636-0050
(202) 636-0050
Pistachio cannoli from Brookland’s finest
Pistachio cannoli from Brookland’s Finest.
Scott Suchman/For Brookland’s Finest

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Menomale

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In addition to traditional Neapolitan pizzas, Menomale also serves cannoli filled with fresh ricotta and orange zest (two for $8). A new outpost in NoMa has them too.

2711 12th St NE, Washington, DC 20018
(202) 248-3946
(202) 248-3946

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Masseria

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Of course there are foie gras cannoli in D.C. At Masseria, it's called the 'foienolli' and it comes served in a cocoa cannoli shell filled with foie gras mousse, black truffles, and Sicilian pistachios. This luxury treat was historically only available as part of its tasting menu, but now patrons can build their own at home as part of its Masseria a Casa takeout menu for two ($33).

1340 4th St NE, Washington, D.C. 20002
(202) 608-5959
(202) 608-5959

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Catania Bakery

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Truxton Circle’s treasured bakery, around since 1932, comes from a long line of Sicilian bread makers. With a shift to DMV wholesale orders over the years, retail hours are limited to just Fridays and Saturdays (call ahead). Swing by to tour the bakery before heading home with its famed cannoli.

1404 North Capitol St NW, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 332-5135
(202) 332-5135

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Stellina Pizzeria

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This essential pizza, panino, and pasta counter in the Union Market district has cannoli Siciliani with ricotta, chocolate, and pistachio ($10 for two). A newer outpost in Shirlington, Virginia serves them, too. In 2019, Stellina’s owners added a Union Market pastry stall called Annaré that carves out counter space for cannoli alongside gorgeous Italian sweets.

399 Morse St NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 851-3995
(202) 851-3995
Pistachio and chocolate cannoli from Stellina Pizzeria
Pistachio and chocolate cannoli from Stellina Pizzeria
Stellina Pizzeria

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Il Canale

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People swear by the Sicilian cannoli dusted with pistachios at this Italian mainstay on the Georgetown canal. At lunch, a a mini, two-piece order is $5 and at dinner they’re full size and $9.

1065 31st St NW, Washington, D.C. 20007
(202) 337-4444
(202) 337-4444

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Sfoglina

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Chef Fabio Trabocchi’s casual pasta house makes a light and delicate cannoli (one for $9, two for $16, three for $24) at its Rosslyn, Van Ness, and downtown locations. It’s filled with sheep’s milk ricotta crema and garnished with candied orange, powdered sugar, Bronte pistachio, and cherry topper.

1100 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22209
(202) 525-1402
(202) 525-1402
A cannoli topped with a cherry and powdered sugar
The Sicilian cannoli at Sfoglina.
Sfoglina

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The Italian Store

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Known for its subs and New York-style slices, Virginians also flock to Arlington for cannoli at the family-owned Italian Store that’s been around for over 30 years. Pick from trays of fresh cannoli made each day out of its two Arlington locations.

5837 Washington Blvd, Arlington, VA 22205

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Thompson Italian

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Co-owner and pastry chef extraordinaire Katherine Thompson makes cannoli with ricotta mousse, dark chocolate, candied orange, and pistachios ($10) at her family-friendly suburban hot spot.

124 N Washington St, Falls Church, VA 22046
(703) 269-0893
(703) 269-0893
Cannoli with dark chocolate, candied orange, and pistachios from Thompson Italian
Cannoli with dark chocolate, candied orange, and pistachios from Thompson Italian.
Thompson Italian

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Officina

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The first floor market of chef Nick Stefanelli’s three-story Officina at the Wharf has grab-and-go selections including cannoli with crushed pistachios or chocolate chips ($3.50). The Officina enterprise exploded during the pandemic, adding cafes downtown and Georgetown that offer its cannoli too.

1120 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 747-5222
(202) 747-5222
Chocolate and pistachio cannoli from Officina
Chocolate and pistachio cannoli from Officina.
Scott Suchman/For Officina

Also featured in:

Caruso's Grocery

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Capitol Hill’s decidedly unmodern tribute to classic red sauce joints wraps up the meal with cannoli filled to order, featuring a mix of ricotta, hazelnuts, and Nutella ($10.50).

914 14th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
(000) 000-0000
(000) 000-0000

Also featured in:

Grazie Grazie

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This Italian sandwich shop from Taylor Gourmet co-founder Casey Patten offers chocolate cannoli based on his grandmother’s recipe ($4). 

85 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 216-2999
(202) 216-2999
A stacked triangle of cannoli from Grazie Grazie
A stacked triangle of cannoli from Grazie Grazie.
Grazie Grazie

Also featured in:

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Bisnonna Bakeshop

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One of the newest cannoli contenders in town comes from self-taught baker Nicole Liberatore and her New Jersey-born husband, Dominick, who send out sweets from their Annandale ghost kitchen. Bisnonna, which means “great grandmother” in Italian, makes a whopping 10 types of memorable cannoli from scratch. A floral and herby Dubrovnik conjures tastes of a favorite Croatian vacation, while their honeymoon inspires a Thai coffee variety with freshly ground cardamom. And D.C.’s women-owned Marvelous Marj Cocktails spikes a spring option with limoncello. Order online for pickup or delivery only.

5100 Ravensworth Rd, Annandale, VA 22003
(703) 831-7815
(703) 831-7815

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Filippo's Italian Specialties

11224 Triangle Ln, Wheaton, MD 20902

There’s a small Italian deli tucked into the Wheaton Triangle Shopping Center, and it serves one of the best cannoli options in the D.C. area. Owner Filippo Leo stuffs each fresh upon order. Each large tube runs $3.49.

11224 Triangle Ln, Wheaton, MD 20902
(301) 949-4150
(301) 949-4150
Colorful eggs surrounding a cannoli
Cannoli at Filippo’s
Filippo’s/official

Manoli Canoli

8540 Connecticut Ave, Chevy Chase, MD 20815

Manoli Canoli is a small Italian restaurant with a takeout option in Chevy Chase. Cannoli come in two sizes: mini ($2.99) and regular ($4.50).

8540 Connecticut Ave, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
(301) 951-1818
(301) 951-1818

2 Amys

3715 Macomb St NW, Washington, D.C. 20016

Save room for dessert. Cannoli — comprised of homemade shells and candied grapefruit zest added to its ricotta — run $9.50 for two at this Neapolitan pizza lover’s paradise.

3715 Macomb St NW, Washington, D.C. 20016
(202) 885-5700
(202) 885-5700
Black and white tiles surrounding cannoli
A tin of to-go cannoli at 2 Amys.
2 Amys

Brookland's Finest Bar & Kitchen

3126 12th St NE, Washington, D.C. 20017

Cannoli are a staple on the dessert menu at this Northeast neighborhood bar. Chef and co-owner Shannan Troncoso uses her grandmother’s recipe to make crispy shells that are stuffed with ricotta, chocolate, and pistachio ($9).

3126 12th St NE, Washington, D.C. 20017
(202) 636-0050
(202) 636-0050
Pistachio cannoli from Brookland’s finest
Pistachio cannoli from Brookland’s Finest.
Scott Suchman/For Brookland’s Finest

Menomale

2711 12th St NE, Washington, DC 20018

In addition to traditional Neapolitan pizzas, Menomale also serves cannoli filled with fresh ricotta and orange zest (two for $8). A new outpost in NoMa has them too.

2711 12th St NE, Washington, DC 20018
(202) 248-3946
(202) 248-3946

Masseria

1340 4th St NE, Washington, D.C. 20002

Of course there are foie gras cannoli in D.C. At Masseria, it's called the 'foienolli' and it comes served in a cocoa cannoli shell filled with foie gras mousse, black truffles, and Sicilian pistachios. This luxury treat was historically only available as part of its tasting menu, but now patrons can build their own at home as part of its Masseria a Casa takeout menu for two ($33).

1340 4th St NE, Washington, D.C. 20002
(202) 608-5959
(202) 608-5959

Catania Bakery

1404 North Capitol St NW, Washington, DC 20002

Truxton Circle’s treasured bakery, around since 1932, comes from a long line of Sicilian bread makers. With a shift to DMV wholesale orders over the years, retail hours are limited to just Fridays and Saturdays (call ahead). Swing by to tour the bakery before heading home with its famed cannoli.

1404 North Capitol St NW, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 332-5135
(202) 332-5135

Stellina Pizzeria

399 Morse St NE, Washington, DC 20002

This essential pizza, panino, and pasta counter in the Union Market district has cannoli Siciliani with ricotta, chocolate, and pistachio ($10 for two). A newer outpost in Shirlington, Virginia serves them, too. In 2019, Stellina’s owners added a Union Market pastry stall called Annaré that carves out counter space for cannoli alongside gorgeous Italian sweets.

399 Morse St NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 851-3995
(202) 851-3995
Pistachio and chocolate cannoli from Stellina Pizzeria
Pistachio and chocolate cannoli from Stellina Pizzeria
Stellina Pizzeria

Il Canale

1065 31st St NW, Washington, D.C. 20007

People swear by the Sicilian cannoli dusted with pistachios at this Italian mainstay on the Georgetown canal. At lunch, a a mini, two-piece order is $5 and at dinner they’re full size and $9.

1065 31st St NW, Washington, D.C. 20007
(202) 337-4444
(202) 337-4444

Sfoglina

1100 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22209

Chef Fabio Trabocchi’s casual pasta house makes a light and delicate cannoli (one for $9, two for $16, three for $24) at its Rosslyn, Van Ness, and downtown locations. It’s filled with sheep’s milk ricotta crema and garnished with candied orange, powdered sugar, Bronte pistachio, and cherry topper.

1100 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22209
(202) 525-1402
(202) 525-1402
A cannoli topped with a cherry and powdered sugar
The Sicilian cannoli at Sfoglina.
Sfoglina

The Italian Store

5837 Washington Blvd, Arlington, VA 22205

Known for its subs and New York-style slices, Virginians also flock to Arlington for cannoli at the family-owned Italian Store that’s been around for over 30 years. Pick from trays of fresh cannoli made each day out of its two Arlington locations.

5837 Washington Blvd, Arlington, VA 22205

Thompson Italian

124 N Washington St, Falls Church, VA 22046

Co-owner and pastry chef extraordinaire Katherine Thompson makes cannoli with ricotta mousse, dark chocolate, candied orange, and pistachios ($10) at her family-friendly suburban hot spot.

124 N Washington St, Falls Church, VA 22046
(703) 269-0893
(703) 269-0893
Cannoli with dark chocolate, candied orange, and pistachios from Thompson Italian
Cannoli with dark chocolate, candied orange, and pistachios from Thompson Italian.
Thompson Italian

Officina

1120 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024

The first floor market of chef Nick Stefanelli’s three-story Officina at the Wharf has grab-and-go selections including cannoli with crushed pistachios or chocolate chips ($3.50). The Officina enterprise exploded during the pandemic, adding cafes downtown and Georgetown that offer its cannoli too.

1120 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 747-5222
(202) 747-5222
Chocolate and pistachio cannoli from Officina
Chocolate and pistachio cannoli from Officina.
Scott Suchman/For Officina

Caruso's Grocery

914 14th St SE, Washington, DC 20003

Capitol Hill’s decidedly unmodern tribute to classic red sauce joints wraps up the meal with cannoli filled to order, featuring a mix of ricotta, hazelnuts, and Nutella ($10.50).

914 14th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
(000) 000-0000
(000) 000-0000

Grazie Grazie

85 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024

This Italian sandwich shop from Taylor Gourmet co-founder Casey Patten offers chocolate cannoli based on his grandmother’s recipe ($4). 

85 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 216-2999
(202) 216-2999
A stacked triangle of cannoli from Grazie Grazie
A stacked triangle of cannoli from Grazie Grazie.
Grazie Grazie

Related Maps

Bisnonna Bakeshop

5100 Ravensworth Rd, Annandale, VA 22003

One of the newest cannoli contenders in town comes from self-taught baker Nicole Liberatore and her New Jersey-born husband, Dominick, who send out sweets from their Annandale ghost kitchen. Bisnonna, which means “great grandmother” in Italian, makes a whopping 10 types of memorable cannoli from scratch. A floral and herby Dubrovnik conjures tastes of a favorite Croatian vacation, while their honeymoon inspires a Thai coffee variety with freshly ground cardamom. And D.C.’s women-owned Marvelous Marj Cocktails spikes a spring option with limoncello. Order online for pickup or delivery only.

5100 Ravensworth Rd, Annandale, VA 22003
(703) 831-7815
(703) 831-7815

Related Maps