A Local Guide to the Best Italian Bakeries in Milwaukee: Traditions, Breads, and Treats

We love our bakeries in Milwaukee. Most importantly, here at Milwaukee Food & City Tours we love all sweets. Whether its a scoop of cool, creamy custard on our Burger & Custard Capital of the World tour, a stop on our Cedarburg Sweets & Treats tour every Sunday afternoon, or a buttery Christmas cookie on our special Christmas tours, there isn’t a dessert we turn down.

We frequently are asked by our tour attendee, “Which Italian bakery in Milwaukee sells the best breads and cookies?” We decided to learn about the Italian baking traditions of our city by visiting the best Italian bakeries in Milwaukee and the surrounding area.

Authentic Traditions at Italian Bakeries in Milwaukee

The hallmark of a great Italian bakery is the ability to preserve centuries-old recipes while serving the modern neighborhood. From the smell of fresh-baked hard rolls to the colorful display of almond-paste cookies, these local spots are true cultural anchors.

Pupa Con L’ouva: A Sicilian Tradition

While these bakeries offer incredible treats year-round, our firsthand exploration focused on a unique Sicilian tradition: Pupa Con L’uova (also spelled Pupi or Pupo). Translating to “the doll with the egg,” this sweet treat is a favorite seasonal gift.

It is made of a sweet, thick dough that is lightly flavored with orange and anise wrapped around a whole egg. Many local Italians and Sicilians recall waking up to find these pastries as a special breakfast treat. Tradition says that the bigger the pastry and the more eggs it contains, the more important the recipient is!

Where to Go: The Best Italian Bakeries in Milwaukee

We visited several locations to see how each Italian bakery in Milwaukee puts its own spin on traditional recipes. Here are our top picks:

Scordato Bakery Inc.
Get Directions: 5011 W Howard Ave, Milwaukee

Scordato’s is a fantastic destination for those seeking traditional flavors.

• The Specialty: They feature light anise flavoring and offer beautifully crafted dough shapes.

• Seasonal Favorite: Look for their Pupa Con L’uova shaped like ducks, bunnies, nests, and crosses.

Peter Sciortino Bakery

Get Directions: 1101 E Brady St, Milwaukee

No list of Italian bakeries in Milwaukee is complete without this Brady Street staple. Known for their world-famous bread and cookies, Sciortino’s captures the heart of the historic Italian Third Ward diaspora.

• The Specialty: Their cookies have a perfect, melt-in-your-mouth consistency and are often finished with a thick, delicious glaze.

• Seasonal Favorite: Their version of the “doll with the egg” is a must-try for anyone exploring regional heritage.

Aggie’s Bakery & Cake Shop

Get Directions: 7328 W. Greenfield Avenue, West Allis

While many visit an Italian bakery in Milwaukee for cookies, Aggie’s is a go-to for specialty breads like Pane Di Pasqua.

• The Specialty: Pane Di Pasqua is a rich, brioche-style bread braided into various shapes with eggs nestled among the folds.
• Pro Tip: This bread is labor-intensive, so it often requires a pre-order! If you know of another area bakery that sells authentic Pane Di Pasqua, email us at theresa@milwaukeefoodtours.com so we can check it out!

Join Us Year-Round to Explore Milwaukee’s Best Bakeries and More!

Interested in discovering more hidden gems and legendary Italian bakeries in Milwaukee? Join us on a tour!

• Christmas Around Milwaukee Bakery Bus: Every December, we host an action-packed 3-hour tour visiting 6–8 of the best bakeries in the city. You’ll learn about global traditions and stock up on the best treats in town.

• Travel Deliciously: We even offer international trips each December to places like Poland and Croatia to see how other cultures celebrate with sweets!

Whether you are looking for a daily loaf of crusty Italian bread or a specialty holiday pastry, the Italian bakeries in Milwaukee never disappoint. Grab a coffee, pick up a cannoli, and enjoy a taste of tradition!

Check our tour calendar for current dates, tickets and tour details.