F Monteleone & Cammareri Bros   

355 Court St
Brooklyn, NY 11231
718-852-5600
www.monteleonespastry.com/

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Looks can certainly be deceiving. This nondescript storefront could be just any other bakery, but it does have a secret weapon in baker/co-owner Lenny Cristino. His proprietory recipe for Italian cheesecake, which is made with three different types of ricotta cheese, has won accolades from not just The New York Times but also "the people," who tell him that his light, moist confection is "the best in the city." The bakery has been on this spot since 1902; Cristino came on board in 1980 and developed his special blend over the last few years. They don't mess much with perfection around here: The Italian cheesecake is plain, whereas the New York-style version is available in plain, almond, chocolate, marble and fruit-topped varieties. During the holidays, though, Lenny goes to town with flavors like pumpkin, raspberry swirl, apple crumb and more. Better get your order in early.